FRIDAY, FEB. 9
SPRUNG COMEDY FESTIVAL: Kick off your weekend with laughter at the SPRUNG! Comedy Festival, hosted at the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre. Running from Wednesday through Sunday, the festival offers a diverse lineup, including a native comedy night, an immigrant and first-generation showcase, and a queer romance show. (Silver Spring Black Box Theatre; through Sunday; Tickets: $30+)
BLACK HISTORY FILM FESTIVAL: Enjoy thought-provoking cinema highlighting Black history at the DC Black History Film Festival. Featuring films like “The Legacy of Lee’s Flower Shop” and “Storming Caesars Palace,” this community event spans two days at the Lincoln Theatre and Alamo Drafthouse. While tickets are sold out, standby spots are available. (Lincoln Theatre and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema; Friday-Saturday, 5:30 p.m.; FREE)
VALENTINE’S DINNER COOKING CLASS: Impress your Valentine with culinary skills learned at Hill Center’s Valentine’s Dinner Date Night cooking class. Led by local cooking instructor Marianne Tshihamba, the class will guide you in preparing a delicious Cornish hen dinner. (Hill Center at Old Naval Hospital; 6:30 p.m.; Tickets: $69)
AWKWARD SEX… AND THE CITY: Experience the hilariously relatable tales of love gone awry at Awkward Sex… And The City, where performers share their most embarrassing sexual escapades. Prepare for an evening of laughter and cringe-worthy stories. (Black Cat; 8 p.m.; Tickets: $25)
MARC ANTHONY: Dance the night away with Spanish Harlem’s salsa king, Marc Anthony, as he graces the stage at Capital One Arena as part of his Historia Tour. (Capital One Arena; 8 p.m.; Tickets: $59+)
(Additional Events: Notch Brewing Launch Party, Valentine’s Tarot and Tea, Jeopardy! Watch Party, RedHorizon, Greensky Bluegrass)
SATURDAY, FEB. 10
POLAR BEAR PLUNGE: Take a refreshing dip for a cause at the Polar Bear Plunge, returning to National Harbor for its 19th year. Join fellow plungers to raise funds for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network and enjoy post-plunge treats like pizza, hot cocoa, and free beer. (National Harbor; 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Donation-based)
LUNAR NEW YEAR: Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Lunar New Year Family Celebration. This family-friendly event features cultural performances, music, crafts, and more, showcasing various Asian traditions. (Smithsonian American Art Museum; 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; FREE)
CANDLES AND CUPID: Craft a heartfelt gift for your Valentine at the Candles and Cupid: A Valentine’s Day Candle Making Workshop. Hosted by Anacostia Arts Center, the workshop provides all the supplies needed to create two candles, along with a Valentine’s Day goodie bag. (Anacostia Arts Center; 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; Tickets: $55)
MARDI GRAS AT THE WHARF: Let loose and join the festivities at Mardi Gras at the Wharf, featuring a lively parade, live music, and plenty of food and drink. Embrace the spirit of Fat Tuesday with stilt walkers, jugglers, and a vibrant atmosphere. (The Wharf; 3 p.m.-7 p.m.; FREE)
SUCKER FOR LOVE: Experience the highs and lows of romantic love at Sucker for Love, Story District’s annual storytelling showcase. From heartwarming tales to cringe-worthy moments, this show offers authentic and entertaining stories of love. (Lincoln Theatre; 8 p.m.; Tickets: $39.50)
(Additional Events: In and Out of the Garden, Invasive Plant Removal, Galentine’s Party, Won’t You Be My Owlentine?, Bourbon to U Street Mardi Gras Bar Crawl, Jaime Wyatt, Valentine’s Day Comedy Show)
SUNDAY, FEB. 11
THE ANXIOUS EYE: Explore the world of German expressionism at the National Gallery’s new exhibition, “The Anxious Eye: German Expressionism and Its Legacy.” Featuring prints and drawings by acclaimed artists, the exhibition offers insight into this influential art movement. (National Gallery of Art; through May 27; FREE)
LUNAR NEW YEAR PARADE: Join the festivities at the DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade, celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Dragon. Experience colorful performances and cultural displays, culminating in a thrilling firecracker finale. (Chinatown; 2 p.m.; FREE)
DIY ZINE WORKSHOP: Unleash your creativity at PIX (workshop) 001, a hands-on zine workshop inspired by the PIX photography zine. Create your own zines featuring personal photographs and express your unique perspective through this artistic medium. (Eaton House; 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; FREE)
ROMEO & JULIET: Witness the timeless tale of love and tragedy as Synetic Theater presents Romeo & Juliet. In this captivating adaptation, Shakespeare’s classic story is reimagined through expressive choreography, lighting, and sound. (Synetic Theater; through March 9; Tickets: $35+)
(Additional Events: Honey’s House Party: A Burlesque Throwback to 90’s Hip-Hop and R&B, Bushman screening, Self-Care Sound Bath: Relax & Restore, The Potomac River Jazz Club Monthly Trad Jazz Jam, Super Bowl Watch Party, Valentine’s Card Class, DJ Shadow)