37+ Amazing Things to Do in the DC Area This Week & Weekend (February 10-17)

Looking for exciting events in the Washington, D.C. area this week and weekend? From celebrating George Washington's birthday to catching independent films and enjoying live music, there's something for everyone! This guide highlights the best things to do in and around DC from February 10th to 17th, ensuring you have a fun-filled week.

George Washington Birthday Parade (Alexandria): Celebrate Presidents' Day weekend and the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with the oldest parade in America! This year's theme, "America's Commander-in-Chief," honors our first president. Enjoy marching bands, color guards, and a festive atmosphere. Explore nearby historic sites and museums while you're in Old Town. (Saturday, Free)
George Washington's Birthday at Mount Vernon: Commemorate George Washington's birthday with free admission to his historic estate. (February 17th, Free)

DC Independent Film Forum (Various DC Theaters): Film buffs rejoice! Binge-watch over 60 feature films, documentaries, shorts, and animated films at the 26th annual DC Independent Film Forum. Special events include Valentine's Day animation screenings, workshops, filmmaker Q&As, and a showing of the local film "Diminished Returns: The Black Wealth Gap in Washington, D.C." (Wednesday - February 17th, $45+ for passes)
Visions of Freedom: A Black Film Festival (Howard University): Catch shorts and documentaries at the inaugural Visions of Freedom: A Black Film Festival at Howard University. (Tuesday-Friday, Free for Howard students/staff, $20 for all-access pass, Virtual)
"South Forty" Exhibition (National Building Museum): Explore contemporary architecture and design in the South at this new exhibition. (Opens Saturday, $10)
Radical Paper Book Signing (Phillips Collection): Meet the authors of "Radical Paper," Lynn Sures and Michelle Samour. (Friday, $20)
History of Chocolate (Smithsonian American Indian Museum): Learn about the history of chocolate and create your own cacao-inspired codex. (Saturday, Free)
Lyle's Pre-Valentine's DJ Dinner (Dupont Circle): Enjoy drag performances with your friends at Lyle's. (Thursday, Free entry)
Music Bingo (Lulu's Winegarden, U Street Corridor): Sip rosé and play music bingo. (Sunday, Free)

"In the Heights" Musical (Signature Theatre, Arlington): Experience the vibrant and Tony Award-winning musical about culture and gentrification. (Tuesday - May 4th, $40+)
"Crime and Punishment" (Kennedy Center): The classic novel comes to life on stage with the American Ballet Theatre. (Wednesday-Sunday, $50+)
"Love and Vinyl" (Byrdland Records, Union Market): Enjoy a unique theater experience inside a record store. (Thursday - March 9th, $35)
W. Kamau Bell (Kennedy Center): Get ready for laughs with comedian and filmmaker W. Kamau Bell. (Thursday, $35+)
"Games Women Play" (National Theatre): Take your Valentine to this engaging play by Je'Caryous Johnson. (Thursday, $44+)
"Seven Black Minutes" (Busboys and Poets, Anacostia): Enjoy a Black love and history edition of this comedy series. (Friday, $15)
"Kunene and The King" (Penn Quarter): Don't miss the US premiere of this compelling play. (Sunday - March 16th, $39+)
Step Afrika! (Warner Theatre): Experience the high-energy step show. (Sunday, $39+)

Bartees Strange (9:30 Club, Shaw): Celebrate Valentine's weekend with DC's own multi-talented musician and producer. (Saturday, $25)
National Symphony Orchestra (Mount Vernon): Enjoy Mozart and Beethoven hymns. (Tuesday, $68+)
Mdou Moctar (The Birchmere, Alexandria): Experience moving acoustics from this talented guitarist. (Tuesday, $35)
Molchat Doma (The Anthem, Wharf): Catch this Belarusian post-punk trio live. (Tuesday, $35+)
Cody Fry (Kennedy Center): Enjoy a performance by this mesmerizing pop vocalist. (Tuesday-Wednesday, $39+)
Songs From Inside (Virtual, Baltimore/Penn Quarter): Listen to narrations from prisoners in this Peabody Institute concert. (Wednesday-Thursday, Free)
For the Love of Go-Go (Kennedy Center): Experience go-go music with Backyard Band and Black Alley. (Friday, $34+)
Soulful Concert (Downtown): Enjoy a performance by R&B singers Joe, Musiq Soulchild, and Eric Benét. (Saturday, $135+)
Trey Songz & Tamar Braxton (Congress Heights): Spend Valentine's Day weekend with these R&B stars. (Sunday, $59+)
Five Orchestras in One Night (Kennedy Center): A unique musical experience. (February 17th, Free with ticket)
Toro y Moi & Panda Bear (9:30 Club, Shaw): Catch this indie duo live. (February 17th, $46)

600 T (Shaw): Celebrate friendship and love with cozy drinks and live music. (Tuesday, $25)
Peacock Alley at the Waldorf Astoria (Downtown): Toast to love with rosé and raspberries in an elegant setting. (Wednesday, $90)
Sweet Home Café (Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture): Enjoy a special Black History Month menu. (Friday, Menu items extra, Free to attend)
Fairmont's Valentine's Afternoon Tea (Georgetown): Indulge in roses, champagne, and savory sandwiches. (Friday-Sunday, $98)

Presidential Family Fun Day (National Portrait Gallery): Kids can enjoy art-making, writing activities, story time, and guided tours. (Saturday, Free)

Cupid's Undie Run (Wharf): Join this fun charity run in your underwear! The event kicks off at Union Stage and benefits Neurofibromatoses research. (Saturday, $45+)
Wordplay Wednesday: Valentine's Edition (Planet Word, Downtown): Enjoy puzzles, games, drinks, and treats. (Wednesday, $5+)

NMWA Nights (Northwest DC): Tickets are on sale for this after-hours museum event with crafts, music, and cocktails. (February 19th, $25)

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