The Scene: 50 things to do in the DC area in February

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February has a lot going on! On our list: Visit new exhibits for Black History month; watch the Super Bowl and Miltan Cortina Olympics on NBC; celebrate Galentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, Lunar New Year …

Tons of museums have new things to check out, including the Smithsonian’s 30th annual orchid show and displays marking the nation’s 250th birthday.

Want to see a big-name comedian? It’s a great month for that, too.

Here’s what to do this February in the Washington, D.C. area.

Black History Month

Descend into the College Park Aviation Museum for their Black Aviators Tour. Feb. 7, 11 a.m., College Park, adult admission $5

Catch the Sun Ra Arkestra, founded in the 1950s by Afrofuturism pioneer Sun Ra, at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. Feb. 7, $30-$84

“Nick Cave: Mammoth” is a new project showcasing the artist’s signature, fantastical work exploring Cave’s experience as a Black man in America, this time with prehistoric and family history woven into the “immersive environment.” Bring the kids to Family Day on Saturday, Feb. 21, and swing by the National Portrait Gallery’s new Golden Age of Hollywood photography exhibit while you’re in the building. Exhibit open Feb. 13 through Jan. 3, 2027. Smithsonian American Art Museum, free

Prince George’s Parks will host Black History Month exhibits at multiple locations, including Harmony Hall Arts Center in Fort Washington and Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel.

The Fairfax Museum will display the traveling exhibit, “Un/Bound Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865,” through March 9.

Super Bowl watch parties

Few places will show the game on two 380-inch screens, but Hi-Lawn on the roof of Union Market is one of them. The bar nestled inside a spherical dome will serve an a la carte menu of bites, beer bucket specials and cocktails. (They’re also hosting a record listening party on Friday and Saturday). Sun., doors 4 p.m., $13.20 in advance or $15 at the door

Arlington Drafthouse will be showing the Super Bowl on its big screen and admission is free! Feb. 8, doors 5:30 p.m.

Taquería Xochi’s locations in Navy Yard and Arlington are all about Bad Bunny’s halftime show. Watch the megastar’s “No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí” concert on a projector screen before the big game, then enjoy specials including all-day “Xochi Hour” (Navy Yard only), a $9 “Conejo Malo” margarita and a platter of a dozen tacos for $60.

Museums, galleries and art

See the Smithsonian’s 30th annual orchid exhibition, “More Than a Flower,” at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It’s free, but timed tickets are required. Through April 26

Explore museums after hours during the Valentine’s Fête at the Phillips Collection or Live! At The Library of Congress with a scoop of mac and cheese history and a Valentine’s concert. Feb. 6

Mary Cassatt, one of the most famous impressionist painters, died 100 years ago, and the National Gallery of Art celebrates her work and legacy with a new exhibit, “An American in Paris,” showing about 40 works. Feb. 14 to Aug. 30, free

Celebrate Presidents Day with free admission to George Washington’s former estate, Mount Vernon. Feb. 16

Glenstone Museum debuts two exhibits this month, including “Ties of our common kindred” which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Exhibits open Feb. 12, Potomac, Maryland, free but passes required

The Black Boy Art Show, which claims fame as the “world’s largest celebration of Black male artists,” will showcase more than 100 artists’ work in D.C. Feb. 28, Washington Convention Center, $51.50

Festivals and holidays

Let the good times roll during Mardi Gras at The Wharf, featuring a parade, live music and a fireworks salute. Feb. 15, free

Celebrate the Year of the Horse by exploring traditions, stories and symbolism at Del Ray Artisans. You can register in advance for craft workshops or the opening reception on Feb. 6. Feb. 6-28, Alexandria, free

The National Museum of Asian Art’s Lunar New Year Festival will have lion dances, museum tours, food vendors and more. The Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building will also host performances and a market. Feb. 21, D.C., free but tickets required to enter Arts + Industries Building

The DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade brings lion dances and firecrackers to Chinatown-Penn Quarter. Feb. 22, 2 p.m., free

Valentine’s and Galentine’s

“Venus: A Galentine’s Dance Party” channels feminine energy with DJs, pole dancers, tarot and an art market. Feb. 13, Black Cat, $13

Regular people spill their true stories about dating, heartbreak and more in Story District’s Sucker for Love. Feb. 14, Lincoln Theatre

Whisk your crush away to the Embassy of Italy for a Valentine’s Gala with ballroom dancing, Italian food and an open bar (Just in time for the Milan Cortina Olympics)! Feb. 14, $84.21+

“Mortified DC Live: Doomed Valentine’s” puts adults on stage to share their most embarrassing diary entries, poems, notes and more to a crowd of complete strangers. Feb. 14, Black Cat, $18-$29.90

Treat your person to dinner and an Eric Roberson show at Bethesda Theater. Feb. 14, $110+

Concerts and music

Get back to your ’90s era with cover band White Ford Bronco for an early show at the 9:30 Club. Feb. 7

Industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails, fresh off a Grammy win, performs at Capital One Arena. Feb. 11, $63+

K-pop powerhouse TWICE brings their “This Is For World Tour” to Capital One Arena for two nights. Feb. 13-14

Mariah the Scientist will be burning blue as her Hearts Sold Seperately tour comes to D.C. Feb. 21, The Anthem

Iconic feminist musician and performance artist Peaches is sure to put on a show as brash, unapolegetic and explicit as her new album, “No Lube So Rude.” Feb. 27, 9:30 Club

Another “Heated Rivalry” dance party is coming out from the rink to the Black Cat dance floor. Since the 9:30 Club’s “Heated Rivalry” party sold out three nights this month, consider getting tickets now. Feb. 27, Black Cat, $24.40-$35.65

Theater and dance

See one of the leading modern dance companies, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, at the Warner Theatre. Through Feb. 8, $63.50+

You might have seen the song “Little Miss Perfect” on TikTok and all over the internet. Joriah Kwame turned it into a new musical premiering at Olney Theatre Center. Feb. 8 to March 8, Olney Theatre, $42-$11

Check out the world premiere of “The World to Come,” which follows residents of the SeaBreeze Hebrew Home for the Aging battling “armored nurses, a wild ostrich, strange prophecies, and their ailing bodies” in an apocalyptic world. It’s produced in partnership with Theater J. Feb. 3 to March 1, $56+

“Stereophonic,” the most Tony Award-nominated play of all time, bursts into the National Theater, following an up-and-coming rock band on the verge of a breakup – or superstardom. Feb. 10 to March 1, National Theatre, $54.70+

“Nothing Up My Sleeve” is part magic show, part play starring master illusionist Dendy. Feb. 11 to March 15, RoundHouse Theatre in Bethesda, $50+

The national dance company of the Republic of Guinea, Les Ballets Africains, comes to George Mason Center for the Arts’ concert hall for an all-ages performance with Guinean instruments, acrobatics and colorful costumes. Feb. 20, Fairfax, $35+ with discounts for youth

Support Easterseals during Bright Stars Night at the Circus at the Warner Theatre. Feb. 28, $150+

Comedy and storytelling

Luenell, the “Original Bad Girl of Comedy,” will perform at The Lincoln Theatre on Valentine’s weekend. Feb. 13

Comedy great Katt Williams, known for his storytelling and political commentary, returns to D.C. for a night of stand-up. Feb. 15, Capital One Arena, $98.45+

Fresh off hosting the Grammys, Trevor Noah performs four nights at the Warner Theatre. Feb. 16-19

Margaret Cho lands at the Warner Theater for one night of “Choligarchy.” Feb. 20

Jim Gaffigan will do four nights of comedy at The Anthem. Feb. 26-28

Sports and getting active

Don’t skate (or walk) on the Potomac River, OK? Instead, keep it indoors and try the synthetic ice at the National Building Museum.

The Washington Capitals will be on break for the Olympics (a couple of local players are playing for Team Canada!), but they’ll be home for games on Feb. 5, 25 and 27.

The Washington Wizards have plenty of games to choose from this month – and your dog is invited to Hoops & Hounds Night on Feb. 22!

If the Milan Cortina Olympics have you dreaming about the Summer Games, catch some volleyball at the Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic. Tickets go on sale Feb. 9. Event is Feb. 14-16, Washington Convention Center

Shopping and dining

Shop small and find great deals on clothing, jewelry, decor, kids’ stuff and more at Alexandria’s annual warehouse sale. This year, it’s not in a hotel, but on the streets of Old Town. Feb. 7-8, Alexandria, free to browse

The 34th Annual Chocolate Lovers Festival returns to Fairfax for an indulgent weekend of tasting and treat shopping. Feb. 7, downtown Fairfax, free entry

Dozens of restaurants participating in D.C.’s Winter Restaurant Week are extending their deals through Feb. 8

Alexandria Restaurant Week, with $35, $45 or $55 deals on dinners, runs through Feb. 8.

Take a trip out to Middleburg, Virginia, for its 15th annual Winter Weekend Sale. Feb. 13-16

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