Things to do in the DC area: Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day events … and more!

Mardi Gras celebrations are coming to the D.C. Area, offering a variety of free, community-wide events. Festivities will span from Washington, D.C. To Northern Virginia and Maryland, providing options for all ages and interests.

D.C. Area Celebrations

In Washington, D.C.’s H Street neighborhood, a family-friendly Mardi Gras event is planned for Sunday, featuring live performances by marching bands, drumlines, and blues bands. The Atlas Performing Arts centre will also contribute to the festivities with a puppet show, a performance of “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors,” and a show by the Glade Dance Collective.

Southeast D.C.’s Barracks Row Main Street will host its own Mardi Gras celebration on Friday, including a parade, live music, and food and drink specials from local businesses. Elsewhere in the region, celebrations are scheduled for Tuesday at Bayou Bakery in Arlington, Virginia, and at Shipgarten in McLean, Virginia.

Did You Know? The Wharf’s Mardi Gras celebration, originally scheduled for this weekend, has been postponed to February 22 due to weather forecasts.

The Wharf’s Mardi Gras parade, once postponed, will now include jugglers, the king and queen of Mardi Gras, floats, and plenty of beads. Beyond Mardi Gras, the D.C. Area offers a diverse range of events this week.

Additional Events in the D.C. Area

On Saturday, the Lincoln Theatre will host “Sucker for Love,” a one-night Valentine’s Day show featuring stories about dating and heartbreak. Also on Saturday, the D.C. Influence and Cookbook Courtyard teams will host a Galentine’s Day Mini Market at Ver Studio, offering a shopping experience with local vendors.

The Smithsonian American Indian Museum will host “The Story of Chocolate” on Saturday, with Executive Chef Alex Strong demonstrating how to make chocolate treats and sharing insights into the cacao-to-chocolate process. Monday brings Midnight Madness to D.C.’s Chinatown, celebrating Lunar New Year with lion dances and drumming. On Wednesday, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will host a panel discussion on the hidden history of Black Georgetown.

In Maryland, the Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo will present “Freckleface Strawberry” from Friday through March 29, a family-friendly musical about embracing individuality. Cupid’s Chase 5K will be held in Baltimore on Saturday, while a musical performance featuring Slow Funeral, Pinky Lemon, and Flo Petite is scheduled for Wednesday at Quarry House Tavern in Silver Spring.

Expert Insight: The variety of events planned across the D.C. Area suggests a strong desire for community engagement and celebration, particularly as winter progresses and people seek opportunities for shared experiences.

Virginia will also participate in the festivities. George Mason University will host a viewing event for local Olympian Ilia Malinin on Friday. Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop in Old Town Alexandria will host a Galentine’s Slumber Party Pajama Jam on Friday, and Old Town Alexandria will host the oldest and largest George Washington Birthday Parade on Saturday.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of performances will be at the Atlas Performing Arts centre?

The Atlas Performing Arts centre is hosting a puppet show, a family-friendly matinee of “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors,” and performances by the Glade Dance Collective.

Where will the Mardi Gras parade in D.C. Be held?

The Wharf’s Mardi Gras parade will include jugglers, the king and queen of Mardi Gras, floats, and beads, and will take place on February 22.

What is happening at the Galentine’s Day Mini Market?

The Galentine’s Day Mini Market will be a feel-good, friendship-forward shopping experience with a variety of local vendors, hosted at Ver Studio. It costs $5 online or $10 on the day of to attend.

With so many options for celebration, will you be joining the Mardi Gras festivities or exploring one of the other events happening in the D.C. Area this week?