From the beginning of the Lunar New Year to the start of Mardi Gras festivities to the biggest football game of the season, there’s a lot to celebrate this weekend. From February 9 to 11, get ready for a full slate of parades, parties, art exhibits and more throughout Northern Virginia and DC.
The Sky’s the Limit
Through February 25
After its comprehensive two-year remodel, the National Museum of Women in the Arts reopened to the public in October 2023 with its inaugural exhibition, The Sky’s the Limit. As the nation’s first museum dedicated to showcasing women in the arts, the exhibition promises stunning large-scale sculptures from 12 visionary women artists. National Museum of Women in the Arts: 1250 New York Ave. NW, Washington, DC, nmwa.org, $13–16
Shutter Sisters
February 8–11, 15–18
This profound play follows the parallel lives of two women navigating messy familial relationships and children leaving home. Mykal, a Black woman, must forge a new identity after becoming an empty nester, while Michael, a white woman, struggles to find common ground with her family after her adopted mother’s death. 1st Stage Tysons: 1524 Spring Hill Rd., Ste. LL, Tysons, 1ststage.org, $15–$55
Stephanie J. Block
February 9 and 10, 8 p.m.
Tony Award–winning actress and singer Stephanie J. Block will dazzle the audience at these two Wolf Trap shows. Block is known for her roles in Falsettos, The Boy from Oz, and The Cher Show. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, tickets start at $67
Marc Anthony Historia Tour 2024
February 9
The legendary salsa singer and eight-time Latin Grammy Award–winning artist kicks off his 13-city North American arena tour in DC. See why Anthony is the best-selling salsa music artist of all time and hear hits like “Valió la Pena,” “Vivir Mi Vida,” “Y Hubo Alguien,” and “Ahora Quién.” Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, capitalonearena.com, starting at $59
Stop Light Party Adult Night at the Lego Discovery Center
February 9, 6–8:30 p.m.
Legos aren’t just for kids — the Lego Discovery Center in Springfield will host an adults-only Valentine’s Day event. Upon entry, select a green pin if you’re single and looking to meet people, yellow if you’re shy, or red if you’re in a relationship or not participating. 6563 Springfield Town Center, Ste. 12004, Springfield, $24.99
Drum Tao 2024
February 10
Combining a Samurai spirit with the gritty, invigorating sounds of rock music, Drum Tao brings new life to the Japanese art of taiko drumming. Drum Tao’s awe-inspiring performances, signature costumes, and mesmerizing energy will have you tapping your feet all night long. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, hylton.calendar.gmu.edu, $36–$60
The Beatles 60th Anniversary Tribute
February 10, 6:30
This tribute show, featuring the Fairfax Symphony and the “Fab Four” from the Classical Mystery Tour, will recreate The Beatles’ first-ever U.S. performance, which happened 60 years ago at the Washington Coliseum. Expect to hear old favorites like “She Loves You” and “Penny Lane.” Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, tickets start at $35
Lunar New Year Fesitval with Mardi Gras After Party
February 10, 1–6 p.m., 8 p.m.–2 a.m.
Head to Shipgarten to celebrate the Lunar New Year and Mardi Gras, all in the same place. There will be samples of over 40 beers and ciders and games like Jenga and a snowball toss. After the festival is over, the event shifts gears to celebrate Mardi Gras at 8 p.m. Shipgarten: 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean, free
Mardi Gras at The Wharf
February 10, 3–7 p.m.
Enjoy a lively parade of jugglers, jesters, and the Mardi Gras king and queen at The Wharf’s celebration. District Pier Bar will serve hurricanes on District Pier, and the parade will be followed by live music on four stages, then a fireworks salute ends the night. The Wharf: 760 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, DC, free
Lunar New Year Parade
February 11, 2 p.m.
DC welcomes the Year of the Dragon with its annual Lunar New Year Parade. Don’t miss the seven-block procession of costumed characters, dragon puppets, martial arts performers, and high school marching bands. Chinatown, Washington, DC, free
Super Bowl Parties
February 11
Throughout NoVA, bars and restaurants will host watch parties where fans can see the big game. Head to Clarendon Ballroom, Shipgarten, Arlington Drafthouse, Makers Union, and more for specials and game-day fun. Locations and prices vary
Stick Men ft. Tony Levin, Markus Reuter, & Pat Mastelotto
February 11, 7 p.m.
Stick Men, featuring former members of English rock band King Crimson, will bring its eclectic, energetic sound to Jammin Java. Tony Levin will play the Chapman Stick, an instrument that has both bass and guitar strings and functions like two instruments. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, tickets start at $30
Private Jones
Through March 10
Catch the world premiere of this moving, unconventional musical set in World War I. Centered on Gomer Jones, a deaf army recruit who becomes a sniper, Private Jones weaves historically underrepresented stories into a captivating narrative of war and loss. The cast includes hearing, Deaf, and hard-of-hearing actors, and several performances will have ASL interpreters. Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, sigtheatre.org, starting at $53
Feature image of Mardi Gras parade courtesy The Wharf
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