Get ready for a February you’ll never forget. With these 16 events happening in NoVA and DC — including concerts, parades, festivals, and more — you’re sure to have fun and make memories all month long.
January 31–February 1
Kinky Boots
Based on true events, this award-winning musical follows Charlie Price as he tries to save his father’s shoe factory with help from Lola, a cabaret entertainer in need of stiletto heels. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, starting at $83.25
February 1
Loudoun County International Festival
Explore the diverse cultures of Loudoun County at this third annual festival with performances, food vendors, and adult and kids’ activities. The theme of the festival is Winter Olympic Village, with activities for kids to learn about cultures around the world. Dulles South Recreation & Community Center: 24950 Riding Center Dr., South Riding, free
February 5–7
Nashville Emerging Artists Night
“Music City” is coming to Northern Virginia with a three-day concert showcasing seven emerging singer-songwriters from Nashville. The event is hosted by percussionist Jack Dratch, and the lineup includes Donny Van Slee, a Team Reba contestant on Season 25 of The Voice. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $45
February 6–8
Fairfax City Chocolate Lovers Festival
Indulge in gourmet fudge, pastries, truffles, and drinks at this three-day chocolate celebration. The weekend includes chocolate-themed activities and entertainment like live music, make-your-own chocolate bars, a 1-mile run, and a cupcake-decorating experience. Downtown Fairfax: 10415 North St., Fairfax, free
February 10–March 1
Stereophonic
As the most Tony Award–nominated play of all time, this drama follows an up-and-coming 1970s rock band creating and recording an album. The play invites audiences to witness as a band on the cusp of stardom navigates career pressures and teetering relationships. The National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $54.70
February 11
Nine Inch Nails
This two-man, industrial rock band known for hits like “Closer” and “The Hand That Feeds” is coming to DC for its Peel It Back tour. NIN has been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $63.40
February 13–January 3, 2027
Nick Cave: Mammoth
This solo exhibition combines sculpture, fashion, and performance to explore how people make meaning together in a society. Cave turns the museum’s galleries into an immersive experience with video projections, crafted bones of mammoths, and found objects to showcase the forgotten bits of the world. Smithsonian American Art Museum: Eighth and G streets NW, Washington, DC, free
February 14
George Washington Birthday Parade
Celebrate the birthday of the nation’s first president and the 250th anniversary of the United States at this annual parade that has been around since 1801. This year’s theme is George Washington: Virginia’s Son, America’s Founding Father. Old Town Alexandria: Fairfax and Gibbon streets, Alexandria, free
February 14
Hannah Berner: None of My Business Tour
Grab tickets to see this stand-up comedian and best-selling author known for her relatable humor and her Netflix comedy special, We Ride at Dawn. Berner also hosts two podcasts: Giggly Squad with Paige DeSorbo and Berner Phone with Des Bishop. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, starting at $90.95
February 16–19
Trevor Noah
You may recognize this world-famous comedian, television host, and bestselling author from The Daily Show or his podcast What Now? He’s bringing his political satire to DC for a four-night run. Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $211.80
February 20
Chatham Rabbits
This North Carolina–based married musical duo blends folk, country, and blues in their Americana sound. Sarah and Austin McCombie are touring the nation with their full backing band. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, $27
February 21
Black History Month Celebration
Celebrate Black History Month at the site of Douglass High School, which was the first and only Black high school in Loudoun County from 1941 to 1968. The celebration will feature live performances, Black-owned businesses and vendors, local food trucks, children’s activities, and more. Douglass Community Center: 407 E. Market St., Leesburg, free
February 22
DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade
This annual parade celebrates the Year of the Horse — year 4724 in the lunar calendar. The colorful event in Chinatown includes community performances and a firecracker show for the grand finale. Sixth and I streets NW, Washington, DC, free
February 25–28
The Second City
Get ready for audience interaction, improvised sketches, and songs from this Chicago-based improv troupe. With notable alumni like Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Amy Poehler, and Martin Short, The Second City has influenced the world of comedy since it launched in 1959. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $63.50
February 26–June 6
Abdulrahman Naanseh
This solo exhibition features calligraphy work by a NoVA-based Syrian artist. Naanseh’s work reimagines Arabic calligraphy as a visual language, addressing issues like politics, religion, and his experiences in his native Syria. Tephra ICA at Signature: 11850 Freedom Rd., Reston, free
February 28
FXBG Wine And Food Expo
Taste your way through wine and snacks at this annual Fredericksburg festival. Learn tips and tricks during live cooking demos and enhance your wine-pairing skills with advice from industry professionals. Fredericksburg Convention Center: 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg, starting at $23.18
Feature image of DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade courtesy DowntownDC
This story originally ran in our February issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
