Don’t let February fly by without having a little fun — check out these 15 must-see events that going on in and around Northern Virginia this month. It’s sure to be one for the books.
Through February 25
The Sky’s the Limit
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, $13–$16
February 1–4, 8–11, 15–18
Shutter Sisters
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, $15–$55
February 2–3
Paw Patrol Live!
Ryder, Marshall, Chase, and Rocky return to the EagleBank Arena for an adventure-packed evening. Based on the beloved Nickelodeon show, fans of all ages will love helping their favorite canine pals save Adventure Bay. EagleBank Arena: 4500 Patriot Cir., Fairfax, starting at $42
February 3
Justin Willman: Magic For Humans In-Person Tour
Pairing comedy with performance magic, Justin Willman regularly appears on shows like The Tonight Show and Conan. After creating the hit Netflix TV show Magic for Humans, Willman is taking it on the road, ready to make you bust a gut while you say, “Wait, how did he do that?” Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, starting at $35
February 3
The Four Seasons
Vivaldi’s masterpiece bursts into new life in the capable hands of violinist Chee-Yun. The performance will also feature Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, a tango-infused take on nature’s cycle of life, death, and rebirth. George Mason University’s Harris Theater: 4471 Aquia Creek Ln., Fairfax, $20–$65
February 4 and 10
Matteo Lane: The Al Dente Tour
Blockbuster comedian Matteo Lane is hitting his stride. After appearing on Netflix’s The Comedy Lineup in 2018, Lane has been turning heads for his satirical style, deadpan delivery, and discussion of LGBTQ+ issues. Named one of Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch of 2022, catch this on-the-rise talent before he hits superstar status. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $39–$79
February 6–March 10
Private Jones
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, starting at $53
February 9
Marc Anthony Historia Tour 2024
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 bestselling 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, starting at $59
February 10
Drum Tao 2024
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, $36–$60
February 13
Belles: Wildflower Country Tour
Up-and-coming country music artist Belles brings the sounds of classic country to Vienna. She opened for JoJo Siwa’s 136-city arena tour in 2022. Performing in notably more intimate venues for this tour, the Nebraska native has been turning heads for her loyal social media following and lyrical prowess that some have likened to Dolly Parton. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, $15–$25
February 22
Nate Bargatze: The Be Funny Tour
Named “The Nicest Man in Stand-Up” by The Atlantic, Nate Bargatze is back with a family-friendly night of clean comedy that you won’t want to miss. He’s appeared on late-night television, hosted Saturday Night Live, and has even been compared to veteran clean comic Jim Gaffigan. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $29.75
February 24
Portugal. The Man
The Alaska-born, Portland-based rock band makes its triumphant return to The Anthem following the 2023 release of its ninth studio album, Chris Black Changed My Life. In addition to the music, Portugal. The Man is known for its stunning live performances and support of social justice causes. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, $45–$75
February 25
An Intimate Evening with David Foster and Katharine McPhee
Broadway star and American Idol alum Katharine McPhee joins the 16-time Grammy Award–winning David Foster (who happens to be her husband) for an evening of show tunes and popular music. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $39–$79
February 25
National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine
Catch this decorated orchestra perform under the baton of Grammy Award–winning conductor Volodymyr Sirenko in its first U.S. tour since war broke out in Ukraine. Sirenko leads alongside acclaimed cellist Natalia Khoma, who will perform a mix of Ukrainian compositions, Brahms’ Symphony No. 2, and Schumann’s Cello Concerto. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, $36–$60
February 29
Sara Evans
Following her induction to the prestigious Grand Ole Opry earlier this year, the longtime country singer-songwriter is back on tour. Leaping to fame in the early aughts for albums like Born to Fly and Restless, Evans retains the ethos of a small-town artist by playing more relaxed, close-knit venues. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $69.50
Feature image of Drum Tao courtesy Hylton Performing Arts Center
This story originally ran in our February issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.