Wanderlist: 20+ Awesome Things to Do in DC in February

Whether you're a couch potato or adventure seeker, we've got you covered

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH
​Black History Month Activities in DC for February and Beyond

February is the shortest month of the year (even in leap years, when it has 29 days instead of 28), but that doesn't mean there isn't lots to do in the city.

We've got a mix of virtual and in real life recommendations for every interest: There's skiing and tubing, virtual plays, hikes under the full moon, craft nights, Valentine's Day celebration ideas, ways to ring in the Chinese New Year, and more! Note: We've curated recommendations for ways to celebrate Black History Month in a separate post so be sure to check that out, too!

WITNESS DATING DRAMA (NOT YOUR OWN!): Join Ryan, a gay man with a high sex drive and cerebral palsy, on his search for love, a date or ever a hookup at Woolly Mammoth's staging of "Hi, Are You Single?"  Download will be available for 48 hours. (Feb 1 - 28, $15.99)

PLAY WORD GAMES: While the museum is temporarily closed, Planet Word is offering an awesome line-up of virtual programs so make sure to check out the museum's calendar. (Feb 3, 9 and 16, Free)

LOVE IN COLOR: Do you love romance novels but never see yourself represented in them? Or are you looking to dive into the romance genre but don't know where to start? If so, the Love in Color Book Club is just for you! Join the DC Public Library on the first Wednesday of each month as we discuss a romance novel written by an author of color. (Feb 6 at 6pm, Free)

GO BACKSTAGE: Places everyone! Get a peek into the offstage work that helps create the magic that you see onstage. Led by long-time Arena Stage collaborators, you will see examples of their work, hear stories about the people they’ve worked with, and have a chance to ask questions in this 90-minute insider glimpse. Featured topics include choreography, props and costumes. (Feb 6 and 20, $25-$30)

SHOP TILL YOU DROP POP-UP: If you missed the shopping pop-up during the holidays, here’s your second chance to experience this unique neighborhood retail experience. With +30 vendors, this unique pop-up event co-locates artists and makers in front of retail shops around Dupont Circle, plus inside the Dupont Underground, for you to enjoy as you stroll. Plus, Dupont Circle has 110 restaurants for your warming pleasure when you need to take a break. (February 6, 12:00-5:00 p.m, Free)

EAT UP: Diet? What diet? Winter Restaurant Week, has been extended until Feb 7, 2021. Participating restaurants will offer multi-course dinner menus for $35 or $55 per person. Many restaurants will also offer specially priced to-go dinner meals, as well as cocktail and wine pairings. Where possible, restaurants will provide contactless or curbside pickup, personalized options that offer even greater reason to take advantage of the promotion. (Now until Feb 7)

TAKE IT TO GO: Alexandria is also hosting restaurant week, theirs with a take-out theme. Choose from more than 60 restaurants, like Chart House, Murphy’s Irish Pub, and Junction. Order dinner for two for $49 or pay $25 for a meal for one. (Until February 7, $25 to $49)

DISCOVER DC'S MUSIC HISTORY: DC has given much to the musical world beyond its best-known exports Duke Ellington and the punk and go-go scenes. Explore the city’s lesser-known, yet remarkable and fascinating music history in a In a 3-session series, with join musician, broadcaster, and historian Ken Avis. (February 8, 22, and March 8, $70 for members and $60 for non-members)

GET CRAFTY WITH RENWICK: Join Timothy Horn, whose work is featured in Renwick's Forces of Nature exhibition for a virtual workshop to learn how he creates his dazzling large-scale works, and make your own embellished creation. A materials kit, including beads, floral wire, and jewelry pliers, is available for purchase for an additional fee. Space is limited. (Feb 11, 7pm, $15)

RING IN THE YEAR OF THE OX: Celebrate the Chinese New Year at a virtual celebration with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Events will include streamed video performances and demonstrations of traditional Chinese crafts and Lunar New Year rituals from the Chinese Cultural Institute and the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America. You can visit the SAAM Family Zone for crafts, coloring pages, videos and more. (Feb 11, 10am, Free)

IT'S LADIES' NIGHT: Grab your gal pals and celebrate Galentine’s Day with Dumbarton House and a virtual tea with tea boxes filled with tea bags, scones, jam and macarons and fruit. Enjoy your treats with a short lecture on friendship in the federal period, conversation starters, and a craft project. Supply list or pre-made craft kit available for pickup or delivery; tea boxes avaialble for pickup only. (Feb 13, 1:00pm - 3:00pm)

LOL: The Shakespeare Theatre is offering a host of online classes, including this Physical Comedy class. Learn the importance of stillness, exaggeration, and improvisation with instructors Mark Jaster and Sabrina Mandell. (6:45 p.m., $149 for six weeks)

HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO: Single or coupled up, who doesn't love cakepops? Learn how to make your own on Valentine's Day in a 60-minute virtual class from local favorite Baked by Yael. The registration fee includes a cakepop kit (curbside pick-up or delivery), which includes baked cake, frosting, candy melts, glitter, sprinkles, sticks and a cakepop drying stand. Flavor options include vanilla, chocolate or gluten-free and vegan chocolate (Feb 14, 4:30pm, $39.95)

TIME TO MAKE THE DONUTS: Learn how to make sweet treats for Valentine’s Day during this Homemade Donuts & Fillings Cooking Class. Chef Meg will provide masked and socially distant small-group instruction on how to make the freshest and fluffiest donuts around. Other online culinary classes are also available, if you’d prefer to stay virtual. (Various dates, 6 p.m., $85)

MAKE AN ART CONNECTION: Find comfort in meaningful exploration of the arts at the new outdoor (and virtual) exhibit at the REACH at Kennedy Center. Featuring three installations positioned across the grounds, the UNITY | PEACE | FORWARD exhibit provides a connection to the creative community and opportunity for reflection. (Now until Feb 28, Free)

HIT THE SLOPES: Make the most of the wintery weather and head out to the slopes for some outdoor fun. Wisp Resort is open for socially distanced outdoor fun, providing evening exercise and entertainment for all. Reserve your spot in advance, space is limited. (Various dates, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., four-hour lift tickets start at $57.96)

GET YOUR ART FIX ON IN ANACOSTIA: The always awesome Anacostia Arts Center plays host to two stellar exhibits this month: From baptisms and Go-gos, photographer Bill Lee's "A Year to Remember and Forget" captures the ups and downs of 2020 in black and white. Duo Asha Elana Casey and Lionel Frazier White explore the history of Black spirituality in their exhibit "Down in My Soul: Ancestors, Rituals and Contemporary Practice" through mixed media paint, installation and video and portraiture. (Tues – Sat: 10 am – 7 pm & by event, Sun: 10 am – 3 pm & by event; Free)

HIKE UNDER THE STARS: Discover the magic of hiking under a full moon along the trails in Sky Meadows State Park led by REI guides. Perfect for all experience levels, (Feb 27, 5 - 8pm,$30 for REI Members, $50 for non-members)

WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM: Fun fact about our incoming President: He's an acknowledged ice addict! Taste-test the new flavors Jubilee Ice Cream has rolled out to celebrate President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. (Various dates/times; prices will vary)

SPEND TIME IN THE GARDEN: Try  out your green thumb at H St. Farms, the rooftop garden on top of W.S. Jenks Hardware. Volunteer at the unique rooftop growing area that utilizes DC's unused space. (Sundays, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Free)

TEA FOR TWO: Celebrate Valentine’s Day -- or any other special occasion -- at Afternoon Tea with Strathmore’s signature tea and delectable goodies paired with the soothing sounds of music. Dates sell out fast so get out your calendar and book soon! (Various dates in Feb, $25)

PRACTICE YOUR SUBTERFUGE: The Spy Museum just reopened to guests on a weekends-only schedule or try out a VIP virtual experience at home. (Hours vary, $24.95 to $16.95)

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Curious? There's more!

• Black History Month Activities in DC for February and Beyond
• Go Inside the President's Guest House Where Vice President Kamala Harris Will Be Staying Temporarily
• ​10 Places in DC Where You Can Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
• ​Take a Peek Inside the Elusive House Kamala Harris Will Call Home as Vice President