Things to Do in the DC Area: Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Events and More

Washington, D.C., Feb. 12, 2026 — Grab your beads, order a Hurricane and get ready to celebrate — Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day festivities are taking over the D.C. region this week, along with cultural panels, concerts, family-friendly theater and Lunar New Year celebrations.

From lively parades to cozy Galentine’s gatherings, there’s something happening across D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Mardi Gras Celebrations Across the Region

The D.C. area is gearing up for Mardi Gras with free, community-wide celebrations.

In D.C.’s H Street corridor, Sunday will feature family-friendly festivities with marching bands, drumlines and blues performances filling the neighborhood with New Orleans-inspired energy. The Atlas Performing Arts Center is adding to the excitement with a puppet show, a family matinee of “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors,” and performances by the Glade Dance Collective.

Over in Southeast D.C., Barracks Row Main Street is hosting a Mardi Gras celebration Friday along 8th Street. Expect a parade, live music, and food and drink specials from local businesses.

Northern Virginia is also getting in on the action. Mardi Gras celebrations are scheduled Tuesday at Bayou Bakery in Arlington and at Shipgarten in McLean.

Meanwhile, The Wharf’s Mardi Gras festivities — originally planned for this weekend — have been rescheduled to Feb. 22 due to weather concerns. Organizers promise a full-scale celebration with jugglers, floats, a Mardi Gras king and queen, and plenty of beads.

Valentine’s and Galentine’s Events

If you’re looking to celebrate love or friendship, there are plenty of options.

“Sucker for Love,” hosted by Story District at the Lincoln Theatre on Saturday, features storytellers sharing funny, awkward and heartfelt tales about dating and heartbreak.

For a friendship-forward shopping experience, the Galentine’s Day Mini Market at Ver Studio offers a curated selection of local vendors. Admission costs $5 online or $10 at the door.

In Old Town Alexandria, Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop is hosting a Galentine’s Slumber Party Pajama Jam on Friday. The event includes nostalgic games, crafting, spa treatments and drinks. Pajamas are encouraged, and tickets cost $15.

Food, Culture and History

Chocolate lovers can head to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, where Mitsitam Cafe Executive Chef Alex Strong will demonstrate how cacao transforms into chocolate treats. The free Saturday event also includes dance performances by Danza Tecuanis and hands-on activities.

On Wednesday, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will host “Descendants of Black Georgetown,” a free panel discussion exploring the overlooked history of Black Georgetown. The event is organized by the People’s Archive and the Black Georgetown Foundation.

In Chinatown, Lunar New Year celebrations kick off early Monday with Midnight Madness, featuring lion dances, drums and colorful performances. The event is free and open to the public.

Family-Friendly Theater and Performances

Families can catch “Freckleface Strawberry” at Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo, Maryland. The musical follows a young girl learning to embrace her uniqueness. Performances run from Friday through March 29, with tickets around $28.

Music fans can check out a Wednesday night lineup at Quarry House Tavern in Silver Spring, where D.C.-based bands Slow Funeral and Pinky Lemon join Greenville’s Flo Petite. Tickets are $20.

Active and Outdoor Events

Runners can lace up for the Cupid’s Chase 5K in Baltimore on Saturday. The event typically includes a race at Wheaton Regional Park as well, but that location was canceled due to lingering snow and ice. Last year, more than 11,000 participants joined races nationwide.

In Virginia, history lovers can attend the George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town Alexandria on Saturday. The longstanding tradition features drum corps, community organizations, local merchants, and appearances by General George Washington and Martha Washington reenactors.

Olympic Spirit in Arlington

On Friday, George Mason University in Arlington will host a free viewing event to cheer on local Olympic figure skater Ilia Malinin during Winter Olympics coverage.

A Busy Week Ahead

Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras with parades and brass bands, shopping local with friends, enjoying chocolate demonstrations, or honoring cultural traditions, the D.C. area offers a packed schedule of activities this week.

Check back each Thursday for a fresh roundup of events happening across the region.