With all this snow, I cannot wait for spring.

This winter has been way too long, with those icy couple of weeks feeling dragging on for months. I’ve had to convince myself that spring isn’t far off, and we’ll be through it soon.

With my warm weather daydreaming, I’ve been thinking a lot about flowers. Expect a lot of flower content from me in the coming months.

Two big flower events you’ll want to put on your calendars:

• ​The yearly orchid exhibit will be at the US Botanic Garden from February 14 through April 27. It’s a yearly collaboration between the Smithsonian Gardens and US Botanic Garden.
• ​Art in Bloom, where floral designers come together to turn flowers into art at the Anderson House, will be March 20-23.

Thinking ahead, I also put together a list of some of my favorite places to enjoy cherry blossoms without the crowds in the city, with details on the varieties & bloom timing for each location.

One thing I will note: I don't want to recommend that people (tourists) drive to the Tidal Basin, but I've had no problem finding parking on weekday mornings at East Potomac Park.

Valerie

Historic Photo of the Week

People crossing the street at 14th Street & Park Road NW, with Woolworth's GG Murphy, and Grayson's in the background. September 8, 1965.

Want more historical photos? I post them daily on Facebook.

5th Annual Lower Georgia Ave Chili Cook Off

Taste chilis from 5 local restaurant chefs as they compete for small business grants. Attendance is free, but chili is first come, first serve.

Don't want to stress about tasting them all before they run out, or battling the crowds? Get a VIP ticket for only $25. Includes early access, guaranteed chili, a welcome drink, and more.

​February 23, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM​

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Things to Do in DC: Next 4 Weeks

I'm continuing with highlighting more events that are put on regularly to help you not only meet new people but have a regular space for you to hang out.

Know of something cool happening? Submit an event for consideration!

This Week

Wednesday

• ​Free chocolates! Yes, you heard it right. DC’s local libraries are giving away chocolates for free for National Chocolate Month. Every Wednesday for the whole of February until supplies last. Free.
• If you need help with your Valentine's card, you can join the Valentine card making session with the Arboretum on Wednesday 2/12. Free.
• Vote for the best Valentine's Day window decorations in Cleveland Park. Their winning fate is in your hands. Vote for your favorite by emailing cassandra@districtbridges.org or DM @cleparkmainstdc on IG. Wednesday 2/12 to Friday 2/14. Free.
• See how legendary DC Street Jocks sold records and brought music artists to stardom in this documentary & discussion with filmmaker Beverly Lindsay-Johnson. Wednesday 2/12. Free.

Thursday

• Invite your girl friends for a Galentines crafting & food night with candles, charm jewelries, chocolates & champagnes. Thursday 2/13. $75+.
• Need a dinner out idea? This 6-course dinner pairing features sake & chocolate that is 100% gluten-free. Thursday 2/13. $159.
• Bring your best player self for BINGO! night and win prizes at the Library! Thursday 2/13. Free.
• If you’re passionate about books, you will love this Book Lovers’ Bash! Discover new reads with personalized book recommendations, bookmark decorating, scavenger hunting, even book speed-dating! Thursday 2/13. Free.
• Did you know that first and last words during goodbyes have hidden connections? Linguist Michael Erard will share these connections on his book talk with Bye Bye I Love You. Thursday 2/13. $10.
• There’s a charming and fun new play by Bob Bartlett about records and romance. Opening night on Thursday 2/13. $35.
• Dance to your favorite cover hits from Lady Gaga, Chappell Roan, Alanis Morissette, and Maroon 5. This is a Valentine’s cover show benefit to support music education programs for DC’s queer and femme youth. Thursday 2/13. $20.
• ​Dress in your best Goddess outfit in pink, roses, pearls, and gold leaf crowns for this Galentine’s Day Goddess Party. Bring your besties! Thursday 2/13. $10.
• There’s a free concert series coming to DC by the National Symphony Orchestra in Ward 4 neighborhoods. Enjoy new music, see masterworks, and world-class guests. Runs Thursday 2/13 to Wednesday 2/19. Free.
• Explore new games, meet new gamers, and play silly tourney at this casual video game party by the DC Gaming Group. Thursday 2/13. Free.

Friday

• Enjoy this romantic lineup of love stories and movies at The Miracle DC. Perfect for a cozy movie date night. Every Friday until 2/28. $8.
• Flirt with people before you meet them in person at this unique speed dating event. Friday 2/14 through Sunday 2/16. $40 (men sold out for some).
• Taste and vote for the best martinis in this mixology battle between talented bartenders in DC. Enjoy 3 rounds of tastings, light buffet, and hors d’oeuvres. Friday 2/14. $75+.
• If you need a good dancing session with your partner, join this beginner-friendly Salsa dance class and spend a fun dancing night for Valentine’s Day. Friday 2/14. $42.
• You’ll love this comedy night at DC Comedy Clubhouse for Valentine’s Day. Friday 2/14. $20.
• ​Learn expert tips in decorating cakes, cookies, and sip drinks while you’re at it. Perfect for a Galentine’s date night! Friday 2/14. $90+.
• ​Enjoy BINGO & goat therapy on Valentines Day with goat mom and veterinarian Dr. Maureen. She will be on-site for all your goat-related questions. Games, goat snacks, and prizes for bingo winners available. Friday 2/14. $40.
• Listen to live Indie tunes while painting your own pottery pieces with friends or a special someone this Valentine's Day. Friday 2/14. $6.
• ​Eat sweet strawberries and make hearts day cards for your loved ones on Friday 2/14. Free.
• ​See a flamenco performance from SonDeBaril as they focus on the inner life forces of dancing. Friday 2/14 to Saturday 2/15. $45.​

Saturday

• ​Volunteer for the marsh area around Jones Point Park by picking up trash, litter, and maintaining the trail. Saturday 2/15. Free.
• Cartoonist Yuki Clarke will teach you how to create your own comic series solo with a Q&A portion. Saturday 2/15. Free.
• Have fun tasting and decorating your panda cookies this Saturday 2/15. $10.
• ​Walk along Lower Mount Vernon trail with Sierra Club for a 13.5-mile out-and-back hike. Fun fact: eagles and osprey appeared in previous years, so you might spot one this time too! Saturday 2/15. $2 suggested donation.
• ​Enjoy cake & cupcakes when you stop by Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe to celebrate their 50th Anniversary between 9 AM to 12 PM. This Saturday 2/15. Free.
• Cry and let it all out with friends who feel the same way and DC’s Kiara McGowan. The rule is: we cry and we don’t judge. Saturday 12/15. Free.
• Go for a bird walk and help scientists count birds along wetlands and woods at Huntley Meadows. Bring binoculars! Saturday 2/15. Donation.​

Sunday

• Enjoy the last few weeks of cold weather with a winter tea dance over campfires, fire pits, and hot cocktails. Sunday 2/16. $6.
• ​Tour historical alleyways and find hidden communities within DC and stop for a mid-tour coffee at La Colombe Coffee. Sunday 2/16. $30.*
• Here’s a much shorter & easier walk with hikers from Hiking and Other Cool Stuff. You can stay for 1 or 2 loops along the trail at MLK Park. Sunday 2/16. Free.
• ​Compete for the UNO championship title and win prizes. Bring a friend or find a teammate onsite. Sunday 2/16. $15.
• Catch Great falls in its best state with full flowing waters while on a lichen themed walk with foray leaders. Sunday 2/16. Free, but it’s $20 for parking without a national park pass.
• ​Play tennis in different modes: casual, special, and competitive. Or spectate and enjoy other leisure games like Jenga & UNO. Kitchen serves bites & drinks ready! Sunday 2/16. $10.
• ​Relax and sight for birds at the pond, secret gardens, and meadows of Tregaron Conservancy. Sunday 2/16. Donation.
• Find vegan friends and enjoy dinner at this social potluck for vegans with Veg Society. Sunday 2/16. Free.
• Join this history-focused hike and walk through President Lincoln’s usual journey from the White House to his summer cottage at the Old Soldier’s Home. Sunday 2/16. $2 donation.​

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Next Week

• Don’t miss this Monday Night Showcase at Room 808! Hear comedians from Netflix, Comedy Central, and HBRO. Secure your tickets early, because this sells out fast! Monday 2/17. $0-$10.
• Drop by Conowingo Dam for a bit of eagle bird watching and a short escape from all the noise happening. Monday 2/17. Free.
• Find out the history behind Connecticut Avenue’s design as architects Philipp Esocoff and Matthew Bell discusses how history, planning, and urban design shaped its streets. Tuesday 2/18. Free, registration required.
• Join this community of chocolate lovers who enjoy talking and eating about chocolates. This month, they’re celebrating DC’s black chocolate makers with more bean-to-bar tastings! Thursday 2/20. $25.
• This exclusive speakeasy evening features Edgar Allan Poe’s most beloved stories and four classic cocktails to make it worthwhile. Thursday 2/20 to Saturday 2/22. $55.*
• Learn to make Argentinian empanadas at La Cosecha. Learn to make empanadas filled with ground beef, vegetables, and eggs in this hands-on class. Thursday 2/20 & 2/27. $69.*
• Dance the cold winter away with hot nights of Salsa every third Friday for all months of 2025. Starts Friday 2/21. $12 early bird; $15 at the door.
• ​Casey Trees needs volunteers to help weed, mulch, and water the newly planted trees around Brentwood Reservoir. Saturday 2/22. Free.
• Compete for bike underground racing or spectate and enjoy the pop-up bar. If you want to race, signup is until Friday 2/21. Race happens Saturday 2/22. Free for spectators; $25 for racers.
• All girlies will love this active session of tennis & yoga with sportswear and candlescent giveaways. Saturday 2/22. $40.
• This sip & swap is a much awaited one. Ready your preloved items for new swaps, then sip drinks or play pinball afterwards. Crafts and floral arrangements also available. Saturday 2/22. Free.
• Chefs from local restaurants will have a chili cook-off at Lower Georgia Ave and you can taste & judge their best dishes for the People's Choice Award. Last year had ~10 different restaurants to taste (and I was a judge!). Sunday 2/23. Free (with VIP option).*
• ​Stretch and relax with a yoga flow in the Great Hall of The National Building Museum. You’ll love the sound experience from ocean drums, chimes, gongs, and crystal bowls. Sunday 2/23. $30.
• ​The largest record fair returns to DC for an extra special DC Record Fair at 9:30 Club. Sunday 2/23. $5 early bird; $2 after noon.
• ​Share your inner comedian self with cards and friends from Hiking and Other Cool Stuff group. Sunday 2/23. Free.
• This book club is perfect for burned out and busy bookworms who wants little commitment. Discuss short books, stories, and essays. Sunday 2/23. Free.

Further Out

• Taste and vote for the restaurant deserving of a Coquito Champion title. Monday 2/24. $25.
• Join in on a taboo (and fun) discussion about death and play everyone’s favorite death over drafts activity. Tuesday 2/25. Free.
• Learn how regenerative farming can improve soil health, fight climate change, and help increase food access in a talk with local botanist experts. Thursday 2/27. Free, must pre-register.
• ​Sign up for the Smithsonian Scavenger Hunt for a whole adventure of solving trivias, taking photos, collecting items, earning points, and exploring the National Mall! You might even get early access to the newly reopened Air and Space Museum! Saturday 3/1. $20.
• You don’t want to miss this fun Mardi Gras parade at The Wharf with floats, beads, fireworks, and live music until sundown. Saturday 3/1. Free.
• Mexican food lovers should go explore the best taco and pupusa spots in DC, earn points, and vote your winner for the Battle of the Taco. Saturday 3/1. Free.
• Bingo Loco is a bingo rave party where comedian MCs, lip-sync battles, dance-offs, confetti, CO2 cannons, and of course, bingo happens in one night. Saturday 3/1. $33.*
• Does your inner child scream more creativity? Join this adult crafternoon for a fun crafting session with adult crafters. Saturday 3/1. Free.
• ​Celebrate Mardi Gras with special bites at food stations and exclusive cocktails from Korean-inspired and New Orleans classics. Saturday 3/1. $150.
• Experience art in a fun way with a bike ride around public arts scattered in Rockville. Sunday 3/2. Free.
• ​Learn brush pen calligraphy and enjoy 10% off light bites from local Catonsville bakeries. Saturday 3/8. $75.
• ​The National Gallery Nights returns with better artmaking, performances & pop-up talks this time. Be on watch for their ticket lottery system the week before each themed evening. Runs Friday 3/14, 4/11 & 5/9. Free.
• Snag some gently used merchandise finds at the tossed-and-found rummage sale at bargain prices. Saturday 3/29 to Sunday 3/30. Free admission.
• ​Come to Spring Fair for eco-friendly crafts, gifts, eco-treats, and more goodies to enjoy the spring season. Sunday 3/30. Free.
• Join this fan-made survivor game at Rock Creek Park if you have what it takes to survive and win $250, sign up through Monday 3/31. $25 if you’re chosen to play.
• ​Awesome Con 2025 is coming to Washington DC and they're bringing special celebrity guests, comic con panels, screenings, and exclusive exhibits for fans of anime, comics, movies, and games! Friday 4/4. $20
• Learning a new language? Find your language partner at this exchange happy hour. Expect many multi-linguists from DC Language and Cultural Exchange club. Friday 4/4. Free.
• Ready for the best vintage finds around DMV? Find vintage fits, accessories, vinyls, glassware, books, and more old stuffs! Tickets required. Saturday 4/12. $5+.
• ​Healthy Homes Fair returns with 100+ exhibitors and an appliance “petting zoo” featuring the latest home technologies needed to decarbonize our homes. Win prizes and e-bike incentives. Saturday 5/10. Free.

Know of something cool happening? Submit an event for consideration!

* Items marked with an asterisks contain affiliate links (for which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you) or sponsored. Events are featured based on if I find them interesting and think others will too, regardless if they are affiliate or sponsored.