Seasons are changing--maybe? Yesterday was beautiful, today is cold and gray, tomorrow will be warm again. Your typical DC February.

Speaking of seasons...

Tax season 📉 is coming up, and there are some free resources you can take advantage of this year to make it easier.

• The DC Public Library is offering free tax prep at some neighborhood libraries for DC and MD residents. You'll need to make an appointment for sometime between now and April 15.
• Despite comments from presidential advisors, the IRS is still offering its pilot program to file your federal taxes directly through the IRS instead of paying to use a service like TurboTax. It's essentially a government-created tax prep software. Maryland is part of the pilot, but DC and Virginia are not.

While it's tax season, it's also the season of love 💕 (Valentine's Day).

Dating seems to have changed the past few years. I'd love to hear: If you met your partner since 2022, how did you meet?

Valerie

Historic Photo of the Week

Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church at 1518 M Street NW around 1899. The church has been in the news recently for a recent lawsuit win.

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

• Watch modern dance performances from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater where they present contemporary favorites, and the signature Ailey classic Revelations played to over 25 million people in the world. Tuesday 2/4 to Sunday 2/9. $50+.
• ​The largest public car show in DC is here with hundreds of new car models and a live “art car” painting. Come before they end on Sunday 2/9. $15+.
• ​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.

Thursday

• If you love knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching - anything stitching, bring your craft projects to DC Metro Crafts’ first meetup this Thursday 2/6. Free.
• February's Phillips After 5 is focused on love: appreciate art while joining a singles happy hour and listening to Cinema Hearts. Thursday 2/6. $20.
• It’s time for federal employees to decide on deferred resignation. DC9 is showing their appreciation for your service to the American people with $2 drinks. Thursday 2/6. Free to attend.
• Enjoy a casual dine out with foodies from Asian Dining and Adventure group and explore the taste of different cultures in a fusion cuisine. RSVP required. Thursday 2/6. Free to attend.
• See this art exhibit featuring a century of black art and take home personalized poems created just for you + chocolate treats. Thursday 2/6. Free.
• A DC nonprofit is holding a night skating fundraiser to help research and design students around DC. You can help by purchasing a ticket for entrance and skate rentals. Thursday 2/6. $18.

Friday

• ​Play ping pong or have fun with bingo while meeting other singles. Friday 2/7. $25.
• Learn sustainable farming skills for free! Regenerative Agriculture Training teaches climate-smart farming for small-scale crop production. Be one of the lucky 45 students! Class starts Saturday 3/8. Deadline for applications is Friday 2/7. Free.
• There’s a yoga class with Dira Hansen and a panel discussion you can join on Friday 2/7. Free.
• Personalize your very own custom stamp, then print it in paper or fabric in this block printing class. Friday 2/7. $40.
• ​See Anne Hanger’s artworks of 14 abstract paintings inspired by meditation and nature at the Silva Gallery. Friday 2/7. Free.
• 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.
• Socialize and connect with tavel-loving women from the Afro Elevate Travel group over hot chocolate and s’mores. Friday 2/7. Free to attend.

Saturday

• Floral fans can get a live floral arrangement demo plus time to play with a variety of flowers. Bring flowers and a vase, then join the flower potluck to swap and share. Saturday 2/8. $45.
• ​Talk, laugh, and tour historical landmarks with professional comedians as they make jokes about American life and Washington, DC. Saturday 2/8. $25.*
• ​See new exhibits with the Arthouse group as AU Museum's Winter Art Opening opens 3 new floors of artworks, including ones from popular artists like Bruce and Jean Conner. Saturday 2/8. Free.
• Bring your family in for a Vday-themed workshop! Parents, grandparents, or kids can make candles, custom tote bags, and a charcuterie snack bar. Saturday 2/8. $60+.
• Nevermind Valentines. Have a Galentines wine tasting with salty snacks and cheeses at The Eastern for the ultimate girl dinner. Last tasting was sold out, so don’t miss this one! Saturday 2/8. $55.
• Bring your family, partner, or friend for a couples candle making workshop this Valentine’s and enjoy a BOGO 50% off. Saturday 2/8. $24+.
• ​Bring your dog while playing bingo at Dog Daze Social Club. Win gift certificates for future visits. Be sure to register your dog beforehand--you'll need to provide some vet records. Saturday 2/8. $49.
• This Valentines, spend a good farm day by learning about local food access initiatives and enjoying lunch at the farm. This is dedicated for community day with a pay-what-you-can market and an option to donate fresh goods for the F.R.E.S.H fridge. Saturday 2/8. Free.
• Mt. Zion Cemetery needs help with cleaning the grounds, gathering wreaths, and preparing the landscape for spring! Sign up to volunteer this weekend from Saturday 2/8 to Sunday 2/9. Free.

Sunday

• ​Watch this free screening of "The Outrun," based on Amy Liptrot’s bestselling memoir adaptation on addiction and recovery. Sunday 2/9. Free.
• If you’re both nerdy and a bird-lover, you will love to play a Wingspan birding board game at MLK Library. Hurry, last seat remaining! Sunday 2/9. Free.
• ​Color books and meet new people with the Cocktails & Coloring group for a fun and relaxing afternoon of crafting and cocktails. Sunday 2/9. Free to attend.
• Don’t miss this art show of over 500 pieces from DMV women and non-binary artists, plus panel discussions, popups, and a final pitch competition for the SHE:DC Microgrant. Starts March, but artists and makers can apply through Sunday 2/9.
• Have an old puzzle to swap? Trade used puzzles for preloved ones at the Library on Sunday 2/9. Free.
• Ashtanga Yoga hosts free yoga sessions that are beginner-friendly. They will help you learn poses, breathing skills, and mindfulness. Sunday 2/9. Free.
• ​Spend Love Day with yourself and caring for your well-being with this 90-minute self-love wellness workshop. Sunday 2/9. $40.

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Next Week

• If you love science and mystery in a puzzle, you can play at the STEAM Lab in the Library. Monday 2/10. Free.
• Need to practice Spanish? Go to this Spanish social hour with the Spanish Conversation Practice Meetup group and play activities that encourage you to speak Spanish. Tuesday 2/11. 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.
• Invite your girl friends for a Galentines crafting & food night with candles, charm jewelries, chocolates & champagnes. Thursday 2/13. $75+.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• If you want an irreverent celebration of love, check out A Date With John Waters on Valentine's Day in his home town of Baltimore. Friday 2/14. $56+.
• 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+.
• There’s a Goat + Bingo special for players looking for fun while celebrating love this Valentines Day. Friday 2/14. $40.
• ​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.
• ​Volunteer for the marsh area around Jones Point Park by picking up trash, litter, and maintaining the trail. Saturday 2/15. Free.

Further Out

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.*
• ​Casey Trees needs volunteers to help weed, mulch, and water the newly planted trees around Brentwood Reservoir. Saturday 2/22. Free.
• 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).*
• ​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.
• ​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.
• 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.
• ​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+.

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.