This list of our favorite things to do in February in Washington DC, updated for 2023.
We include free, nighttime, as well as family-friendly events and things to do.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN FEBRUARY
Be sure to read our post covering the weather in DC in February.
For more ideas on popular things to do in DC, check out our other posts:
- Bus Tours
- Walking Tours
- Things to Do in DC (any time of year)
Some of the items listed in this post are included for free with the purchase of a tourist discount pass.
1. Find a Concert
The DC Metro area is a hotspot for great musical talent. During February, you’ll be able to find multiple concerts in the area.
- Jodeci | February 11th
- Carrie Underwood | February 15th
- The Judds | February 17th
- Danny Ocean | February 18th
- Shawn Colvin/Marc Cohn/Sarah Jarosz | February 19th
- Morgan Wade | February 21st, 26th
- Travis Tritt | February 21st, 22nd
The Capital City Blues Fest takes place this month as well. You can find it at DAR Constitution Hall on February 24th. Tickets can be puchased here.
Click here to see all the DC area concerts.
2. See a Sporting Event
In February, there are a number of games taking place in the DC area.
Both the Washington Wizards, our basketball team, and the Washington Capitals, our hockey team, are in their regular season.
Basketball
- Washington Wizards
- George Washington Colonials - Men's
- George Washington Colonials - Women's
- Georgetown Hoyas Men's
- Georgetown Hoyas Women's
Hockey
Soccer
Find tickets to all the games in DC here.
3. Enjoy the Theatre
Looking to get inside away from the cold and spend an entertaining afternoon or evening?
here are a number of shows you might find interesting in the DC/Baltimore area.
Here are the best theatrical productions available in Washington DC this month:
- Shear Madness | February 1st - 27th
- Anastasia Musical | February 3rd (Tysons)
- Les Miserables | February 7th-12th (Balitmore)
- Paw Patrol Live: Heroes Unite | February 3rd - 5th (Fairfax)
Renowned soprano Renee Fleming is in DC with a show at the Kennedy Center on February 10th.
The National Symphony Orchestra has shows at Anthem and at the Kennedy Center in DC throughout the month.
Note: If you visit Anthem for a show, you might find our Historic Southwest Waterfront/DC Wharf Walking Tour of interest.
Find all the theatre performances in February here.
4. Take a Sightseeing Tour
A Washington DC Lunch Cruise includes sightseeing tour, brunch, and live DJ for an enjoyable afternoon regardless of the temperatures.
You'll be able to see the Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, Kennedy Center, Alexandria and more.
Our guided walks are the highlight of a visit to Washington DC (at least we think so!) We offer ticketed small group and name your own price tours - tours for every budget!
We also have self-guided tours and GPS-enabled audio tours of neighborhoods that you will likely visit as a tourist in the city.
5. See a Stand-up Comedy Show
There will be several well-known and popular comedians performing in the Washington DC area throughout the month of February.
If you're in need of a good laugh, consider going to see a professional stand-up comic!
Here are some of the best shows scheduled for this month:
- Pete Holmes | February 4th
- Jerry Seinfeld | February 10th, 11th
- Cast of Impractical Jokers | February 19th
Check this list of stand-up comedy shows in Washington DC to see all of your options in February.
6. Celebrate Valentine’s Day
No matter who you're traveling with, you can find some great Valentine's Day activities to enjoy!
DC is home to a number of restaurants, some Michelin starred.
Valentine's day will be busy so reservations for February 14 should be made ahead of time. You might consider making reservations for the weekend before instead.
Other options for Valentine's fun include skating at The Wharf of the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden.
You could go on a Valentines/Cupid's Bar Crawl in Dupont Circle.
There's a Sweet & Sour Valentine's Day Comedy Show at Busboys and Poets.
Just after Valentine's Day you can see the ballet Romeo and Juliet at the Kennedy Center. Performances take place February 15th-19th, 2023.
7. President’s Day Weekend
Washington DC is the best place in the US to be for President's Day Weekend.
Celebrate George Washington’s Birthday
In honor of President’s Day weekend, why not visit the home of our first President, George Washington?
Admission to Mount Vernon is free on Monday, February 20th and 22nd, 2023, with special events and ceremonies taking place throughout the day and weekend.
More information can be found here.
Experience a Parade
Every year, Old Town Alexandria hosts a parade to honor our first President. It is the oldest and largest parade dedicated to George Washington.
In addition to the event itself, the parade hosts a “cherry challenge” among the restaurants in Alexandria - keep an eye on the menu if you dine in Old Town! For parade details, visit here.
8. Black History Month
Black History Month is the annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African-Americans in U.S. history.
Throughout the month of February, various museums will host special events in conjunction with Black History Month.
You can read more about honoring Black History Month in DC on our post.
Take a self-guided tour that focuses on Black History of DC:
Visit the National Museum of African American History & Culture
The newest Smithsonian is also one of the most popular museums of the National Mall.
We highly recommend a visit to this museum and have detailed how to get tickets here.
9. Family-Friendly Activities
If you're looking for some family-friendly entertainment, there are a few festivals you might find of interest in February.
There's a Chocolate Lovers Festival in Fairfax, one that ranks #1 in food festivals in the DC area.
It takes place February 3rd-5th.
The Atlantic Performing Arts Center has the Intersections Festival.
Artists of all storts (dancers, actors, musicians) will put their own interpretation on a given theme. The festival takes place February 25-March 12, 2023.
Or visit the Kennedy Center. There are a number of shows each night, and tickets can be purchased here.
You can also take our free self guided tour while you're there.
10. Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
Tourist attraction discount passes bundle together popular area attractions and tours into one discounted price - they can also save you up to 50%.
They also can save you time with skip-the-ticket-line access to select activities.
Attractions you can see with these passes include:
- CitySights Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
- International Spy Museum
- The Capital Ferris Wheel
- George Washington’s Home
We detail how these passes work and help you decide which, if any, is best for you.
If you already know which discount pass best suits your purpose, it can be purchase here:
Day Pass - Washington Sightseeing | Flex Pass - Washington Sightseeing
11. Visit the Orchid Exhibit
Get ready to be enthralled and amazed! The United States Botanic Garden hosts its annual orchid exhibition, one that bursts with diverse, vibrant beauty from all around the world.
The exhibit reveals an impressive selection of orchids, ranging from familiar to rare varieties.
There will be a stunning array of Paphiopedilum, Cattleya, Dendrobium, Bulbophyllum, and more, some in traditional pots and planters and others arranged in artful displays that emphasize their unique beauty.
You'll want to make sure you don't miss out on the opportunity of seeing thousands of these mesmerizing flowers on full display. The event will be delighting visitors between February 17th and April 30th, 2023.
In addition to admiring the stunning orchids, you can also take part in a variety of educational programs at the Botanic Garden. From guided tours and workshops on caring for these beautiful flowers to lectures that explore their ecology and biology, they have something for everyone.
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