Events and Things to Do in Washington DC in February 2024

This is a list of our favorite things to do in February in Washington, DC, updated for 2024.

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:

Some of the items listed in this post are included for free with the purchase of a tourist discount pass.

Disclosure: While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text.

Where possible we link to websites that often offer discounted ticket prices (like StubHub). While we are unable to confirm their prices are the best, they are all verified ticket resellers.

1. Find a Concert

The DC Metro area is a hotspot for great musical talent.

You can find a number of concerts to attend at area venues such as the Kennedy Center, Anthem, 9:30 Club, and more.

Pop/Rock/Country Concerts

Umphrey's McGee | Washington, DC | February 14th, 15th
Aerosmith | Washington, DC | TBD February
Aimee Mann | Washington, DC | February 22nd

Note: If you visit Anthem for a show, you might find our Historic Southwest Waterfront/DC Wharf Walking Tour of interest.

Classical/Opera Concerts

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra | Baltimore | throughout February
National Symphony Orchestra | Washington, DC | throughout February
An Intimate Evening with David Foster and Katherine McPhee | Washington, DC | February 25th

Note: You can visit even if you're not attending a show, and might enjoy our self-guided tour of the Kennedy Center. The rooftop terrace view is one of our favorites!

Music Festivals

Capital City Blues Fest | Washington, DC | February 23rd

Find even more February concerts in the DC area here.

If you're looking for more evening activities, check out our post Things to Do in DC at Night.

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

Hockey

Washington Capitals

Check out this list for even more tickets to February sporting events in the DC area.

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.

Musicals/Plays

Tick, Tick...Boom! | Washington, DC | February 1st-4th
Ain't Too Proud | Washington, DC | February 13th-18th

Family-Friendly

PAW Patrol Live! "The Great Pirate Adventure" | Fairfax, VA | February 2nd-4th
Giraffes Can't Dance | Manassas, VA | February 24th

Other

Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody | North Bethesda | February 14th
Shen Yun | Washington, DC | Washington, DC | February 1st-3rd

Find even more theatre performances in February here.

4. Take a Sightseeing Tour

A Washington DC Lunch Cruise includes a sightseeing tour, brunch, and a 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

If you're in need of a good laugh, consider going to see a professional stand-up comic!

There will be several comedians performing in the Washington, DC area throughout the month of February.

Stand-Up

Chris Distefano | Washington, DC | February 3rd
Ron White | Hanover, MD | February 15th
Nate Bargatze | Fairfax, VA | February 23rd

Comedy Shows

Second City's Comedian Rhapsody | Vienna, VA | February 14th-17th

Comedy Theatres

Check this list of other comedy shows in the DC area 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 even 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 vist Story District's Worse Date Ever: A Valentines' Day Contest.

Or stop by one of the 40 shops at Union Market and while you're there get your picture taken in front of the heart wall mural.

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 19th 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.

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. Take a Night Tour

Our 5:30 pm Memorials and Moonlight tour lets you explore the National Mall after the sun sets.

With the memorials lit at night, there is an extra level of beauty, and at some of the veteran's memorials, an added sense of reverence.

Or, take our popular Lincoln Assassination Walking Tour.

We also offer family-friendly Ghosts of Georgetown and an adults-only White House at Night Scandals tour.

Reserve a spot now!

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 usually runs between February and April.

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.

C Independent Film Festival

The DC Independent Film Forum (DCIFF) has been celebrating independent films since 1999.

They "provide screenings, seminars, workshops, and discussions" around independent filmmaking.

This year film festival takes place from February 21st to 25th, with almost 50 films, along with discussions, happy hours, and more.

Tickets can be purchased here, and additional information can be found on the Forum's website.

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Things to do in February in Washington, DC