Snow predictions and frigid temps might tempt you to stay home under a blanket, but we’re betting you’ll be grabbing your coat and boots to check out Arlington Reads author talks, a stand-up show featuring actor and comedian Jeremy Piven, Lunar New Year celebrations, cover bands and more. And don’t forget it’s Black History Month and a great time to celebrate all forms of love with Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s fun.
Clarendon Community Bingo Challenge
Through Feb. 28, snag a free bingo card at a participating business (Glowbar, SoulFire Collective, Urban Halo, Pacers Running and more). Then, complete activities neighborhood-wide, such as taking a class, booking a service or buying something. Finish five squares in a row to get discounts at participating businesses, or finish the whole thing to be entered into a grand prize raffle.
Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook at Creative Cauldron
A fitting story for this time of year, this romantic musical chronicles the rekindling of a relationship, just as it seems to be on the brink of ending. The show runs Feb. 12-March 8 with performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $25-$50. 127 W. Broad St., Falls Church
The Nashville Nights Band at The State Theatre
Skip the shmoopy Valentine’s Day stuff and belt out the words to some of your favorite 1990s country tunes (which, admittedly, might be pretty shmoopy). The cover band will take the stage Feb. 14, 8:30 p.m., to play songs by Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Garth Brooks and other top-billed country crooners. Tickets are $16 in advance and $19 at the door. 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Valentine’s Day Tea
This history-loving event on Feb. 14, 2-4 p.m. begins with the back story of the historic Cherry Hill Farmhouse before inviting guests into the dining room for a full tea that includes sandwiches, sweets, scones and, of course, a cup of tea. Tickets are $48. 312 Park Ave., Falls Church
National Chamber Ensemble’s Chords of Desire: Broadway and Opera Favorites
Join NCE on Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. for an evening of opera and Broadway tunes exploring themes of love, longing and triumph. The amorous program promises arias by Puccini, Mozart and Leoncavallo, along with songs from Broadway productions including Kismet and The Phantom of the Opera. Tickets are $45; $25 for students. Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington (Arlington Ridge)
George Washington Birthnight Supper & Ball
Break out the formalwear on Feb. 15, 6-10 p.m., to celebrate our first president’s 294th birthday with a three-course dinner, live auction, entertainment and dancing. Tickets for this black-tie affair at Washington’s Mount Vernon estate begin at $750. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Bayou Gras, Mardi Pardi at Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery
New Orleans native David Guas is hosting an all-out Mardi Gras celebration Feb. 17, 5-9 p.m. For 15 yeas, the chef has brought authentic parade food, drinks and live jazz music to the self-proclaimed Mardi Gras Headquarters. Get an all-you-can-eat wristband for $55 and indulge in Crawfish Monica, Gulf Shrimp Jambalaya, Chicken Andouille Gumbo, Muff-a-lotta, red beans and rice, beignets, and slices of king cake. For $30 more, make it an all-you-can-drink wristband and also get Carnival Cocktails such as the NOLA Paloma, Bourbon Street Smash, Hurricane Reigns and Mardi Gras Mule, plus frozen New Orleans daiquiris, and Abita Beers. Kids 12 and younger can get a band for $25 that includes a meal of mac and cheese, red beans and rice, and king cake. 1515 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington (Courthouse)
Rosslyn Lunar New Year
Welcome the Year of the Horse with a fortune cookie from the Rosslyn Trike on Feb. 18, 1 p.m., at Central Place Plaza, and return to the same spot on Feb. 19, 5-7 p.m., for a free, family-friendly Lunar New Year celebration including a lion dance by Hung Ci Lion Dance Troupe. Find your zodiac animal and enjoy a celebratory tea from Upside on Moore. 1800 N. Lynn St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Garage Racing National Championships
Ever dream of perching on a tricked-out bike while careening through an underground parking garage? You can make that happen on Feb. 21. Riders of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in this unconventional cycling event, featuring 10 races, segmented by gender and age, from 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. At 6:20 p.m., the course opens for the Anything Goes Race, in which participants can take any non-motorized vehicle for a whirl and win style points for creativity. Spectators are welcome to watch the wild ride for free, but they should reserve a spot. Race registration fees are $8-$25. 201 12th St. S., Arlington (National Landing)
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Justin Willman: One for the Ages Tour
The magician behind Magic for Humans and Magic Prank Show on Netflix brings all-new and hilarious tricks to Capital One Hall to entertain viewers of all ages. Performances are Feb. 21, 7 p.m., and Feb. 22, 2 p.m. Tickets begin at $51.90. 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
Jeremy Piven at Arlington Drafthouse
The Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning actor, perhaps best known for his role as Hollywood agent Ari Gold on HBO’s Entourage, will show his stand-up comedy prowess Feb. 20 and 21, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., at the Arlington Drafthouse. Tickets start at $49. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington
Synetic Theater: Antony and Cleopatra
The passionate tale of the tryst between the Roman emperor and the Egyptian queen that wowed audiences at D.C.’s Shakespeare Theater continues its run, with performances in Arlington Feb. 21-March 8. Synetic’s wordless adaptation of the Shakespeare classic is sumptuous, visceral and moving. Tickets start at $45, with discounts available for seniors, students and military. See website for show times. Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington
Bridge Voices by Little City Concerts
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Little Match Girl Passion, this concert on Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m., sets Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Match Girl story to the music of Bach’s Saint Matthew’s Passion. Half of ticket sales benefit Homestretch, a nonprofit that supports families experiencing homelessness. $25; free for students and youth. Falls Church Episcopal, 115 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church
Artist Talk: Julie Wallace at APL
Discover playful scenes of womanhood, domestic life and simple pleasures by local artist Julie Wallace on display through April 12 at the Arlington Central Library. Wallace’s colorful imagery blends drawing, painting and graphic illustration techniques. Stop by the library Feb. 22, 10-11 a.m., to meet her in person during an artist talk on her process and inspiration. 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington (Ballston)
Arlington Artists Alliance’s Strength through Stories
A Panel Discussion Featuring Author & Climate Scientist Mark Easter
The Arlington Reads series continues with a free event on Feb. 25, 6-7:45 p.m. with Mark Easter, author of The Blue Plate: A Food Lover’s Guide to Climate Chaos. He’ll be joined by Imani Black, founder and CEO of Minorities in Aquaculture; Chef Rob Rubba from D.C.’s James Beard award-winning Oyster Oyster; and Samantha Kuhn, executive director of JK Community Farm. 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington (Ballston)
The Second City: Laugh Harder Not Smarter
Need a little levity? The Chicago improv troupe is bringing light-hearted humor with audience interaction, spur-of-the-moment songs and lots of laughs to the Barns at Wolf Trap. Performances are Feb. 25-28. Check the website for show times. Tickets begin at $63.50. 1635 Trap Road, Vienna
Teen Takeover: Amazon After Hours
This one-night-only teens-only party at Amazon HQ2 will be Feb. 27, 7-10 p.m. It’s free for middle and high school students, who will enjoy rainforest lounge vibes, interactive wall art, food and a Battle of the DJs. Free shuttles are available from several community centers. 510 14th St., S., Arlington (National Landing)