Photo by Steve Kushnir.

MARDI GRAS: During the Smithsonian Associates’ seminar “The Baby in the King Cake and Other Mardi Gras Mysteries,” Emily Landau, author of Spectacular Wickedness: Sex, Race, and Memory in Storyville, New Orleans, will guide you through the history of Mardi Gras (and a tasting of King Cake). National Museum of African Art (950 Independence Avenue SW) 6:45-8:45 p.m. $30-42

PILLOWS: Sew a pillow. Decorate the pillow. Do not spill your drink on the pillow. Union Market (1309 5th Street NE) 6:30-9 p.m. $37

SEXPIONAGE: In Sex(pionage): Spies, Lies, and Naked Thighs (The Valentine Edition), International Spy Museum Board Member and intelligence historian H. Keith Melton will discuss how spies use seduction to trap their targets. Ticket includes complimentary cocktail. International Spy Museum (800 F Street NW) 6:30 p.m. $20-25