Feel the love on the airwaves

If you find yourself in search of a last-minute Valentine’s gift, we beg you to steer clear of those baffling V-Day teddy bears at the drugstore. For something more unexpected, drop by The Line hotel tonight, where the Full Service Radio studio will be recording short valentines. Get behind the mic, pour your heart out (for three minutes), and you’ll receive the recording via email later to surprise your loved one with. You can also offer your monologue up for consideration in Full Service’s best-of compilation, which will hit their website.
The Line hotel, Friday, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

Celebrate Frederick Douglass’ 202nd birthday

The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site will be celebrating the abolitionist’s 202nd birthday with a series of events at Anacostia High School, Anacostia Arts Center, and Belmont Paul Women’s Equality National Monument. This year’s programming centers around Douglass’ impacts on the women’s rights movement and African American women’s contributions to the fight for suffrage. Different locations will feature live actors of Douglass and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, hands-on art activities, and guest speakers. Shuttle buses will run between different locations throughout the day.
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Find a new favorite book

In honor of Black History Month, the Capitol View Library is dedicating an afternoon to graphic novels that celebrate black history. While this “tasting” of books at 1 p.m. is meant for kids and teens, adults are welcome at the Petworth Library’s African American Book Club, which focuses on different works of fiction and essays, on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. (And if you’re curious, these are the most popular books by black authors at the D.C. library.)
Capitol View Neighborhood Library, Saturday, 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Feel the heartburn at a chili cook-off

The only good news about this weekend’s chilly weather is that it’s also undeniably chili weather, just in time for The Midland’s 3rd annual chili cook-off. At least half a dozen restaurants from the Petworth and Park View neighborhoods—including NuVegan, Cinder BBQ, and Heat Da Spot Coffee Lounge—are cooking up their best varieties. A panel of judges will decide the winner, but guests are still welcome to sample all the offerings. All ages are welcome, and alcohol will be available for purchase for grown-ups.
The Midlands, Sunday, 2 p.m.-4 p.m., register here

Dance your Sunday away at Dacha

You might have a three-day weekend ahead—before you make your Monday brunch plans, you might want to head to Dacha Navy Yard, where a new queer party debuts this weekend. Spree!, named for the river in Berlin, will include a rotating selection of DJs and plenty of dancing. There’s no cover, and champagne and drink specials will be available for purchase.
Dacha Navy Yard, Sunday, 4 p.m.-10 p.m.

Want some more ideas for your weekend … even if they cost a little money?
11 Things To Do Around D.C. This Weekend
5 Food And Drink Events To Feast On This Week
14 Concerts You Won’t Want To Miss Around D.C. This Week
How To Celebrate Valentine’s Day In D.C., Whether You’re In Love Or Not