FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12
SWEET SCOOPS: In honor of Lunar New Year, Ice Cream Jubilee is featuring “tasting flights” with six Asian-inspired ice cream flavors at their T Street, Yards Park, and Ballston Quarter locations. Flavors include Red Bean Almond Cookie, Citrus Sichuan Peppercorn, and Coconut Lychee Lime. Participants are encouraged to book a time slot ahead of time to ensure that their favorite flavor doesn’t run out. And if you can’t make it on Friday, don’t worry — the special lasts until February 28. (Various locations; 2:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $19/timeslot, which includes a six-flavor flight and a pint)
UNDERGROUND ART: This Friday opening day for the February Install at Dupont Underground. This month’s showcase highlights the different ways creatives have expressed their work through the pandemic. The installations are organized in four themes (joy, transformation, unapologetic, and beauty) and will be shown every weekend in February. Masks and social distancing are required, and attendance is capped at 45, so participants are encouraged to book a ticket ahead of time. (Dupont Underground, 4 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; FREE-$8)
DUCK BUNS: Kick off your weekend by indulging in Maketto’s Lunar New Year culinary celebration. Chef Erik Bruner-Yang’s Taiwanese/Cambodian restaurant is proving a spread that includes an entire whole roasted duck and steamed buns. Please note that the special is available for pick-up only. (Maketto, times vary; $88/2-person kit)
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13
YEAR OF THE OX: Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the Smithsonian American Art Museum in a virtual festival hosted in partnership with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. The celebrations will include a showcase that will include at-home and family-friendly craft demonstrations and performances by the Madison Chinese Dance Corporation. (10 a.m.; FREE)
SHANGHAI QUARTET: In celebration of the Lunar New Year, the Freer and Sackler Art Galleries are hosting an “Eight Folk Songs” string quartet performance by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Zhou Long. The event is free and will be streamed live on YouTube. (7:30 p.m.; FREE)
THAT’S THE TEA: On Saturday, celebrate your closest friends with a Galentine’s Day virtual tea from Dumbarton House. The event includes instructions on how to create your own tea sandwich, a short talk on friendship in the federal period, and upcycle-craft instructions. The event’s ready-made tea boxes are already sold old, but participants can still order “crafting kits” for the big day. (1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $8-$15)
BRUNCH BOARD: There is no shortage of ways to celebrate your special someone(s) around the District. On Saturday, Shop Made in DC is partnering with Buttercream & Burrata for a virtual workshop that teaches participants how to make their own brunch board from home. Registration includes a kit (pick-up or delivery) with brunch foods and an optional mimosa add-on. (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; $100 – $120)
VIRTUAL PARADE: On Saturday afternoon, DC Public Library is hosting a virtual Parade of Community Memories to celebrate Lunar New Year and the Chinese community in the District. The event will feature partners including the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, 1882 Foundation, and the Anacostia Community Museum. The event will be streamed live on YouTube. (2 p.m.; FREE)
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SUNDAY FEBRUARY 14
BLACK LOVE BOX: Gift your special someone (or whoever, really) a gift box from the new initiative from Street Smart Collaborative. The Black-Owned Box kicked off in January and focuses on bringing sustainable solutions to the local Black community. Their Signature Black-Love Gift Box includes a “Mood Swing” Vanilla & Fig Candle, heat seasoning, beard oil, and face masks. (various prices)
BALL IN A BOX: This year’s annual Heartbreakers Ball from Transformer — the local artist-centered non-profit that uplifts emerging artists — looks a little different from past years. Instead of an in-person event, the organization is offering a “Ball in a Box”: a slate of Zoom-free experiences to support emerging artists from home. Options include boxes of curated artworks or a Valentine’s Dinner from Bammy’s. (various prices)
LET THEM EAT CAKE(POP): It’s not too late to learn a new skill during the pandemic. Sign up for Baked by Yael’s virtual cakepop-making class and spend Valentine’s Day learning how to make the tasty treats on your own. Registration includes all the ingredients you’ll need to make your pops, available via pickup or delivery. (4:30 p.m.; $39.95+)
