FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4
SWEET HOME CAFE: This Friday, the National Museum of African American History and Culture is inviting the public to a celebration of Black History Month at their Sweet Home Cafe. The event includes a meet and greet with Chef Ramin Coles and includes a special menu featuring braised short ribs and fish crab imperial. (National African American History and Culture Museum; Menu prices vary; noon-2:30 p.m.)
LUNAR NEW YEAR: Start your weekend by celebrating the Lunar New Year at the REACH. Through Sunday, the Kennedy Center’s outdoor venue is hosting a free light display featuring “approximately 100 stunning lanterns made up of 10,000 colored LED lights, all crafted by Chinese artisans.” Warm drinks will also be available for purchase. (The REACH at the Kennedy Center; 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; FREE)
BLACKLIGHT: Friday is the second day of The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center’s BlackLight Summit 2022. The lineup of virtual and in-person events “aims to activate the unimagined possibilities in dance — it is a convening that envisions dance as a conduit to galvanize resilience and inventiveness.” (Virtual and at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland; times vary; FREE)
ROSA PARKS: On Friday, celebrate what would have been Rosa Park’s 109th birthday with a prayer breakfast at the O Street Museum. The event will include a prayer by O Street Museum founder Rev. H.H. Leonards (for whom Rosa Parks was a mentor) and “a private screening of stories about Mrs. Parks’ legacy and her time living at O Museum in The Mansion.” (7 a.m. and 9 a.m.; O Street Museum; $60)
MORE: Fridays at the Saloon, presented by Kinda Live Comedy (7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Saloon on U; FREE); Loft Late Night Twin Brothers Band (10:30 p.m.; The Hamilton Live; FREE)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5
EP RELEASE: Head to Black Cat this Saturday for “self-described as ‘moderately danceable’” Mystery Friends band for their EP Release show. The night will also include Crystal Casino and Late Postcard. All attendees must show proof of vaccination. (Black Cat; 8 p.m.; $15+)
BUY BLACK-OWNED: On Saturday, Black Wall Street Renaissance (BWSR) is hosting a pop-up market featuring local Black-owned businesses. The market happens in Capitol Heights on the first Saturday of each month (except January) and features everything from books to herbal remedies to art. (Everlasting Life Restaurant and Lounge; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; FREE)
WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY: This Saturday, The Gardens Ice House is hosting a watch party for Team U.S.A. (they’re facing off against Russia) followed by a girls’ and women’s ice hockey clinic. Patriotic gear is encouraged, breakfast will be provided, and the Washington Capitals will be giving away door prizes. (The Gardens Ice House; 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; FREE watch party & $20 clinic)
MORE: Photo Safari: “It’s The Composition, Stupid!” (National Gallery of Art; 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; $89).
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6
EXTRATERRESTRIAL MUSIC: On Sunday, the National Philharmonic will host a performance of Gustav Holst’s, The Planets, “an original multimedia program presented in collaboration with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.” The concert’s multimedia portion will also include narration by two NASA scientists: Dr. Gina DiBraccio and Dr. Geronimo Villanueva. (The Music Center at Strathmore; 3 p.m.; $45+)
FALCONER: On Sunday, tune into Politics and Prose’s virtual book event featuring Rodney Stotts, the author of Bird Brother which covers his “his unlikely journey to becoming a conservationist and one of America’s few Black master falconers.” Stotts was raised in D.C. and credits his work restoring and conserving the Anacostia River as one of the catalysts for his becoming a master falconer. (Virtual; 3 p.m.-4 p.m.; FREE)
YOGA: Unwind on Sunday by joining an all-levels yoga class. The event takes place in the National Building Museum, “under the colossal, 75-foot-tall Corinthian columns in the Great Hall.” The class is open to anyone regardless of experience and will be hosted by Beth A Wolfe Yoga. (The National Building Museum; 10 a.m.-11 a.m.; $20)
PLANT CLASS: Want to become a thriving plant parent, but not sure how to begin? Tune to Grounded Plants’ first virtual class to learn how. Participants will learn “key elements of plant care, connected wellness, and fundamental tips to build a personal relationship with each of your plants.” (Virtual; 1 p.m.; $15)
CANDLE MAKING: On Sunday, FSC Workshop in District Heights is inviting you to a BYOB Candle Making workshop. Attendees will be taught how to pour a candle into a glass container (personalized with one of over 20 scents available) — and are encouraged to bring their own beverage. (FSC Workshop; 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m. or 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; $50)
MORE: The Sunday Showcase at Room 808 (Room 808; 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; FREE, with $5 guaranteed seating available); Von Mychael Sketch Show and Stand Up (DC Comedy Loft and Bier Baron Tavern; 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $20); Underground Comedy at Wonderland Ballroom (Wonderland Ballroom; 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; FREE)
