Love is in the air this weekend, with pre-Valentine’s Day events at Johnny Pistola’s, metrobar, and more.

Kelly Sikema / Unsplash

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 11

SINGLE TRACK: Single? And ready to mingle (abiding by coronavirus precautions)? On Friday, metrobar DC is hosting a dating event where attendees will be matched with each other based on their answers to a questionnaire. (metrobar DC: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; FREE with registration required)

DC IMPROV: This weekend, comic Erin Jackson is headlining at DC Improv. Jackson started her career on the District’s open mic circuit — and you know her more recently from Tiffany Haddish’s Netflix series They Ready. The show will also feature Aminah Imani and Von Mychael. (DC Improv; 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.;$22+)

DISTRICT BANDS: On Friday, Johnny Pistolas is hosting their free Lonely Hearts night featuring three local bands: RedHorizon (alternative rock), Horsemanship (self-described as “a dumb sad indie punk band”) and Inside Voices. There’s no cover, but expect some glitter. (Johnny Pistolas; 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.; FREE)

MORE: African is Beautiful (Virtual; 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.; FREE) Photo Safari: Early Morning Light At Washington National Cathedral (The National Cathedral; 10:00 a.m.; $99); Loft Late Night Moonshine Society (The Hamilton Live; 10:30 p.m.; FREE); The Secret Show at Room 808 (Room 808; 8:00 p.m. doors, 8:30 p.m. show; FREE with guaranteed seating available); An Evening with The Amish Outlaws ( The Hamilton Live; 6:30 p.m. doors, 8:00 p.m. show; $14.75+); Friends, Family, Lovers: A Valentine’s Day Celebration of Love (Virtual; 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; $15)

This weekend, mark the 150th anniversary of Frederick and Anna Douglass’ move to the District. Wikimedia / George Kendall Warren

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 12

DOUGLAS DIALOGUES: This weekend, engage with the ongoing Douglass Week 2022 by attending the Inaugural Douglass Dialogues at Arena Stage (or live on YouTube). The event is part of the wider week that commemorates Frederick and Anna Douglass’ move to Washington, D.C. in 1872, 150 years ago. Other events include virtual round tables, poetry, and explorations about Frederick Douglass and the legacy he leaves behind. (Arena Stage or virtual; 12:00 p.m.; FREE)

A BALL: This Sunday, join Transformer gallery for their 6th Annual Heartbreakers Ball … in brunch form. The event will include a pop-up FlatFile store with pieces from more than 40 local artists — plus mimosas and small bites. Proceeds from the event support programs “connecting & promoting emerging artists, and providing artistic exploration to the DC community and beyond.” (Yours Truly DC Hotel; 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; FREE)

FLIRTY AND THRIVING: On Saturday, Silver Spring’s Organizer Improbable Comedy is hosting a live comedy event on Zoom: “Flirting Like An American.” The show follows a recent immigrant from Russia, who searches for love across the boundaries of culture and language. The performance features storyteller Sufian Zhemukhov, a Moth champion and winner of the 2018 National Storytelling Festival’s Story Slam. (8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; $15+)

UNDIE RUN: Take a run in your underwear (but make it charity). This Saturday, Cupid’s Undie Run is heading to the District to raise money for people affected by neurofibromatosis. The in-person version of the event starts with drinking and dancing, has a 1.6 mile run in the middle, and ends with a dance party. Participants who raise $250+ receive a (new) pair of underwear and an open bar. (Penn Social or virtual; 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; $50)

UGH, LOVE: On Sunday, attend one of two different walking tours from Free Tours By Foot: one “Love Stories” tour follows stories of heartwarming romance through Georgetown, and the other “Lonely Hearts” tour delights in romance-based scandals, duels, and affairs near the White House. (Love Stories Tour: Georgetown; 4:00 p.m.; $35+. Lonely Hearts Tour: outside the White House; 5:00 p.m.; $35)

XOXO: On Saturday, head to a stand-up comedy show at a secret location in Eastern Market. The Exes and Ohs Valentine Comedy Show will feature a surprise lineup of comedians before closing out with Denise Taylor of The Onion. Attendees of this BYOB event will receive the secret location after purchasing their ticket. (Secret Location; 8:00 p.m.; $15)

MORE: Wagner Opera Spectacular (Music Center at Strathmore; $35+; 8:00 p.m.) Valentine’s Day at metrobar (metrobar DC; 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; $32 – $55); Love Songs: The Beatles Vol. 9 (The Hamilton Live; 6:30 p.m. doors, 8:00 p.m. show; $25); My Funny Valentine – A night of Comedy with Charlie Ross & Friends (Crazy Aunt Helen’s American Comfort Food; 6:30 p.m.; $10); Won’t You Be My Owlentine? (Potomac Overlook Regional Park; 1:00 p.,m. – 2:00 p.m.; $7); Sir Rulean’s Valentine’s Day Card Soiree (The Station; 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; FREE)

Jeswin Thomas
On Super Bowl Sunday, El Tamarindo is offer fresh, hot taco platters — straight to your door. Unsplash / Jeswin Thomas

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 13

COBAYA DANCE: Join Dance Place this weekend as they celebrate 25 years for resident dance company Coyaba Dance Theater. On Saturday, you’re invited to “an invigorating night of music, drumming, theater, and the dazzling energy of West African dance,” per organizers. The event is led by Artistic Director Mama Sylvia Soumah. (Dance Place; 4:00 p.m.; FREE, with a sliding scale up to $100). 

SUPER BOWL TACOS: Get your provisions for Super Bowl Sunday. El Tamarindo is offering fresh, hot taco bars delivered straight to your home. The pre-ordering option is now open (including their house-made margaritas). (open 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.; Prices Vary)

DOUGLASS TOUR: On Sunday, join the Walking Tour of Frederick Douglass’ Old Anacostia. Douglass, who lived in the neighborhood for nearly 20 years, was known as the Lion of Anacostia, organizers say. The tour begins at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site and will be led by author and historian John Muller. (Frederick Douglass National Historic Site; 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; $18+)

MORE: Galentine’s Day! (O Street Museum; 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; $24); Hannah Jaye and The Hideaways (Songbyrd; 6:30 p.m.; $17.92+); Jigs & Swigs™ at Atlas Brewery (Atlas Brewing; 3:00 p.m.; $25+); Sunday Music Salon: Celtic Love Songs (Kentlands Mansion & Arts Barn; 3:00 p.m.; $20 – $30); National Building Museum: An Architectural Photography Workshop (National Building Museum; 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.; $89);