Sculptures including this one will be installed at the REACH at the Kennedy Center as part of the REACH to Forest event.

/ Théâtre de la Dame de Coeur

Mount Vernon is free on Presidents’ Day. Tim Evanson / Flickr

MONDAY, FEB. 19

PRESIDENTS DAY: In honor of Presidents’ Day and George Washington’s Birthday, Mount Vernon is free for all visitors. In addition to tours and a “music of the revolution” performance, there will be a food truck and fresh bread for sale. (Mount Vernon; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; FREE)

GEORGE WASHINGTON BIRTHDAY PARADE: Alexandria is also celebrating George Washington today. This afternoon, there will be a parade commemorating the first president. (Old Town Alexandria; 1 p.m.-3 p.m.; FREE)

MORE: Traditional Viennese Concert Café (Embassy of Austria; 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; $55), Profs & Pints DC: George Washington as American Revolutionary (Penn Social; 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $14.31), Music Trivia (Songbyrd; 7 p.m.; FREE), Capital Orchestra Festival (Kennedy Center; 2 p.m.; FREE), Miles of Style: Eunice W. Johnson and the Ebony Fashion Fair (Busboys and Poets Hyattsville; 6 p.m.; FREE)

“Acupunk,” a fable told through giant puppets like the one shown here, is part of the REACH to Forest event at the Kennedy Center starting this week. Théâtre de la Dame de Coeur

TUESDAY, FEB. 20

REACH: From Tuesday through March 3, the Kennedy Center presents “REACH to Forest,” a two week long series of free programs exploring the relationship between humans and the forests. Programs include films, art installations, panel discussions, and more. (Kennedy Center; various times; FREE)

QUEER SOUP: Doubles is hosting another queer soup night, featuring yummy soups from local chefs. All proceeds will go to Miriam’s Kitchen.(Doubles; 7 p.m.; suggested donations of $10-20)

THE WOMEN OF THE BLACK ARTS MOVEMENT: Prince George’s County’s Remembering the Black Arts Movement Symposium continues this week. On Tuesday, there will be a panel discussion about the lives and legacies of Sonia Sanchez, Audre Lorde, Nikki Giovanni, and June Jordan. (New Carrollton Public Library; 6:30 p.m.; FREE)

MORE: Heather Box and Julian Mocine-McQueen (The People’s Book; 6 p.m; FREE), Situation Comedy: A-List All Stars (Cloak and Dagger; 8 p.m.; $10+), Mostly Other People Do The Killing + Sarah Marie Hughes and Derrick Michaels (Rhizome; 7 p.m.; $25), Eric Gales (The Hamilton Live; 8 p.m.; $25.51)

Prince Arora performs at Arlington Drafthouse this week as part of Comedic Relief. W. James Canty

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 21

FILM FORUM: D.C.’s Independent Film Forum kicks off on Wednesday with a screening of Meeting Zelenskyy at Landmark’s E Street Theatre. Throughout the week, local theaters will be screening other movies. A full calendar is available here. (Various locations; various times; various prices)

COMEDY FOR A CAUSE: On Wednesday, five D.C. stand-up comedians will join forces for a comedy showcase to benefit Our Minds Matter, a nonprofit devoted to changing school culture around mental health. Comedic Relief will feature Tommy Taylor Jr. as headliner, as well as Prince Arora, Rich Ev, Gigi, and emcee Diane Ross. (Arlington Drafthouse; 7 p.m.; $25+)

MOTHER TONGUE FILM FESTIVAL: The Smithsonian Mother Tongue Festival, which explores the connection between language and communities, is back for its ninth year.The four-day event runs from Wednesday-Saturday and will include feature and short film screenings as well as roundtables with filmmakers. (Various locations; various times; FREE)

CULTURAL HERITAGE CONCERT: Carpe Diem Arts is hosting a series of free concerts for Black History Month. This week’s performers are Linda Harris, David Cole, and Jaja Bashengezi. (Long Branch Community Recreation Center; 11 p.m.; FREE)

MORE: Talk of the Hill With Bill Press and Martin Walker (Hill Center; 7 p.m; $10), Artists at Work with Danica Rodriguez (Sitar Arts Center; 6:30 p.m.; FREE), Everything Yes, Aberdeen (The Hamilton Live; 8 p.m.; $19.07), Jazz Jam (metrobar; 6:30 p.m.; FREE), Tun–Tum –The Revelation Screening (Howard University School of Business; 4:30 p.m.; FREE)

Head to Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Hall this week. MrTinMD / Flickr

THURSDAY, FEB. 22

THE LEHMAN TRILOGY: Stefano Massini’s three-act play examines the double-edged sword of capitalism by chronicling the lives of three immigrant brothers from their arrival in the U.S. to their investment firm collapse during the 2008 financial crisis.The Lehman Trilogy will play until March 24. (Shakespeare Theatre Company – Harman Hall; 7:30 p.m.; $35)

AKILAH CADET: Akilah Cadet, the founder and CEO of Change Cadet, will discuss her latest book, White Supremacy is All Around: Notes from a Black Disabled Woman in a White World with climate scientist Jasmine Davenport. The book draws from Cadet’s life experience and work helping brands build inclusive and equitable cultures. (Politics and Prose Union Market; 7 p.m.; FREE)

COMMUNITY SHOWCASE: On Thursday, Humanities DC will celebrate the 2023 grantees and fellows at Anacostia Arts Center. Grantees’ projects explore various facets of humanities in the District. (Anacostia Arts Center; 6 p.m.; FREE)

MORE:Coming Out As Dalit (Busboys and Poets 14th & V; 7 p.m.; FREE), Opening Reception & Artist Talk: “Restorative Gestures” (Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art; 6 p.m.; FREE), Historic Change: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Reverend Doctor Pauli Murray (Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library; 6 p.m.; FREE), Global Sounds on the Hill featuring Alash, Masters of Traditional Tuvan Instruments (Hill Center; 7 p.m.; $20), Urinetown (American University Greenberg Theatre; 8 p.m.; $15 general public), Shoetopia After Hours (Art Enables; 6 p.m.; FREE)

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