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Nighttime view of the Kennedy Center's outdoor stairs, with people walking up and the building illuminated in soft purple lights.

Things to Do This February 2026 in Washington, DC

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Celebrate Lunar New Year, Black History Month, Valentine’s Day and more with incredible events, exhibits and shows throughout the city.

Be sure to check out our special discounts and packages, from luxurious experiences to budget-friendly options.

Last year, the nation's capital landed on Condé Nast Traveler's "The Best Places to Go in the U.S. in 2025," the New York Times' top places to go around the world and TripAdvisor's top destinations in the U.S.

So regardless of the season, you're bound to have an unforgettable experience in the nation's capital. Be sure to check out special discounts and packages, from luxurious experiences to budget-friendly options, and after you’ve read through this list, make sure to check out our things to do during the week, must-hit weekend events and accessibility guides to monuments and museums on the National Mall.

NMAAHC

Honor Black History Month in DC
Black history and culture are an essential part of DC’s identity, which means that there's an abundance of ways to celebrate Black History Month in the city. The nation’s capital is also full of year-round ways to honor the Black experience at museums and memorials. You can also stop by a Black-owned business or read up on the District's Black-owned restaurants and Black chefs.

 

A Washington Capitals player celebrates after scoring a goal, as teammates and fans in red cheer enthusiastically, while the opposing team looks dejected by the net.

Washington Capitals

Attend a Capitals, Wizards or Go-Go game
With the winter season comes incredible indoor sports action in the District. The NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards play their exciting games inside Capital One Arena, while the Capital City Go-Go, part of the NBA’s developmental G-League, take to the court inside CareFirst Arena. Discounted tickets to select games for each team are available below.

 

Ice Skating at NGA

Ice skate in DC
Lace up some skates and triple axel 'round the District at popular ice skating rinks at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, Washington Harbour in Georgetown, Canal Park in Capitol Riverfront and The Wharf. Make sure to read our detailed breakdown of each spot.

 

See the giant pandas at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
Say hello to DC's most famous pair at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo – the only place in the U.S. where you can see giant pandas for free. The bears can be found frolicking, lounging and eating up to 100 pounds of bamboo a day. 
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

 

An overhead view of a diverse spread of Japanese dishes, featuring sushi rolls, rice bowls, and various appetizers, along with vibrant cocktails and meticulously plated dishes on a modern table setting.

Bar Japonais © Nina Palazzolo

Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week 
Washington, DC's Winter Restaurant Week returns every January with the promise of high-quality dining, excellent deals and relief to the winter blues. Savor every last bite while taking advantage of special menus and pricing, including to-go options and cocktail and wine pairings, courtesy of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and 200+ participating eateries.
Stay tuned for this year's dates. 

 

Celebrate Lunar New Year in the District – Begins Feb. 17, 2026
Locations all over the city ring in the Year of the Snake with colorful celebrations, including performances, educational talks, special tours and hands-on activities. Be sure to check out the festive Downtown Parade, events at the Smithsonian's free National Museum of Asian Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum and more.
More Info

 

The Washington, DC Auto Show – Jan. 23 – Feb. 1
Cars have always held a special allure, captivating the American imagination from the early days of the Model T. Witness the evolution of the vehicle firsthand by attending the Washington, DC Auto Show, which takes place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Even if you don't consider yourself a devoted car enthusiast, there are still plenty of reasons to check out the city's largest annual indoor event.
Tickets
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Place NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic
Founded in 2007, this 1,000+ team USA Volleyball seeding tournament held in the nation's capital champions youth sports and athletes.
More Info
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

Celebrate Mardis Gras in DC
Go all-out in the District. Each year, Mardi Gras at The Wharf brings the energy with a parade (featuring stilt walkers, jugglers, the Mardi Gras king and queen, floats and lots more), a dance party with live music and a fireworks spectacular. 

 

Celebrate Washington's birthday – Feb. 17
Whether you know it as our first president's birthday or Presidents' Day, the nation's capital presents unique ways to engage with the history and legacy of U.S. leaders. Go on an architecture-focused excursion with DC Design Tours, plan a day of presidential experiences, explore DC's monuments and memorials, indulge in presidential dining or retreat to George Washington's Mount Vernon for free.

 

NMWA Nights 
The National Museum of Women in the Arts’ popular evening series can include anything from a museum-wide scavenger hunt that uncovers new narratives within the art on view to dueling DJs in the Great Hall. Two drink tickets are included with admission with additional food and beverages available for purchase.
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005

 

Amy Sherald: American Sublime – Through Feb. 22, 2026
The artist’s first major museum survey – taking place at the National Portrait Gallery – features new and rarely seen work from 2007 to the present. Sherald’s iconic paintings of former First Lady Michelle Obama (2018) and Breonna Taylor (2020) will be featured.
Hours | Free Admission

8th Street NW & G St NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

 

The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution – Through March 21, 2026
The Library of Congress brings together letters, ledgers, diaries, maps, drawings and other artifacts to illuminate the similarities and differences between two iconic figures of the Revolutionary War: George Washington and King George III. Although the two never met, visitors can envision where they would clash and where they would compromise in this stirring exhibit that features items from a wide range of collections, including the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle, London’s Science Museum and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Hours |  Free Admission
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540

 

U.S. Botanic Garden

Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise – Ongoing
The U.S. Botanic Garden invites you to see the ferocious side of flora and fauna at its special new exhibit. Many plants have evolved defenses against infection, herbivores and their plant competition. The multisensory display will showcase this evolution and also pinpoint how these plants can be both harmful and helpful to humans.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001

 

 

Places to Stay

Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you're looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today.

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