Happy Black History Month! This week is full of events to kick off February. From a Black film showcase to early Valentine’s celebrations, check out a handful of the many events happening in the DMV this weekend. To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.
Thursday, Feb. 6Jazzmeia Horn7 p.m. | $35+Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20007Vocalist Jazzmeia Horn boasts impressive credentials, including winning the 2013 Sarah Vaughan and 2015 Thelonious Monk jazz competitions.
The thrice-Grammy-nominated Horn sings standards with a powerful, earthy tone that draws heavily on the blues, and also writes her own tunes in a classic mode. She sounds somewhere between Vaughan and the great scatter Anita O’Day.Two separate sets are scheduled for 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.Microcinema: Student Works7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | $10+Rhizome DC, 6950 Maple St NW, Washington, D.C., 20012
This event will present short video works by students from American University’s film program. The filmmakers will be in attendance for a Q&A following the screening.SIP AND PAINT| HST| WASHINGTON DC7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. | $27+Allure Bar & Lounge, 711 H Street Northeast, Washington, D.C., 20002
Enjoy a fun and exciting evening in Washington, D.C., where attendees can laugh, create and vibe in a dynamic paint session. Let your creativity soar with a cocktail in one hand, a paintbrush in the other, and the best Hip Hop + R&B tunes in the background.
Whether an experienced artist or just starting out, the evening with Sade Paint and Sip has got you covered. A professional artist guides guests through the process, ensuring all attendees have a great time creating individual masterpieces.Friday, Feb. 7 FUNNY ARABS by Rola Z
6 p.m. | $25+Union Stage, 740 Water Street SW, Washington, D.C., 20024
“FUNNY ARABS” by Rola Z is back again at Union Stage for one night only. Don’t miss this unique show featuring leading Arab American comedians who explore a range of topics from the immigrant experience to displacement and belonging through comedy and laughter.Created by the D.C.-based Rola Z in March 2022, “FUNNY ARABS” has been featured on Dubai TV, WUSA9 Open Mic, DC Fray, City News Montreal, City TV, Bonne Nuit Pod, and in the National. Named “The Traumedian” by Washingtonian Magazine in 2023, Rola Z uses humor to process pain and deal with trauma and taboos. SZA Dance Night10 p.m. | $20+Union Stage, 740 Water Street SW, Washington, D.C., 20024SZA Dance Night brings the soulful, genre-blending vibes of the event’s namesake alongside artists like Doechii, Jorja Smith, and Summer Walker. With a mix of smooth R&B, experimental beats, and empowering anthems, this night will have guests dancing to hits and remixes that capture SZA’s raw emotion and bold energy.Expect an intimate, vibrant atmosphere where the music inspires movement, self-expression, and connection all night long.Saturday, Feb. 8DC Zinefest Presents: Valen-Zine3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. | FreeRhizome DC, 6950 Maple St NW, Washington, D.C., 20012Join DC Zinefest for ValenZine at Rhizome! In this free event, open to the public, participants will be making, sharing, and trading zines and hand-made Valentines, with supplies provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own zines to share and/or trade, and can bring their own Valentine’s box for collecting traded zines.Rhizome has a $5 suggested donation to support the venue. Masks will be required and available for those who need one.Dupont Circle’s Cupid Con 20252 p.m. – 10 p.m. | $10+Decades DC, 1219 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, D.C., Gather your crew, throw on your most outrageous Cupid-inspired attire, and bar hop your way through a day full of fun and festive vibes.Whether you’re celebrating love, friendship, or your fabulous single self, this event is packed with themed drinks, DJs, costume contests, giveaways, and all-day drink specials at Dupont’s hottest spots.Don’t miss out on Cupid Con 2025. Celebrate Black Art & History on Screen2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | FreeNational Gallery of Art, 6th and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20565New restorations of original feature narratives, recent documentaries, and experimental short films thrive in this seven-part series highlighting art and history, as told on screen by African American artists.Saturday’s film, “Color,” explores many facets to the world’s abundant spectrum. Beginning by exploring what color means to visual artist Alteronce Gumby and how it influences his work, this new documentary highlights conversations with scholars, artists, and advocates from around the world, each offering a unique take on the role of color in their lives. It includes commentary by renowned color expert Jerome Lamaar, pigment specialist Michael Ambron, marine ecologist Catherine Kim, filmmaker Shondiin Mayo, and advocate Karima Bengara.Sunday, Feb. 9 Sensory Friendly Morning at Planet Word9 a.m. – 11 a.m. | FreePlanet Word, 925 13th Street, NW, Washington, D.C., 20005Sensory Friendly Morning is designed for families with neurodivergent children or teenagers to explore the museum at a quieter, less-crowded time. The recommended age for this experience is 10 and up, but all are welcome. The experience is self-guided, and guests can choose to participate in additional activities. Some exhibit elements will be adapted to accommodate sensitivities to light and sound. Prior to the event, registered guests will receive pre-visit materials to help them prepare for their visit, including a social narrative and sensory map. Self-Love Wellness Workshop3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | $40+Spicez, 1610 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20007Ahead of Valentine’s Day, take a moment to honor the most important relationship in your life: the one with yourself.Join clinical social worker and therapist Krista Malbouef for a heart-centered workshop designed to nurture the spirit, cultivate deep, lasting self-love, and build community.In this 1.5-hour experience, guests will explore the power of self-love and compassion through mindfulness, reflection and creativity – the perfect environment for anyone looking to deepen their connection with themselves, find clarity, or simply engage in positivity during this season of love.
Source: Washington Informer
