2021 February events in Northern Virginia include Valentine’s and President’s Day celebrations, restaurant deals, family fun, and more. There are not many in-person events in February 2021, but there are still lots of fun things to do in Northern VA. Whether you love winter’s chill or can’t wait for warmer times, you’ll find fun ways to keep busy during our shortest month.
Northern Virginia 2021 February Events
February events are listed in order of start date, with multi-day events listed first. Follow the links for event details and to check for inclement weather closures.
Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week, Jan 22 – Feb 7
More than 70 Alexandria restaurants offer a $49 takeout dinner for two during the expanded Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week. Support local restaurants and pick up a delicious meal to go for two weeks in 2021. More than half of the restaurants will also offer a $25 take out dinner for one. Follow the link for participating restaurant details.
Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week, Jan 25 – Feb 7
Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week expands to two-weeks of dining deals in 2021. 250 restaurants, including many in Northern Virginia, offer 3-course brunches and lunches for $22, and 3-course dinners for $35 (per person, beverage, tax, and gratuity not included). Enjoy your meal at outdoor patios, dine in (where available), or order to go and dine at home. Follow the link to search by cuisine and neighborhood or to check for your favorite dining spot.
Happy Groundhog Day! Feb 2
Take a hike at one of Northern VA’s family-friendly parks and see if you can spot a groundhog or other wildlife. Our favorite Winter Walks in Northern Virginia offer more opportunities to see wildlife from trails that hold up well to snow and rain.
Occoquan ChocolateFest, Occoquan, Feb 4 – 14
Much of the annual Occoquan ChocolateFest will go virtual for 2021. Tune in at 4:00 on Feb 4 for a Facebook Live Sale. Watch virtual tours and demonstrations and shop local for a chance to win a 2-night stay in historic Occoquan.
2021 Virginia Polar Dip & Dash, Virtual, Feb 6 – 14
It’s “freezin’ for a reason,” time and Reston’s annual polar bear plunge is going virtual in 2021. This year you can sign up to create your own “Polar plunge” or sign up to run a fundraising 5K. Both activities support Camp Sunshine, a camp and support program in Maine that helps families affected by life-threatening childhood illnesses. Follow the link for rules and sign up details.
Alexandria Warehouse Sale, Alexandria Feb 6 – 7
Find deals up to 80% off retail prices at the 16th annual designer warehouse sale. This year the sales will be spread out across stores, pop-up tents, and outdoor spaces on King Street in Old Town. Shop a great collection of 46 local boutiques and score some of the best deals of the year. Admission and parking is free all weekend in Old Town. Hours vary by location.
Super Bowl and Puppy Bowl Sunday, Feb 7
At some local spots, like Kalypso’s Sports Tavern on Lake Anne in Reston, you can cheer on the game from patios featuring outdoor TVs. Be sure to tune in at 2:00 for the Puppy Bowl and cheer for the locals. 12 of the 70 puppies in the 2021 starting line-up come from Virginia shelters.
Mardi Gras Parade and Celebration, Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, Feb 13
Decorate a float, car, or stroller and join in a Mardi Gras celebration at the Workhouse Arts Center. Socially distanced fun will include music, a parade featuring you and other creative folks, and a drive-in movie style comedy show. Tickets are $10 per parade entry and spectators can attend free. Leading up to the parade, the Workhouse is hosting virtual and in-person events so follow the link for the full schedule.
Valentine’s Day, Feb 14
How will you celebrate your love on Valentine’s Day? We’ve rounded up ways to create your own romantic fun in the Northern Virginia region. Whether you want a romantic weekend getaway, a delicious couples meal, or a DIY outing, we’ve got ideas for you.
Plan a Romantic Getaway
Plan a night or two at these 22 Fabulous Romantic Getaways from Washington DC. Our list includes romantic hotels, secluded inns, and offbeat places in cities and towns around DC and the Northern Virginia region.
Enjoy a Romantic Meal
Treat your love to a special meal out at these Romantic Restaurants in Northern Virginia or get your special dinner to go. Our list includes elegant and casual options for every mood.
Create You Own Unique Valentine’s Day Celebration
Looking for a unique (and easy to plan last minute) romantic outing? We’ve rounded up unique indoor and outdoor places that set the mood for love: 21 Romantic Places in Virginia and DC, No Reservation Required.
Treat Your Sweet to a Sweet Treat
Indulge your sweetheart with a gourmet treat from one of these tasty Chocolate Shops in Northern Virginia. Our guide includes local chocolate makers plus restaurants where you can enjoy a chocolatey creation.
Create a LOVE-ly Memory
For over 50 years, our state has been known by its Virginia is for Lovers tagline. And in honor of that motto, there are LOVEworks—creative art featuring the word LOVE—all over the state. Here is a guide to some of our favorite spots to take a perfect photo of you and the ones you love: Celebrate Romance and Family Fun at Virginia LOVEworks
President’s Day, Feb 15
In addition to the special events listed below, the long President’s Day weekend is a great time to explore presidential history in Virginia. We’re lucky to have these Presidential Sites to Explore on President’s Day Weekend. In fact, these historic sites are worth visiting all year long.
Washington’s Birthday Celebration, Mount Vernon, Feb 15
Special activities honor and celebrate George Washington, and you get free admission to Mount Vernon on President’s Day, February 15th. Tickets are limited and you must register online to attend. Activities include demonstrations, character performances, and birthday cake. Free; 9:00 – 5:00.
George Washington’s Birthday at Ferry Farm, Fredericksburg, Feb 15
Celebrate George Washington’s 289th birthday at his boyhood home with fun activities for the whole family. Activities include games, crafts, archaeology lab tours, living history activities, the Stone Throw Challenge (weather permitting), history theater, and birthday cake. “General Washington” will be there to talk about his youth on the farm. Reserve a two-hour time slot online; $5 adults, under 17 free. 10:00 – 4:00
George Washington Birthday Parade, Alexandria, Canceled
The annual George Washington Birthday Parade is canceled in 2021. Next year we hope to celebrate the 290th anniversary of George Washington’s birth at the nation’s largest George Washington Birthday parade. The one-mile route through the streets of Old Town Alexandria usually attracts nearly 3,500 participants and honors one of Alexandria’s favorite sons.
More February Events in Northern VA
Happy Mardi Gras! Feb 16
Celebrate with a sweet and tasty King Cake from Harvest Bread. Their King Cakes are made on Fridays so order your cake online and schedule a pick-up time. We tried one in late January and it’s delicious!
National Drink Wine Day, Feb 18
Wineries and wine lovers all over the USA celebrate National Drink Wine Day on February 18th. Why not create your own celebration at one of these fun 7 Virginia Hike and Wine Day Trips Close to Washington DC? Or skip the hike, relax with a glass, and soak in these Sensational Northern Virginia Winery Views in Northern Virginia. Cheers!
Maple Syrup Boil-Down, Colvin Run Mill, Feb 20
When the sap is rising and the maple trees are tapped, it’s sugaring time. Watch and learn as the sap is boiled down into sweet maple syrup over an open fire. Sample the delicious combination of maple syrup over fresh-baked cornbread, while supplies last. $8 per person, register online; noon – 2:00.
George Washington 289th Birthday, Virtual, Feb 22
Mount Vernon usually celebrates George Washington’s actual birthday with free entry to his beloved estate. In 2021 the celebration goes virtual. Enjoy an online program featuring performances and stories from actors, musicians, and historians. Then join in a toast to “General Washington” from the comfort of home. Register for the event online; suggested $5 donation. 7:00 pm.
More Winter Fun in Northern VA
Create your own winter fun with the help of these guides to trails, activities, and places to visit this February.
Take a Winter Hike, Multiple Locations
Unless we’ve had heavy snow or rain, winter is a great time to explore local trails. These winter hikes and strolls are enjoyable except when conditions are especially icy or water-logged. A little snow on the ground is not a problem with most of these destinations, but wear good hiking boots and check ahead for inclement weather closures.
Take a Spin at a Local Ice Skating Rink
The return of chilly temps puts us in the mood for a wintery outing. Northern Virginia ice skating rinks offer healthy winter fun for every age, whether you prefer to skate indoors or out. Each ice skating destination offers smooth ice, happy music, and nearby fun, so why not try them all?
Enjoy Heated Outdoor Dining and Drinking in Northern Virginia
Dine and drink local at restaurants, wineries, and breweries with outdoor heated spaces. Rent a private igloo, reserve your own fire pit, or grab a table in heated tents and pavilions. It’s the perfect outdoor-indoor combination.
Sip Wine with a Sensational View
We crave a beautiful view all year long. One of our favorite options for a winter outing is to visit one of the many excellent Virginia wineries and soak up nature with a glass in hand.
Support Local Businesses at These Small Towns Near DC
Plan a day trip or a weekend getaway with our list of 15 Fun Northern Virginia Small Towns to Visit Now. From tiny hamlets to historic Old Towns we’ve found quaint and interesting places to explore. Visit these destinations and you can support local restaurants, shops, wineries, and breweries plus enjoy outdoor activities.
Take a Scenic Drive to Explore Northern VA
Chilly winter days are a perfect time to explore new roads and sites close to home. We’ve rounded up 6 scenic drives in Northern Virginia where you can explore small towns and history while enjoying country roads.
Find Warm Indoor Activities in Northern VA
Sometimes it’s too cold to play outdoors, but cabin fever pushes us to get out of the house. Whether you have kids along or not, we’ve rounded up a great big list of warm indoor activities that offer a change of scene close to home.
Whatever 2021 February events are on your list, we hope you’ll have time to explore and enjoy the Northern Virginia area.
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