Lucky you. You just found NOVAtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout Northern Virginia each month.
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
(Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.)
Live music
John Lloyd Young | Wednesday, Feb. 4 | 8 p.m. | The Barns at Wolf Trap, Vienna | $51+ | John Lloyd Young’s concert is a high-energy celebration of classic pop and Broadway favorites.
Arlington Philharmonic Concert and Art Show | Friday, Feb. 6 | 5-7 p.m. | Unity Homes, Arlington | Free | The Arlington Philharmonic and Arlington Artists Alliance team up for a special concert and art exhibition featuring local artists and live woodwind performances.
Nashville Emerging Artists Night | Thursday, Feb. 5-Saturday, Feb. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | The Barns at Wolf Trap, Vienna | $53 | This three-night Nashville showcase features Grammy-performing Jack Dratch and seven rising singer-songwriters from country, folk, R&B, and indie genres.
Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute | Saturday, Feb. 7 | 8 p.m. | Capital One Hall, Tysons | $48+ | Experience the timeless music of Fleetwood Mac performed by a dynamic cover band.
Lindsey Webster | Friday, Feb. 13 | 7:30 p.m. | The Birchmere, Alexandria | $53 | Lindsey Webster showcases genre-blending vocals, and soulful, poetic songwriting, delivering a powerful and captivating musical experience.
Love Notes | Saturday, Feb. 14 | 8 p.m. | Capital One Hall, Tysons | $43 | Thomas Pandolfi and the William & Mary Symphony Orchestra celebrate Valentine’s Day with romantic works by Ladmirault, Strauss, and Tchaikovsky.
Esperanza Spalding | Friday, Feb. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | The Birchmere, Alexandria | $113 | Esperanza Spalding blends jazz, improvisation, storytelling, dance, and multidisciplinary artistry into a deeply creative and transformative experience.
Don’t miss the free concert at The Lyceum this February. | Photo via The City of Alexandria
Black History Month
A Free Black History Month Concert | Sunday, Feb. 8 | 3-5 p.m. | The Lyceum, Alexandria | Free | Celebrate African American culture with the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices and the Office of Historic Alexandria’s Division of African American History at this concert.
Black History Month Celebration | Saturday, Feb. 21 | 12-5 p.m. | Douglass Community Center, Leesburg | Free | This event features live performances, a variety of Black-owned vendors, local food trucks, and plenty more to explore.
Black History & Culture Fest | Saturday, Feb. 28 | 1-5 p.m. | Sterling Community Center, Sterling | Free | Discover local vendors, enjoy live performances, and explore engaging educational exhibits at this community event.
For the bookworms
Author Talks | Saturday, Feb. 7-Saturday, Feb. 14 | Times vary | Daydrift Books & Cafe, Arlington | Free | This local cafe offers various author talks every month — don’t miss the ones currently on the schedule.
Spellbinders Story Fest | Saturday, Feb. 21 | 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Gulf Branch Nature Center, Arlington | Free | Join the Arlington Spellbinders for an oral storytelling experience, and take home a well-loved book.
Northern Virginia Writers Club Book Fair | Saturday, Feb. 28 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, Alexandria | Free | Meet 20 local authors across a variety of genres in talks throughout the day.
Upcoming holidays
Lunar New Year Celebration | Sunday, Feb. 1 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Long Branch Nature Center, Arlington | $9 | Witness the Chinese Lion Dance, participate in crafts, and try cultural foods at this celebration.
2026 Lunar New Year Celebration in Northern Virginia | Saturday, Feb. 7 | 11 a.m. | Fairfax County Government Center, Fairfax | Price of purchase | Celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year with food and fun in Fairfax with other locals.
George Washington Birthday Parade | Saturday, Feb. 14 | 2-4 p.m. | Alexandria Visitor’s Center, Alexandria | Free | Watch the George Washington Birthday Parade honoring the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Caps season is in full swing. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
For the athlete
Polar Pals 5k, 1 mile, and 1/2 mile | Saturday, Feb. 7 | 11 a.m. | Colonial Forge High School, Stafford | Free | This fun run is designed to keep people moving during the colder months, with hot chocolate and indoor activities after the race.
Super Bowl Watch Party | Sunday, Feb. 8 | 5-11 p.m. | Clarendon Ballroom, Arlington | $13 | Don’t miss the Seattle Seahawks play against the New England Patriots for Super Bowl LX.
Alexandria Super Bowl Watch Party | Sunday, Feb. 8 | 6:30-10 p.m. | Alexandria Bier Garden, Alexandria | $8 | Food, beer, and football… because that’s what Super Bowl Sunday is all about.
Washington Wizards vs. Indiana Pacers | Thursday, Feb. 19-Friday, Feb. 20 | 7 p.m. | Capital One Arena, Washington, DC | $17+ | Watch the Washington Wizards take on the Indiana Pacers in back-to-back matchups.
Garage Racing National Championship | Saturday, Feb. 21 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Parking Garage, Arlington | Free | Watch an exciting bike race in an Arlington parking garage, yes, a parking garage, spanning two levels. The event features both competitive races and rides for all skill levels.
Washington Capitals vs. Philadelphia Flyers | Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 7 p.m. | Capital One Arena, Washington, DC | $59+ | The Washington Capitals are partnering with MedStar Health to host a special Heart Health Awareness event during their matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Other
Diva Central Dress Drive | Sunday, Feb. 1-Saturday, Feb. 28 | 9 a.m. | RCC Hunters Woods, Reston | Free | Help local students by donating formal dresses, shoes, and accessories for future formal events.
Alexandria Warehouse Sale | Saturday, Feb. 7-Sunday, Feb. 8 | Various times | Old Town Alexandria | Price of purchase | Shop local at shops around Old Town Alexandria, and get up to 80% off various products, from clothing to home goods.
35th Annual Chocolate Lovers Festival | Friday, Feb. 6-Sunday, Feb. 8 | Times vary | Downtown Fairfax, Fairfax | Price of purchase | In need of some treats for Valentine’s Day? Check out this three-day festival and get locally-sourced treats while enjoying live music and other fun activities.
Have an event of your own you want to share with us? Follow these easy steps to add your events to our calendar:
- Go to our Events page.
- Click “Add Event” in the top right-hand corner.
- Make sure to include a link and fill out important information like the date, time, location, and price of your event.
- Click “Submit,” and you’ve just added an event to our website calendar.