February is a busy month, filled with many Black History and Valentine’s Day-related activities to enjoy.
Stay active, social, and connected with these engaging experiences and opportunities to find community and fun – all weekend long!
Check out a handful of the many activities happening in the DMV, and stay informed on all lively events via the Washington Informer Calendar.
Thursday, Feb. 12
9 a.m. – 10 a.m. | Free for members, $3 for city residents, $6 for non-city residents
William R. Talley Recreation Center, 121 North Bentz Street, Frederick, MD 21701
Located in the recreation center’s gymnasium and led by trainer Teresa T., this class entails a full-body workout for senior citizens!
Using bands, light weights, bodyweight exercises, cardio, and stretching, participants can expect an effective compound training session.
The recreation center also offers a series of amenities, including numerous rooms available for rent, athletic courts, a fitness center (includes locker rooms and showers), benches, parking on the street, and a playground located outside the facility in Baker Park.
Infuse Yourself, Herbal Bath Tea Workshop
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | $55.20
Trade Roots, Fair Trade Gift Shop, Coffee House, & Wine Bar, 5852 Washington Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22205
Sip, relax and learn to craft soothing herbal bath teas—self-care vibes guaranteed!
Settle in for a dreamy evening of tea, creativity, and self-care. This hands-on gathering is all about cozy vibes and mindful making as participants blend their own bath teas using fragrant botanicals, mineral salts, and skin-loving ingredients.
All essential tools will be provided, and guests will head home with four to six handcrafted bath teas ready for the next soak.
Plus: Event features include soothing tea, light treats, and learning about gentle, plant-based bath botanicals, while blending your own custom bath tea blends to take home.
Space is limited to keep the circle cozy—come claim a spot and soak up the good vibes!
Friday, Feb. 13
Do You Remember the Time: A Century of Learning, Celebrating, and Reflecting on Black History
6 p.m.| $15
Baltimore School of Arts, 712 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
Join the Baltimore School of Arts in a tribute to every achievement, breakthrough, and hardship that the Black community has endured.
As 2026 marks 100 years of celebrating Black History Month – which started as Negro History Week in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson – the milestone offers a reflection of a century of Black excellence, creativity, culture, and traditions.
One of the top five public performing arts high schools in the country, the Baltimore School of Arts presents this year’s Black History Month Showcase as a moment to reflect, learn and celebrate the past, present, and look to the future of African American culture.
Students across all disciplines have been working hard to put the show together, and it’s a great way to celebrate Black History for all.
9th Hour Poetry Slam hosted by Charity Blackwell
9 p.m. – 11 p.m. | $7.56
Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20009
A poetry slam is a competitive event in which poets perform their work and are judged by members of the audience. Typically, the host or another organizer selects the judges, who are instructed to give numerical scores (on a zero to 10 or one to 10 scale) based on the poets’ content and performance.
Hosted by award-winning spoken word artist and emcee Charity Blackwell, this is an opportunity for poetry lovers to enjoy the competitive art of late-night performance poetry!
With six competitors eliminated after the first round, the first-place winner will take home a $100 prize.
The rules:
- Each poem must be of the poet’s own construction.
- Each poet gets three minutes and 30 seconds (plus a ten-second grace period) to read one poem; if the poet goes over, points will be deducted from the total score.
- The poet may NOT use props, costumes, or musical instruments, including the removal of clothing – plus other rules that can be found online.
Enjoy two rounds of high-intensity poetry, with the audience choosing a winner.
Saturday, Feb. 14
Basketball Doubleheader vs UMES
2 p.m. | $17.48 – $43.10
Howard University, 635 Gresham Place NW, Washington, D.C., 20001
Love is in the air, especially the love of the game!
In a critical upcoming Howard University versus University of Maryland Eastern Shore game, both teams are getting down to the wire.
Join the Bison community at Burr Gymnasium as two accomplished and intense teams play to turn the tide. In honor of Valentine’s Day, the event welcomes a feel-good comfort vibe with its theme based on the classic romcom, “Love & Basketball” (2000).
9 p.m. – 2 a.m. | $29.73+
The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20001
This isn’t just a party—it’s a movement. From the first beat to the last dance, Afrobeats to the World (ATW) is redefining what it means to celebrate African music on a global stage.
Experience the biggest Afrobeats touring experience that has captivated more than 70,000 fans across North America in just over two years.
ATW brings together pulsating African rhythms, world-class DJs, and dynamic dancers to create an unforgettable celebration of African music and culture.
Each event is an immersive experience, connecting communities, showcasing the richness of African heritage, and delivering high-energy performances that leave audiences captivated and inspired. With top entertainment, live performers, and amazing dancers, attendees are guaranteed a great time filled with electrifying rhythms and nonstop vibes!
Sunday, Feb. 15
6 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Free
People’s Book, 7014-A Westmoreland Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Escape to different worlds and see magic and fantastic creatures, by reading at People’s Book in downtown Takoma!
Guests will explore different worlds and the characters that evolve there, and maybe what they teach readers about the world.
The book of focus is T. Kingfisher’s “A Sorceress Comes to Call” (2024), a dark fantasy novel that delves into themes of isolation, abuse, survival, resistance, and courage.
The story follows teenage Cordelia and her escape from her mother, Evangeline, who harbors supernatural abilities. Assisting Cordelia in her daring attempt at liberation is a middle-aged and extremely wise woman named Hester.
In addition to 15% off all book club works, benefits include exposure to a range of modern fantasy and speculative fiction with an emphasis on diverse writers and stories that leave readers with hope!
Dive into the immersiveness of the written word!