Events & Happenings - February 17th-23rd

Black History Month, Lunar New Year, art events, and more!

Author

Juliana Lewis
February 16, 2026

Events & Happenings Dates

News & Announcements

Look: This weekend is the open house of Look: An Unexpected Arts Experience. It will be open Friday through Sunday for three weekends in February and March.

Events

Tuesday, February 17th

  • Whether you're curious about knitting, a beginner who wants to learn more, or are working at an intermediate / advanced level, this group is for you! Bring your desire to create with yarn along with your projects, questions, and problems. Attendees should bring their own supplies, but we do have needles and yarn on hand for beginners to practice. For adult knitters and crocheters of all skill levels.

  • Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm

  • Location: Aurora Hills Library in the Eads Room

  • Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington leaders, Jessica Kaplan (Arlington Historical Society) and Scott Taylor (Director of the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington) will discuss the project, its goals, history, successes, and challenges. Hosted by the Woman’s Club of Arlington as part of their celebration of Black History Month. Since the late 1700s, African Americans made important contributions to the development of Arlington County. Until recently, histories of Arlington often excluded or misrepresented their stories. Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington (MEA), a project sponsored by the Arlington Historical Society and the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington, brings our county’s African American history to light. Research into local records uncovers the brutal truth of enslavement in Arlington and the human cost for all involved. Most importantly, it reveals the fortitude and resilience of the local enslaved community.

  • Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm

  • Location: Women’s Club of Arlington

Wednesday, February 18th

Short Story Social Club

  • Each story is available freely online or as a print-out held at the Courthouse Library. Expect esoteric, experimental, and playfully untraditional reads! New members are always welcome. Meetings are held in-person at the Courthouse Library in the Dogwood Room or on Zoom unless otherwise specified. This short story club will discuss Previous Condition by James Baldwin. Registration recommended.

  • Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm

  • Location: Courthouse Library in the Dogwood Conference Room

Thursday, February 19th

  • Libraries and exhibitions alike serve as repositories of collective memory. By bringing them together, Arlington County Library and Mason Exhibitions Arlington affirm the kitchen as a site of learning, preservation, and connection. Join us for Bring Your Own Supper Club, hosted at Mason Exhibitions Arlington. This will be a gathering where each person brings their own dinner for themself--whether from your fridge or picked up on your way to the gallery. Feel free to bring extra to share. The start time is flexible, so please feel free to come when you can. We will provide plenty of seating as well as some fun conversation starters to help you get to know your neighbors and make friends. Levita Mondie, otherwise known as Vita the Vegan Chef, will provide a short group cooking experience with the library's portable kitchen.  While you eat, you can also enjoy the current exhibition on display, "The Prescription is HOME: A Manifesto," a community-sourced, immersive visual arts exhibition by Melani N. Douglass, on view January 23–April 18, 2026.

  • Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm

  • Location: Mason Exhibitions Arlington

Friday, February 20th

  • Join us for the opening night of Look: An Unexpected Arts Experience. We will be celebrating vision 2050. To learn more about Look, visit their website. There are workshops, special events, and dining partners!

  • Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm

  • Location: 3130 Langston Boulevard

  • Decorate six Galentine’s-themed cookies with expert guidance in this fun, family-friendly class—perfect for beginners and sweet-tooths

    Celebrate Galentine’s season with sugar, sprinkles, and creativity at Dov & Company’s brand-new Ballston Quarter location! In this guided workshop, you’ll learn the basics of cookie decorating while creating six beautifully themed Galentine’s Day cookies. From piping techniques to decorative details, you’ll be supported every step of the way—making this class perfect for beginners, families, and anyone curious about picking up a new (and delicious!) hobby.

  • Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm

  • Location: Dov & Company

  • Cost: $100

  • Tito Garza is a rising comedian based in NYC. His recent YouTube special, Prickly, has been described as “full of heart and darkness … and very, very funny.”

  • Time: 8:00pm (doors open at 7:00pm). Come early for full dinner and drink service.

  • Location: Crystal City Sports Pub

Saturday, February 21st

  • Need inspiration? Looking for a friendly community of writers? Join the Courthouse Writer’s Group! We meet every other Saturday morning to share feedback and constructive criticism, offer support, and talk about the craft of writing. Whether you're a poet, creative writer, or professional writer, you're welcome here! Led by an experienced volunteer. Registration recommended.

  • Time: 10:00am-12:00pm

  • Location: Courthouse Library in the Cherry Conference Room

  • Refresh Your Wardrobe Sustainably for Free – Arlington Students for Climate Action is hosting a free clothing pop-up Saturday, February 21 from 12-4PM at Washington-Liberty High School’s Cafeteria, 1301 N Stafford St., Arlington, VA 22201. You may drop off your old wardrobe or pick up your next one! All students and community members are welcome; no registration required.

  • Time: 12:00pm-4:00pm

  • Location: Washington-Liberty High School

  • Feel the Heritage is Arlington County’s annual cultural celebration honoring Black history, culture, and community. This year’s event theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” invites residents and visitors to reflect on the people, movements, and milestones that have shaped Black history over the past 100 years. Through live performances, interactive activities, youth programming, and community engagement, Feel the Heritage offers a meaningful and family-friendly opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate. The festival brings together local artists, performers, organizations, and residents to honor the past while highlighting the continued impact of Black history and culture in Arlington and beyond. Explore the sections below to learn more about this year’s programming, featured experiences, and how you can participate in this special community event.

  • Time: 12:00pm-5:00pm

  • Location: Charles Drew Community Center

  • Join Arlington Historical Society President Peter Vaselopulos, at Glencarlyn Library for a special presentation. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Arlington County is preparing a host of meaningful and engaging events. Peter Vaselopulos will share an inside look at what is being planned and how our community can get involved in commemorating this once-in-a-lifetime milestone.

  • Time: 2:30pm-4:00pm

  • Location: Glencarlyn Library

  • Head underground in National Landing for the area’s most beloved unconventional bike race – the Garage Racing National Championships. See race participants traverse the parking garage racecourse dodging garage poles, looping around tight curves, and battling it out for a spot on the 2026 winner’s podium. Apart from traditional race categories, the fixed-gear race is not to be missed as bikers must pedal backwards to break. Plus, be sure to stay until the Anything Goes race where costumes and a variety of non-motorized vehicles converge on the racecourse for a fun and quirky culmination of the day. Spectators can attend the race of their choice or linger for the day to catch the excitement from the sidelines. When there’s a break in the action, enjoy local food and beverage offerings from Acme Pies, Port City Brewing Co., swag, and other bike-themed fun!

  • Time: 11:00am-7:00pm

  • Location: 201 12th St S and throughout National Landing

  • Join MoCA Arlington to celebrate the opening of our first new exhibitions of 2026! See the new exhibitions and meet exhibiting artists. On the third floor, visit with resident artists in their studios, including the cohort of new resident artists who recently joined the program.

  • Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm

  • Location: Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

Sunday, February 22nd

  • Improv Comedy Sunday Brunch at El Rey combines joyful, spontaneous comedy with everyone's favorite meal! Every show is unique and every show is different. Free comedy starts at 12:15, so come early to order some delicious food & drink off the menu. Note that the comedy is free, but the food & drink aren't. Also, (free) tickets are suggested, but not required.

  • Time: 12:15pm

  • Location: El Rey Ballston

  • Join us for a fun and hands-on floral arrangement workshop! This program kicks off with a floral arrangement demo, showing you creative ways to mix and match blooms. Then participants have a chance to play and experiment with a variety of flowers, colors, and textures. What is a Flower Potluck? Participants will bring flowers (foraged or store-bought, a mix or all the same) + a vessel (something you want to arrange your flowers in). We’ll start by choosing flowers from our collective potluck, so make sure to arrive on time to pick from the full selection and dive into the creative process with us! MoCA Arlington is thrilled to be working with @flower.potluck.dmv for this program. Check out their IG for their portfolio and to see more about their previous programs.

  • Time: 12:30pm-2:00pm

  • Location: Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

  • Cost: $49.87

Monday, February 23rd

  • Start your week off the right way by joining us at Westover for a self-care craft or activity the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Supplies, coffee/tea and a relaxing atmosphere will all be provided.  

  • Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm

  • Location: Westover Library in the Longfellow Room

  • Spell your way to glory (and bubbles!) at our monthly Buzzy Spelling Bee – the most hilarious, tipsy twist on a classic spelling bee! Join us for Buzzy Bee: Love Lust & Letters Misspelled, a Valentine meets Mardi Gras edition where hearts are full, drinks are flowing, and words are falling apart. Hosted by Ya’Sean A. Alexander, this February spelling bee celebrates passion, pleasure, and pure chaotic fun.

  • Time: 7:00pm

  • Location: Punch Bowl Social Arlington

  • Cost: $10 contestant ticket, $0 for spectators