The Scene

The Weekend Scene: What to Do Presidents Day Weekend Around DC

How to enjoy the long weekend around D.C.

NBC Universal, Inc.

Love and patriotism are in the air, with Valentine's Day on Friday and Presidents Day on Monday. Between both, you owe it to yourself to get off the couch at least once this weekend.

All Weekend

Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival
Hilton Washington DC / Rockville Hotel & Executive Meeting Center
All Weekend

Do you like jazz? If so, come and enjoy a whole weekend of performances from some of the best jazz musicians in the country, including high school jazz bands. You can also take master classes, participate in discussions, enjoy over 30 art and culture vendors as well as other programming. Tickets start at $5.

The King's Speech
National Theatre (1321 Pennsylvania Avenue)
All Weekend

Because of his stammer, King George VI struggles with leading England after his brother abdicated the throne. Bertie starts to see a speech therapist and everything changes. The play is making its D.C. debut this weekend. Tickets go from $54 to $114.

Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
All Weekend

More than 10,000 young athletes representing 968 teams from across the United States, and even the world, will compete this weekend in one of the largest youth volleyball tournaments in the world. Now in its 14th year, the event annually attracts more than 100,000 attendees. Single-day tickets can be purchased for $18. Weekend passes can be purchased for $38.

The Cookout
Source (1835 14th St. NW)
Feb. 16-17, Starts at 7:30 p.m.

Come and enjoy two nights of black comedy with the Washington Improv Theater, featuring local performers. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

AKC Presidential Pooches Exhibition
The Watergate Hotel
All Weekend

Celebrate all of the past White House pups at this free event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. all weekend long.

News4's Tommy McFly reports on a pop-up exhibit about presidential dogs at the Watergate Hotel for President's Day weekend.

Saturday

Free Pick
Rockville Lantern Festival 2020
F Scott Fitzgerald Theatre
Feb. 15, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Come be blown away by all of the lights! This free, family-friendly event will feature Asian cultural performances, food and crafting. 

Presidential Family Fun Day
National Portrait Gallery
Feb. 15, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Start your President’s Day Weekend off right with a day of crafts, music, dancing, games and more educational programming about the presidents. This family-friendly event is free.

Galentine’s Day Trivia with Port City Brewing
City Tap House Penn Quarter
Feb. 15, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Gather your squad and channel your inner Leslie Knope with an afternoon of "Parks and Recreation" themed trivia. Yes, there will be waffles available. Be sure to reserve your table online to get a spot.

Watson Adventures’ Naked at the National Gallery of Art Scavenger Hunt
National Gallery of Art
Feb. 15, 1 p.m.

Come experience a scavenger hunt unlike any other. What exactly will you be looking for? Naked art. Follow the clues, find the art and compete to win the prize. Tickets to participate are $24. 

Sunday

Self-Care Sunday
Feb. 16, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
12 Stories

Treat yourself to rooftop yoga, specialty cocktails, a body scrub and affirmation candle-making course and more, because you deserve it. Tickets are $20.

Free Pick
3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off
The Midlands (3333 Georgia Ave. NW)
Feb. 16, 2-4 p.m.

Free samples! Local chefs will compete to serve the best chili in D.C. Competitors include The Midlands, The Looking Glass Lounge, Cinder BBQ, NuVegan Cafe, and others. Drinks will also be available for purchase.

A Valentine's Weekend Special: Featuring the Poetry of Timid Masses
Busboys and Poets (625 Monroe street NE)
Feb. 16, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Poet Timid Masses will share his inspirations for his writings in a selected reading of poetry at Busboys and Poets. His poetry discusses the tenets of faith, love and hope and his latest book has been featured on Amazon’s best-selling new releases. Tickets are $8.

Monday

Free Pick
Washington’s Birthday Celebration
Mount Vernon
Feb. 17, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Spend your Presidents Day (and George Washington’s Birthday) with a day full of free programming at Mount Vernon.

There will syrup tastings, a food truck, musical performances, military demonstrations and more. Bring the whole family to learn about our nation’s first president, and honor all of the other officials who served after him. The Washington family themselves (well, historical reenactors) will even be there to share some stories.

In celebration of the special day, admission is free.

Yoga Garden - Presidents Day Edition 2020
The Midlands Beer Garden
Feb. 17, 10-11 a.m.

Make your Presidents Day extra relaxing with an hour-long vinyasa flow. Tickets are $19, and there will be an after-party with discounted and affordable drinks following the yoga session.

George Washington Birthday Parade
Old Town Alexandria
Feb. 17, 1-3 p.m.

Come down to historic Old Town Alexandria for the nation’s largest George Washington birthday parade. The event is free and is sure to be fun for the whole family.

Rock the Rink
The Wharf
Feb. 17, 1-4 p.m.

The Wharf's ice rink is going ALL CAPS on Monday. Head down for s'mores around the campfire, a visit from Slapshot and Caps-themed drinks by Cantina Bambina. If you wear your Capitals gear, you get a $5 discount on admission, which is $12 for adults and $9 for children.

At 6 p.m., you can (hopefully) relive the glory of the Caps' Stanley Cup run. Their game against the Vegas Golden Knights will be broadcast on a huge screen near the campfire.

Presidents Day Brunches

City Tap House Penn Quarter will be offering $10 bottomless mimosas in addition to their full brunch menu from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Tico DC will have bottomless brunch options from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Unlimited food is $29 and unlimited food and drink is $39.

Mon Ami Gabi in Bethesda will begin brunch at 10 a.m. with their weekend brunch menu and $4 Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas. The Presidents Day celebration will continue all day with Happy Hour from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and dinner starting at 4 p.m.

Shoe's Cup and Cork in Leesburg will be serving a special Presidents Day brunch from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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