Sure, it’s cold out there, but turn off Netflix and go out! Even in the middle of winter, this area offers plenty of interesting things to do. Highlights this month include art exhibits, Valentine’s Day, and a personal favorite — the annual Virginia Polar Dip.
The Virginia Polar Dip splashes into Lake Anne for charity on February 6, 2016.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016
Sista Pat’s One Vibe – Reggae Band
9:30pm-close: Kalypso’s Sports Tavern, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Spend the evening dancing to live reggae, funk, pop, and blues.
Hot Momma’s Fudge – Top 40 Cover Band
9-11pm: Cafe Monmartre, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Mama’s Hot Fudge is a Northern Virginia cover band specializing in Top 40 covers that make you get up off your feet and dance the night away. They cover tunes from the 90s to today, from the Fugees to Bruno Mars.
Come support all the brave and crazy jumpers in this year’s Virginia Polar Dip on February 6, 2016.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016
For the Love of It 10K
8am: South Lakes High School, 11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston
Grab your sweetheart (or friend or family member) and challenge yourselves in this Valentine’s Day-themed 10K race. $40 per person. Register online.
Reston Art Gallery – Free Saturday Kids Program
10am-12pm: Reston Art Gallery, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Bring your kids, ages 3-11 years for their weekly kids’ program. This week’s project: Groundhog Day and Asian New Year (Year of the Monkey) folded paper pop ups. FREE, no reservations required.
Chocolate Lovers Festival
10am-5pm: Various locations in Fairfax
This annual festival includes several fun events, including the Taste of Chocolate, the Chocolate Challenge, the Kiwanis Chocolate Chip Pancake Breakfast, open houses at historic buildings, and much more. Some events are free, and some have an admission fee. See the schedule of events for more information.
Grand Opening of the Lake Anne Contract Postal Unit
11am: Chesapeake Chocolates, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
The Postal Service will host a grand opening celebration of the new post office opening on Lake Anne Plaza. This Contract Postal Unit is located inside the Chesapeake Chocolates shop. The event is FREE and open to the public.
Freezin’ for a Reason – Virginia Polar Dip
2pm: Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Every winter, hundreds of brave volunteers leap into the freezing waters of Lake Anne, as part of a fundraiser for Camp Sunshine, a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses. Come cheer for these jumpers and their outrageous costumes and antics, or register to participate if you think you’re tough enough. Register online or in person, starting at noon on Saturday the 6th. The jump will begin at 2pm.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016
Chocolate Lovers Festival
12-4pm: Various locations in Fairfax
This annual festival includes several fun events, including the Taste of Chocolate, the Chocolate Challenge, the Kiwanis Chocolate Chip Pancake Breakfast, open houses at historic buildings, and much more. Some events are free, and some have an admission fee. See the schedule of events for more information.
Kalypso’s Super Bowl Party
Noon-close: Kalypso’s Sports Tavern, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Join your friends and neighbors at Kalypso’s to watch the Super Bowl. Game Day specials start at noon, and there will be a raffle for an HDTV benefiting Camp Sunshine. Stick around for a post-game dance party by DJ Mega.
The Greater Reston Arts Center will be hosting meditation workshops on February 8 and 11, 2016, in conjunction with Rebecca Kamen’s art exhibit. (Photo credit: Rebecca Kamen, courtesy of GRACE)
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2016
Meditation Workshop for Adults: Contemplating Art: Thought Experiments, Black Holes, and Meditation
7-8:30pm: Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE), Reston Town Center, Reston
Join the Directors of Beloved Yoga as they lead you through a thoughtful exploration of the ideas presented in Rebecca Kamen’s exhibition Continuum. We will sit among the art work and experience first hand the “Thought Experiments” that Einstein used to give birth to the Theory of Relativity. We will also dive deeply into the idea of black holes and expand perceptions that black holes don’t only give birth to stars and planets in other dimensions but that they are very much related to the space within ourselves that gives birth to creativity and ideas. FREE for GRACE members, $5 for non-members.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2016
Clarendon-Courthouse Mardi Gras Parade
7pm: Wilson Blvd. from N. Barton Street to N. Irving Street, Arlington
The largest Mardi Gras parade in the DC area features music, floats, costumes, and plenty of beads.
The Mardi Gras Ball
7-11pm: Clarendon Ballroom, 3185 Wilson Blvd, Arlington
If you want to take part in Clarendon’s legendary Mardi Gras celebrations, but you’d prefer to stay indoors, head to their first-ever Mardi Gras Ball. They’ll have music from 8ohm Band and Yomomanem Jazz Band, and Louisiana-themed food and beverages, including the traditional Mardi Gras Punch. During the band break they will crown a King and Queen of the Ball. Tickets are $20.
Mardi Gras on the Lake
5pm-2am: Kalypso’s Sports Tavern, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Celebrate Mardi Gras with live music by Pete Lapp, specials on New Orleans-style food and drink, and free beads.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016
Meditation Workshop for Teens: Contemplating Art: Thought Experiments, Black Holes, and Meditation
7-8:30pm: Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE), Reston Town Center, Reston
Join the Directors of Beloved Yoga as they lead you through a thoughtful exploration of the ideas presented in Rebecca Kamen’s exhibition Continuum. We will sit among the art work and experience first hand the “Thought Experiments” that Einstein used to give birth to the Theory of Relativity. We will also dive deeply into the idea of black holes and expand perceptions that black holes don’t only give birth to stars and planets in other dimensions but that they are very much related to the space within ourselves that gives birth to creativity and ideas. FREE for ages 12-18.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016
A Taste of the Arab World
6-8:30pm: Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston
Drop in for this free event that will feature, henna hand art, Middle-Eastern appetizers, belly dancing, and exciting Arab exhibits. FREE.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2016
Reston Art Gallery – Free Saturday Kids Program
10am-12pm: Reston Art Gallery, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Bring your kids, ages 3-11 years for their weekly kids’ program. This week’s project: Bright Valentines. FREE, no reservations required.
Chocolate Festival
11am-3pm: Floris United Methodist Church, 13600 Frying Pan Road, Herndon
Spend Valentine’s Day trying chocolate treats, while your kids enjoy inflatables, face painting, and balloon art. Money raised will benefit the church’s Help Hungry Kids program.
Partner Yoga Workshop
1-2:30pm: Reston Community Center at Lake Anne, Reston
Learn partner-assisted stretches, enabling a deeper stretch and deeper connection with others. Bring a friend, loved one or neighbor. Registration is $10/$15.
Valentine’s Guitar Gala
6:30-9:30pm: Cafe Monmartre, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Bring your Valentine for a three-course dinner and a concert by guitarist Jonathan Smith. $80 per person or $150 per couple.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016
Valentine’s Day Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
5:30-9:30pm: Reston Town Center, Reston
Take a romantic carriage ride through the streets of the town center. Departing in front of Talbots on Market Street. $5 per person; children 5 and ride free with an adult.
Valentine’s Day Specials at Kalypso’s
Starting at 5:30pm: Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Bring your Valentine to Kalypso’s for a four-course dinner for two for $56.95. Listen to music by Tula Pisano starting at 5:30.
Valentine Celebration Dinner: Dine and Dance
6-11pm: Cafe Monmartre, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a three-course dinner, live music, and dancing. $50 per person.
The Reston Players will be performing “Mary Poppins” at CenterStage from February 19-March 12, 2016.
FEBRUARY 19, 2016 – MARCH 12, 2016
Reston Players Present: Mary Poppins
CenterStage, Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston
Lovable chimney-sweep, Bert, introduces us to the troubled Banks family in 1910. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before the Practically-Perfect Mary Poppins teaches the children how to value each other again with a little common sense and their magical adventures! Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that Anything Can Happen If You Let It. Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers, and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious stagecraft! Tickets are available online.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2016
Reston Art Gallery – Free Saturday Kids Program
10am-12pm: Reston Art Gallery, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Bring your kids, ages 3-11 years for their weekly kids’ program. This week’s project: Paper cats and dogs. FREE, no reservations required.
Wine & Design Painting Party
6:30-9pm: Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston
Looking to uncork an unknown talent? Unleash your creative side with an evening of wine and painting. Paint, canvas, brushes, and a glass of wine will be provided while an instructor guides you through the process. At the end of the night, take home your masterpiece. No experience is necessary. Registration is $45/$56.
Awards Reception for the 2016 Fine Art Photography Competition
7-9pm: ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon
Photographs by finalists in this annual competition will be displayed, and awards will be presented. The exhibit will be on display February 16 – March 13, 2016.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016
Pirate Party
10:30-11:30am: Reston Association conference center, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston
This Pirate Adventure will transform your child aged 3-5 into a pirate, complete with dress-up, and allow them to take part in a real treasure hunt on land. Enjoy crafts, games & fun activities. Registration is $8/$12.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016
An Evening of Jazz with Reston’s Divas
6pm: Reston Museum at Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Beverly Cosham, Menda Ahart and Felicia Kessel-Crawley will entertain you with their magnificent voices and the stories behind the songs they sing. Admission is FREE, but reservations are required. Call 703-709-7700 or e-mail [email protected].
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2016
Panther Pride 5K
9am: Langston Hughes Middle School, 11401 Ridge Heights Rd, Reston
Join Langston Hughes Middle School with this 5K. $10 for students, $20 for adults. Register online.
Reston Art Gallery – Free Saturday Kids Program
10am-12pm: Reston Art Gallery, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Bring your kids, ages 3-11 years for their weekly kids’ program. This week’s project: Presidents Day, design your own money. FREE, no reservations required.
Opening Reception: GRACE Art: Cultivating a Creative Community
5-7pm: Greater Reston Art Center, Reston Town Center, Reston
This exhibition highlights work from the long-standing GRACE Art program. Nearly 40 area schools participate in this program, in which trained classroom volunteers deliver an interactive art history lesson with materials and visuals supplied by GRACE, followed by a related hands-on art project. Selected student projects from nine participating schools will be presented at GRACE, promoting the impact of this important visual art literacy program. FREE.
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