Things to Do

Things to Do in DC This Weekend February 4-7: Kick Off the Chinese New Year at the Kennedy Center

Wring in the Chinese New Year by watching Jam You perform at the Kennedy Center's Shenzhen Pop Music Show. Photo courtesy of the Kennedy Center.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4 

SHOP: Still looking for the perfect V-day gift? Union Market is hosting Valentine’s Day PopUps until February 14, giving you plenty of time to find a unique, DIY gift for someone special. Among the shops, local candy makers Capital Candy will have a popup on February 7 and February 9-14, and artisanal chocolate makers DreamBites will be present on February 4-7 and February 11-14. For a non-edible treat, check out handmade jewelry by Mallory Shelter. Free, Union Market Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

DISCUSSION: It’s going to be sheer torture at the Shaw Neighborhood Library on Thursday. Literally. At “Getting Medieval,” professor and author Larissa Tracy will delve into the gruesome history of the Medieval era. Free, 7 PM.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5

CHINESE NEW YEAR: The Kennedy Center kicks off Chinese New Year celebrations, which will run until February 8. All week you’ll have the opportunity enjoy activities and events highlighting Chinese culture, but the Millennium Stage on Friday will play host to a Shenzhen Pop Music Show featuring pop music artists from the southeastern Chinese metropolis including Jam You, Tsinger and Majia Jiado, Ray M and rappers Too Phat. Free, 6 PM.

PICNIC: Perhaps you’ve walked the beautiful, neo-gothic quarters of the Washington National Cathedral, but have you ever had a picnic inside it? On Friday, you’ll get the rare chance to do so. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and enjoy the tranquility. Free, 7 PM.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6

CRAFT: Unleash your inner creative at Crafty Bastards. Head to Hecht Wearhouse on Saturday to scour homemade goods courtesy of more than 100 independent artisans and then grab a bite from area food trucks to stave off the shopping fatigue. $5-$25, 10 AM

DRINK: New Belgium Brewing’s “Lost in the Woods” Sour Soiree at Lost & Found showcases the unique, lip-puckering beer that Belgium is known for. Your ticket includes a build-your-own beer flight, snacks from Union Kitchen, and a letterpress poster printed on-site courtesy of Typecase Industries. Also on display for your tasting pleasure will be New Belgium’s 2016 award-winning sour La Folie. $30, 5 PM.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7

SUPER BOWL: Why watch football at a bar when you can go to a movie theatre that has really big screens and cushy seats? Arlington Cinema Drafthouse will show the Super Bowl on its “huge digital sports screen” on Sunday while serving up their usual tasty food and cocktails. Free, 4:30 PM.

MUSIC: Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco brings songs from his newest record 2015’s Tetuso & Youth—which critics have been hailing as a return to his mid-2000s form—to the 9:30 Club on Sunday. $40, 7 PM.