No weekend plans? No problem! Check out these events happening across the DMV this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. From live music, local markets, auto shows, parades, and even a chocolate festival — you won’t struggle to find something fun to do!
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Maryland This Weekend
Maryland has a multitude of events scheduled this weekend to keep you well entertained! Jam out at Frost Fest 2025 or get a jump on Valentine’s Day shopping at the market hosted at the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in Solomons. Don’t forget to collect your dining stamps during FredCo Eats Restaurant Week for your chance to win gift certificates!
FredCo Eats Restaurant Week 2025
Where? Various Locations Across Frederick County
When? January 27th-February 2nd
Do you consider yourself a foodie? If you answered yes, then you won’t want to miss Restaurant Week in Virginia’s Frederick County. Diners will have the opportunity to enjoy special menus and promotional discounts at participating FredCo eateries through February 2nd. Frederick County’s restaurant scene is diverse and growing, so celebrate locally-owned eateries, including food trucks, stand-alone restaurants, and even specialty convenience stores that are serving authentic cuisine where you least expect it! FredCo Eats Restaurant Week is taking place across 22 locations, including Bam Bam’s BBQ, Good News Coffee Co, Wayside Inn, Donut Dive, Taco’s Market, Taqueria Los 8 Hermanos, and many more. As you visit participating eateries, collect stamps to add to your passport, which can be downloaded here, for the chance to win gift certificates and swag!
Valentine Market
Where? 13470 Dowell Road, Solomons
When? February 1st
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center is hosting a Valentine’s Maker’s Market this weekend, where you can find thoughtful and handmade gifts for all of the sweeties in your life. Whether you’re looking for small-batch chocolates, jewelry, leather goods, pottery, clothing, or something else entirely — you’re sure to find it at one of the indoor and outdoor vendors. And the best news? Everything is made with love! Food trucks will be onsite and admission to the market area is free. The market will be held rain or shine and well-behaved and leashed pets are welcome.
The Home Owners Expo
Where? 5000 Signal Bell Lane, Clarksville
When? February 1st & 2nd
The Home Owners Expo is your local festival for all things contractors, services, inspiration, and even education seminars. The expo will be held at the Ten Oaks Ballroom on Saturday and Sunday before it heads to Annapolis near the end of the month. This super show has everything you need to transform your home with a new kitchen, bath, full remodel, or even that landscaping project you’ve been dreaming of for years. Meet with local contractors and service providers to discuss your goals. Admission is free, so swing by and see what type of introductions are waiting on you. Enjoy informational seminars and workshops with local and national experts or spend the afternoon checking out the multitude of booths that are showcasing everything from security and alarm systems, cookware, lawn and landscape products and services, to blind and window treatments!
The Great Scale Model Train Show
Where? 2200 York Road, Timonium
When? February 1st & 2nd
The Great Scale Model Train and Railroad Collectors Show and Railroad Marketplace is coming to the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium this weekend. Saturday’s hours kick off from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday continues the fun through 3:00 PM. Embark on a magical excursion into the miniature worlds with fantastical, exquisite layouts handcrafted by skilled modelers. Held three times a year, the Great Scale Model Train Show is hailed as the biggest and best model train show in the Mid-Atlantic region. Tickets can be purchased online for express entry for $14.58 for admittance on both Saturday and Sunday or $25.24 for a weekend family admission.
Frost Fest 2025
Where? 512 York Road, Towson
When? February 2nd
Stages Music Arts is proud to present the biggest and best concert event of the year, the 7th Annual Frost Fest Student Band Showcase! Join the fun at The Recher and The Rec Room in Towson to rock out to a full lineup of kid, teen, and adult student bands from Stages Music Arts. The lineup includes Bucket List, Trinkets, All-Access Rising Stars, Mixed Frequencies, Lethal Machine, The Fake IDs, Roses & Rogues, Fish Eye Lens, and many, many more. Grab your tickets and check the website to see what time your favorite bands are taking the stage. Tickets are priced at $5 in advance and $10 on the day of the show — so buy now and save 50%! Doors open at 12:00 PM this Sunday.
FitDog Walks: February
Where? 7816 Whistling Pines Court, Ellicott City
When? February 2nd
Looking to earn a new title for your pup? AKC FitDog allows owners to do just that by getting out and walking with their dogs. Magic Dog Training is an official FitDog training club that hosts regular walks (approximately 1 mile) for pups. Come on out and enjoy one of the group walks to meet new friends and socialize with your dog. Group walks aren’t the right fit for every dog, such as leash-reactive pups or environmentally anxious dogs. Register for this Sunday’s walk from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM for $30. Owners with recovering reactive dogs who wish to attend busier group walks may be asked to use a muzzle to optimize safety!
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Washington D.C. This Weekend
The capital city is proud to showcase hundreds of spectacular vehicles at this year’s Washington Auto Show, as well as present the National Ballet of China as they perform a spectacular homage to the Nutcracker!
National Ballet of China: Chinese New Year
Where? 2700 F Street NW
When? January 29th-February 2nd
The National Ballet of China is presenting a dazzling hybrid of Western ballet and Chinese culture this weekend at the Opera House. The ballet returns to thrill audiences with its luminous fusion of traditions, which tell the story of a family’s Chinese New Year celebration set to Tchaikovsky’s treasured Nutcracker score. Live music will be presented by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra and National Children’s Chorus. Prices for the ballet range from $30 to $142, so snag your spot now because you won’t want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind colorful tale with vibrant characters and radiant choreography.
Washington Auto Show
Where? 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW
When? January 31st-February 9th
Make plans to experience the 2025 Washington Auto Show this weekend at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center! The festivities kick off on Friday and continue through next weekend, giving you plenty of time to see this world-class lineup. The show has been designated as one of the nation’s top five auto shows by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. The show is set to feature hundreds of vehicles from top manufacturers, as well as brand-new experiences and activities for all ages. Vehicles range from concept to luxury, electric to hybrid, and exotic to historic — giving car enthusiasts of all types something to get excited about! Weekend tickets for adults are priced at $20.60 and weekday tickets are discounted to $15.60. Children ages 6 through 12 can attend for $7.60!
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
Where? 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
When? January 31st & February 1st
Don’t miss out on the 2024-2025 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour! New programs of epic films are making their way around the world, stopping in theaters across Canada, the USA, and over 40 different countries! This Saturday, catch the screenings at The National Theatre in DC. Every year, the Banff World Tour licenses approximately 30 films that feature a range of styles and themes, including climbing, skiing, kayaking, biking, adventure, culture, and the environment. Most screenings include 6 to 8 films. Standard tickets are on sale now for DC’s date starting as low as $30 — so grab yours today!
DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade
Where? 616 H Street NW
When? February 2nd
This Sunday at 2:00 PM, celebrate the Chinese New Year with an exciting family-friendly parade! This annual parade is hosted and organized by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Washington, DC in partnership with the DC Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs. The streets of DC’s Chinatown will be filled with revelers and spectators to celebrate the Year of the Snake. This vibrant community-based parade is set to feature various cultural and community performers, with the grand finale including a spectacular firecracker show in the middle of H Street. Make sure to come early to grab a meal at one of the local eateries before you find your spot on the curb to enjoy the colorful festivities.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Northern Virginia This Weekend
If you’re a chocolate fanatic, then there’s no better weekend excursion than a trip to the Chocolate Lovers Festival in Fairfax. Prefer a cold beverage? Check out the anniversary party at Port City Brewing Company in Alexandria!
Chocolate Lovers Festival
Where? 3999 University Drive, Fairfax
When? January 31st-February 2nd
Are you ready for the most decadent event of the year? If you answered with a resounding “yes,” then you’ll want to head to Fairfax to celebrate the Chocolate Lovers Festival with all of your fellow chocoholics. This annual three-day festival is held on the first weekend of February and features activities for all to enjoy. This year’s schedule kicks off on Friday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and continues on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM before wrapping up on Sunday at 4:00 PM. Enjoy chocolate tastings, make & take crafts, rainbow puppets, free guided tours, games and activities, and more! Some activities may require a fee to participate, while others are complimentary while supplies last.
Chocolate Lovers Festival: Sweet Mile
Where? 4041 University Drive, Fairfax
When? February 1st
As part of Fairfax’s Chocolate Lovers Festival, there will be a one mile dash on Saturday. Racers kick things off at 9:00 AM before joggers and walkers join in on the fun at 9:20 AM and 9:40 AM, respectively. The Sweet Mile is a delicious way to celebrate the beloved annual Chocolate Lover’s Festival — so lace up your sneakers and dash through this scenic and family-friendly course that’s filled with chocolate-themed surprises. Participants will enjoy a chocolate treat at the finish line, along with various opportunities to win prizes and support community programs. Proceeds from the race will go towards benefiting local charities and organizations. Registration for the 1-mile race is priced at $25 through January 31st and increases to $30 on race day. All participants will receive a commemorative beanie.
Volunteer Service Day
Where? 2845 Marcey Road, Arlington
When? February 1st
Participate in a volunteer service day at the Potomac Overlook Regional Park this Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM! Join together with fellow community members as everyone pitches in to keep the park healthy and beautiful. Tasks for the afternoon will include assisting with invasive plant removal, habitat restoration, and other projects as needed. Participants are encouraged to come dressed for and prepared for outdoor work. Gloves and snippers are recommended and there may be extras provided if needed. The group will meet at the picnic shelter in the main parking lot. Registration is free and this is a great family-friendly activity for parents with kiddos ages 9 and up.
14th Anniversary Celebration @ Port City Brewing Company
Where? 3950 Wheeler Avenue, Alexandria
When? February 1st
Celebrate 14 years with Port City Brewing Company this Saturday. The brewing company is throwing a big party complete with live music, new beer releases and all-around good vibes. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, this is a great opportunity to sample new brews and enjoy tunes from Chris Rote and No Quick Fix. The event is scheduled from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, so swing by in the afternoon with some friends or stick around all day and keep the good times rolling!
We Hope You Enjoy Your Weekend!
The DMV region is a bustling place and this weekend is no different. Check out Maryland festivities like The Great Scale Model Train Show or celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year in Washington, DC. Northern Virginia’s Chocolate Lovers Festival is sure to be one for the books — so indulge your sweet tooth and stop by!