Hey, D.C.: Monday is a holiday. Now, it’s not a holiday for everybody, but for most people, the three-day weekend will open up a few extra entertainment options. Throw in Valentine’s Day on Saturday, and it appears you could be booked through Monday.
Valentine’s Day is for suckers: If you’re a person (or a couple) who doesn’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, you won’t be left out in the cold. A quick scan shows a few options around town Saturday.
» Shred Your Ex, Find Your Next — Bring pictures, love letters and other relationship reminders to The Bottom Line on I Street on Saturday night and dispose of them properly — in a giant shredder.
» Forget Romance, Let’s Drink — Punk music, black clothes and drink specials are the order of the day at Gazuza on Connecticut Avenue.
» Anti-Valentine’s Day Party — At Garrett’s Restaurant and Railroad Tavern on M Street, hang out with other like-minded friends for drink specials and a “couples stink” theme.
Well, now, that’s sweet: Everybody knows that part of Valentine’s Day is devoted to the consumption of the world’s most perfect food — chocolate. On Saturday, the National Museum of the American Indian hosts the Power of Chocolate Festival starting at 10:30 a.m. The free program features demonstrations, hands-on activities for families and children, dancers, and more. For information, visit nmai.si.edu.
Once you’ve had your fill of chocolate, hop a Metro to the American Art Museum for some cupcakes. Baker and artist Zilly Rosen will craft a portrait titled “A New Birth of Freedom” entirely out of cupcakes. Following the Presidential Family Fun Day activities, you’ll have the chance to help eat the art. For information, visit americanart.si.edu.
All hail the queen: Legendary singer and diva Patti LaBelle will be on stage at DAR Constitution Hall at 8 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $85. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
If racing’s your thing: The Daytona 500, considered by many people to be the premier NASCAR event of the year, is Sunday. At Porter’s Dining Saloon on 19th Street, you can watch the race with drink specials and door prizes. For information, visit portersdc.com.
Sorry, sports fans: Your home teams are on the road this weekend. The Wizards are back Tuesday, and the Capitals are home again Wednesday.
See it before it’s gone: “Funeral Potatoes” (Flashpoint; through Saturday; $15, $12 for students; flashpointdc.org), “Avenue Q” (Warner Theatre; through Sunday; $45 to $80; warnertheatre.com), “Irving Berlin’s I Love a Piano” (Arena Stage at Lincoln Theatre; through Sunday; $25 to $74; arena-stage.org), The Washington Ballet: Highland Fling (Kennedy Center; through Sunday; $20 to $120; kennedy-center.org), “Hunchback” (Shakespeare Theatre Company-Harman Hall; through Sunday; $10 to $25; shakespearetheatre.org), “Tosca” (George Mason University; through Sunday; $44 to $98; vaopera.org).
