Your D.C. weekend: Skating tribute, Mardi Gras, free improv class

State of play: Starting at noon, there will be a benefit auction featuring season tickets to local teams, memorabilia like an autographed Alex Ovechkin jersey, and VIP packages to venues.

• Local teams and groups donated the items, and you can see what's up for auction online.
• The live show is 3-5pm.

Zoom in: Olympic champions Brian Boitano ('88) and Kristi Yamaguchi ('92) are co-hosting the performance, featuring other world stars like Ilia Malinin, Nathan Chen, and more. The full list is online.

• Tickets are $35 on Ticketmaster.

Here are more events this weekend:

⛸️ It's the last weekend to skate at the Sculpture Garden Ice Rink. You can rent a pair of skates during your visit and nosh on snacks and hot chocolate at the Pavilion Café.

🧀 Cheesetique in Alexandria has a special Raclette Fest menu of lodge-themed cocktails, warm pretzels, and wheels of premium gooey Alpine cheese to eat with artisanal bread, veggies and sausage. Saturday evening there's a DJ'd Aprés-Ski Party with an unlimited Raclette Feast, chill-funk music, and more.

🎭 Free improv classes are available Saturday, including one for kids 8+ and parents, courtesy of Washington Improv Theater. You can register online.

🟣 For Mardi Gras, there are plenty of local celebrations:

• The Wharf will have live music, New Orleans-themed treats and a fireworks display on Saturday, 3-7pm.
• On Monday, St. Vincent Wine in Park View is throwing a Lundi Gras bash. A $20 ticket gets you a Hurricane cocktail, a raffle entry for prizes, a New Orleans-style jazz performance and Mardi Gras beads. NOLA-inspired dishes are on the menu.
• On Fat Tuesday, Bayou Bakery in Arlington is throwing a Bayou Gras Mardi Pardi from 6pm until 9pm. Tickets get you authentic parade food and drink options.