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A guide to fun things to do in D.C. this weekend.

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Your D.C. Weekend: New museum exhibits you don't want to miss

Go see Nick Cave at the Smithsonian and these other shows.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s a great weekend to explore D.C.&#x27;s newest museum exhibits — from powerhouse female artists to mammoth-scale installations and American masters.Three newcomers you won&#x27;t want to miss:

Union Station wants a lighting makeover for its facade

Officials say the looksmaxxing would also boost public safety.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Union Station" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/12/02/union-station-project-amtrak-moynihan-train-hall" data-vars-content-id="ca68d975-5a06-4223-9e8b-ff37d009fa46" data-vars-headline="Union Station wants a lighting makeover for its facade" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/12/02/union-station-project-amtrak-moynihan-train-hall" target="_self">Union Station</a> wants a literal glow-up — nighttime lights outside, brighter bulbs inside.The big picture: The train station&#x27;s CEO has wanted to work with the Trump administration on realizing its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="longterm modernization project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/14/union-station-renovation-progress-update" data-vars-content-id="ca68d975-5a06-4223-9e8b-ff37d009fa46" data-vars-headline="Union Station wants a lighting makeover for its facade" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/14/union-station-renovation-progress-update" target="_self">longterm modernization project</a>, and a flashier entrance for D.C.&#x27;s front door might appeal to the president&#x27;s sensibilities.

Scoop: Waymo steps up lobbying after D.C. delays robotaxis

City Hall says not so fast, awaiting a delayed safety study.

D.C.&#x27;s robotaxi rollout has slowed to a crawl, so Waymo has been dropping big bucks on a D.C. lobbying blitz.The big picture: Waymo is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tapping $16 billion in fresh capital" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/24/waymo-robotaxis-now-available-in-10-cities" data-vars-content-id="10b7e4d2-fb75-4fc6-af28-ea3c63692e3b" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Waymo steps up lobbying after D.C. delays robotaxis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/24/waymo-robotaxis-now-available-in-10-cities" target="_self">tapping $16 billion in fresh capital</a> to accelerate its national expansion. But not so fast in D.C., where council members are deferring approval until a long-awaited study gets done.

D.C. on the verge of lifting Potomac River recreation restrictions

It's an early sign the region may be turning a corner on what officials have called the worst sewage spill in U.S. history.

D.C. is aiming to lift its restrictions on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Potomac River" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/13/sewage-spill-potomac-river-safety-fishing-swimming-future" data-vars-content-id="6c022735-497c-4c20-8ad3-0e1621adaeec" data-vars-headline="D.C. on the verge of lifting Potomac River recreation restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/13/sewage-spill-potomac-river-safety-fishing-swimming-future" target="_self">Potomac River</a> recreation on March 2 — three weeks after the last sewage surge was reported (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Superbowl Sunday&#x27;s &quot;wipegate&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wusa9.com/article/tech/science/environment/non-flushable-wipes-more-sew[…]tomac-river-super-bowl/65-bbe1af6c-6dd0-4aad-bb99-1fcb16a2c650" data-vars-content-id="6c022735-497c-4c20-8ad3-0e1621adaeec" data-vars-headline="D.C. on the verge of lifting Potomac River recreation restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wusa9.com/article/tech/science/environment/non-flushable-wipes-more-sew[…]tomac-river-super-bowl/65-bbe1af6c-6dd0-4aad-bb99-1fcb16a2c650" target="_blank">Superbowl Sunday&#x27;s &quot;wipegate&quot;</a>) and six weeks after the initial spill.Why it matters: It&#x27;s an early sign the region may be turning a corner on what officials have called the worst sewage spill in U.S. history — and a test of public trust in the river.

Balian Springs spa CEO's best skincare tip is free

The Alexandria spa founder talks K-beauty favorites and her $0 beauty secret.

Health

Social wellness is booming. And while D.C. may not (yet) rival New York City&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bathhouse renaissance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/rise-bathouses-high-margin-business/91292642" data-vars-content-id="f3f700ef-4f37-4569-9dbd-816ffd5ca335" data-vars-headline="Balian Springs spa CEO&#x27;s best skincare tip is free" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/rise-bathouses-high-margin-business/91292642" target="_blank">bathhouse renaissance</a>, Alexandria&#x27;s luxe <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Balian Springs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/12/26/balian-springs-winter-spa-pop-up" data-vars-content-id="f3f700ef-4f37-4569-9dbd-816ffd5ca335" data-vars-headline="Balian Springs spa CEO&#x27;s best skincare tip is free" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/12/26/balian-springs-winter-spa-pop-up" target="_self">Balian Springs</a> is quickly becoming a go-to for society soakers.<ul><li>If you haven&#x27;t met the 37-year-old behind the DMV &quot;self-care social club,&quot; it&#x27;s time to know Stephanie Chon.</li></ul>

D.C.'s Lunar New Year guide, other weekend events

D.C. caps its parade with a firecracker show on H Street Northwest.

Chinatown will celebrate the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Year of the Fire Horse" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/fire-horse-meaning-astrology" data-vars-content-id="a67224e4-96cd-40e1-9c5c-76e885702f6c" data-vars-headline="D.C.&#x27;s Lunar New Year guide, other weekend events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/fire-horse-meaning-astrology" target="_self">Year of the Fire Horse</a> this Sunday with its annual Lunar New Year Parade.Why it matters: Fire Horse energy is intense, and D.C. will cap its parade with a firecracker show on H Street Northwest.

Your D.C. Weekend: Mardi Gras guide

Plus: More fun for your long Presidents Day weekend

It&#x27;s a long, packed weekend — Valentine&#x27;s Day, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Galentine&#x27;s Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/11/things-to-do-galentines-valentines-weekend-dc-singles-parties" data-vars-content-id="f47e3afe-6ce7-4ef8-8b31-a20c16268a99" data-vars-headline="Your D.C. Weekend: Mardi Gras guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/11/things-to-do-galentines-valentines-weekend-dc-singles-parties" target="_self">Galentine&#x27;s Day</a>, Presidents Day — but we&#x27;re going Big Easy energy for non-stop Mardi Gras parties through Fat Tuesday.Why it matters: Po&#x27;boys, Sazeracs and brass bands — enough said!

Your guide to Galentine's and singles parties around D.C.

Whether you&#x27;re single, taken, or &quot;it&#x27;s complicated,&quot; check out these parties, mixers and tastings happening around D.C. this week. Why it matters: Dancing &gt; Valentine&#x27;s dinner.

Your D.C. guide to watching the Winter Olympics

Medal-worthy drink deals and après-ski parties.

The 2026 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Winter Olympics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/olympic-village-2026-milan-cortina" data-vars-content-id="4a360f0b-37a5-473f-bba7-d9bdeff8781f" data-vars-headline="Your D.C. guide to watching the Winter Olympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/olympic-village-2026-milan-cortina" target="_self">Winter Olympics</a> kick off Friday and run through February 22.The big picture: You don&#x27;t need cable to keep up with the games — but a six-hour time difference will shape two weeks of early-morning medal events and late-night finishes for U.S. viewers.

D.C.'s Super Bowl gameplan

It's Super Bowl parties galore, with plenty of catering options and bar specials for fans on Sunday.

It&#x27;s Super Bowl parties galore, with plenty of catering options and dine-in specials for fans on Sunday.

Your D.C. Weekend: Extended restaurant weeks, indoor fun

Restaurant week extensions, comedy and horror shows.

Winter restaurant weeks are popping up around the DMV — with plenty of extensions due to the storm.Why it matters: Food and drink deals are a great excuse to get out of the house after this ice-bound week.

Exclusive: A boutique wellness spot is coming to Georgetown

RM Balances blends yoga, pilates, meditation and bodywork in super small-format classes.

A new way to unwind is coming to Georgetown: RM Balance, a boutique wellness studio, opens next month.Why it matters: The zen-forward spot focuses on small-group classes that blend yoga, pilates, meditation and bodywork.

Things to Do 🗓

Cannoli Cowboy brings viral treats to D.C.

Balian Springs spa CEO's best skincare tip is free

Your D.C. Weekend: New museum exhibits you don't want to miss

D.C. on the verge of lifting Potomac River recreation restrictions

D.C.'s Lunar New Year guide, other weekend events