Lunar New Year Festivals and Broadway Hits: What’s On in D.C. Today
A Vibrant Saturday in the District
Welcome to your weekend guide for Saturday, February 21, 2026. Washington D.C. is buzzing today with a blend of cultural heritage celebrations, high-energy theater, and the return of favorite community markets. Whether you are looking to celebrate the Lunar New Year or catch a matinee on Pennsylvania Avenue, the city has a diverse lineup of non-sporting events to fill your itinerary.
Community Gatherings and Local Markets
Start your morning at the historic Eastern Market in Capitol Hill. The outdoor market is in full swing today from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., featuring local farm-fresh produce, handmade arts, and unique crafts. If you are closer to the Anacostia River, the RFK Farmers & Flea Market is open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering a wide array of collectibles and local goods.
For those looking for a spirited community event, the annual Cupid’s Undie Run takes place today at Union Stage at the Wharf. This festive event combines a brief outdoor jog with a dance party to raise awareness and funds for neurofibromatosis research.
Museum Exhibitions and Cultural Festivals
The Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art is hosting its Lunar New Year Festival today. To mark the Year of the Horse, visitors can enjoy live cultural performances, lion dance demonstrations, and hands-on jewelry-making workshops. This free event is a highlight for families and culture enthusiasts alike.
Art lovers should also head to the National Gallery of Art. The museum is currently showcasing the much-anticipated exhibition, Mary Cassatt: An American in Paris. Additionally, the gallery is hosting a specialized talk titled "Finding Awe: Theaster Gates' Ground Rules" at 10:30 a.m. and again at 2:15 p.m. in the East Building. At 2:00 p.m., the museum will feature a screening of the classic film The General.
Stage and Performance
Theater takes center stage today with the Tony Award-winning production of Stereophonic at the National Theatre. With shows at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., audiences can experience the high-stakes drama of a 1970s rock band in the recording studio. Meanwhile, at the Howard Theatre, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC presents Heart & Soul at 5:00 p.m., a powerful musical celebration of Black excellence.
- Drunk Shakespeare: A comedic twist on the classics at Sage Theatre (3:00 p.m.).
- Shear Madness: The long-running interactive whodunit at the Kennedy Center Theatre Lab (8:00 p.m.).
- National Symphony Orchestra: Presenting American Mosaic at the Kennedy Center (8:00 p.m.).