SPECIAL EVENT
Open Mic Night
Monday, 8-10 p.m.
Hosted by KaNikki J., a writer and poet, Busboys and Poets opens its stage to the community to come and speak their mind through spoken word, whether through performance or music. Ka Nikki J., also the founder of the National Underground Spoken Word Poetry Awards, will lead the night and offer up some of her own “real-life fiction” anecdotes. // Busboys and Poets: 4251 S. Campbell Ave., Arlington
SPECIAL EVENT
Movie Parties at Alamo Drafthouse
Monday, 7 p.m., & Sunday, 8 p.m.
We are taught not to talk during movies, to the point where there are now trailers shown to drive home the point. This week at Alamo Drafthouse they are asking, begging, you to sing along and shout out famous quotes from two cult movies: Moulin Rouge! (Monday) and The Princess Bride (Sunday). Because can you really call it a party if there is no talking?// Alamo Drafthouse and Cinema: 20575 Easthampton Plaza
PERFORMING ARTS
Light Years
Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. (Opening Night)
For two years, Signature Theatre’s artistic director, Eric Schaeffer, has worked with Robbie Schaefer (folk-rock band Eddie from Ohio) on the world premiere of Light Years. The musical, about the relationship between a father and son, was written by and stars Schaefer, who crafts his own life tale into a funny yet real performance that touches on immigration, perseverance and bonds that can never break. // Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
FOOD + DRINK
Soft Launch of Koi Tea
Tuesday, Noon-3 p.m.
Only 100 people can sneak into the soft opening of Koi Tea for discounted drinks, such as boba tea. The store officially opens Feb. 19. // Koi Tea: 418 Garrisonville Road, Stafford
ART
Passages Opening Reception & Torpedo Talks: Diaspora in African-American Art Thursday, 7-9 p.m.
Catch the opening reception and gallery talk (7 p.m.) for Passages, Target Gallery’s new show of works revolving around immigration. Also in conjunction with the show, museum veteran Kayleigh Bryant-Greenwell will explore the impact of diaspora in works by African-American artists (8 p.m.). // Torpedo Factory: 105 N Union St., Alexandria
SPECIAL EVENT
Chocolate City: A History of Race and Democracy in the Nation’s Capital
Thursday, 7-9 p.m.
Co-author George Derek Musgrove discusses his recently released book, Chocolate City: A History of Race and Democracy in the Nation’s Capital, which focused on a four-century swath of time when our nation battled slavery, segregation, drugs and gentrification—delving into themes of activism and resilience. // Reinsch Library Auditorium, Marymount University: 2807 N. Glebe Road, Arlington
MUSIC
Chris Young: Losing Sleep 2018 World Tour
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Country artist Chris Young, who was recently inducted as a new member of the Grand Ole Opry, released his seventh album, Losing Sleep, spurred by the lead single of the same name, in October. The Grammy-nominated artist’s latest tour kicks off in Fairfax, with support from Kane Brown and LANCO. // EagleBank Arena: 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax
PERFORMING ARTS
Fly Me to the Moon Valentine’s Cabaret
Friday & Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Performers at StageCoach Theatre Company bring love songs to the stage as they take classic crooners’ tunes from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s and present them in a traditional New York cabaret style. Beverage and dining options will be available. // StageCoach Theatre: 20937 Ashburn Road, Suites 115 and 120, Ashburn
MUSIC
TAO Presents: Drum Heart
Saturday, 8 p.m.
This display of taiko drumming is riveting, with thunderous sounds and costumed, athletic performers. TAO has been praised for its articulate choreography and gender-inclusive company. // George Mason University’s Center for the Arts: 4400 University Drive, Fairfax
MUSIC
American Festival Pops Orchestra
Saturday, 8 p,m.
Get an early start on the Valentine’s Day festivities by listening to the American Festival Pops Orchestra perform the love songs that dominated the 20th century. Guests can upgrade their tickets to include champagne, chocolates and complimentary champagne glasses via the Valentine Date Package. // Merchant Hall at Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas