Start your post-Valentine’s Day weekend with a glass of rosé, continue with a series of independent films and finish off with a bang from the fireworks of a Chinese New Year parade.
Friday
Drink the District Wine Festival: 50 Shades of Rosé
The La Maison Française at the French Embassy is hosting an unlimited wine tasting with more than 100 French rosés and wines. This event also features a wine cooking demonstration, live music and dancing, specialty wares from local artisans and samples of French cheeses. If that isn’t enough, you can take up to four bottles of your favorite rosé home to continue the evening. Those looking for extra weekend Valentine’s plans will not be disappointed.
La Maison Française at the French Embassy, 4101 Reservoir Road NW. 6 to 9 p.m. $69
Saturday
The D.C. Independent Film Festival
For those looking for a unique cinema experience, check out the D.C. Independent Film Festival and support independent filmmakers. Enjoy a variety of full-length dramas as well as short films and documentaries from across the world. Alongside film screenings will also be seminars by some of the directors and cast members as they give advice for those interested in filmmaking. There will be a bar reception before the showing of the film “Closure” from 7 to 7:45 p.m. All day passes and all festival access can be purchased online.
Burke Theater, Naval Heritage Center, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 11:15 a.m. to 11:40 p.m. $60
Sunday
D.C. Chinese New Year Parade
Celebrate the Year of Dog with D.C.’s annual Chinese New Year Parade taking place in Chinatown. This parade will feature Chinese folk dancers, firecrackers, beauty queens, kung fu demonstrations and dancing dragons. Other groups such as Batala Washington, Girl Scouts of America and Almas Shriners will also be in attendance. The parade will conclude with a fireworks finale from 3:45 to 4 p.m. Concessions from the local vendors and restaurants will be available before and after the parade. It is advised to gather a block or two away from Sixth and H streets to get the best views of the parade.
Gallery Place Metro Stop, H & Seventh streets NW. 2 to 5:30 p.m. Free
