The DC Lineup for this weekend: The shortest month starts off long on history and traditions

The first weekend of February is full of ways to celebrate Black History Month, as well as Groundhog Day and Super Bowl Sunday. There is also a polar plunge for folks who can’t get enough of the cold, and a clothing exchange for those who’d like to bundle up in something different.

Though the arctic blast will subside by the weekend, temperatures will still be on the colder side. The weather report predicts a low of 21 degrees and a high of 52 degrees, along with snow showers on Friday and clouds on Saturday and Sunday.

You can still get out and enjoy the city — and stay warm doing it — by taking advantage of free rides on the DC Circulator being offered throughout the month of February as part of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s #FairShotFebruary.

1. Music: Celebrate the start of Black History Month on Sunday with a performance at Duke Ellington School of the Arts called The Negro Speaks of Rivers … Still: A Vocal Recital of the African-American Art Song & Spiritual. The show is a partnership among the school’s Samuel Bonds Opera & Vocal Arts Workshop, ElllingtonArts! and Seek 2 Save, a DC-based organization that positively impacts the community through service, the arts, ministry and education. Admission costs $5 for students and $15 for the general public. The recital starts at 5 p.m. in Ellington’s Performance Hall, 3500 R St. NW.

2. Literature: The Read Africa Week Festival at the Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE, is a literary initiative to highlight children’s literature that showcases realistic depictions of African life. The event is on Saturday starting at 11 a.m. with a recycled-art project, followed by a workshop about Adinkra symbols from West Africa at 12:30 p.m. and storytelling at 2 p.m. Authentic African foods and a curated selection of books will also be available. Register online for this free event, since space for workshops is limited. … Native Washingtonian, anthropologist and author Jenny Masur will discuss her new book Heroes of the Underground Railroad Around Washington, D.C. on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW. Masur — a professor at Northwestern University who worked for 17 years for the National Park Service as National Capital Region manager for the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom — will share the stories of men and women who “demonstrated courage, resourcefulness and initiative” in an effort to help transport enslaved people to freedom.

3. Weather & Politics: Spend Saturday morning at the Dupont Circle fountain to celebrate Groundhog Day with music, dancers, a puppet show, local celebrities and more. At 8:30 a.m., “Potomac Phil, the National Groundhog” will come out from hibernating — or not. If he does appear, he’ll give his two cents on what is to come in weather and politics. If he sees his shadow, six more months of winter and political gridlock can be expected, organizers say; if not, there will be an early spring and movement in politics. The event is hosted by Dupont Circle Main Streets and Dupont Festival, a nonprofit that presents arts and cultural programming.

4. History: Immerse yourself in history during a Walking Tour of Frederick Douglass’ Old Anacostia on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Local reporter and historian John Muller will lead the 1.5-mile trek starting at the Visitor Center of the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, 1411 W St. SE, with a focus on blending history with present-day Ward 8 politics. Tickets cost $20. Walking shoes, photography and questions are encouraged. The tour will also be offered on Sunday, Feb. 17.

5. Recreation: Take the Polar Plunge this Saturday at The Yards Park, 355 Water St. SE, while supporting Special Olympics DC. Registration costs $10, with participants also required to raise at least $100. Those who raise over $100 are eligible to receive prizes in addition to the commemorative T-shirt available to everyone who takes the plunge. The event will include an ice bar, live music, interactive ice activities, local food vendors and more. If you can’t make it to Saturday’s event — or would just rather not jump in freezing water— you can still support Special Olympics DC athletes by making a donation or fundraising for an athlete’s dive.

6. History: On Sunday from noon to 2 p.m., The Mansion on O & O Street Museum, 2020 O St. NW, hosts the Mrs. Rosa Parks Tour. Parks lived at the mansion from 1994 to 2003 whenever she came to DC. Visitors will have a chance to see some of her favorite rooms and mementos, and to view a private screening of stories from her life at the mansion. Tickets cost $30. Watch this trailer for a sneak peak of the tour.

7. Sports: The Washington Wizards are honoring Black History Month with a special statement jersey as they take on the Milwaukee Bucks this Saturday. The game starts at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena, 601 F St. NW. Tickets start at $18.

8. Local Businesses: Spend Saturday supporting local black vendors at The Pop-Up Shop at Boone, presented by Lawrence E. Boone Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization. This is the second annual event, which celebrates black business owners in the community; last year there were more than 30 vendors selling custom apparel, jewelry, handmade gift baskets and more. Admission is free, with registration available online. The pop-up is at 2200 Minnesota Ave. SE from noon to 4 p.m.

9. Fashion: Take part in the “mindful fashion” movement with Swap DC, which promotes reuse with a giant neighborhood fashion exchange. Bring five to 15 clean, gently used articles of clothing, shoes, books and accessories — preferably items that are in season. Then look through the merchandise and select up to 16 of your favorites to take home. All clothes that don’t get a new home will be donated to local shelters and charities. To help build community, Swap DC also showcases local vendors, entertainers and artists at its event. This year’s swap is on Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Pen Arts Building and Art Museum, 1300 17th St. NW. Admission costs $10.

10. Sports: Stay warm this Super Bowl Sunday at the Super “Chili” Bowl Cook-Off hosted by Jack Rose Dining Saloon, 2007 18th St. NW. This all-you-can-eat heated rooftop party includes five chilis, five canned beers, 10 draft brews — and four big flat-screen televisions for watching the game. Admission costs $50, which includes unlimited beer and endless bowls of chili along with toppings from 6 to 10 p.m.