The Good Week | February 12, 2026

Lunar New Year marks a time of renewal, momentum, and looking ahead—and this annual Strathmore concert opens the celebration on a grand scale. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, led by Assistant Conductor Jiannan Cheng, is joined by guest artists Yekwon Sunwoo and Yazhi Guo for a program that moves across classical, traditional, and contemporary Chinese works. A festive concert experience paired with pre-concert lobby activities makes this a favorite way to welcome the Year of the Horse. $29+
→ Celebrate the New Year at Strathmore

The Year of the Horse continues with a free, community-centered celebration that brings Lunar New Year traditions together under one roof. Expect live performances, interactive displays, and cultural activities that reflect the many Asian communities who observe the holiday. Hosted by the City of Rockville in partnership with the Asian Pacific American Task Force, this afternoon offers an open, welcoming way to take part.
→ Stop by and celebrate

A Valentine's-week event that's free, a little spicy, and refreshingly direct. Golden Angel—a USA Today bestselling romance author who makes a full-time living writing the genre—reads steamy scenes aloud, then opens it up for a candid Q&A on craft, publishing, and how romance actually works as a career. She shares practical advice on TikTok and Substack and currently serves as VP of Maryland Romance Writers. Open to devoted readers, aspiring writers, and the romance-curious alike. Free.
→ Register and save your spot.

Food, drinks, and the kind of socializing that pairs well with both.

Settle in for a relaxed, creative night of guided painting paired with a well-earned drink. Led by local artist Becca, this easygoing paint-and-sip is designed for all skill levels—whether you follow along step by step or do your own thing. All paints and canvases are included (or feel free to bring your own), and your ticket comes with a complimentary beer or cocktail. A low-pressure, weeknight way to unwind, get creative, and enjoy good company. $40
→ Paint, sip, and unwind

Watching the Winter Games from the couch is one thing. Actually moving? That's the harder part. Here are a few ways to get unstuck this month.

A weekly run or walk with company, then a drink after. The group heads out together for about 30–45 minutes at all paces, then returns to BabyCat to relax. Food is available from BabyCat's Cattie Shack food truck and nearby spots. Come solo or meet up with friends.
→ Join the weekly run

If watching the Winter Games has you feeling inspired, Cabin John Ice Rink offers beginner classes to get you on the ice. Adult Ice Skating 1 covers foundational skills like balance, forward movement, and stops. Teen & Adult Hockey 1 builds on those basics with hockey-specific movement, puck handling, and passing. Skate rental and practice sessions included. $120.
→ Lace up and get on the ice: Ice Skating | Hockey

Zumba is just genuinely fun—upbeat music, easy-to-follow choreography, and a room full of people moving together without taking themselves too seriously. Led by longtime instructor Marta Manzano, these classes are welcoming to all ages and fitness levels. It's the kind of workout that feels more like a dance party than exercise, where showing up and enjoying yourself is the entire point. $13
→ Dance it out

The counterbalance to all that athletic intensity. Led by Helén Andersson Sears, this five-week course blends gentle movement, breathwork, and deep relaxation. No prior experience needed. $150
→ Register for the series

New skills, hands-on workshops, and the kind of creative experiments that are more fun than you'd expect. A little outside your comfort zone, fully worth it.

Ready to level up your arrangement skills? This hands-on workshop is for anyone with an eye for composition who wants to go beyond the basics. Led by Rewild's resident arrangement expert, the evening covers foundational techniques alongside higher-level insights to help you refine balance, structure, and style. You'll leave with a finished 6-inch arrangement in a workshop-exclusive low bowl planter crafted by a local ceramicist. All materials provided. $70
→ Save your spot

Spend an afternoon creating two personalized items in this relaxed, creativity-forward workshop. You’ll pour an 8 oz candle in your choice of scent and design a charm bracelet at the charm bar, with all materials and guidance provided. Work at your own pace, follow along, or put your own spin on the process. Open to all skill levels and easy to enjoy solo, with a friend, or as a small group. $50
→ Reserve your spot

This is less about a single class and more about unlocking access. White Flint Creations’ beginner course certifies you to use a fully equipped professional woodshop—table saws, planers, router tables, and the kind of equipment most of us don’t have room (or reason) to own. The small-group format (max four people) focuses on safety and real, hands-on practice so you leave confident, not just informed. Once certified, you can reserve open shop time and start building—furniture, cutting boards, or whatever project has been living in your notes app. Members: $200 | Non-members: $275
→ Learn more and register

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with live swing in one of the region’s most iconic ballrooms. Led by saxophonist and bandleader Eyal Vilner, the Eyal Vilner Swing Band is a fixture of the New York swing scene, with performances at venues including Lincoln Center, the Guggenheim, Birdland, and Dizzy’s Club, as well as international jazz festivals across Europe, Canada, and the Middle East. The night begins with a beginner-friendly swing lesson, followed by a full evening of dancing to a live big band. Food and drinks available on site. $30 at the door.
→ Dance the night away

Valentine’s Day may have passed, but Galentine’s doesn’t have to end on the 14th. This easy, feel-good afternoon is all about extending the celebration—flowers, conversation, and time well spent with people you love. Hosted by Picnic & Unwind, a local event design company known for thoughtfully styled, low-stress gatherings, the event is designed to help friends slow down and truly enjoy being together. You’ll create your own floral arrangement with all materials provided, while enjoying non-alcoholic sips, small bites, and sweet treats from local baker Cakes by Lala. $113.93
→ Create, sip, and celebrate friendship

Simple pleasures to reset, restore, and lift your week.

Take a different approach to Valentine’s Day with a free, community-focused wellness expo hosted by Dill Dinkers North Bethesda. Meet local health and wellness providers from across Montgomery County, ask questions, and explore services and resources available right here in the area. The afternoon also includes free pickleball play for all skill levels, plus raffles and giveaways, all in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Free admission.
→ Stop by and explore wellness options

Ways to give back, support local causes, and make the week a little brighter for someone else.

Live theater depends on more than what happens on stage—it needs the people who make audiences feel welcome, who help create the atmosphere that turns a performance into an experience. Round House is looking for volunteer ushers to be part of that essential work. You'll greet patrons, guide them to seats, and help sustain a theater committed to new voices and challenging stories. It's a tangible way to support local arts infrastructure and ensure live performance remains accessible and thriving in our community. No prior theater experience required.
→ Learn more