Album Release Party, Chinese New Year, Chocolate Fest + More

Northern Virginia

Chocolate lover? Here's your guide to this weekend's 2014 Chocolate Lover's Festival in Fairfax City. It takes place Saturday and Sunday and will feature chocolate vendors from around the region.

Two Northern Virginia natives perform Friday night at Vienna'sJammin' Java. Vienna native Natalie York celebrates the release of her new album PROMISES, with opening act and McLean native Dave Farah. Show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $12 to $20.

Love a bargain? The Alexandria Boutique Warehouse Saletakes place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic Memorial at 101 Callahan Dr., in Old Town Alexandria. 

Chinese New Year Festival — All ages (family-friendly event) are invited to this free event taking place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Luther Jackson Middle School in Falls Church. Enjoy cultural live performances including Dragon and Lion dance, Han costume fashion show, delicious Asian foods, writing Chinese names, language, craft and business booths, children's world, and a lunar New Year dragon parade. Snow date: Feb. 8. 

Groundhog Day: The whole family is invited to celebrate Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Walker Nature Center in Reston. Find out if the groundhog saw his shadow and what it might mean for the winter days ahead. Test your groundhog knowledge and hear legends of these curious critters. Step into our colored shadow room and discover how to use your shadow to tell time. Preregister by emailing naturecenter@reston.org. 

Washington, D.C.

Blues guitarist Corey Harris performs at Blues Alley in Georgetown in performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets are $25. 

The Phillips Collection will display Van Gogh's "Repetitions," until Sunday. The exhibition takes a fresh look at the artistic process of Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890). Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for students as well as visitors 62 and over; free for members and visitors 18 and under. 

Comedy Central comedian Jeff Caldwell performs four shows at the DC Improv Friday and Saturday night. Tickets are $17.

Maryland

Groundhog Day. Geared to kids ages 3 to 5, come Friday (preregistration required) from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville. Will the groundhog see his shadow? Will spring be early or late? Find out how the groundhog became a weather forecaster, and make a craft to take home. Call (301) 495-2580 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for more information.

Swing Dance Saturday night from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park in Glen Echo, Md. American Swing presents a swing dance with live music by Los Angeles native Candye Kane - a blues diva of the first degree. Tickets are $18.

Got a tip on something fun doing this weekend? Tell Patch readers about it, in the Comments box below.