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Fairfax County and nearby communities are offering a packed winter calendar, from a polar plunge and acclaimed theater to jazz, dance and family-friendly competitions.

Theater and visual arts

Jan. 30-Feb. 16 — “The Lake Effect” Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph’s drama comes to 1st Stage in Tysons Corner. After their father dies during a fierce Cleveland winter storm, estranged siblings reunite at his failing Indian restaurant and confront the memories and secrets that divided them.

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. General admission costs $25, $40 or $55. Tickets for students, educators and military personnel are $15. Tickets are available through 1st Stage or its box office at 703-854-1856.

Feb. 4-March 2 — “The Creative Quest: Three Generations of Intuitive Painting” The Jo Ann Rose Gallery at Reston Community Center, 1609-A Washington Plaza North, will display 30 works by Reston painter Judith Forst, her students and their students.

Inspired by Michele Cassou, founder of the Painting Experience in San Francisco, Forst shifted from an academic approach to painting without inhibition. She began teaching the process in her home studio in 2001. The exhibition includes her work and paintings by 17 other intuitive artists.

Feb. 7-9 and Feb. 14-16 — “The Last Five Years” Sterling Playmakers presents the musical at the Theatre at Seneca Ridge Middle School in Sterling. The story follows New Yorkers Cathy and Jamie across a five-year relationship, with Cathy recounting events backward and Jamie moving chronologically. Their timelines meet only at their wedding.

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday shows at 2 p.m. Tickets are available in advance through Sterling Playmakers or at the door.

Feb. 1 events

Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra with Branford Marsalis — 8 p.m. Grammy-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis joins the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts in Fairfax. Marsalis is a bandleader, classical soloist and composer whose honors include three Grammy Awards and recognition as a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master. His Broadway work earned Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations, and he also received a Primetime Emmy nomination for original score.

Virtual Conflict Resolution Workshop — 2-3:30 p.m. Life coach Shabnam Curtis leads a Reston Library workshop on methods for reaching peaceful resolutions to disagreements and misunderstandings.

Kiwanis Polar Dip — 2 p.m. The Kiwanis Club of Tysons hosts its annual plunge at Lake Anne Village Plaza in Reston. Organizers aim to raise $30,000 for Food for Neighbors and Kiwanis youth programs across Fairfax County. Part of the proceeds will also support Camp Sunshine, a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Music and competitions

Feb. 2 — Traditional Celtic Music Beth Patterson and Sean Heely perform at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. at the Old Brogue Pub, 760-C Walker Road in Great Falls. Advance tickets are required and cost $21. A six-concert season ticket is $110. Information is available from the Old Brogue at 703-759-3309.

Feb. 2 — Ars Gratia Populi The six-voice a cappella ensemble performs at 2 p.m. at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. in McLean. Its repertoire explores the relationship between folk and art music, ranging from Renaissance madrigals and Scottish Gaelic ballads to modern standards.

Feb. 8 — 2025 CBA Ping Pong Tournament Players of all ages and experience levels are invited to compete from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Clifton Town Hall, 12641 Chapel Road. Entry is free. Registration closes at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2025.

Feb. 11 — Versa-Style Street Dance Company The Mason Artist-in-Residence company presents a lecture and demonstration at 7 p.m. at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Blenheim Boulevard in Fairfax. Movement and discussion will introduce hip-hop and street dance while examining connections among art, culture and education.

Feb. 15 — Crys Matthews The Nashville singer-songwriter performs at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Sterling, 22135 Davis Drive, Suite 104. Matthews combines country, Americana, folk, blues and bluegrass with lyrics centered on social justice.

Feb. 22 — Monopoly Tournament The Ron Kowalski Real Estate Group hosts three timed rounds of Monopoly from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Moose Lodge, 9612 Fernedge Lane in Lorton. Proceeds benefit the Lorton Community Action Center.

Players with the most assets will advance, and all skill levels are welcome. Cash prizes are $500 for first place, $250 for second and $100 for third, with trophies and door prizes also planned. South County Cares Church will provide a continental breakfast, and Antonnelli’s Pizza & Subs will cater lunch.

The tournament is open to ages 8 and older. Registration costs $35 in advance or $50 at the door.

Looking ahead

March 9 — Aurora Dance Fest Gin Dance Company hosts an evening featuring 10 companies and 16 choreographers at 4:30 p.m. at Capital One Hall in Tysons Corner. The program will include contemporary ballet, modern dance and flamenco from Southern Spain.

May 10 — 44th Annual Spring Civil War Mosby Bus Tour The Stuart-Mosby Historical Society presents “Mosby and the End of the War,” led by Kevin Pawlak and Rob Orrison. The tour follows Mosby’s Rangers through the Civil War’s closing actions, from their final fights to the unit’s disbandment at Salem.

Admission is $80 for society members and $90 for nonmembers. Lunch is not included, and refunds will not be offered after May 1, 2025. Registration information is available from Orrison at 703-431-2869.