In most parts of the country, there’s still a winter covering of snow and ice to contend with, but don’t think for a minute that’s keeping anybody down! February has triumphed over its cold and lonely reputation and delivered events awesome enough to wake any bear from his hibernation. From undie runs in Chicago, cookie conventions in California and caffeine crawls in Houston, this month is already feeling hotter than usual.
Atlanta
- Aptly named, the Pancakes & Booze Art Show delivers an eclectic mix of emerging musicians and artists, and an ungodly amount of free all-you-can-eat pancakes (sorry, you pay for the beer). The revelry commences 8 PM Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the Georgia Freight Depot.
- If you’re looking to spice up your Valentine’s weekend, sign up for Cupid’s Undie Run on Saturday, February 13, 2016. You’ll not only get to finally show the world your bedroom-best, but you’ll raise some much needed funds for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. The action kicks off at 12 PM at Big Sky and the brief (see what I did there?) one-mile run starts at 2 PM.
- “The largest celebration of black history month in America” takes place in downtown Atlanta on Saturday, February 27, 2016 from 12 to 6 PM. The Black History Month Parade route begins at the corner of Jackson Street and Auburn Avenue, and travels southwest to Woodruff Park where festivities will continue.
Austin
- The Austin Marathon and Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, February 14, 2016, so grab your sweetheart and make it a date sure to get both your hearts wildly racing. Both marathons begin at 7 AM at 2nd and Congress Avenue adjacent to the JW Marriott Hotel, but the Paramount Break-A-Leg 5K starts at 7:30 AM for anybody not feeling up to running double-digit miles (and really, who would?).
- Since Austin is the epitome of both cool and weird, shouldn’t phase you in the least. For some people, February 6, 2016 might just be the day before the Superbowl, but for friends of the Austin Humane Society, it doesn’t get any more exciting. Don’t miss these adorable (and adoptable) puppies in uniform and kitten cheerleaders.
- If your idea of a good time is an oyster in one hand, a Bloody Mary in the other and a Bluegrass band serenading your every bite and sip, then add the 4th Annual Austin Oyster Festival to your calendar now. The event, which benefits HOPE Farmer’s Market, takes place February 27, 2016 from 12 to 6 PM at the French Legation Museum.
Chicago
- With special discounted tickets(5-30) and over 100 participating productions, Chicago Theater Week is the perfect time to sample the local theater scene. It runs from February 11 through 21, 2016 and times and locations vary depending on the show.
- If you’re looking to spice up your Valentine’s weekend, sign up for Cupid’s Undie Run on Saturday, February 13, 2016. You’ll not only get to finally show the world your bedroom-best, but you’ll raise some much needed funds for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. The action kicks off at 12 PM at John Barleycorn Wrigleyville and the brief (see what I did there?) one-mile run starts at 2 PM.
- You may not know it, but the Chicago Auto Show started in 1901 and reigns as the largest auto show in North America! They showcase over 1,000 diverse vehicles, including experimental and concept cars. The action takes place in the exhibit halls of McCormick Place February 13 through 21, 2016.
- Saturday, February 27 is one busy day for Chicagoland festival scene, all of which revolve around craft beer to keep you warm from the inside out. For our suburban friends, check out the Third Annual Naperville Winter Ale Fest from 12 to 4 PM at Frontier Park. If being downtown is more your scene, stop by Rock Bottom Brewery for the 6th Annual Polar Beer Festival from 11 AM to 3 PM. You’ll be done so early you can head straight to Halsted & Waveland for the Frost Fest Craft Beer Festival, hosted in a 5,000 sq. ft. heated (I repeat: heated) tent, with your choice of two session times: 1 to 4 PM or 6 to 9 PM.
- If Saturday’s festivals haven’t worn you out by Sunday, February 28, 2016, head to Emporium Arcade Bar at noon for Darkside where promoters promise an unforgettable exploration of the “dark side of craft beer” (translation: you’re going to drink a lot of really dark beer).
Dallas
- For all you water sport enthusiasts, the DFW Winter Boat Expo is back February 5 through 14, showcasing 650 all new 2016 boat and watercraft vehicles. The event’s held at Dallas Market Hall and times vary by day, though it’s worth mentioning that admission is free admission on Thursdays and Fridays.
- If you’re looking to spice up your Valentine’s weekend, sign up for Cupid’s Undie Run on Saturday, February 13, 2016. You’ll not only get to finally show the world your bedroom-best, but you’ll raise some much needed funds for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. The action kicks off at 12 PM at 6th Street bar and the brief (see what I did there?) one-mile run starts at 2 PM.
- I think we can all agree that when you have a chance to see Sesame Street characters singing and dancing in person, it’s a no-brainer. Running February 19 through 21, 2016 at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie with multiple showtimes per day, Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend tells the story of Grover’s new friend from India and all that’s emotionally involved in meeting and welcoming new people into our lives.
Denver
- Ridiculously big trucks with obnoxiously large tires soaring over or smashing into random things. That’s the best way I can describe Monster Jam, at the Pepsi Center from February 12 through 14, 2016.
- Denver Restaurant Week returns for its 12th year February 26 through March 6, 2016. For a mere 0, you can buy yourself a first-class multi-course dinner at one of the 100 participating restaurants. Now that’s a deal.
- Support Special Olympics at Polar Plunge Splash and Dash on February 27, 2016. Run the 5k dash at 11 AM in Denver’s City Park, and then take an ice cold splash at the Denver Zoo at noon (or just head straight to the beer garden like you really want to do).
Houston
- Celebrate your Texan side on Saturday, February 13, 2016 when the inaugural Texas Wine & Spirits Festival takes place. Called a celebration of Texas food, drink and culture, this event has set some pretty big expectations for itself (but then again, everything’s bigger in Texas).
- Finally, a “pub crawl” that involves something other than alcohol! Hosted the weekend of February 19 and 20, 2016, the 3rd Annual Caffeine Crawl Houston tours 13 cafes and roasters, sampling unique coffees and teas as they go. Both walking and bike-friendly tours available.
- Time to dust off your anime costume and join 19,000 other attendees at the George R. Brown Convention Center for Anime Matsuri. This unique three-day festival (February 26 through 28, 2016) clearly caters to serious anime aficionados, but they’re equally proud to promote Japanese culture in many other ways, including fashion and car shows, tea parties and discussion panels.
Seattle
- The Seattle Boat Show, Indoors + Afloat, runs from January 29 through February 6, 2016 and showcases over 1,000 recreational watercrafts, plus over 200 free boating and fishing seminars. The event takes place indoors at CenturyLink Field Event Center and outdoors at Chandler’s Cove South Lake Union.
- If you’re looking to spice up your Valentine’s weekend, sign up for Cupid’s Undie Run on Saturday, February 20, 2016. You’ll not only get to finally show the world your bedroom-best, but you’ll raise some much needed funds for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. The action kicks off at 12 PM at Art Marble 21 and the brief (see what I did there?) one-mile run starts at 2 PM.
- For the epicurean crowd, February 20 and 21, 2016 is going to be your weekend. The Seattle Wine and Food Experience starts with Bubbles and Seafood on Saturday night at McCaw Hall 6 to 9 PM (your chance to overdose on seafood and champagne), followed by the Grand Tasting on Sunday at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall 1 to 5 PM (a sampling of wines and food from the Northwest).
- A perfect family-friendly event, the Wintergrass Music Festival takes place inside the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue February 25 through 28, 2016. Performances by Bluegrass musicians are held on four separate stages, and there’s multiple music workshops for kids and adults.
Southern California
- Marinate in the best winter beers from some of the most unique brewers in the world at Bock Fest. The magic takes place Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 1 PM, and don’t forget to register for the beer pong competition (finally all that college drinking is good for something).
- The world’s Greatest. Event. Ever. is happening February 6 through 7, 2016 at 12 PM at the Los Angeles Convention Center: the LA Cookie Con and Sweets Show. Cookies, candy, chocolate, ice cream, pastry workshops and dessert competitions?!?!? I rest my case.
- Air + Style is a two-day music, art, fashion, technology and snowboarding fest created by Olympic gold medalist Shaun White. It’s exactly the kind of crazy concept that makes for a stellar event. Where else can you watch Incubus perform and marvel as snowboarders catch air off a 16-story high jump? It all goes down at Exposition Park, February 20 through 21, 2016 at 12 PM.
South Florida
- A local favorite is back but at a brand new location. Now hosted at Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin, the Miami International Boat Show runs the February 11 through 15, 2016. There’s a lot of boats to see, both on land and in water, but the crowning jewel of this year’s event is sure to be the original Miami Vice Scarab Speedboat on display at the show’s entrance. Now, if only Don Johnson were making a guest appearance…
- If you’re looking to spice up your Valentine’s weekend, sign up for Cupid’s Undie Run on Saturday, February 13, 2016. You’ll not only get to finally show the world your bedroom-best, but you’ll raise some much needed funds for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. The action kicks off at 12 PM at Mana Wynwood Tent in Miami and the brief (see what I did there?) one-mile run starts at 2 PM.
- We’ve all spent more time than we’d like to admit watching the Food Network and Cooking Channel, so don’t pretend you’re not excited about the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. This massive South Florida event hosts over 80 demos, tastings and seminars from February 24 through 28, 2016, and features some of the biggest names in food and television: Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay, Gui Fieri, Giada and Ted Allen, to name just a few.
Have an event you’re attending this month? Share it in the comments.
Have an event you want featured in March? Email our editorial team.
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