The Best February Events in U.S. Each State

The Best Things To Do in February 2023
It may be the shortest month of the year, but February 2023 is set to pack a ton of excellent events into its 28 days. From Mardi Gras celebrations in all of the places you expect them—and a few you might not—to food festivals, fashion weeks and a whole host of winter carnivals dedicated to all things snow, ice and having good times in the great outdoors, February 2023 events are a varied bunch. This is to say nothing of all the February events dedicated to Valentine’s Day, the “Big Game” on February 12, and of course, a groundhog that lives in Pennsylvania. Add into that mix a series of events that will both educate and entertain and you have all the ingredients for a great month. Click on the slideshow to see the best February events in each state.

Alabama
Head to Birmingham for Mercedes Benz Marathon Weekend (February 10-12), an event that has become a fun tradition in the city for both those running 26.2 miles or just serving as a spectator. Mardi Gras in Mobile—the biggest annual party in the state—will come to a crescendo on Fat Tuesday (February 21), with the lead-up seeing the city’s social calendar full of parades, parties and special events. End your month on the soft sands of Alabama’s Gulf Coast at the 31st Annual Orange Beach Seafood & Car Show, where you’ll be able to sample delectable food, listen to live music and shop from over 100 arts & crafts vendors.

Alaska
February is the time for the beloved tradition of the Ice Alaska World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks, which kicks off on February 17, so stop by to see dazzling works of art created by some of the world’s best ice carvers. This month is also synonymous with The Fur Rendezvous in Anchorage (February 23 – March 5), which fills the city with midwinter merriment. Since 1935, the “Fur Rondy” as it’s affectionately known by locals, brings people from far and wide to take part in dozens of offbeat & “unique to Alaska” events like the Frostbite Footrace, Costume Fun Run and Miners & Trappers Country Jam in addition to concerts, melodramas and a Grand Parade.

Arizona
Start your month at The WM Phoenix Open (February 6-12) in Scottsdale, arguably the most fun you can have at a pro golf tournament. The “Greatest Show on Grass” and its iconic Hole 16 will be back and better than ever, with this year’s edition featuring concerts from Maroon 5, Walker Hayes and others. Oh, and the last day of the tournament just happens to coincide with Super Bowl LVII, which will be taking place over in Glendale and sure to turn the entire region into one big football fiesta for the night. Down in Tucson, the long-running Tubac Festival of the Arts will take place on February 9-12 and the famous Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase will run until February 12.

Arkansas
Little Rock will be the place to be for the Anime Festival (February 4-5) and the Divas in The Rock: A Whitney Houston Tribute concert (February 11-12) and you’ll want to pack your cape for SoMardi Gras in the city’s South Main neighborhood on February 18, where the theme of the parade and subsequent party will be “Superheros & Villains”. Elsewhere, food & beverage-focused travelers will want to make for cool college town Fayetteville for the Frost Fest Outdoor Beer Festival on February 4 and their Restaurant Week (February 19-25).

California
Lunar New Year may have taken place in January this year, but the famed annual Chinese New Year Festival & Parade—the world’s largest outside of China—will take place in San Francisco on February 4. That same week sees the legendary Pebble Beach Pro-Am (January 30 – February 5) on the Monterey Peninsula and Wine & Chocolate Weekend in Lodi (February 3-5). Mid-to-late February (estimated February 10-27 in 2023) is also expected to be the best time to view the state’s most famous fleeting natural wonder: the “Firefall” in Yosemite National Park. Once a year, for a period of roughly two weeks, the sun lines up just right to make Yosemite Falls look like it’s been set ablaze.

Colorado
Kick off the month on February 1 by taking in the last day of the International Snow Sculpture Championships in Breckenridge then head down south to Durango for Snowdown—a fun annual winter festival—which will run through February 5. Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival will fill the town with revelry & offbeat competitions (think shovel races and fiery ski jumping) from February 8-12 and down in Telluride, the Telluride Comedy Festival will have you laughing your ski socks off (February 16-19).

Connecticut
The Connecticut Historical Society Museum & Library in Hartford will hold its Black Connecticans, Ordinary and Extraordinary event on February 11 while Wintertide—Mystic Seaport Museum’s annual celebration dedicated to shaking off the winter blues—is back this year (February 18-20) and better than ever. This year’s edition will feature ice sculptures, crafts, games, live music, hot cocoa, tasty food and some of the biggest snowglobes you’ve ever seen.

Delaware
Lewes will hold its annual Polar Bear Plunge on February 5, which will once again see thousands of folks take a dip in the frosty Atlantic Ocean to raise money for charity. The University of Delaware in Newark will see the Suite Blackness: Black Dance in Cinema performance take place from February 16-18 while the Mardi Gras Loop event will take place at nightlife venues across Wilmington on February 18.

Florida
The Florida State Fair (February 9-20) will once again delight crowds in Tampa with nearly two weeks full of mouthwatering fair food, agricultural displays & competitions, rides (including the nation’s tallest traveling Ferris wheel) and thrilling shows. Foodies will want to head for the Everglades Seafood Festival on February 17-19 and later in the month, ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival in Jupiter (February 19-20) and the Naples National Art Show (February 25-26) will be the places to be for a slice of culture.

Georgia
First and foremost, Savannah will also be celebrating Savannah Black Heritage Festival all month long with a series of storytelling, theater, dance & music events among other happenings. Atlanta will host the HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands on February 4, the Winter Beer Fest on February 11 and the renowned Atlanta Jewish Film Festival from February 8- 21. Fans of literature will want to head to Savannah for the Book Festival on February 16-19.

Hawai’i
Start your month off at the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival (February 4) on the Big Island, admiring the early blossom and a series of cultural events. The island of Kaua’i will once again hold its Waimea Town Celebration this month (February 18-26), an event that pays tribute to the town of Waimea’s heritage through fun happenings and cultural experiences spread out over nine days. And back on the Big Island, the annual South Kona Artists Collective will display their artwork on February 25-26.

Idaho
You have until February 5 to enjoy the McCall Winter Carnival, where the lakeside town pulls out all the stops to celebrate the season. Later in the month, the skies above Boise will be filled with glowing lanterns on February 25 during the LYTE Sky Lantern Festival.

Illinois
Head to the small town of Woodstock—north of Chicago—for Groundhog Days (February 1-5), which is a shindig dedicated to the classic Bill Murray movie Groundhog Day that was shot in the town. Elsewhere, Chicago Restaurant Week runs through February 6, Rock Falls will host the Flock to the Rock Bald Eagle watch on February 11 and the Windy City will raise the curtain on Chicago Theatre Week (February 16-26).

Indiana
Carmel will hold its Winter Games—a unique event featuring competitions like Human Curling, Ice Trike Relays and Human Hungry Hippos—on February 10-11 with proceeds going to local charities. Beer and cider lovers will want to circle February 11 on their calendar as it’s the day for the 14th Annual Winterfest Craft Beer Festival at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, where attendees will get the chance to sample hundreds of libations brewed in the Hoosier State. The last weekend of the month will see the 14th annual Marsh Madness Sandhill Crane Festival return to Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area in Linton.

Iowa
Head to the Iowa State Fairgrounds during the first weekend of the month (February 4-5) for the famous Flea Market which is arguably one of the best places in the state to do some shopping for home decor, antiques and jewelry. Elsewhere, Winter Arts Snow Sculpting Festival returns to Dubuque (February 9-12) and the Home & Garden Show returns to Des Moines on February 23-26.

Kansas
Make for Wichita on February 3 for the First Friday Gallery Crawl event which put some of the city’s best art galleries on display. Wichita will also host the Monster Jam monster truck rally on February 25-26 and over in Topeka on those same dates, the Overland Comic Convention will take over the Great Overland Station.

Kentucky
Begin your month at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park learning how to photograph the state’s beautiful-yet-fleeting natural attraction during the Moonbow Photography Weekend (February 3-5). Film fans will want to check out the Black History Month Film Series (every Sunday in February at Louisville’s Main Free Public Library) and the city’s Jewish Film Festival, which will celebrate its 25th Anniversary with two weeks of thought-provoking and entertaining films (February 4-19). The National Farm Machinery Show is back in Louisville (February 15-18) and will once again be showcasing cutting-edge equipment and entertaining the crowds with tractor pulls.

Louisiana
This year, there’s one event and one event alone that will dominate the social calendar in Louisiana: Mardi Gras. New Orleans isn’t the only place where you can experience the magic of Mardi Gras in Louisiana, but Big Easy’s world-famous version is a great place to start. The build-up to Fat Tuesday (February 21) will be filled with parades, balls and other lively events, with variations of the theme taking place all over the state. Other great versions are held in Baton Rouge, Lake Charles and Lafayette, with small towns all over Louisiana hosting lots of events that—like the big city versions—all build toward a crescendo on February 21.

Maine
Kick off your month at the lighthearted U.S. National Toboggan Championships in Camden on February 3-5, where you’ll be able to see sledders compete for the title. In Portland, February 4-5 will be the dates for the 207 Day Scavenger Hunt, which will celebrate the state of Maine and the city through hands-on experiences around town. Also in the city, the Portland on Tap beer festival will return for the first time in three years on February 4 and the Pandora’s Winter Lights event will continue to illuminate the cityscape of Portland every day this month. Elsewhere, Kennebunkport will hold its annual Paint the Town Red event dedicated to Valentine’s Day all month long and Somerset will see the return of its SnowFest on February 18-26.

Maryland
Baltimore’s beloved Restaurant Week will run through February 5—featuring special menus at the city’s wide range of excellent eateries—while the state capital Annapolis’ version will take place February 25 and run until early March. Annapolis will also play host to the African American Heritage Tour on February 18 while the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore will host Black History Month exhibits and a celebration dedicated to the historic railroad’s 196th birthday on February 26.

Massachusetts
Start your month off by attending the 101st Greenfield Winter Carnival on February 3-5, where you’ll be able to enjoy a weekend full of events (think ice sculpture contests, fireworks and a zany cardboard sled race) intended to embrace the best of winter. The city of Lowell will bubble over with fun during Winterfest (February 17-18)—a two-day festival filled with tasty food (including a soup cooking contest), great live tunes, fun outdoor events and art market—while fans of Sci-Fi will be in heaven in Boston during the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival (February 15-20).

Michigan
February in Michigan is all about embracing the splendor of winter and the following events all put the magic of winter front and center. Head to Houghton on the Upper Peninsula for Michigan Tech University’s famous Winter Carnival (February 8-13), which has been going strong for over 100 years and will once again include snow-based sports like broomball & curling, snow statues, and plenty of fun in the great outdoors. The World of Winter Festival—the Midwest’s largest winter festival—will take over Grand Rapids all month long with dozens of free things to do in addition to eye-catching outdoor art installations and South Haven sees the return of its Icebreaker Festival on February 3-5.

Minnesota
Winter in the Twin Cities is synonymous with the St. Paul Winter Carnival, which will mark its 137th anniversary in 2023 with a full roster of events (runs through February 5). Expect to see stunning snow sculptures, experience an enthralling parade and take part in a host of fun activities like scavenger hunts and fun runs. In the Brainerd Lakes Area, the last weekend of the month will mark the return of the Gull Lake Frozen Fore festival (February 24-26), which will celebrate the joys of winter with a Frozen Flop into the lake for charity, tent parties, and other special happenings.

Mississippi
The Dixie National Livestock Show & Rodeo will take over Jackson for two weekends this month (February 11-13 & February 16-17), bringing an array of livestock shows and agricultural expositions in addition to the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi. Along with their coastal neighbors in Louisiana and Alabama, the Gulf Coast of Mississippi will be holding a multitude of Mardi Gras events. Several balls and special parties will take place in the leadup to Fat Tuesday (February 21), a day that will see multiple parades in the region. Finish your month at the 34th Annual Literary & Cinema Celebration in Natchez (February 23-24).

Missouri
In Kansas City, the Jammin’ at the Gem series commemorating the National Jazz Museum’s 25th anniversary will continue in February with a concert from Eric Roberson on February 11. Also in KC, you’ll be able to enjoy the 50th season of the outdoor ice rink at Crown Center all month long. The Show-Me State doesn’t get left out of the Mardi Gras fun, as the Midwest’s best pre-lenten blowout bash happens each year in St. Louis. Experience a Pet Parade, Wiener Dog Derby, Cajun Cook-off and Mayor’s Ball all in the lead-up to the Grand Parade on February 18.

Montana
The wonderful small town of Whitefish kicks off the February fun in Big Sky Country with its annual Winter Carnival (February 3-5), which will consist of polar plunges, parades, pancake breakfasts and plenty of parties designed to shake off the winter blues. Elsewhere, Martin City will once again celebrate Cabin Fever Days (February 10-12) with its famous “barstool ski races” and other spirited events, the Winter Brewfest beer festival returns to downtown Missoula on February 25 and the town of Big Sky will hold its annual Documentary Film Festival on February 17-26.

Nebraska
In Omaha, you will have until Valentine’s Day to take a walk under the atmospheric twinkling bulbs of the Midtown Crossing Season of Lights. Also in the city, the 56th Annual Omaha Home & Garden Expo will take place February 10-12, Omaha Beer Week will take over various suds-centric venues across town (February 18-26) and Omaha Fashion Week will fill the runways of the city February 21-28.

Nevada
Make for Death Valley National Park for the Dark Skies Festival (February 10-12), where you’ll get to admire one of the most spectacular, star-filled skies in the USA all while learning tips on how to identify & photograph its beauty. Elsewhere, the town of Lovelock will hold a Valentine’s Day celebration on February 9-12 and Boulder City will hold its annual Dam Short Film Festival on February 16-20. This is to say nothing of Las Vegas, which will be a great place to watch the Super Bowl and take in shows from the likes of Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, the Jonas Brothers and Santana.

New Hampshire
Kick off the month in the small town of Keene, where they will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of their ever-popular Snow & Ice Festival on February 4. Expect plenty of family-friendly diversions and some of the finest ice sculptures in the region. That is also the same day as the Seacoast Skating with the Stars event in Portsmouth, which will see local skaters teamed up with professionals in a TV-style contest. Finally, you’ll be able to enjoy the Love, Passion & Chocolate event—a celebration of chocolate and local artists—at Lakes Region Art Gallery from February 2-25.

New Jersey
Atlantic City will host the 20th Annual Fashion Week February 7-12, a gathering that will feature a host of fashion-focused events including runway shows. Film & music fans will want to attend the Casablanca in Concert event on February 11-13 (multiple venues), which will see the classic film Casablanca accompanied by music by the New Jersey Symphony. Princeton’s Palmer Square will play host to Frost Fest—a wintry good time complete with ice carvings, free caricature drawings and an igloo photo booth—on February 26, which is also the last day to enjoy the center’s seasonal outdoor ice rink.

New Mexico
The fascinating Outriders: Legacy of the Black Cowboy exhibit will showing all month long at the Harwood Museum of Art in Taos while Santa Fe will hold its riveting Santa Fe Film Festival from February 17-26. Red River will once again be throwing one of the best Mardi Gras bashes in the West at Mardi Gras in the Mountains, with this year’s festivities set to once again include a grand ball and the symbolic burning of Tchoupitoulas—a ritual that helps scare off bad mojo for the year ahead.

New York
The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival has been a high point during the dead of winter in the Adirondacks since 1897 and this year the magic will take place February 3-12. Highlights include frying pan tossing, curling, inner tubing, arctic golf, a palace made of ice and an impressive fireworks display. In the Big Apple, Broadway Week will offer theatergoers discounted tickets to Broadway Shows through February 12 (the same date that the NYC Restaurant Week runs through), New York Fashion Week takes place February 10-15 and the 25th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival will occur on February 12.

North Carolina
Start February off in fine fashion at Wilmington’s 43rd Annual North Carolina Jazz Festival (February 2-4), where you’ll hear some of the best musicians in the modern jazz game. The last weekend of the month (February 23-25) is the time for the African American Heritage Festival at the Charlotte Museum of History, which will feature music, food, art and guest speakers.

North Dakota
The month will get off to a rollicking start in Bismarck with the return of the 2023 PRCA Championship Rodeo on February 3-4. Frostival—Fargo’s favorite winter shindig—will run all the way through February 25 and among the highlights of 2023’s version will be snow sculpture competitions, cardboard sled races, kickball games, volleyball, disc golf, yoga in the snow, and much “s’more”. Finally, make for Devils Lake on February 18-19 for Shiverfest, an ode to all things winter with events like youth ice fishing & youth ice hockey competitions, snow yoga, sledding and a “frozen” 5K.

Ohio
Beer lovers will want to head to Cincinnati the first weekend of the month for the Cincy Beer Fest, then make their way up north for the Cleveland Beer Fest on February 10-11. President’s Day Weekend (February 17-20) is the time for the 29th Annual Medina Ice Festival, which will feature well over 100 sculptures made of ice scattered around historic downtown Medina. In Cleveland, the WinterLand Festival will run through February 25, bringing with it an array of happenings like the Brite Winter concert event, Ice Fest ice carving event and the Cleveland Cocoa Run.

Oklahoma
Tulsa will once again host its First Friday Art Crawl on February 3 and the next day (February 4) sees the 10th annual Black Wall Street Heritage and History Festival take place. One of the USA’s largest arts & crafts fairs, An Affair of the Heart is a shopping tradition like no other in Oklahoma City and it returns just in time for Valentine’s Day (February 10-12) while February 24 sees Taste of OKC offer up a range of delicious bites from local restaurants for a good cause.

Portland
The Portland Jazz Festival (February 16-25) will celebrate its 20th anniversary this month, once again bringing some of the best talents in the jazz world to the Pacific Northwest while The City of Roses will also host the Cascade African Film Festival (various dates starting February 4) and its famous ValenTango event (February 15-20)—considered both the longest-running and biggest tango festival in the nation. In Bend, they’ll be throwing the region’s biggest seasonal bash at WinterFest, which will feature great food & drink, striking illuminations courtesy of Central Oregon Light Art, carnival rides, ice sculptures and live performances from the Sugar Hill Gang and Warren G.

Pennsylvania
The small town of Punxsutawney will once again be in the headlines all over the world on Groundhog Day (February 2) and you’re more than welcome to join the crowds that celebrate until sunrise on the big day to see if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow. Then, you’ll want to make your way to Lititz in Lancaster County for the annual Fire & Ice Festival (February 17-26), so you can experience one of the state’s most charming small towns turned into a winter wonderland via scores of ice sculptures alongside food trucks, a chili cook-off, live music and a kids attraction called Winter Funderland.

Rhode Island
You have until February 26 to take a spin on the outdoor ice rink at Newport Harbor Island Resort and this month will also see the stately seaside town of Newport host its annual Newport Winter Festival (February 17-26). The shindig will once again feature comedy, live music, a chili cook-off, a warm drink-making contest, a Burger Bender burger contest and beach polo among other events. Last but not least, the whole family will have a blast at the Providence Children’s Film Festival (February 17-26).

South Carolina
Charleston will once again play host to the Color of Music Festival (February 1-4), which will shine a spotlight on black classical musicians while the Palmetto State will play host to two excellent film festivals in February: Reedy Reels in Greenville (February 17-19) and the Beaufort International Film Festival (February 21-26). End your month in style on Hilton Head Island at the annual Hilton Head Seafood Festival, which will once again feature scrumptious delicacies from the sea, wine tastings, celebrity chef dinners, wine tastings, cooking demos and dinners with celebrity chefs (February 20-26).

South Dakota
The annual Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo will take over Rapid City through February 5, once again featuring traditional rodeo competitions alongside entertaining sheepdog trials, food & beer events and concerts. Later in the month, the 17th Annual Nemo 500 Outhouse Races & Chili Cookoff will take place at the Nemo Guest Ranch, promising a one-of-a-kind experience to all who attend.

Tennessee
Experience some of the best foodie experiences in Music City during the Dine Nashville event, which will feature collaborative chef experiences all month long and finish up with a week full of discounts, deals, and specials at restaurants all over the city (February 20-26). The last week of the month (February 19-25) is Songwriters Week in the Volunteer State, with special showcases for some of the state’s best song makers taking place at various venues around Tennessee. And for those looking to crank up the romantic vibes around Valentine’s Day, the Gatlinburg Skylife Park will be decked out in romantic decorations during its Love Is in The Air event.

Texas
Laredo will once again celebrate the birthday of our first president with gusto during the 125th Anniversary George Washington Birthday Celebration (runs through February 26), which will consist of multiple fun events including concerts, a Jalapeno Festival, balls and a parade. Down in Brownsville, Charro Days Fiesta is back and will once again be saluting the rich culture of the region through parades, carnivals, costume balls and lots of delicious local food. The month ends with the kick-off of arguably the state’s biggest annual event: the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (February 28 – March 19).

Utah
Head to the slopes of Park City early in the month for the 2023 Freestyle International Ski World Cup (February 2-4), which will bring some of the best freestyle skiers in the world to show off their moguls and aerials skills. Then, it’s time to switch sports as the NBA All-Star Game comes to Salt Lake City this month, with various events (Celebrity Game, Rising Stars Game and Slam Dunk Contest are among the highlights) at Vivint Arena leading up to the big game on February 19.

Vermont
Waterbury’s wonderful Winterfest runs through February 5 with fun events like wassailing, ice skating parties, wintry sports and plenty more. Once again this winter (February 4-5), the Champlain Valley Exposition is the place to be if you’d like to be transported back to medieval times at one of the region’s most beloved Renaissance fairs. Expect to see lots of period garb and plenty of mugs of mead being sipped. Towards the end of the month, fans of ski jumping—or curious sports fans craving a vicarious adrenaline rush—will want to be in Brattleboro for the annual Harris Hill Ski Jump Competitions (February 18-19).

Virginia
Black History Month will be celebrated at Colonial Williamsburg all month long with a host of enlightening and educational programs. Elsewhere, you’ll have until February 12 to experience the DC Winter Lantern Festival at Lerner Square in Tysons and the Virginia Wine Expo—a fully curated wine, spirits and food event—will showcase the wines of the Old Dominion and other excellent regions around the world (February 25 -March 5).

Washington
Chinatown in Seattle will throw its annual celebration of the Lunar New Year on February 4, ushering in the Year of the Rabbit with dragon & lion dances, great food and traditional crafts. Bellevue will once again play host to Wintergrass—the Pacific Northwest’s premier bluegrass festival— on February 23-26 and In the last days of the month, the Seattle International Dance Festival will welcome some of the best contemporary dancers in the world to town (February 25 – March 4).

West Virginia
Clarksburg will play host to the First Fridays event on February 3, where visitors will be able to experience the city’s art culture and over in Charleston during the first weekend of the month, the West Virginia International Auto Show comes to town (February 3-5). If you didn’t get your share of something sweet on Valentine’s Day, then you’ll want to get in on the fun of Mountain State Maple Days on February 18, where many of the state’s up-and-coming syrup shacks will welcome in guests.

Wisconsin
Madison will play host to the Frozen Assets Festival on February 4 and the Winter Carnival (February 6-11), which are both family-friendly events that take place outdoors in the great Wisconsin winter (think frosty 5Ks, ice skating, and an inflatable replica of the Statue of Liberty on ice). You’ll also be able to embrace the beauty of the season during Winterfest (February 1-5) in Lake Geneva, where you’ll be able to enjoy a bevy of activities and admire the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship.

Wyoming
Pinedale is the place to be for Winter Carnival (February 11-12), which features a one-of-a-kind skijoring contest and a wild & wacky cardboard sled race among other events that showcase the wonder of winter in Wyoming. Jackson Hole will host Kings & Queens of Corbet’s (February 4-11) once again this year, a ski competition to conquer the most legendary couloir in North America. Don’t worry, watching live or celebrating in town is almost as exciting as taking part for yourself. Elsewhere, the 18th Annual Backcountry Film Festival will make multiple stops in the state this month.