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8 Fun February Events

We all know winter in Michigan means ice. But here in the Ann Arbor area, we’re turning that into ice carving competitions, curling tournaments, winter festivals and a hockey showcase. Join the fun at the region’s essential February events!
And don’t worry, they’re not all outside. Our guide includes theater, orchestra and beer dinners as well. Enjoy!

Million Dollar Quartet
February 1 – 25

Million Dollar Quartet is a jukebox musical written by Floyd Mutrux and Colin Escott. It dramatizes the Million Dollar Quartet recording session of December 4, 1956, among early rock and roll stars Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins, and newcomer Jerry Lee Lewis.


Let’s Chill Winter Fest
February 2 – 3

The third annual Let’s Chill Winter Fest features activities for individuals of all ages. The winter festival spans the downtown shopping area, Wilson Park and Edgetown. Activities include a chili cook-off, the area’s only wine walk, indoor and outdoor winter games, ice carving, an Artisan tent, food, and more.

Free shuttle service will run between all major event areas and parking lots, making it easily accessible. Warming stations in the downtown area and a large bonfire in Wilson Park offer warmth and ambiance.


Estonian National Symphony Orchestra
February 3

Former Detroit Symphony Orchestra music director Neeme Järvi returns to Southeast Michigan with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra.

Järvi leads the ensemble in its UMS debut. The evening’s program is steeped in the music of Estonian composers, including the beautiful fifth symphony of Eduard Tubin. Tubin fled to Stockholm in 1944 when the Soviet Union occupied Estonia. Garrick Ohlsson, a musician of magisterial interpretive and technical prowess, joins the orchestra for Brahms’s first piano concerto.


Artini
February 9

The 10th Annual “Artini”, a fundraiser benefiting the Ann Arbor Art Center! Once again, the finest downtown bars and restaurants in downtown Ann Arbor will compete to create the city’s most artful martini. From 6:30pm to 10:00 pm, Artini guests will visit participating establishments and taste carefully crafted and innovative cocktails designed by some of the city’s top mixologists.

Artini guests have the chance to crown the “People’s Choice Award” winner by texting to vote for their favorite drinks throughout the evening. The “Juror’s Choice Award” will be decided by a panel of jurors that are unaffiliated with the participating venues.

Participating venues:

• The Alley Bar
• Ann Arbor Distilling Company @ the Ann Arbor Art Center
• Aventura
• Bab’s Underground
• The Beer Grotto
• Black Pearl
• Melange
• Pretzel Bell
• Additional venues confirming daily!

Attendees must be 21 or older by 2/9/2018. Ticket prices are $55 and are non-refundable. The Ann Arbor Art Center is a 501©(3) organization, and $25 of each Artini ticket is tax deductible.


Curling Fest 2018
February 9 – 10

Curling Fest 2018 is a weekend of curling fun, for beginners and experienced competitors, with a tournament and learn-to-curl sessions.

Saturday, February 10 is for both experienced and novice competitors, with learn-to-curl ice time on February 9, 2018. Watch the bonspiel (term for curling tournament) free of charge or stop by Friday night for great winter fun. Enjoy music, beer, food, hot cocoa, and more in a heated tent on both days.


Chainsaw carving an ice sculpture

Third Annual Ice Carving Festival
February 10

Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission proudly presents our annual Ice Carving Festival! Watch students from colleges and universities across SE Michigan compete. Stand in awe as these carvers showcase their mastery with chainsaws and flamethrowers to create unique masterpieces to display at County Farm Park.


Volunteering

Stewardship Workday
February 11

Scarlett Mitchell Nature Area contains a mature oak hickory woodland as well as wetlands, which support several species of frogs and salamanders. Come help preserve this diverse nature area by cutting invasive shrubs such as buckthorn and honeysuckle. Meet at the park entrance on Turnberry Lane, off of Packard Road. Please dress in layers and wear shoes suitable for snow or wet ground. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.


Blooming YIES Dinner and Silent Auction
February 24

Join in the second annual Blooming YIES Dinner and Silent Auction hosted by the Ypsilanti International Elementary School PTO. Blooming YIES is a strolling dinner and silent auction that will raise money for the establishment of an “Educational Oasis” at Ypsilanti International Elementary School. The event will feature a night of fundraising, silent auction, and community building.

The event will be held at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse in Depot Town from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm. Reserved parking for the event is at the Rice Street Lot, AKA the Frog Island Parking lot – please look for signs. Tickets will cover the cost of the strolling dinner and two drink tickets. Please note this is an adult only event!

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