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The 11 Essential Ann Arbor Area Events to Attend February 2020

While the weather might be cold, there are many wonderful activities going on in the Ann Arbor area this February! We’ve turned the ice into ice carving festivals and curling competitions and we’re enduring the cold weather with chili cook-offs.

So whether you are looking to exercise your creative muscles painting, want to experience the orchestra or a play, explore a craft fair, or just want to eat some wings—there’s something for you on this list.

 

Jump ahead:

Arts + Culture | Community Celebrations | Sports | Food + Drink

 

Arts + Culture

Budapest Festival Orchestra | Ann Arbor

Where: Hill Auditorium 

When: February 20, 7:30 p.m.

French violinist Renaud Capuçon joins the Budapest Festival Orchestra for this all-Dvořák program, which also features the UMS Choral Union in a performance of Dvořák’s Legends, Four Choruses, and Symphony Number 8. The BFO was co-founded by the charismatic conductor Iván Fischer in 1983, and their past performances in Hill Auditorium have left audiences mesmerized.

 

33rd Annual Storytelling Festival | Ann Arbor

Where: The Ark

When: February 22, 7:30 p.m.

January Events Ann Arbor

For 33 years, the Ark’s annual Storytelling Festival has been a local favorite, bringing spoken word storytellers to Ann Arbor from all over the world. This year, the festival will feature Antonio Rocha, Anne Rutherford, Norm Brecke and Barbara Schutzgruber along with several others. Click here to get your tickets.

 

James & The Giant Peach Jr. | Ann Arbor

Where: The Encore Musical Theatre Company

When: February 28-March 8, Times Vary

For the fifth year of the Encore Junior program, witness James discover the true meaning of family in this iconic family story. Young performers will be crafting a brand new, musical re-imagining of Roald Dahl’s beloved book—and you won’t want to miss it!

 

Friday Art Night | Plymouth

Where: Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex

When: February 21, 6:30-9 p.m.

February Events Ann Arbor

Grab your entire entourage and go on a creative adventure at the Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex! This February evening will feature denim and canvas painting along with snacks and refreshments that everyone will enjoy. Plus, you’re welcome to bring your own treats as well. This event is free for members of Makers ‘n Shakers and $25 for nonmembers.

 

Winter Birding | Brighton

Where: Hudson Mills Metropark Activity Center

When: February 8, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join Hudson Mills Metropark staff as they search for some of the birds that decided to stay behind in Ann Arbor this winter! Be sure to dress for the weather as the event will take place outside. A limited supply of binoculars are available to borrow, so if you have some of your own, you’re encouraged to bring them.

 

Community Celebrations

Let’s Chill Winter Fest | Milan

Where: Multiple Locations

When: January 31-February 1

February Events Ann Arbor

Centered around Milan’s downtown shopping area, Wilson Park and Edgetown, this annual event is one of our favorite winter happenings. Activities include a chili cook-off, Let’s Chill Winter Fest Wine Walk, indoor and outdoor winter games, ice carving, an artisan tent, food, The Big Freeze, and more.

 

Winter Fun Fest: Ice Carving Festival | Ann Arbor

Where: County Farm Park

When: February 8, 12-4 p.m.

This month, take the whole family to the County Farm Park for a magical afternoon! Enjoy refreshments and activities as you watch college ice carving teams from across Southeast Michigan compete. The teams will use techniques involving flamethrowers, chainsaws and more, so get ready for an adrenaline-fueled event!

 

Valentines Vendor Event | Plymouth

Where: VFW Hall

When: February 9, 1-5 p.m.

There’s no better place to get your loved one a special Valentine’s Day gift than this artisan event in Plymouth! Several vendors will be set up in the local VFW Hall that you can explore. For a list of vendors—or to sign up as a vendor yourself—visit the event’s Facebook page.

 

Sports

Annual Curling Fest | Chelsea

Where: Chelsea Arctic Coliseum

When: February 7, 8-11:59 p.m.

February Events Ann Arbor

Photo courtesy of the Chelsea Area Chamber

Organized by the Chelsea Area Chamber, Curling Fest 2020 is an entire event of curling fun for beginners and experienced competitors alike! Team tournaments are scheduled for an hour Friday, February 7 to compete for the Chelsea Curling Cup. You can enjoy all-you-can-eat pizza, salad and pop—all in a heated tent from 8 p.m. to midnight!

 

Food + Drink

Whiskey & Wings Bar Crawl | Ann Arbor

Where: Bar Louie

When: February 15, 4-11:59 p.m.

Who knew that wings and whiskey pair perfectly together? Bar Louie did! This month, they’re hosting a special Whiskey & Wings bar crawl where you’ll get to explore several different locations, taste special pairings, enjoy exclusive specials and so much more. Click here to get your tickets.

 

Artini 2020 | Ann Arbor

Where: Multiple Locations

When: February 21, 6:30-10 p.m.

February Events Ann Arbor

Photo courtesy of the Ann Arbor Art Center

This fundraising event brings together the town’s best bars, restaurants and local martini connoisseurs for an evening of mixology fun! Benefitting the Ann Arbor Art Center, Artini guests will visit several local spots—including The Alley Bar, Ann Arbor Distilling Company, Babs’ Underground and many more—and then text in a vote for the People’s Choice Award.

 

Happy February!

How are you planning to spend our coldest month? Let us know in the comments below!

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