Are you looking for 2019 events? Check out The 14 Essential Ann Arbor Area Events to Attend February 2019.
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, ice fishing derbies, 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!
 
 

Arts + Culture

 

Million Dollar Quartet: The Musical | Dexter

Thursday, February 1 – Sunday, February 25 | The Encore Theatre
Inspired by the recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time, this musical brings you right inside the studio. The score includes hits like “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Walk the Line,” and dozens of other unforgettable jams! It’s so fun, you’ll want to come back to The Encore all month long. Choose your showtime and buy tickets here.
 

Estonian National Symphony Orchestra | Ann Arbor

Saturday, February 3, 8 p.m. | Hill Auditorium

Photo courtesy of University Musical Society and Pier Andrea Morolli

At 80-years-old, former Detroit Symphony Orchestra music director Neeme Järvi is returning to Southeast Michigan with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra for their UMS debut. Joined by Garrick Ohlsson on piano, the show promises drama and a symphonic performance you’ll remember for years to come.
 

Michigan Public High School Hockey Showcase | Chelsea

Thursday, February 8 – Sunday, February 11 | Chelsea Arctic Coliseum Ice Arena
Featuring student athletes from 38 area schools, the eighth annual Michigan Public High School Hockey Showcase is coming to Chelsea for an entire weekend during February. The event is the largest high school athletic showcase and the largest public high school showcase in the history of high school athletics in the state of Michigan.
 

Third Annual Ice Carving Festival | Ann Arbor

Saturday, February 10, 12 p.m. | County Farm Park
Chainsaws and flamethrowers will wow the crowds at Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission’s Third Annual Ice Carving Festival. Students and teams from colleges and universities across Southeast Michigan will compete for the winning sculpture while you and your family enjoy refreshments and crafts at this free event.
 
 

Community Celebration

 

Let’s Chill Winter Fest 2018 | Milan

Friday, February 2 – Saturday, February 3 | Downtown Milan

Photo courtesy of Let’s Chill Winter Fest and Mary Kerkes

For the third year, Let’s Chill Winter Fest is coming to Milan’s downtown shopping area, Wilson Park and Edgetown. Over two days, families can enjoy indoor and outdoor winter games, ice carving, an Artisan tent, local eats and food trucks, a pancake breakfast, a chili cook-off, and the area’s only Wine Walk! See the entire schedule here. A free shuttle service will be available for transport between the event areas and you can warm up at stations downtown and around the Wilson Park bonfire.
The Big Freeze is the festival’s kick-off party. Happening on Friday evening from 6 – 11 p.m., the 21+ event includes live music from The Jazz Bums, food and a bar in a heated tent on Tolan Square. Your $30 individual ticket includes food and three drink tickets!
Then, come back Saturday, 3 – 7 p.m. for the 21+ Wine Walk throughout downtown Milan. Buy your $30 ticket here.
 
 

Sports

 

Curling Fest 2018 | Chelsea

Friday, February 9 – Sunday, February 11 | Chelsea Lanes Parking Lot

Sponsored by our very own Rick Taylor, Curling Fest 2018 is an entire weekend of curling fun for beginners and experienced competitors alike! Team tournaments are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday morning to compete for the Chelsea Curling Cup. If you’re not playing, spectating is free and you can enjoy music, beer, food, hot cocoa and more — all in a heated tent! If you want to learn how the game is played, come by on Friday for “learn to curl” sessions from 2-8 p.m.
 

Ice Fishing Derby | Whitmore Lake

Saturday, February 10, 7 a.m. | Independence Lake County Park
On the ice at Independence Lake County Park, this competition will allow you to catch Northern Pike, Blue Gill and Crappie, and compete for the largest catches of the day! Pre-registration and day of registration are available between $5 and $10 for kids or $10 and $15 for adults. Good luck!
 
 

Food + Drink

 

Artini 2018 | Ann Arbor  

Friday, February 9, 6:30 – 10 p.m. | Multiple locations  

Photo courtesy of Ann Arbor Distilling Company

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 10 local spots — including The Pretzel Bell, Ann Arbor Distilling Company, Aventura and Black Pearl — then text in your vote for the People’s Choice Award. The Juror’s Choice Award will be decided by a panel of hand-selected jurors that are unaffiliated with the participating venues. Ticket prices are $55 each and attendees must be 21 years or older.
 

90s Bar Crawl | Ann Arbor

Saturday, February 10, 2 – 10 p.m. | Multiple locations  
If you miss the 90s as much as we do, join the fun for this themed bar crawl through Ann Arbor. Your $25 or $30 ticket includes a signature event cup, a free welcome drink, drink specials and all the 90s music you can handle! Pit stops include Scorekeepers, The Garage Bar, The Blue Leprechaun and more. Buy your tickets in advance here.
 

Short’s Brewing Valentine’s Beer Dinner | Plymouth

Wednesday, February 14, 6 – 9 p.m. | Karl’s Cabin Restaurant & Bar

Photo courtesy of Karl’s Cabin Restaurant & Bar

Karl’s Cabin is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a 6-course, beer-paired meal in the private dining room. Held for the first time on Valentine’s Day, this classic Karl’s event will have plenty of music, laughter and fun so come casual to taste beer, eat delicious food, and win raffle prizes!
 

Blooming YIES Dinner and Silent Auction | Ypsilanti

Saturday, February 24, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. | Ypsilanti Freighthouse
For the second year, the Ypsilanti International Elementary School PTO is hosting the Blooming YIES Dinner and Silent Auction, a strolling dinner and silent auction benefiting Ypsilanti International Elementary School and their upcoming “Educational Oasis”. Your $25 ticket will get adult attendees inside the Ypsilanti Freighthouse to enjoy drinks and beverages for a night of education and community.
 

HopCat Beer Dinner with Oskar Blues | Ann Arbor

Tuesday, February 27, 7 – 9 p.m. | HopCat Ann Arbor
Round out the month with a mouth-watering beer dinner at HopCat. Featuring the craft brews of Colorado’s Oskar Blues Brewery, you’ll enjoy dishes like Spicy Mussels with chorizo, Grilled Salmon topped with a Red Wine Drizzle, and an Ice Cream Cannoli for dessert — all paired perfectly with a craft brew! Get full menu details and buy your $32 ticket here.
 
 

Share your favorites

If we missed your most-anticipated event this month, let us know in the comments below!