February may be one of our chilliest months, but that doesn’t mean the events are slowing down in Ann Arbor and our surrounding communities. In fact, with things like a curling festival, ice carving exhibitions and ice hockey, it seems our communities are just fine with the cold.
Keep reading to find out what’s happening in the Ann Arbor area this February. Our guide includes both free and ticketed events for all ages.
 

Jump ahead:

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

 

Arts + Culture

 

Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra | Ypsilanti

February 17, 3:30 p.m. | Towsley Auditorium, Washtenaw Community College

In celebration of their 20th year, Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra is hosting five concert events continuing through May 2019. Their third is scheduled for Sunday, February 17th inside Towsley Auditorium and it’s free to attend.
 

The Vintage Market presents: Flannel Fling! | Ann Arbor

February 17, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds
The Vintage Market is an upscale, vintage-inspired flea market-based in Monroe, Michigan. But in February, they’re coming to Ann Arbor for Flannel Fling! Held inside at Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, this market will feature more than 100 vendors selling antiques, home decor, kitchenware, candles, handmade items, clothing, jewelry and more. For more information, check out the event on Facebook here.
 

TEDxUofM 2019: Absolute Zero | Ann Arbor

February 22, 6 – 10 p.m. | Power Center for Performing Arts
The TEDx program allows independent organizations and communities to bring the spirit of the annual TED conference to their homes around the globe. And in February, the annual TEDxUofM conference returns to showcase the most fascinating thinkers, doers and leaders in Michigan. For ticket information, click here.
 

The Ark’s 32nd Annual Storytelling Festival | Ann Arbor

February 23, 7:30 p.m. | The Ark
Laura Simms, Edgar Oliver and Michigan’s Ivory D. Williams are taking the stage for The Ark’s 32nd Annual Storytelling Festival. The spoken word event costs just $25 to attend and will be an evening of stories, adventures, laughter and creativity. For updates, RSVP to the event on Facebook here.
 

Washtenaw Community Concert Band: Celebration of the Community | Ann Arbor

February 28, 7:30 p.m. | Towsley Auditorium, Washtenaw Community College
This free Washtenaw Community Concert Band program is dedicated to the community. As such, it will celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, and it will even highlight student players from local high schools.
 
 

Community Celebrations

 

Let’s Chill Winterfest | Milan

February 1 – 2 | Downtown Milan

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. For full details, check out the website here.
 

Ice Carving Festival | Ann Arbor

February 9, 12 – 4 p.m. | County Farm Park
Chainsaws and flamethrowers will wow the crowds at Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission’s Fourth 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 hot chocolate and crafts at this free event.
 

Rally in the Alley | Ann Arbor

February 9, 1 p.m. | Revel & Roll
February 2019 marks the first ever Rally in the Alley event benefiting the University of Michigan Department of Radiation Oncology. This event will raise funds for patients in the department who are struggling with transportation, food, hotels and other things while under treatment. The event will include two hours of bowling, pizza for everyone and soft drinks, and the attractions of Revel & Roll will be available as well as a silent auction and other mini-games. Individual tickets are $25 and more information can be found here.
 

2019 University of Michigan Polar Plunge | Ann Arbor

February 22, 6:30 p.m. | The Big House
The Polar Plunge is a Law Enforcement Torch Run event that benefits Special Olympics chapters throughout the country. This unique event in Ann Arbor will benefit Special Olympics Michigan and will invite participants into The Big House to take the plunge on the field. After putting on your Wolverine costume in the locker room, you can join the parade of costumes through the tunnel then plunge into an icy pool. For more information on fundraising and registration, click here.
 
 

Sports

 

U-M Ice Hockey vs. Michigan State | Ann Arbor

February 8, 7:30 p.m. | Yost Ice Arena

The U-M Ice Hockey team is facing off against Michigan State inside Yost Ice Arena on February 8th. To get more details and see the full schedule, click here.
 

Curling Fest | Chelsea

February 8 – 10 | Chelsea Lanes Parking Lot
Sponsored by our very own Rick Taylor, Curling Fest 2019 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. And if you’re not playing, spectating is free. You can enjoy music, beer, food, hot cocoa and more—all in a heated tent!
 
 

Food + Drink

 

Gluten Free WinterFest | Ann Arbor

February 2, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds

Gluten Free WinterFest is a one-day food festival that celebrates local makers in a completely celiac safe environment. Attractions include food from eight restaurants, caterers and food trucks, exhibits from local businesses, a shopping bazaar, live music, entertainment for kids, prizes and more. For more information, check out the event on Facebook here.
 

Victorian Valentine Tea | Ann Arbor

February 9 – 10 | Kempf House Museum
Inside the Kempf House Museum, you can celebrate Valentine’s Day with an elegant, traditional tea complete with both sweet and savory offerings. This year, Victorian Valentine Tea will have two seatings: one on Saturday and one on Sunday. Period attire is welcome, tickets are between $25 and $30, and you can make your reservations through February 4th by calling (734) 994-4898.
 

Artini | Ann Arbor

February 22, 6:30 – 10 p.m. | Ann Arbor Art Center and other locations
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 with about 10 local businesses, including The Pretzel Bell, Ann Arbor Distilling Company, The Grotto and Bløm Meadworks, at various locations. Then, text in to 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 $65 each and attendees must be 21 years or older. For more info, check out the event on Facebook here.
 
 

Enjoy!