As COVID restrictions can change, please plan accordingly. Follow masking guidelines. Venues may have capacity limits and may not be able to serve food and drink. Please check ahead.
February 1
Start off Black History Month by learning about the fascinating yet oft-forgotten history of early Black communities in Canada by attending the virtual Tracking Black Canada event hosted by MacEwan University.
February 1 onwards
Do you like country music? How about weed, dressing in black from head to toe or being an outlaw? If you answered yes to any of the above you should head to Mayfield Dinner Theatre to watch Nashville Outlaws, which features the music and lives of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings.
February 3-19
If there was any doubt that cats make for great theatre subjects, one only needs to think of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical extravaganza whose name we’ve suddenly forgotten. Oh, right, Cats. If you like the combination of felines and the stage head out to the St. Albert Dinner Theatre to catch the play The Trouble with Cats.
Thursdays in February
It wouldn’t be winter without sliding down a hillock on a tube. Head down to the Sunridge Ski Area to indulge in this fun winter pastime.
Fridays in February
With the number of new sports that have been added to the Olympic Games roster in the last decade, you could be forgiven for thinking Theatresports involves athletes trash-talking in Shakespearean prose. Of course, created by Keith Johnstone in Calgary over 40 years ago, it’s a show that pits teams of improvisers against each other in a battle of wits.
February 5-March 19
If you’ve been feeling disconnected from nature this exhibition might help re-establish your sense of wonder. SNAP will present an exhibition, Touching Gravitas, which is the result of years of collaboration and intimate contact between Bernd Hildebrandt, Liz Ingram and a special site in the boreal forest of Alberta bordering on Obed Lake.
February 5-6
If you’re artistically inclined and socially responsible, the Black Futures Market event at the Art Gallery of Alberta is a win-win. Catch up on great art and support Black-owned businesses.
February 5-27
Despite the allusions of American indie filmmaker Jim Jarmusch, who directed Coffee and Cigarettes, nothing pairs better than a Cuppa Joe and an accompanying treat to satiate your sweet tooth. Indulge in both at the Sweet Treats & Latte Festival while exploring the vibrant cafe culture at Old Strathcona.
Until February 6
Watch this fascinating, historical play, The Mountaintop, which re-imagines the events that take place the night before the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s.
Until February 6
Jaunt through Old Strathcona and see the best ice carvers in the world display their sculptures and demonstrate how they go about creating these cool masterpieces at Ice on Whyte. Want to unleash your inner Rodin? You can also sign-up for carving lessons from the pros.
February 9-10 *Rescheduled for June 21-22
You watched and loved the original television series, you watched and loved (?!) the reunion show, now you can watch a musical parody of the second best ‘90s, set-in-New York sitcom (we’re still sticking with Seinfeld on that front) when Festival Place hosts FRIENDS! The Musical Parody.
February 11
A poignant look at the lives of struggling artists searching for meaning, amazing music, lavish period costumes and a visually spectacular recreation of 19th century Paris; there are plenty of reasons to watch Puccini’s classic opera, La Bohème by Edmonton Opera. Choose your pick.
February 11-12
What better way to get ready for Valentine’s Day than by enjoying a candlelight dinner with your special someone and listening to the greatest love songs of all time performed by Edmonton-based duo and married couple Joe and Ariana Whitlow at The Secret Garden?
February 11-21
Enjoy the best winter has to offer when the Silver Skate Festival returns to Hawrelak Park. There are a host of activities for the entire family to enjoy. Go for a glide in the largest skating pond in the city, marvel at the beauty of the mesmerizing ice sculptures, compete in a winter triathlon, listen to Indigenous oral history, or just chill out. Literally.
February 11-13
The premier cross-country ski festival in Western Canada, The Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival returns to test your skill and endurance. Compete in multiple events of varying distances against some of the best skiers from around the world. With up to 55 kilometres of classic technique ski tracks in the majestic Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area, this event promises to be challenging and fun.
February 12
Ever curious about the eastern-most province of the country? Have friends or colleagues from Newfoundland and you can’t understand a word they say? Visit this comedy show by Gemini-award winning actor and comic Shaun Majumder, who grew up in a rural Newfoundland community, that will play at the Festival Place.
February 12-13
Support local artisans and crafters and indulge in some retail therapy by checking out the wide range of goods on offer at the Wholly Handmade Market. Products on offer include home decor, bath and body products, baby and children’s items, artwork, clothing and accessories.
February 16
Join this virtual event hosted by MacEwan University, where NDP MLA David Shepherd, who in 2015 became just the third person of African origin to be elected an MLA in Alberta, talks about his journey to finding his Black identity and the social anxiety and intimidation he had to overcome along the way.
February 18
Don’t rely on Newman for your Calzones (yes, that’s another Seinfeld reference)! Firefly Theatre and Circus is hosting a virtual event to encourage one of the pandemic’s greatest finds – at-home bakers.
February 21 onwards
Maud Lewis is one of Canada’s most beloved folk artists — and the Art Gallery of Alberta will host an exhibition of the artist and her vibrant paintings of rural life in 20th century Nova Scotia.
February 22
The amazing thing about yoga is that it’s so adaptable. We have goat yoga, dog yoga, cannabis yoga, tantrum yoga, laughter yoga, rave yoga, and you can now add a new style to that list: Taco yoga is now a thing and will take place at El Cortez. And if it’s tacos, can it be held on any day other than Tuesday? Probably not.
February 23
Planning to graduate in the spring? Well, never too early to get started on the job hunt. Talk to hiring managers, network with decision makers and apply to recruiting exhibitors at the Edmonton Career Fair and Training Expo.
February 24
Honestly speaking, every night could be a Dolly Parton tribute night. Her philanthropic track record alone would merit that. Throw in a six-decade career as an entertainer, and her smooth vocals and the Dolly Parton Tribute Night by Karen Hester at the River Cree Resort & Casino promises to be an exciting one.
February 26
The Edmonton Chapter of The National Black Coalition of Canada will host its annual gospel concert to celebrate Black History Month at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in what promises to be a night of wonderful music and community.
February 28-March 20
If you’re a fan of J.M Barrie’s classic fantasy tale, Peter Pan, then this comic production at the Citadel Theatre will tickle your funny bones. Peter Pan Goes Wrong has also been nominated at the prestigious Olivier Awards for Best New Comedy.
