An eventful month is coming our way, friends! There are so many things to do in Toronto this February, from festivals to theatrical productions to delicious food-centric celebrations.
In addition to Black History Month, February is also the month of Valentine’s Day and Family Day weekend. There are many educational and commemorative events to participate in, as well as activities to enjoy with your special someone and the whole family.
Without further delay, let’s dive into the very best things to do in Toronto this February!
Outdoor Events & Activities
Bloor-Yorkville Icefest
Bloor-Yorkville Icefest is making a comeback this February and will transform the neighbourhood into a whimsical world filled with frozen displays.
There will be over 40 creations made from 60,000 lbs of ice on display at the festival, which will be carved into magnificent, one-of-a-kind sculptures.
Icefest will also feature live ice carving demonstrations, an ice lounge, and an ice wall with projections.
When: February 18th and 19th, 2023, 12 PM to 11 PM
Where: Village of Yorkville Park & Bloor-Yorkville area
Cost: FREE
Family Day Skate Party
This family-friendly skate party is the last hurrah of the season for Toronto’s skating trail under the Gardiner Expressway, and you don’t want to miss it.
Taking place on Family Day weekend, the event will feature local newcomer DJs, uplifting music, diverse refreshments, and exciting vendors.
When: February 20th, 2023, 12 PM to 9 PM
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Boulevard
Skating at Toronto’s outdoor rinks
The season of outdoor skating is well underway! When it comes to outdoor skating rinks, Toronto has no shortage of fantastic options.
From ice trails through the city to DJ skate nights in the heart of downtown, these rinks will make you want to lace up your skates all season long.
Where: See Toronto’s best outdoor rinks here
When: Until March 2023
Take a break from Canada’s cold winter and seize the sun this February with Air Canada’s hottest flights and vacation deals. With flairs starting as low at $170 and up to 40% off all inclusive packages, you can plan less and vacation more with over 50 top sunny destinations to choose from within the US, Mexico and Caribbean.
Distillery District – Après Ski Weekends
Ditch the skis and join Toronto’s Distillery District for some fun Après Ski activities.
Warm up by the fire pits, sip on some hot chocolate (or alcoholic beverages), and munch on delicious treats.
These fun-filled festivities run every weekend until March 21st. Space is a little limited so just know that it is first come, first served and weather permitting.
When: Saturdays and Sundays until March 19th, 12 PM to 6 PM
Where: 55 Mill Street
Winter Stations
Winter Stations is making a comeback this February. This single-state international design competition takes place every year, and contestants must incorporate the Kew and Woodbine beach lifeguard towers into their installations in creative ways.
The winners get to bring their designs to life and showcase them along the beaches for several weeks in the winter and spring.
Winter Stations will be taking place at multiple locations this year and instead of staying in one place, some installations will be relocated to give more residents a chance to visit.
When: February 20th to April 3rd, 2023
Where: Woodbine Beach and 1381 Lakeshore Road East (Mississauga)
Free hot chocolate and skate rentals at The Bentway
Winter skating under the Gardiner is back for the fifth year in a row!
Until February 20th, skate rentals will available for free every Friday from 5 PM to 9 PM.
On Monday evenings, you can warm up with a cup of free hot chocolate. Free skate lessons for all ages will be offered by registration on Tuesday evenings.
When: Until February 20th, 2023
Where: The Bentway Skate Trail, 250 Fort York Blvd
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Food, Drinks & Shopping Events
Winterlicious
Toronto’s annual restaurant festival Winterlicious is back with prix fixe menus offered at eateries around the city.
Whether you’re looking to dine on a budget or experience new cuisine, Winterlicious is the perfect excuse to go out and give local restaurants your support.
When: Until February 9th, 2023
Where: See participating restaurants
The Winter Chocolate Show
Enjoy delicious chocolate creations from some of Canada’s finest chocolate makers and chocolatiers at this winter event.
Tickets are available online via Eventbrite.
When: February 4th, 2023
Where: Enoch Turner Schoolhouse Museum and Special Events Venue – 106 Trinity Street
Sweet City Fest
Just in time for the season of candy hearts and chocolate boxes, Toronto is getting a month-long festival dedicated to all things sweet.
Enjoy special events and activities all month long, including workshops, bake sales, socials, Valentine’s specials, live music, and much more.
When: February 1st to 26th, 2023
Where: Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst Street
High Tea at the Castle
Casa Loma is hosting its popular Edwardian afternoon tea service this Family Day weekend.
Enjoy an elegant traditional high tea at Toronto’s majestic castle, complete with premium teas, scones, gourmet pastries, and tea sandwiches.
When: February 18th to 20th, 2023
Where: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace
Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea at the Shangri-La
Shangri-La’s Lunar New Year inspired Afternoon Tea is still on, with a menu featuring items such as: Savoury dim sums including open purse dumplings with scallop, shrimp and bok choy, steamed dumplings with chicken and scallion, traditional har gow and a crispy tofu roll.
It is served from Thursday to Sunday from 12 to 4 pm in the Lobby Lounge!
When: Until February 19, 2023
Where: Shangri-La, 188 University Avenue
Next Market
Gladstone House is hosting a sip and shop vendor market this February.
Enjoy a coffee or cocktail while you browse and shop among 30 local vendors, craftsmen, and artists selling their goods.
Taking place just a few days before Valentine’s Day, this is the ideal spot to search for a last-minute gift.
When: February 11th, 2023, 12 PM to 9 PM
Where: Gladstone House Ballroom and Bistro
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Valentine’s Day Events
ROM After Dark: Love Struck
Get ready for a romantic night at the museum! This special monthly event takes place after sunset and comes with access to all of the museum’s exhibitions.
According to The ROM, this monthly 19+ event features a range of “experiential activities, curated music, visual arts, pop-up performances, and distinctive food and drink, designed for adults looking for a fun, art-driven night out.”
This month’s theme is called Love Struck and takes place a few days before Valentine’s Day, so we can only guess that this event is for the lovers out there!
When: February 10th, 2023
Where: The Royal Ontario Museum
Sponsored Pick: Escape to the Drake Devonshire for a romantic getaway
If you’re thinking of going the extra mile (literally) this V-Day, the romantic packages available at Drake Devonshire will make the planning a whole lot easier. Including a 2-night stay, custom-engraved jewellery, wine, treats, and even a pleasure kit, there’s a lot in store for the lovebirds heading to PEC. Plus, you can indulge in a multi-course dinner by Executive Chefs Amanda Ray.
When: Packages available all throughout February. Special Valentine’s dinner available from Feb 10-14.
Where: Drake Devonshire (24 Wharf St, Wellington, ON) and Drake Motor Inn (43 Wharf St, Wellington, ON)
Cost: click here to see all the package options.
Valentine’s Day Taste-Around
What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than indulging in a delicious feast of chef-curated Italian dishes? Eataly is hosting a special tasting event that you and your special someone are sure to enjoy.
According to Eataly, this event will make you “fall in love with the traditions, stories and flavours of Italian classics,” just in time for the most romantic day of the year!
When: February 10th, 2023, 6 PM to 8 PM
Where: Eataly, 55 Bloor Street West
Ripley’s Aquarium Valentine’s Day Dinner
Take your favourite fish in the sea on a Valentine’s Day date they’ll never forget. Ripley’s Aquarium Valentine’s Day dinner is back this February and you’ll be taken on a romantic journey under the sea.
You’ll get to enjoy a delicious three-course meal in your choice of three popular exhibits at Ripley’s.
When: February 14th, 2023, 6:30 PM and 9 PM
Where: Ripley’s Aquarium
Black History Month Events
KUUMBA
Toronto’s largest Black Futures Month celebration is back this February, with “stimulating and thought-provoking” discussions and performances taking place all month long.
The program features dance, music, workshops and literary events that highlight contemporary artists and thought leaders from the Afro-diaspora in Canada.
When: February 1st to 28th, 2023
Where: See all events
Everbloom Music Festival
An all-Canadian mini music festival is coming our way this month. This event will celebrate and showcase Black artists across the country.
Everbloom will feature performances from Canada’s Black musicians, drag queens/kings, and more. It will also have a vendor market focusing on Black-owned businesses in Toronto.
When: February 25th, 2023
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West
Toronto Black Film Festival
TBFF is back this February to showcase powerful and thought-provoking Black films.
This festival aims to “give unique voices in cinema the opportunity to present audiences with new ways of looking at the world,” and spark meaningful discussion about today’s cultural, social and socio-economic issues.
When: February 15 to 20th, 2023
Where: Online
Black-Owned Toronto
The Art Gallery of Ontario is hosting a special vendor market on the final weekend of Black History Month.
The market will feature 25 Black owned local businesses, with a range of products including candles, hair care, children’s books, scents and more.
Do some shopping and support local businesses, and then spend the rest of the day exploring the gallery.
When: February 25th, 2023, 11 AM to 4 PM
Where: The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Black History Month at Toronto Public Library
The Toronto Public Library is hosting a series of events, workshops, and lectures throughout Black History Month.
Learn about the legacy of the slave trade in Canada, participate in an African drum workshop, enjoy a live steelpan performance, and much more.
The library also has an extensive list of podcasts, videos, and recommended reading for all ages on the theme of Black history.
When: February 2023
Where: See all events
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Arts & Culture Events
Disney Animation: Immersive Experience
A whole new world, a new fantastic point of view! An exhibit called Disney Animation: Immersive Experience has arrived in Toronto and it’s every bit as magical as it sounds.
You’ll get to see Disney films old and new come to life all around you, including Encanto, Zootopia, Frozen, The Lion King, Peter Pan, and Pinocchio.
Prepare to be immersed in the music and artistry that made these beloved animations as iconic as they are today.
When: Until March 19th, 2023
Where: Lighthouse Immersive Inc, 1 Yonge Street
The Rhubarb Festival
Toronto’s beloved Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is transforming into a “hotbed of experimentation” this February for the annual Rhubarb Festival.
Witness the action unfold as artists “challenge our notions of what art-making and art-watching can be,” sparking thought-provoking discussion through unique entertainment.
When: February 8th to 11th, 2023
Where: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander Street
Long Winter Toronto
Long Winter is an all-ages, pay-what-you-can art series that has been a tradition in our city for 11 years strong.
Held at venues around the city, Long Winter is a multi-level, interactive space where artists showcase their talents and locals mix, mingle and party the night away.
Long Winter has even been recognized by the likes of Pitchfork and Rolling Stone, who compared it to the “anarchic, circus-like atmosphere of first-wave Lollapalooza.”
When: February 4th, 2023
Where: Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Avenue
Theatre & Sporting Events
Disney on Ice: Find Your Hero
Disney fans, you’ll want to grab your Mickey ears for this!
The world-class ice skating show, Disney on Ice, is coming to Toronto this February with over 50 characters coming to life before your eyes.
From Elsa to Woody and Buzz Lightyear to Timon and Pumbaa, you’ll be treated to special performances by all your favourite Disney friends.
When: February 3rd to 5th, 2023
Where: Scotiabank Arena
Hamilton
Broadway sensation Hamilton is making a comeback to Toronto and it’s ready to hit the stage this month. The popular musical will run for a few months starting on February 22nd.
“Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre,” the description says.
This musical is not only entertaining, but has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.
When: February 22nd to June 11th, 2023
Where: Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King Street West
Super Bowl LVII Viewing Parties
The Rihanna concert… sorry, we mean, the Super Bowl LVII takes place this month and there are a number of Toronto restaurants and bars hosting viewing parties for the event.
Mark your calendars because on Sunday, February 12th the only place you’ll want to watch the Super Bowl is at one of these food hubs. Games, prizes, Super Bowl special menus, and more.
When: February 12th, 2023, 6:30 PM
Where: See Toronto’s best Super Bowl viewing parties
Toronto Raptors & Maple Leaf Games
It’s not too late to catch the Raptors and Leafs in action! Whether you’re looking for something to do with the squad, the family, or with your S/O, there’s nothing more exciting than a high-energy game at Scotiabank Arena.
With the weather getting colder, now’s the time to stay warm and cheer for the home team all evening long,
When: February 2023
Where: Scotiabank Arena
