February is an exciting month in Cleveland, and there is a lot going on.
Winter is still in full swing, and although February is the shortest month of the year, there are several holidays to look forward to including Valentine’s Day on February 14th, President’s Day on February 16th, and Lunar New Year on February 17th.
From food and drink festivals to outdoor activities that will have you braving the cold, here are some of the best things to do in Cleveland this month.
Weather in Cleveland in February
The weather in Cleveland in February is unsurprisingly pretty cold. The average high for the month is 37° F and the average low is 24° F.
It snows on average 11 days out of the month in February, and the monthly accumulation of snowfall is over 13.5 inches. Like January, February is another cold and snowy winter month in Cleveland, so bundle up for outdoor activities!
Top 10 Things to Do in Cleveland in February
1. Enjoy a cozy brunch
When: All month long
Where: Various locations
There’s no better way to warm up on a cold January day than with a cozy brunch. Head to one of Cleveland’s best brunch spots such as:
- Juneberry Table
- Lucky’s Cafe
- Luxe Kitchen & Lounge
- The South Side
- Heck’s Cafe
Some restaurants even have private heated igloos that you can rent for a memorable brunch experience.
2. Lake Erie Folk Fest
When: February 14, 2026
Where: Thwing Center at Case Western Reserve University, 11111 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Come and enjoy the annual Lake Erie Folk Fest at Case Western this year. This annual music festival seeks to promote and preserve the art of folk music, from bluegrass to traditional Celtic and everything in between. The event features daytime music workshops and mini concerts, as well as a larger evening folk concert.
The daytime events at the Folk Fest (from 1-6 p.m.) are free for anyone to attend, while tickets for the evening concert at 7:30 p.m. cost $25 in advance, or $30 on the day of the show. The evening concert will feature students from the Cleveland Institute of Music, along with two national folk bands.
3. Orchid Rodeo
When: February 14-April 5, 2026
Where: Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd, Cleveland
The Orchid Rodeo show at Cleveland Botanical Garden is the perfect way to escape winter. This year’s show “puts a bold western twist on nature’s most dazzling blooms, blending cowboy spirit with the delicate beauty of orchids from around the world,” with many exotic orchids on display throughout the indoor gardens and glasshouses.
Tickets for adults are $21, and tickets for children 3-12 years old are $15. Cleveland Botanical Garden members get in for free.
4. Cleveland Kurentovanje
When: February 14, 2026
Where: Slovenian National Home, 6409 Saint Clair Ave, Cleveland
For a unique cultural event in Cleveland this February and March, don’t miss Cleveland Kurentovanje. It’s a multi-day “Slovenian Mardi Gras” festival that celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
There are a number of events occurring around Cleveland throughout the two weeks of the festival, but it all culminates in the Kurent Dash 5k and the 14th annual Cleveland Kurentovanje Main Festival and Parade on February 14 this year. The parade begins at noon at the Slovenian National Home.
5. Paczki Day
When: February 17, 2026
Where: Various locations
While many people around the US love to celebrate Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, we celebrate Paczki Day here in Cleveland!
Paczki sort of resemble jelly filled donuts, but these tasty Polish treats are made with a special sweet yeast dough and are a unique pastry in their own right.
Some places to find the best paczki in Cleveland include:
- Stan’s Northfield Bakery
- Rudy’s Strudel & Bakery
- Krakow Deli
- Kiedrowski’s Bakery
- Davis Bakery & Delicatessen
6. Celebrate Lunar New Year
When: February 17, 2026
Where: Various locations
Lunar New Year is the beginning of a New Year for a calendar that observes moon cycles. It’s celebrated in many cultures, but it’s often known as Chinese New Year because it’s a major festival in China.
In 2026, the Lunar New Year falls on February 17. There are several places you can celebrate the Lunar New Year in Cleveland, though note that many of these celebrations happen on weekends surrounding Lunar New Year.
In the AsiaTown neighborhood of Cleveland, Asia Plaza and Li Wah host a big Lunar New Year celebration every year including traditional performances and a lantern festival. Asia Plaza’s celebration will be on Feb. 14-15, while Li Wah will have dragon dancers from Feb. 14-15, and 21-23.
Elsewhere, the Cleveland Public Library is hosting an Lunar New Year Celebration at its main branch downtown on February 28.
7. Brite Winter
When: February 21, 2026
Where: Waterloo Arts District, Cleveland
Brite Winter is an annual winter music and arts festival in Cleveland. This year’s festival will be held on Saturday, February 21, and features a great lineup of local performers and artists. It’s also moving locations to the Waterloo Arts District on the east side this year.
The goal of this non-profit festival is to bring together people of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds in Cleveland to discover new music and art and enjoy their community.
General admission tickets start at just $15.
8. Cleveland Auto Show
When: February 20-March 1, 2026
Where: International Exposition Center, 1 I-X Center Dr, Cleveland
Car aficionados will enjoy the Cleveland Auto Show, a multi-weekend event taking place at the I-X Center in Cleveland.
This event offers a classic car show, an exotic vehicle show, the opportunity to test drive various cars, and multiple car giveaways.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for kids aged 7-12, and $12 for seniors over 62.
9. Cleveland Tattoo Arts Festival
When: February 20-22, 2026
Where: Cleveland Convention Center, 300 Lakeside Ave, Cleveland
Celebrate the annual Cleveland Tattoo Arts Convention, where you can see and meet national and international tattoo artists, along with related vendors and entertainers.
Tickets are $25 per day, or $50 for a 3-day ticket. Any potential tattoos are extra, and generally need to be booked in advance with artists.
10. Maple Sugaring
When: Weekends in February and March
Where: Rocky River Reservation and Hale Farm
Late winter in northeast Ohio is all about maple!
At Rocky River Reservation, guests can also enjoy maple sugaring at Maple Grove Picnic Area. You can take a self-guided hike through the sugarbush, see demonstrations of how syrup is made, and sample some maple syrup. Entrance to Rocky River Reservation is free, and the maple sugaring weekends this year are February 21-22, February 28-March 1, and March 7-8.
The Western Reserve Historical Society also hosting its annual Maple Sugar Festival and pancake breakfast on weekends in March.
What are you most excited to do in Cleveland in February?
Amanda was born and raised in northeast Ohio, and has always been a fangirl of her home state. Now, she’s sharing her love of the Cleveland area, highlighting all the best things to do, see, and eat in the CLE. She’s been running Cleveland Traveler since January 2019.