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 19th, and Mardi Gras, or Paczki Day as it’s better known in Cleveland, which is on February 13th in 2024.
From food and drink festivals to outdoor activities that will have you braving the cold (looking at you, Polar Plunge!) 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. Pierogi Week
When: January 29-February 4, 2024
Where: Various locations
A pierogi is a delicious stuffed dumpling with origins in Poland. Due to Cleveland’s Polish influence, these yummy dumplings are popular around the city, and there’s no better time to indulge than during Pierogi Week.
This week-long event features more than 25 participating locations where you can get at least 3 pierogi for just $8.
You can download the Pierogi Week app to see the full list of locations and details. If you check in to at least 4 restaurants through the app during the week, you will be entered for a chance to win $250 in gift cards.
2. Lake Erie Folk Fest
When: February 3, 2024
Where: Thwing Center at Case Western Reserve University, 11111 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Come and enjoy the 8th 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 1-5 p.m.) are free for anyone to attend, while tickets for the evening concert at 7:30 p.m. cost $20 in advance, or $25 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. Cleveland Kurentovanje
When: February 3-10, 2024
Where: Slovenian National Home, 6409 Saint Clair Ave, Cleveland
For a unique cultural event in Cleveland this February, 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, culminating in the 6th Annual Kurent Dash 5k and the 12th Annual Cleveland Kurentovanje Main Festival and Parade on February 10. The parade begins at noon at the Slovenian National Home.
4. Cleveland Beerfest
When: February 9-10, 2024
Where: Huntington Convention Center, 300 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland
Cleveland Beerfest offers beer aficionados the chance to sample more than 150 local and craft brews, as well offerings from new craft wineries and distilleries.
Regular admission tickets cost $45 (increasing to $50 on Feb. 3), and early admission tickets for Friday evening or Saturday evening are available for $55 (increasing to $6 on February 3). All tickets include 25 beer sample tickets and an 5-ounce souvenir beer mug.
You can upgrade to the Connoisseur Reception for $95 (increasing to $100 on February 3), which includes an exclusive ballroom reception with catered appetizer “bites.”
5. Celebrate Lunar New Year
When: February 10-11, 2024
Where: Asia Plaza, 2999 Payne Ave #204A, Cleveland
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 2024, the Lunar New Year falls on February 10. There are several places you can celebrate the Lunar New Year in Cleveland.
In the AsiaTown neighborhood of Cleveland, Asia Plaza hosts a big Lunar New Year celebration every year including traditional performances and a lantern festival. (Happening this year from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on February 10 and 11.)
Li Wah Restuarant is also a great place to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with a traditional Lunar New Year meal and Lion Dance performances.
6. Polar Blast Snow Tubing
When: All month long, Friday through Sunday
Where: 1146 West Highland Rd, Sagamore Hills
Located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park about 30 minutes from Cleveland, Boston Mills Brandywine Resort offers snow tubing during the whole month of February.
The Polar Blast Snow Tubing Park is a fun place for families with tons of tubing lanes to choose from. Tubing costs $34 per person, and kids must be at least 42″ to ride.
In addition to snow tubing, Boston Mills Brandywine Resort also has skiing and snowboarding throughout February.
7. Paczki Day
When: February 13, 2024
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:
- Rudy’s Strudel & Bakery
- Krakow Deli
- Kiedrowski’s Bakery
- Davis Bakery & Delicatessen
- Stan’s Northfield Bakery
8. Orchids Forever Show
When: January 27-March 17, 2024 (every day except Monday)
Where: Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd, Cleveland
The Orchids Forever Show at Cleveland Botanical Garden is the perfect way to escape winter. This year’s show highlights “the serene feeling of sunrise and sunset,” with many exotic orchids on display throughout the indoor gardens and glasshouses.
Tickets for adults are $20, and tickets for children 3-12 years old are $14. Cleveland Botanical Garden members get in for free.
9. Brite Winter
When: February 24, 2024
Where: West Bank of the Flats, 2014 Sycamore St, Cleveland
Brite Winter is an annual winter music and arts festival in Cleveland. This year’s festival will be held on Saturday, February 24, and features a great lineup of local performers and artists.
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 $12.
10. Cleveland Auto Show
When: February 23-March 3, 2024
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.
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’ sharing her love of the Cleveland area with the world, highlighting all the best things to do, see, and eat in the CLE. She’s been running Cleveland Traveler since January 2019.