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 20th, and Mardi Gras, or Paczki Day as it’s better known in Cleveland, which is on February 21st in 2023.
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 30-February 5, 2023
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. Cleveland Beerfest
When: February 10-11, 2023
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.
Early admission tickets for Friday evening or Saturday evening are available for $55 (increasing to $65 on February 3) and include 25 sample tickets and an 8-ounce souvenir beer mug.
You can upgrade to the Connoisseur Reception for $90 (increasing to $95 on February 10), which includes an exclusive ballroom reception with catered appetizer “bites.”
3. North Coast Harbor Ice Fest
When: February 11, 2023, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: North Coast Harbor, Cleveland
The WinterLand Ice Fest at North Coast Harbor is a family-friendly event that provides a day of icy winter fun.
This free event takes place in Voinovich Bicentennial Park and the walkways between the Great Lakes Science Center and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The daylong event includes immersive ice sculptures, live ice carving demonstrations, a hot chocolate run, ice bars, fire pits for toasting s’mores, and more.
4. Cleveland Kurentovanje
When: February 5-18, 2023
Where: Various locations
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 5th Annual Kurent Dash 5k and the 11th Annual Cleveland Kurentovanje Main Festival and Parade on February 18.
5. Polar Blast Snow Tubing
When: All month long, Thursday 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 $32 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.
6. Orchids Forever Show
When: January 28-March 12, 2023 (select dates)
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 vibrant colors and uniqueness of orchids, with many exotic orchids on display – over 100 different types, in fact!
Tickets for adults are $20, and tickets for children 3-12 years old are $14. Cleveland Botanical Garden members get in for free.
7. Paczki Day
When: February 21, 2023
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. Cleveland Polar Plunge
When: February 25, 2023
Where: Gateway Plaza, 758 Bolivar Rd, Cleveland
Not for the faint of heart, the Cleveland Polar Plunge is an event that raises money for the Special Olympics Ohio and sees participants plunging into icy-cold water on a freezing February day.
If that sounds like fun to you, you can register for the event and commit to raising at least $75 for the cause. Participants get a t-shirt and free coffee, hot chocolate, and snacks the day of the event.
9. Brite Winter
When: February 25, 2023
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 25, 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 are just $10, and kids under 18 get in for free.
10. Cleveland Auto Show
When: February 24-March 5, 2023
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.