When February comes, the greater part of the United States is still deeply wintery, but still the festivities don’t get delayed by the low temperatures. Actually, this is one of the most celebratory months of the whole year. From one end of the country to another, people come together to enjoy parades, food festivals, winter carnivals, cultural events, and music festivals whose affections may be cold, but the spirit is all warm.
Although more or less similar in concept, February’s events differ from the busy holiday season in December or the sprawling summer festival circuit. They have a special magic, truly. February’s events are intimate, vibrant, and deeply connected to the cultural heritage of the area.
Imagine such events as the Mardi Gras parades with all the lights and colors in Louisiana, the snow-sculpting competitions in Alaska, the chocolate festivals in Pennsylvania, and the winter carnivals in the towns of New England covered with snow.
1. Mardi Gras – New Orleans, Louisiana
Any list of festivals in February would be incomplete without mentioning Mardi Gras. During this period, one of the most exciting party destinations in the world, New Orleans, turns itself on. Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," that comes on the day before Ash Wednesday, is a one-day event, but the city, however, holds the celebrations for weeks. With it come endless parades, music, and parties.
The streets of the French Quarter are not only filled with floats, beads, and masks, but people can also hear jazz, which is played on every corner. Colorful krewes or parade groups stage the elaborate processions, and each is different with its unique traditions. Visitors may become participants by getting hold of beads, putting on costumes, and dancing in the streets.
Besides parades, Mardi Gras is also a gastronomical celebration. From king cakes that are stuffed with sweet surprises to gumbo and jambalaya that are served in large bowls, the food is the major highlight of the event, just like the parades. It’s a combination of music, culture, and flavors that nobody but New Orleans can offer.
2. Alaska’s Fur Rendezvous (Fur Rondy) – Anchorage, Alaska
One of the things that people who love winter adventures look forward to is the Fur Rendezvous in Anchorage. The festival, locally known as "Fur Rondy," started in the 1930s as a fur trading event but has turned into the largest winter carnival of Alaska ever since.
The events that visitors can participate in are snowshoe softball, Running of the Reindeer, and World Championship Sled Dog Races. The iconic Running of the Reindeer is a crazy race through the downtown of Anchorage, where the reindeer run side by side with the runners. Besides these, there is a competition for snow sculptures where the artists can turn ice blocks into brilliant creations with their skills.
The Fur Rondy is still a great event to go to, even though it can be cold. People from Alaska come to celebrate their culture, history, and their great love for outdoor winter fun.
3. Saint Paul Winter Carnival – Saint Paul, Minnesota
Known as the “Coolest Celebration on Earth,” the Saint Paul Winter Carnival has been a great success since 1886. This festival, held in the capital of Minnesota, is all about celebrating winter through ice palaces, snow sculptures, and merri-parades.
One of the main attractions is the Ice Palace, a giant frozen castle made up of ice blocks that are taken from the lakes around the area. The guests can also take part in the ice carving competitions, treasure hunts, and enjoy winter food such as hot chocolate and roasted nuts.
The carnival has also been involving different types of cultural events, such as the enthronement of King Boreas and Queen Aurora, which is a feature adding a fairy-tale atmosphere to the celebrations. If you happen to be in the Midwest in February, this festival is absolutely necessary to visit.
4. Chinese New Year Festival – San Francisco, California
Chinatown in San Francisco is the area that hosts the Chinese New Year celebration, which is the largest one outside of Asia, and that makes it one of the most impressive February events in the U.S. The Grand Parade is the main event, with dragon dancers, martial artists, firecrackers, and elaborate floats.
The audience favorite is the huge Golden Dragon that more than 100 performers carry, and thus it moves through the cheering spectators. Streets are illuminated with Lanterns, and traditional songs and drums are played to create an amazing atmosphere.
After the parade, there are cultural fairs that exhibit Chinese art, crafts, and cuisine. The visitors can enjoy dumplings, noodles, and mooncakes while they watch the live performances. The festival is a symbol of new birth and wealth, as it combines the very old San Francisco traditions with the city’s fresh and vibrant energy.
5. Valentine’s Chocolate Festival – Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hershey, Pennsylvania, also known as "The Sweetest Place on Earth," is the place to be in February if you want to indulge at the Valentine’s Chocolate Festival. Here, tastings of gourmet truffles, artisanal candies, and chocolate-infused desserts attract chocolate lovers and couples who come to enjoy them.
The visitors can take part in workshops and watch demonstrations to gain knowledge about the art of chocolate-making. The wine and chocolate fill the atmosphere with romantic vibes, making it a perfect Valentine’s getaway.
Not to mention, the festival is a reason for Hershey to give guests delicious access to the town of sweet experiences with carriage rides, themed dinners, Hersheypark attractions, and The Hershey Story Museum. February is a wonderfully festive month, and Hershey turns out to be the perfect place to celebrate love, life, and, of course, chocolate.
6. Saranac Lake Winter Carnival – Saranac Lake, New York
The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival in New York is ranked as one of the oldest still-going winter festivals in the U.S. It has been celebrated since 1897. The event is located in the Adirondack Mountains, where the carnival provides a wonderful mix of the town’s warmth and the big seasonal events.
Amazingly, the festival is home to the Ice Palace of the city, a grand piece of architecture which is made up of over a hundred ice blocks that have been artistically cut out of Lake Flower. At night, when it is lit, the palace stands as a spectacular castle of winter magic.
Competitions like frying pan tossing and snowshoe races are as strange as they are amusing. Moreover, there is a new concept every year that not only leads to the community’s inventive ideas but also inspires the parade’s costumes, floats, and more.
7. Sedona International Film Festival – Sedona, Arizona
One cultural tradition that occurs every February is the Sedona International Film Festival, which brings together filmmakers, industry professionals, and film lovers from around the world. It is as much about the cinema as it is the stunning red rock surroundings of Sedona.
It's important to note that the festival is very diverse, in terms of the films shown, including independent films, documentaries, international shorts, and features with a cause. Attending film festivals is a unique experience, an opportunity to see films and talk to directors, writers, and actors.
The festival doesn’t just accept the interaction as it actively encourages visitors, attendees, and crew members to meet and maybe work together in the future. Going to the festival as a fan of the films is not the same as being a part of the film community, because the only limit of the interaction is how it is approached.
The festival is both an event of the earth and of human creative genius. Besides the films, you can hike one of Sedona’s stunning trails, buy art that has an energetic and colorful connection, or just enjoy the calming energy of the area.
8. Carnaval Miami Calle Ocho (Pre-Festival Events) – Miami, Florida
Although the major Calle Ocho Festival is an event held in March, the month of February is traditionally when the pre-festival events of Miami, with their cultural and musical input, start. These preliminary festivities can be regarded as an excellent way to get in touch with the city’s vibrant multicultural identity.
During the whole month of February, Miami is alive with different kinds of activities such as Latin jazz concerts and beauty pageants, besides food competitions and smaller cultural showcases. Every event is a mosaic of the richness of the four most populous countries in Latin America, viz. Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and the rest of the Latin people.
The ambiance is adorned with the most energetic old and recent hits of the various genres, from the traditional salsa, which is literally the roots of the scene, to the latest reggaeton, and thus it is very difficult to have the dance floor empty.
The celebration revolves around food. Visitors can enjoy Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, arepas, and refreshing mojitos, which are served during outdoor performances. Though the events are something to look forward to in the days preceding the huge March street party, still, the month of February is more than enough to throw a festive visit to Miami.
9. Magic in the Mountains – Mount Snow, Vermont
In February at Mount Snow Resort in Vermont, it’s the “Magic in the Mountains,” a winter festival that combines skiing, family fun, and festive entertainment. Located in the middle of the Green Mountains, it is the perfect combination of jubilation and daring.
Among many other events, night skiing is visually spectacular, becomes one of the main highlights of the festival. Skiers wearing lights attached to their poles or helmets glide down the slopes and then are joined by a fireworks display that illuminates the night sky.
Moreover, young, energetic bands or solo artists playing at the festival contribute to the good mood of the visitors, while after-ski parties attract more people to dance, socialize, and relax. There is an array of nice winter activities for children during the festival, such as snowman-building contests, scavenger hunts, and kid-friendly winter games.
For adults, besides all that is going on, the event might also feature local craft beer tastings and food specials at the resort’s restaurants. Joining skiing with festival fun is what makes the festival more than just a regular ski trip.
10. National Black Heritage Festival – Houston, Texas
The National Black Heritage Festival, held in Houston, is a celebration of African American culture and history through music, art, education, and the uniting of the community. What an amazing festival with a varied program of activities, such as gospel concerts, cultural parades, art exhibits, and educational panels.
The events are drawn from the history of the United States, past and present, African American achievements and contributions. One of the most awaited parts is the parade, where there are lively floats, dancers, and marching bands.
Another highlight of the festival is the food. Festival attendees can indulge in Southern soul food, Africa-inspired dishes, and just the typical food that is the community’s rich culinary tradition. The mood is one of pride, delight, and cultural appreciation.
This festival is more than a show as it is the heritage, the resilience, and the unity celebrated. For tourists who want to know more about the culture of African Americans, the National Black Heritage Festival in Houston is an event that is deep and unforgettable.
