February in New York City brings a mix of cultural celebrations, romantic activities, and exciting winter events, making it a special time to explore the city despite the chilly weather. From Valentine’s Day festivities to film festivals and seasonal activities, there’s plenty to enjoy. Here’s your ultimate guide to the top events happening in New York City in February.
New York Fashion Week
- Dates: Early to mid-February
- Location: Various venues across NYC, primarily in SoHo and the Meatpacking District
- Description: New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is one of the biggest fashion events of the year, where top designers showcase their latest collections for the upcoming season. While many runway shows are by invitation only, there are plenty of public events, pop-up shops, and fashion-related activities throughout the city. It’s the perfect time for fashion lovers to explore the city’s style scene and catch glimpses of the latest trends.
Lunar New Year Parade and Festival
- Dates: Early February (dates vary based on the Lunar calendar)
- Location: Chinatown, Manhattan
- Description: The Lunar New Year Parade and Festival is one of the most colorful and lively events of the year, celebrating the Chinese New Year with traditional lion dances, floats, and marching bands. The parade winds through the streets of Chinatown, with festivities spilling into the surrounding area, including food stalls, cultural performances, and street vendors. It’s a fantastic way to experience Chinese culture and welcome the Year of the Dragon, Rabbit, or other zodiac animals.
Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
- Dates: Through February
- Location: Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink, 30 Rockefeller Plaza
- Description: February is one of the last months to enjoy ice skating at the iconic Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink before it closes for the season. Skating at Rockefeller Center is a quintessential New York winter experience, offering stunning views of the surrounding skyscrapers and festive lights. You can also skate at other popular rinks like Bryant Park’s Winter Village and Wollman Rink in Central Park.
Valentine’s Day Events
- Date: February 14
- Location: Various locations across NYC
- Description: Valentine’s Day in New York City is filled with romantic activities and special events, from candlelit dinners to unique experiences. Some popular Valentine’s Day options include romantic cruises around Manhattan, special dinners at top restaurants, and couples’ activities like ice skating or spa treatments. The Empire State Building often offers special packages for couples looking to take in the city’s views on the most romantic day of the year.
Winter Jam
- Dates: Early February (dates vary)
- Location: Central Park, Bandshell area
- Description: Winter Jam is NYC’s ultimate free winter sports festival, transforming Central Park into a winter wonderland. The event offers activities like snowshoeing, sledding, and skiing, with snow brought in for the occasion. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food vendors, and learn winter sports techniques from professionals. It’s a fun way to embrace the cold and experience outdoor winter activities right in the heart of the city.
Black History Month Events
- Dates: Throughout February
- Location: Various locations across NYC
- Description: February is Black History Month, and New York City hosts a wide range of events celebrating African American culture, history, and achievements. The city’s museums and cultural institutions, including the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the Museum of the City of New York, and the Apollo Theater, offer exhibitions, performances, and talks focused on Black history and culture. Special walking tours, lectures, and film screenings also take place throughout the month.
Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden
- Dates: Late February through April
- Location: New York Botanical Garden, Bronx
- Description: The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden is an annual event that transforms the garden’s conservatory into a lush, tropical oasis filled with thousands of vibrant orchids. Each year, the show features a new theme and showcases breathtaking floral displays. The Orchid Show is a great way to escape the winter chill and enjoy a colorful and fragrant spring preview.
Broadway Week
- Dates: Late January through mid-February
- Location: Various Broadway theaters
- Description: Broadway Week is a twice-yearly event that offers two-for-one tickets to some of the best shows on Broadway. It’s a fantastic opportunity to catch popular performances at a discount, including long-running classics like The Lion King, Hamilton, and Wicked, as well as newer hits. Tickets sell out quickly, so it’s best to book in advance for your favorite shows.
NYC Restaurant Week (Winter Edition)
- Dates: Late January through mid-February
- Location: Various participating restaurants across NYC
- Description: NYC Restaurant Week offers food lovers the chance to dine at some of the city’s best restaurants at a discounted price. Participating restaurants offer prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus, allowing diners to enjoy three-course meals at a fraction of the regular cost. The event is a great way to explore New York’s diverse culinary scene, with restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines from all over the world.
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
- Dates: Mid-February
- Location: Madison Square Garden
- Description: The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world, attracting top dog breeds and their handlers for a weekend of competition. Held at Madison Square Garden, the event features dogs competing in categories like Best in Breed, Best in Show, and more. It’s a must-attend event for dog lovers and those interested in seeing the best of the canine world.
Chinese New Year Firecracker Ceremony
- Date: Early February
- Location: Sara D. Roosevelt Park, Chinatown
- Description: The Chinese New Year Firecracker Ceremony is a lively and noisy celebration marking the start of the Lunar New Year. Held in Chinatown’s Sara D. Roosevelt Park, this event features the traditional lighting of firecrackers to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the new year. The celebration also includes lion dances, cultural performances, and food vendors offering traditional Chinese dishes.
BAMkids Film Festival
- Dates: Early February
- Location: BAM Rose Cinemas, Brooklyn
- Description: The BAMkids Film Festival is a family-friendly event showcasing films from around the world for children of all ages. The festival features a wide range of animated and live-action films, along with interactive activities, workshops, and performances. It’s a great cultural event for families, providing an engaging and educational way to introduce kids to the world of cinema.
The New York City Drone Film Festival
- Dates: Mid-February
- Location: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ (just across the river)
- Description: The New York City Drone Film Festival is the first and largest film festival dedicated to drone cinematography. The festival showcases short films and creative projects shot entirely by drones, offering a unique perspective on filmmaking. Categories include landscape cinematography, action sports, narrative, and more. Drone enthusiasts and film lovers alike will enjoy the innovative and breathtaking footage on display.
Winter Ice Festival at Bryant Park
- Date: Early February
- Location: Bryant Park Winter Village, Manhattan
- Description: The Winter Ice Festival is a celebration of ice sculpting at Bryant Park’s Winter Village. The event features professional ice carvers creating intricate sculptures from blocks of ice. Visitors can watch the artists in action, take photos with the completed sculptures, and enjoy the winter atmosphere of the park. The event also includes free ice skating at Bryant Park’s rink, adding to the winter fun.
Super Bowl Sunday
- Date: Early February
- Location: Various sports bars and restaurants across NYC
- Description: Super Bowl Sunday is a major event in New York City, with many bars and restaurants hosting viewing parties for the big game. Whether you’re a football fan or just there for the commercials, you can join in the excitement at popular sports bars or special Super Bowl events across the city. Many venues offer drink specials, game-day food, and big-screen TVs to make the most of the experience.
Tips for Attending February Events in NYC
- Dress Warmly: February in New York City can be cold, so be sure to layer up and wear appropriate winter clothing, especially if you’re attending outdoor events like the Lunar New Year Parade or ice skating at Rockefeller Center.
- Plan for Popular Events: Events like New York Fashion Week, Valentine’s Day, and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show can draw large crowds, so it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance and arrive early.
- Take Public Transportation: With many events happening across the city, using the subway and buses is often the easiest way to get around, especially with street closures and large crowds for parades and festivals.
Conclusion
February in New York City offers a mix of cultural, romantic, and exciting winter events, making it a great time to explore the city. Whether you’re attending New York Fashion Week, celebrating the Lunar New Year in Chinatown, or enjoying a romantic Valentine’s Day outing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as winter continues in the Big Apple.
