Things to do in Alberta: February 2023
So many exciting things are happening in our province this February that can put some pep back in your step as the winter season stretches on. Check out some of our ideas for this month—including some significant outdoor events, plus two festivals for the foodies!
Plan for road trip adventures
The second month of the year is an optimal time to start planning your next adventure. For those who favour the road trip option, the 2023 Edmonton RV EXPO & Sale takes place from Feb. 9 to Feb. 12 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. There will be RVs, accessories, and fellow-minded travellers as far as the eye can see. Go RV has provided AMA’s Edmonton South location with passes to the event: members can drop by the centre for pairs of RV Expo tickets at no charge, with a max of four per person while quantities last.
Remember that if you want to connect with other Albertans who love road trips and camping, join our Happy Campers online community.
Sip like a sommelier
They say the best wines are the ones we drink with friends. Nothing could be better, however, than sipping wine with other passionate fans of the best vintages at festivals in both Calgary and Edmonton. Winefest Calgary takes place at Stampede Park from Feb. 17 to Feb. 18, while Winefest Edmonton will take place at the Edmonton Convention Centre Feb. 24 and 25. Tickets are all-inclusive and give you access to unlimited samples from world-renowned wineries, plus a major spread of appetizers from local restaurants. Get your Winefest tickets here.
Jam out with your kids
If winter has your little ones stir-crazy, take them for a special night out at the Mini Pop Kids show in Edmonton or Calgary. The Mini Pop Kids are a tribute group of tween singers who cover all the biggest hits from Lizzo and Dua Lipa—plus some nostalgic throwbacks that even the parents will appreciate. The sing-along tour will travel all over the province: Calgary on Feb. 12, Lethbridge on Feb. 16, Lloydminster on Feb. 18, Edmonton on Feb. 19, and Red Deer on Feb. 20.
Continue to embrace Winter
The season of winter continues in our beautiful province, but lucky for us, so do the festivals that celebrate the season. In Edmonton, the Flying Canoë Volant festival takes place from Feb. 1 to Feb. 4. It celebrates French Canadian, First Nations and Métis traditions with winter activities in the city’s French Quarter designed to engage local history. In Calgary, Chinook Blast takes place from Jan. 27 to Feb. 12 and reminds people that even in winter, there’s always time to celebrate the city’s art, music, theatre, sport, and recreation. If festivals aren’t your thing, check out our list of great spots to skate all around Alberta during the frozen months.
Drop it like it’s hot (chocolate)
There’s no better month to be a Calgarian who loves sweet treats than February. That’s when the city celebrates YYC Hot Chocolate Fest, which sees restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes rally their best effort to create the most exquisite hot chocolate in the city. As you sip your way through the 97 unique hot drinks being offered through the 2023 festival, vote for your favourites online throughout the month, and then one establishment gets to brag (at least for a year) that they serve the “Best Hot Chocolate” in Calgary! At least $1 to $3 from every hot chocolate purchased in the festival supports Calgary Meals On Wheels. Some notable cups on the list this year: Raspberry Chili Hot Chocolate, Hot Chocolate Toast Crunch, and Cheekey Banana Hot Chocolate. If you’re looking for something for Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14), heading out with a loved one for a unique hot chocolate could be the perfect plan.
Ant-Man and Magic Mike
If you’re not feeling the outdoors, head indoors to your favourite movie theatre to warm up and get ready to check out some hot new flicks! For the superhero fans, Marvel’s latest flick, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, comes out Feb. 17 and will feature Paul Rudd’s return as the titular hero alongside Evangeline Lilly as The Wasp in the third installment of the Ant-Man movie run. And it appears that February is the month for trilogies because Magic Mike’s Last Dance hits theatres on Feb. 10, with Channing Tatum leading the dance-focused film alongside Selma Hayek. This latest Magic Mike movie promises an elevated experience, with acclaimed filmmaker Steven Soderbergh (dir. Traffic, Erin Brockovich, and Contagion) directing. Remember, you can use your AMA membership to save on Cineplex and Landmark movie passes from your local AMA centre.