Updated January 16, 2020
Now that the Seahawks games are over for the season (even if it is earlier than we’d hoped this year), it’s time for us city dwellers to venture out from our winter dens and devote ourselves to our other loves. Valentine’s Day is in February after all, which, ahem, is not too far away – FYI.
Fortunately, there’s an exciting array of Emerald City events to choose from, so whether you’re looking for a cozy date night or an evening out with your group of gal pals, the month of loving vibes has plenty you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy. Check out our round-up of 13 things to do in Seattle this February and make the most of the shortest month of the year!
1. Museum Month
Seeking out a budget-friendly way to while away a drizzly day? Museum Month is the perfect fit. During February, when you stay at a participating hotel in downtown Seattle, you get half-off admission at some of the Emerald City’s best museums!
For a fun date night on the town, check out Pacific Science Center’s PacSci at Night series. Or make it a day of learning with the kiddos at Seattle Children’s Museum! No matter what you’re looking for, the city is packed with options.
2. Seattle Festival of Improv Theater – February 12 – 16
Now in its 18th year running, prepare for a night of laughs, chuckles and guffaws at next month’s Seattle Festival of Improv Theater! Hosted by Jet City Improv, the comedy celebration features more than 25 different improvisational groups from cities near and far. Catch a show from Portland’s geektastic group, the USS Improvise, or tap your toes along with the musical Shrieking Harpies, hailing from Minneapolis!
3. Have a Romantic Dinner on the Town
Boasting a buzzy restaurant scene, Seattle is an ideal place to plan a romantic evening out on Valentine’s Day! For dinner with a view, try Pike Place Market’s Maximilien, which offers sweeping vistas of Elliott Bay.
Or splurge on a meal at fine-dining institution Canlis, set into the hillside above Lake Union. For an intimate atmosphere, grab a table at San Fermo in Ballard or Harry’s Fine Foods in the heart of Capitol Hill.
4. Valentine’s Dinner Cruise – February 13 – 15
Create your own Love Boat reboot on a Valentine’s Dinner Cruise! Step aboard your carriage for the evening – a luxe Waterways yacht – in downtown Seattle, and toast to the evening ahead with your complimentary flute of bubbly.
As you glide along through Lake Union and Washington, take in spectacular views of the twinkling Emerald City before you while you dine on a gourmet four-course meal at a private table. Wrap up the evening with a turn on the dance floor to some live music. Swoon!
5. Noir City International Film Fest – February 14 – 20
Make like Carmen San Diego and take a trip around the world at the Noir City International Film Fest. Grab some popcorn and dive into other cultures’ takes on swaggering gangsters, dirty cops and femme fatales. With films from all across the globe, the lineup of flicks will immerse you in a world of sinister and steamy affairs – all hosted by the “Czar of Noir,” Eddie Muller.
6. Movin’ Around the World – February 15 – 21
A cultural pacesetter of the greater Seattle area, the Northwest Folklife organization has partnered with the Seattle Center to present Movin’ Around the World. Offering a celebration of movement, art and music from around the globe, this yearly event is a perfect fit for little ones who are eager to play while they learn. The kicker? It’s free!
7. Seattle Cake Con – February 16 & 17
The event that childhood dessert-before-dinner dreams are made of, Seattle Cake Con is back for its second year! Mingle with other sweet-toothed Seattleites during this two-day celebration of sugary concoctions.
Learn about new techniques and ingredients at panels led by industry experts, check out the cake and pastry contest and, of course, munch on some of the best baked goods from all over the city.
8. Seattle Wine and Food Experience – February 20 – 22
Calling all foodies! Sample and sip the best that the region has to offer at the 12th annual Seattle Wine and Food Experience. Broken up into three separate tasting events, this gourmet gastronomic event allows you to dig into exactly what your taste buds are craving. Comfort food fiends will love Thursday’s spread of mac and cheese, fried chicken and a French fry bar.
Seafood and sparkling wine devotees won’t want to miss Friday’s array of crab and clams, washed down with a glass of cava. The experience culminates in Saturday evening’s Grand Tasting, a deluxe showcase for all things food, beverage and lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest!
9. Wintergrass – February 20 – 23
Yank on your cowboy boots and head over to Bellevue for four straight days of banjo-laced acoustic goodness at Wintergrass music festival! On Friday, catch the soulful sounds of Nashville-based guitarist and singer, Darrell Scott.
Or kick up your heels to the “Celtgrass” sensations, We Banjo 3, hailing from Galway, Ireland! No matter how you arrange your schedule, you’ll have some unforgettable bluegrass tunes in store for you.
10. CatVideoFest – February 22
Curated from countless hours of user submissions, internet favorites, music videos and home movies, CatVideoFest has clawed its way back onto the screens of SIFF. From the crazy to the downright hilarious, this compilation is the ultimate show of adoration for our feline friends. Tack an extra buck onto the ticket price to support PAWS’ Safe Cats, Healthy Habitats initiative!
11. Brazilian Carnaval – February 22
Add a dose of color to a gray February day at the Brazilian Carnaval celebration at The Crocodile! Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of South America’s largest country through a diverse lineup of live music and exciting performances. Be sure to snag tickets early, as this rousing night of song and dance always sells out!
12. Northwest Flower & Garden Show – February 26 – March 1
Anxiously awaiting spring’s arrival? Get your fill of flowers and foliage at the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival! For more than 25 years, gardening enthusiasts have flocked to this horticultural event to learn from master landscapers, admire display gardens (more than 30 will be featured this year!) and stock up on specialty gardening supplies. Your ticket also allows you access to a vintage garden market, educational seminars, a gourmet marketplace of craft food and beverages, and more!
13. Children’s Film Festival – February 27 – March 8
Hosted by the Northwest Film Forum, the Children’s Film Festival Seattle celebrates the best and brightest of international cinema for children. Each year, films from dozens of countries are chosen and featured at this cinematic extravaganza. Plus, you’ll find live performances, animation tutorials and immersive educational workshops, all selected with care for the next generation of movie lovers.
After a month of checking out Seattle’s robust lineup of culinary, musical and cultural events with your friends or loved ones, you’re sure to find both your stomach and your heart full. As you stroll the city’s streets between events, take time to soak in the stunning scenery all around you. With bright city lights, soaring skyscrapers and beautiful snow-capped mountains, it’s hard not to fall in love with Seattle all over again!
Feature Photo: Eric Zhang via Unsplash