FABruary in Ottawa

For many, January can supply a bad case of the Winter Blues. While the temperature is supposed to be record-shatteringly warm in Ottawa today, for the most part, January has given us a ton of snow and bone chilling temperatures (-40, are you kidding me?). On top of that, we’re all broke from the festivities of the Holiday season. Basically, January provides the perfect opportunity to hibernate in our warm houses and let our social lives sit on the backburner.

But, January is coming to a close my friends! And here in the Nation’s Capital, February has a lot to offer! Read on for some very cool events to help you get out of your Winter funk…

1. Winterlude (February 1-February 18)

One of the BEST things about Ottawa in the Winter is Winterlude. Known, famously, for the longest outdoor skating rink in the world, Winterlude is a three week festival that kicks off on Friday. Not only can you skate and eat Beavertails, but you can take advantage of the many cultural events that are taking place. Between the various culinary events, musical performances and comedy festival (to name a few) the city will be buzzing with fun over the next three weeks.

2. F*ck I Love You! (February 1)

Brought to you (in part) by one of inanutshell’s great supporters Atherton, comes the kick off to a new monthly event that is sure to warm your heart and have you kicking up your feet. F*ck I Love You is described as, “a monthly dance party exploiring humanity’s most complicated emotion.” Atherton will be teaming up with DJ j fun for a night filled with a broad variety of music for lovers of all kinds. So whether you’re looking for, currently in or have rejected love, this event is for you.

3. 26th International Ice Carving Competition (February 1-February 3)

One of Winterlude’s coolest events (see what I did there), the Ice Carving Competition brings competitors from around the world to show off their incredible talent in Confederation Park. Head down, grab a warm bevvy at the Starbucks across the street, check out the sculptures and vote for your favourite!

 4. Uncorked! (February 15)

Another event that falls under the Winterlude umbrella, Uncorked! is an evening of wine tasting being held at The Canadian Museum of Civilization. The event explains that you will, “sip and savour your way through one of the charming settings of the museum’s galleries. Your palate will explore interesting vintages and flavours, along with food pairings inspired by venues along the way.”

5. Chinatown Lunar New Year Grand Celebration (February 16)

The biggest event of a month long celebration in Chinatown will see a Lunar New Year Lion Dance Parade running along Somerset Street in the Capital. Walk along with Chinese lions and zodiac animals, Chinese drummers and dance troups and help them to deliver good fortune and ward off evil. Lots of specials are being offered at various Asian restaurants in this neighbourhood, so warm up after the parade with some dim sum or pho!

6. Winterbrewed (February 16-February 17)

Ottawa’s newest craft beer festival is coming to Sparks Street! This weekend-long festival is sure to have any beer lover smiling from ear to ear. The event bosts hot and cold craft-brewed favorites from aroung the region and beyond. As if the beer wasn’t reason enough to go, they’ve also got an on-site sugar bush.

7. Hip Hop Karaoke Ottawa (February 21)

If you have yet to hear about this event, I feel sorry for you. It’s easily one of the most entertaining events of the month (if you like hip hop). I’ve written about it before and even performed in the past… Hands down, it’s a MUST.

8. Nature Nocturne (February 22)

Nature Nocturne is a monthly event being held at The Candian Museum of Nature, where visitors are invited to come explore a grown-up playground. This adults-only event boasts live DJ’s, a dance floor, drinks and food all alongside the many exhibits of the museum. The first installment happened last Friday, and was met with great success. Described as “the Food and Wine Show, museum style” in the Ottawa Citizen’s review of this event, I’m already looking forward to what Nature Nocturne has in store for February. 

Needless to say, Ottawa is going to be bumpin’ over the next month. Make sure you check out these events (and in most cases, get your tickets early before they sell out!) We nuts will be doing our best to keep tabs on how they all go down, so if you see us in attendence, make sure you come and say hi!

Do you have an upcoming event that you’d like the nuts to cover? Drop us a line in the comments below or by e-mail: [email protected].

**Photos courtesy of google images.