February in Edmonton is for Variety!

Remember to check out ShareEdmonton for a more comprehensive list of events – I usually just choose the ones I’m interested in. Mack already has 30 events for Family Day entered into the calendar!

• Need something to read? Check out the Winter Blues Books 2 Buy book sale at Stanley Milner, February 5-7.
• Celebrate Chinese New Year early at the Lunar New Year Extravaganza, at WEM’s Ice Palace, February 6-7, 10am-9pm each day. Performances and a marketplace are highlights.
• The John Humphrey Centre began a Human Rights Cafe series last month, “to explore critical human rights issues and how these are a part of our daily lives.” They take place monthly at Three Bananas Cafe. The next one takes place on February 7.
• The Winter 2010 Edmonton Film Society series is titled “Having a Heat Wave”, and hopes to warm up audiences with film settings in warmer climes. The first movie screens on February 8.
• The New Works Festival at the University of Alberta is always a great way to check out the city’s up-and-coming theatre talent, and all for just $5 a ticket! Head to the Timms Centre February 9-14 for the shows.
• The next Winter Light event, Hearts of Fire, takes place on February 13 at Boyle Street Park. The family-friendly event will have entertainment, hot chocolate, and of course, campfires!
• I remember a time when I would have been excited for an Edmonton Oilers autograph session. Sigh. If you’re interested, head to West Edmonton Mall on February 13, 1-2:30pm.
• Nevermore, Catalyst Theatre’s stunning take on the life of Edgar Allan Poe, runs for a second time February 13-21. I went last year, and it definitely lived up to the hype. Get your tickets soon, as it will no doubt sell out!
• Free Family Day (February 15) events are a dime a dozen this year, and they include a free multicultural concert at the Winspear Centre, free admission to the Royal Alberta Museum, a Global Village outdoor celebration at Churchill Square, and a Chinese New Year party at Enterprise Square.
• The Edmonton Community Foundation is presenting a speakers series titled “The Future of Community”. First up on February 18 is Zaib Shaikh, star of Little Mosque on the Prairie.
• The second Hey Ladies! infotainment show takes place on February 19 at the Roxy. If the performance we attended was any indication, it’s sure to be a hoot!
• I’m looking forward to the Silver Skate Festival, on February 19-21 at Hawrelak Park. Billed as “Edmonton’s longest running winter festival”, there will be skating, snowshoeing, and other cold-weather activities.
• Big Winter, the last Winter Light event for the month, will happen on February 26-27. Included among snow soccer and sledding activities will be “Bark in the Dark”, a dog-friendly affair!