February in New York State is brimming with excitement, both indoors and out! Celebrate Lunar New Year, Valentine's Day, and Black History Month with a variety of special events. Indulge in a chocolate and wine festival, groove to live music, and get your adrenaline pumping with winter sports in the Adirondacks. Savor some delicious chowder and score amazing deals on Off-Broadway shows. There's a wealth of fun and adventure waiting for you this February in New York State!

Celebrate Black History Month (Multiple Regions)

Honor and celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans and explore the state's rich heritage of Black history and culture at events happening across New York State during Black History Month. On February 8 in Rochester, enjoy playing with toys and games created or redesigned by Black inventors including View-Master and Phase 10 during The Strong National Museum of Play’s Black History Month Celebration

Also on February 8 on Long Island, learn how the foundations of modern science are known thanks to the contributions of Black scientists and see exciting science experiments relating to their discoveries. On February 13, the Harlem Chamber Players will present their 17th Annual Black History Month Celebration, with featured guest artists cellist-composer Akua Dixon and soprano Candice Hoyes. On February 23, CNY Jazz Central hosts their annual Black History Month Cabaret at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown Grand Ballroom. Various dates, locations, prices.

Empire State Winter Games (Adirondacks)

January 30 – February 2

A person competes in ski jumping at the Empire State Winter Games

Get ready to celebrate athletes, winter, and the Adirondacks! The largest Olympic-style winter sporting event in the Northeast, the Empire State Winter Games feature three days of competitions, an opening ceremony, and a 700-mile torch relay! Now in its 45th year, this year’s games promise to be more fun than ever with 2,500 athletes from ages 8-80 from across New York State and beyond competing in 25 winter sports. You’ll thrill to cross-country and alpine skiing, biathlon, figure skating, ice hockey, ski jumping, bobsled, skeleton, luge, plus adaptive winter sports! Lake Placid, Wilmington, North Elba, Tupper Lake, Harrietstown, Brighton, Paul Smiths, and Saranac Lake; some events free, various prices for others depending on venue.

Winter Hoot 2025 (Catskills)

January 31 – February 2

A photo of people gathered in a circle celebrating and having fun at the Winter Hoot in the Catskills

Experience the magic of live roots music, local food, crafts, and community spirit at Winter Hoot 2025! Nestled where the Catskills meet the Hudson River Valley, The Ashokan Center—just a 20-minute drive from Woodstock and Kingston—hosts this three-day festival. Enjoy a Friday evening filled with dinner, a concert, and a jam session; immerse yourself in Saturday's all-day music and family-friendly activities; and unwind with Sunday yoga and a farewell singalong. Secure your advance tickets for guaranteed parking and entry, and join in this celebration of togetherness! Olivebridge; Weekend pass $50, Saturday only $40, Friday concert only $25, Friday dinner $30, Child Friday dinner $15, Sunday only $10, kids under 18 admitted free (does not include food or lodging), VIP reception (Friday) & weekend pass $250.

Saranac Lake Winter Carnival (Adirondacks)

January 31-February 9

Fireworks burst above the enchanting ice castle at the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival
Credit: @kylevt on Instagram

Enjoy 10 days of winter fun and adventure at one of the oldest winter carnivals in the United States! This year’s theme celebrates music legends putting a musical spin on the wintry fun with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including winter sports, live music and performances, ice sculpture, great food and beverages, parades, spectacular fireworks and much more. Saranac Lake; free with some events requiring paid admission.

Hudson Valley WingFest 18 (Hudson Valley)

February 1

A plate of wings covered with crumbled blue cheese.

Credit: @millhousebrewingco on Instagram

Prepare your taste buds for a feast of the finest wings Hudson Valley has to offer. This year's festival is set to be the most flavorful and grandest yet, featuring more restaurants, food trucks, and caterers than ever before, all bringing their unique and delectable wing flavors to the table. Cast your vote for your favorite wing spot as they compete to win the coveted title of "King of the Wings"! You’ll also be treated to fantastic music from incredible bands, plus games, prizes, and more. Poughkeepsie; $39 general admission (doors open at 5 p.m.), $75 VIP tickets (doors open at 3:30 p.m.), children under 12 free admission.

Lake George Winter Carnival (Adirondacks)

Saturdays and Sundays, February 1 – March 2

A person on a snowmobile near the boats of the Lake George Steamboat Company during the Lake George Winter Carnival

Beat cabin fever this season and dive into the festive fun of a month-long winter extravaganza! Happening every Saturday and Sunday in February, plus March 1-2, this beloved event, a winter staple since 1961, kicks off with opening ceremonies and a parade along Canada Street. The carnival lineup includes thrilling polar plunges, pony rides, cook-offs, helicopter rides, dazzling fireworks, and exhilarating ATV, truck, and snowmobile races, among many other activities. Please note that all events are dependent on weather and ice conditions and may change. Lake George; free admission.

2025 Fire & Ice Celebration (Thousand Islands-Seaway)

February 6-8

Bundle up and step into a winter wonderland of over 40,000 pounds of ice meticulously carved into breathtaking sculptures, martini luges – and even bars – at the annual Fire & Ice Celebration at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel. After enjoying the chilling experience on the hotel’s patio, head inside to warm up with light hors d’oeuvres, chili and chowder.  Roaring fire pits, live music, hors d’oeuvres, local wine and beer, and fireworks are also on tap to ensure a truly grand time. This festive event is organized to benefit the North Country Troopers Assisting Troops. Clayton; $38 per day; the hotel also offers overnight accommodation packages that include two tickets for the event.

NYS Pride Ski Weekend (Catskills)

February 7-9

Ski lift in the snow at Belleayre Mountain

The LGBTQ+ community and allies are getting together for snow sports, entertainment, and festivities in the Catskills as part of New York State Pride Ski Weekend! This exciting weekend at Belleayre Mountain features winter fun, community, and celebration. Hit the slopes for a pride glide, enjoy apres ski activities at the lodge, join a Sunday pride brunch or explore the lively city of nearby Kingston, which boasts a wide array of LGBTQ+ owned and allied shops, restaurants, and bars. Highmount; various prices, please visit this link to purchase tickets.

Saratoga Chowderfest (Capital-Saratoga)

February 8

A sample cup of chowder at Saratoga Chowderfest

Credit: Rachel Dymond

Attention chowder lovers! Prepare yourselves for culinary delights at one of the Capital-Saratoga region’s most anticipated events. This annual feast is a family-friendly, flavor-packed extravaganza that brings thousands to downtown Saratoga Springs. With over 80 vendors serving up creamy and hearty 4-ounce chowder samples, your taste buds are in for a treat. That’s not all – you’ll also enjoy live music and family-friendly activities throughout downtown, including the Saratoga Springs City Center and the Heritage Area Visitors Center! Saratoga Springs; $2 per chowder sample.

FIS Ski Jumping World Cup (Adirondacks)

February 8-9

Crowds gather at night to watch athletes compete at the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup

Experience the pinnacle of winter sports in the “Winter Sports Capital of the World”, Lake Placid! With its rich legacy of ski jumping from the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, the village welcomes back the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup at the Olympic Jumping Complex this February. This prestigious event will feature thrilling men’s and women’s competitions on the large HS 128-meter ski jump, showcasing top ski jumpers from countries including Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Austria, Germany, and more. Enjoy the electrifying atmosphere with a DJ, announcers, games, giveaways, and other exciting activities as athletes compete for World Cup points. Don’t miss one of the three World Cup events in Lake Placid this season, culminating with the IBSF Bobsled & Skeleton World Championships (March 6-9 and 15-16) at Mt. Van Hoevenberg in March! Lake Placid; various prices; VIP packages available.

Camellia Festival (Long Island)

February 8-9

A white doorframe surrounded by camellia plants with pink, red, and white blooms at Planting Fields Arboretum

Credit: David Almeida

Cherish a day out with family and friends while taking in the beauty of the Camellia Greenhouse in bloom at Planting Fields Arboretum. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of camellias with over 200 breathtaking varieties, and thousands of flowers in bloom. Embark on a fascinating journey through this remarkable collection and interact with the staff that takes care of it. Enjoy live music performances that will set the perfect mood as you explore this stunning winter oasis and shake off the seasonal blues!  Oyster Bay; free to attend with registration.

Greater Niagara Fishing Expo (Greater Niagara)

February 13-16

A man fishing in a river during the winter season

Credit: @gregkkoch via Instagram

Cast your line into a sea of knowledge and fun at the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo, the largest fishing show in New York State. Tailored by anglers for anglers, this event boasts over 170 exhibitors and offers hundreds of hours of expert-led seminars. Whether you're looking to master the art of catching walleye, bass, trout, salmon, or perch, or you're keen to explore fly fishing, kayak fishing, open water trolling, and marine electronics, we've got you covered. On Sunday, don't miss the Super Kids Fishing Clinic, where seasoned instructors will guide children and their parents through the essentials of fishing, ensuring they reel in a memorable and enjoyable experience. Niagara Falls; $11 single-day pass, $25 multi-day pass, $110 Lake Erie Walleye School, children age 12 and under who attend will receive free admission (limit two children per paying adult).

ChocoVino (Long Island)

February 14

Dinner tables set up next to a tank at ChocoVino at Long Island Aquarium

Photo Courtesy of Long Island Aquarium

Looking for a fun and unique way to spend Valentine’s Day? This culinary experience pairs the flavors of chocolate and wine amid the beautiful setting of the Long Island Aquarium. At Chocovino, you’ll enjoy a five-course gourmet dinner that’s been carefully crafted by expert chefs, with each course incorporating a taste of chocolate paired with a Raphael Vineyards vintage to enhance the flavors of the dish. Have a Sweetheart Sleepover and spend the night at the Hyatt Place hotel, just next door! Riverhead; $175 per person (+tax), Hotel package $529 (+tax and includes the overnight stay and 2 tickets to the event). Hotel stay and ChocoVino tickets must be reserved separately.

Valentine’s Day Bed & Brew (Central New York)

February 14-15

Inn at Cooperstown

Embark on a Valentine’s Day getaway with the help of the Inn at Cooperstown and Brewery Ommegang. Book the two-night Bed & Brew package for a weekend full of love, relaxation, brews, and more. At the Inn, spend Friday evening in the parlor with your own favorite brews. Saturday after breakfast is your time to explore Main Street and the National Baseball Hall of Fame. In the evening, get ready for a trolley ride to the award-winning Belgian-style brewery, which will be closed to the public and open only to guests of the package. There, you’ll join a brewer for a seated tasting of Ommegang’s finest brews, accompanied by individual charcuterie boards for each table. You’ll have time to shop in the brewery store before and after indulging in an amazing multi-course gourmet food and beer pairing dinner! Reserve your spot now! Cooperstown; various prices.

Seneca Lake Wine Trail Chocolate & Wine Weekend (Finger Lakes)

February 14-16

Take a self-guided tour around the beautiful Seneca Lake Wine Trail while tasting your way through delicious pairings of local wines with foods featuring chocolate as a key ingredient. Each ticket holder will receive a wine glass and souvenir wine glass charm at their starting winery. From there, enjoy a sample of food like cocoa, coffee, and cola chili and port wine chocolate pretzel truffles along with a wine to complement the dish, plus an additional three wine samples. Not drinking? Don’t worry; ticket-purchasing designated drivers will get a souvenir insulated travel mug, plus the food samples and a non-alcoholic beverage at each participating winery along the way. This tasty event is expected to sell out well in advance, so it’s best to get your tickets early! Various wineries along Seneca Lake Wine Trail; $70 per person, $25 designated driver ticket. Note: Participants must be prepared to present their digital tickets on their phones to be scanned at each winery visited.

Tap & Craft Festival (Finger Lakes)

February 15

Ithaca Beer Company

Need a winter pick-me-up? You’re invited to The Hotel Ithaca for a delicious celebration of craft beer, cider, mead, and spirits featuring more than 25 craft breweries, cideries, meaderies, and distilleries with entertainment and fun throughout! Enjoy unlimited 3-ounce samples, a commemorative tasting glass, and live music with general admission and a special one-hour tasting with exclusive pours not featured anywhere else with the VIP session. Ithaca; $50 VIP Session (pre-sale only), $40 General Session ($48 day of, if available), $10 designated driver (includes bottle of water).

Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival (New York City)

February 16

Dragon puppets at a Lunar New Year parade at the Queens Botanical Garden

Credit: @queensbotanicalgarden on Instagram

Head to the heart of Chinatown to celebrate the Year of the Snake at the 27th Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival. You’ll enjoy a parade featuring dragon dancing, stunning outfits, martial art performers, and more. You may also want to check out the 27th Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival on Wednesday, January 29 at Sara D. Roosevelt Park at Grand Street for traditional ceremonies, music shows, and face painting. Catch celebrations at Queens Botanic Garden, Lincoln Center, and other great locations across the state. New York City; free admission to both events.

NYC Off-Broadway Week (New York City)

February 17 – March 9

New York City’s Off-Broadway theaters let you enjoy world class live entertainment in creative and experimental productions, including some of the stage’s most innovative new plays in intimate settings. During NYC Off-Broadway Week, you can enjoy the best of Off-Broadway with two-for-one tickets to must-see shows! New York City; various prices.

W25 Northeast Plant Show (Finger Lakes)

February 22

Looking to start a new hobby or grow your houseplant collection? Get out of the cold and get in touch with your green thumb at this amazing plant show featuring over 160 tables full of the highest quality plants including rares, uncommons, and commons! Also featured are anthuriums, alocasias, rare aroids, begonias, ferns, hoyas, monsteras, philodendrons, peperomias, pothos, and succulents, plus specialty plants like aquatics, bonsai, orchids and more! Syracuse; $10 cash or $12 credit card general admission; $50 VIP tickets; 15 and under free admission.

Ellicottville’s Winter Music Jam ‘25 (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

February 22-23

A group of people strolls along the snowladen sidewalk in Ellicottville
Credit: @visitellicottville on Instagram

Skiers and music lovers are tuning up for a high-energy weekend featuring three days of great live music in all the hotspots of the amazing ski town of Ellicottville at Winter Music Jam ‘25. After a day of skiing at nearby Holiday Valley, head to downtown Ellicottville to catch more than 15 performers covering a variety of genres at different venues and grab a bite to eat. All performances are within a four-block radius. Various locations in downtown Ellicottville; prices vary.


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