With wintertime well underway, February is among the most reliable months for snow-filled fun. Enjoy a full lineup of things to do outside and festivals to keep the spirits high in Colorado.
Look forward to the upcoming spring as you get through the dog days of winter with several fun events to gather with the community and appreciate the beauty of the cold. February is filled with every snow sport imaginable, numerous winter festivals, and a whole lot of love. Discover things to do this month in Colorado below.
Here are some things to do in CO during February 2024:
Winter Festivals
At this time of year, almost every mountain town hosts its version of a winter festival or carnival. Typically featuring ice sculptures, parades, and every snow sport you can think of, mark your calendars for these events in February.
A few of our favorites include:
- Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival
- Cripple Creek Ice Festival
- Durango Snowdown
- Lake City Ice Climbing Festival
Celebrate Valentine’s Day Colorado style
Attend the Loveland Sweetheart Classic
Run with your sweetheart at the annual Loveland Sweetheart Classic. A running tradition for over 70 years, this four-mile race is the centerpiece of the Loveland Sweetheart Festival that runs the entirety of Valentine’s Day weekend. Even if you don’t run, participate in the fun by locking your love on the Love Lock Sculpture and other love-themed activities throughout the festival.
When: February 10-11, 2023
Send a love letter from Loveland, CO
Known as Colorado’s sweetest city, Loveland is home to the Valentine’s Remailing Program. Every year, thousands of Valentines are sent to Loveland, where volunteers stamp a love poem and design onto them. The Valentines are then sent on their way to their original receiver, with a bit of extra love attached.
Lace up for some pond hockey
Pabst Colorado Pond Hockey Tournament
February is prime time to hit the ponds and lakes for some outdoor ice skating. Silverthorne takes advantage of these conditions each year by hosting the Pabst Colorado Pond Hockey tournament. Held throughout the weekend, this low-stakes tournament is all about the fun and love of the game.
There will be several different divisions split by skill level, gender, and competitiveness. Each team can have 4-6 players and trophies are awarded to the winning teams of each division. Don’t stress if you don’t skate though, the event hosts plenty of fun activities off the ice including a beer garden, barefoot pond race, presentation of the Avalanche NHL team, and live music.
When: Friday-Sunday, February 16-18, 2024
Pond Hockey Classic
Another exciting hockey event to check out, this 45-team tournament takes place in early February on the beautiful Grand Lake. There will be a 9 a.m. puck drop, and teams will play for three rounds until the division champions are crowned. Spectators are allowed on the ice during the games to cheer on their friends and family, and the event is dog-friendly.
When: Sunday, February 4, 2024
Celebrate Mardi Gras mountain-style
Manitou Springs Mardi Gras
Manitou hosts its very own unique Carnivale including the Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off and a parade through downtown. City Hall comes alive with colorful decorations, costumes, and of course, plenty of beads.
When: Saturday, February 10, 2024
Mardi Gras celebration at Snowmass
Head to beautiful Snowmass for a Mardi Gras party in the mountains. In true Colorado style, this long-standing tradition starts with the Mother of All Ascensions uphill race, followed by the traditional bead toss, live music, and a finale firework show to complete the festivities.
When: Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Mardi Gras celebration at Keystone Resort
The Mardi Gras celebration at Keystone Resort isn’t just about the party itself, but also about the food! Give your taste buds something to be excited about with the gumbo cook-off. The event is rounded out with live music, bead throwing, and brightly-colored costumes.
When: Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Orchid Show at Denver Botanic Gardens
Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens for their annual orchid show and see beautiful displays of delicate orchids. The orchid show takes place indoors at the York Street location, so this makes a great option for a cold day activity.
When: January 12-February 19, 2024
Try out local brews
If you’ve never been able to get tickets or don’t want to put up with the long lines at the annual Great American Beer Festival, then plan to attend the Mile High Beer Fest this April. This smaller-scale beer event highlights over 25 breweries, plus local food trucks and live music. It’s a great way to sample a bit of Colorado in a laid-back atmosphere everyone can enjoy.
Where: Stockyards Event Center, Denver
When: Saturday, February 24, 2024
The aforementioned activities are just a few of the wonderful things to do in February in Colorado. And next month in March brings even more fun in the Centennial State. Reminiscing? Check out the fun events that happened in January.