Every State's Best Event for Travelers in February

The stress of the holidays is well and truly over and Blue Monday is behind us too, so now is the perfect time to start really looking forward to traveling in 2022. And what better way to kick off your travel year than by attending a fun-filled February event? From Mardi Gras celebrations and Lunar New Year fiestas to wild and woolly rodeos and everything in between, February events are a diverse bunch. There's sure to be something for you on the following list, so click on the slideshow to see what the best February event is in the state you live in, or use the list as inspiration for a great road trip.

America's very first Mardi Gras celebrations were held in Mobile way back in 1703 and the party will once again take over town this February. Parades in The Port City will commence on February 11th and run through Fat Tuesday, March 1st. Expect colorful floats, tossed treasures and just an overall feeling of Gulf Coast merriment, and this year, there's even a new Mardi Gras song by local artist Jabel Hendrix called "Get Down", which will only add to the good times.

Kicking off on February 25th, the "Fur Rondy" as the locals call it is the city's most cherished midwinter party. Since 1935, this Anchorage festival has been repping the spirit of Alaska's state founders and natives through exciting contests, sporting activities and cultural events-with plenty of partying on the side.

The most attended event on the PGA circuit-and hands down the tourney with the liveliest atmosphere-will once again tee off at TPC Scottsdale this year (February 7-13). Come for the golf, stay for the sun-soaked happenings at legendary Hole 16.

SoMa-Little Rock's favorite neighborhood with an independent streak-will be throwing their annual pre-Lenten bash on February 26th. This year's theme is "Popstars & Pirates", so don't be surprised if you spot a few Michael Jacksons or Jack Sparrows strolling in the parade.

The largest Lunar New Year parade outside of Asia is set to roar back to life in order to welcome the Year of the Tiger. The festivities will take place during the evening of February 19th, which makes it one of the last remaining illuminated nighttime parades in the country.

The theme of this year's annual soiree on the snow is "Where Legends Are Made" and the events will run for five days (February 9-13). The 109th annual festival's calendar of events includes a snow sculpture contest, ski jumping jamboree, 80s dance party, slalom bicycle race and assorted other winter frolicking opportunities.

The weekend of February 19th-21st will see the grounds of Mystic Seaport filled with frosty ice sculptures and other works of wintry artwork. Spend time in a life-sized snow globe before roasting marshmallows and taking in the museum's other enthralling attractions.

February offers up the last chance (now through February 12th) to take in the Biggs Museum of American Art's fascinating exhibition Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray. The exhibit features dozens of portraits of Kahlo taken by the acclaimed photographer and pieces of their personal correspondence, offering up a captivating insight into this icon. In addition, you can also take in Unmasking Culture: An Examination of the Ritual Masks of Mexico and a collection of Kahlo portraits made by children.

While most northern locales have their state fairs in the summer, the Sunshine State gets down during the second month of the year (February 10-21). Head to the fairgrounds in Tampa for agricultural displays, living history museums, epic fair food, the nation's tallest traveling Ferris wheel and top-notch entertainment.

Head to Atlantic Station on February 5th for an afternoon of sampling some of the best beer, wine and cider from Atlanta, elsewhere in Georgia and the rest of the nation. There will also be food trucks, heated tents and an appearance by DJ Qtip.

Head to the island of Kauai over President's Day Weekend for the kick-off of the island's biggest annual party (February 19-26). This festival pays tribute to both the unique heritage of Waimea and its modern personality. Highlights include a film festival, fun run, rodeo, ukulele contest, long-distance canoe racing and scores of other interesting events. There will also be plenty of opportunities to taste the local cuisine.

Start the month off with a bang by paying a visit to the Winter Carnival, which will run through February 6th. This year's event will feature a host of wintry activities, delicious food and the festival's signature array of snow sculptures.

Throughout the entire month of February, you can take a spin on Chicago's unique, frozen ribbon of water inside Maggie Daley Park. Take to your skates to make wind-chilled memories before warming up with a hot chocolate or cocktail at a nearby venue.

The Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis will bubble over with good times during this event, but there won't be a carnival ride insight. That's because the main attraction at Winterfest (February 22) is the wonderful-and warming-beers brewed in the Hoosier State. Previous editions have featured nearly 100 Indiana beers, so you're sure to have a great time tasting your way around the state!

The weather may be cold outside, but the bacon will be sizzling at the 14th edition of this porky food fest (February 26th) at the Horizon Events Center in Des Moines. In addition to the annual crowning of the Bacon Queen and King, there will be live music, costume contests and lots of Mardi Gras-style shenanigans as this year's theme is Bacon Gras.

As they like to say around these parts, Lawrence is a "small town with big tastes" and this annual festival (February 18-27) puts its diverse collection of excellent restaurants on display. Choose between two special menus around town while helping out a good cause that aids hospitality industry workers, it's a win-win!

You don't have to be a user of farm machinery to have a ball at this annual gathering at the Kentucky Exposition Center (February 16-19) in Louisville. Explore the enthralling world of agricultural technology and today's farming trends before heading over to see the Championship Tractor Pull.

This one was never in doubt as Louisiana's pre-Lenten bash is legendary around the world, but remember, the parties and parades take place in many locations all over the state, not just New Orleans. Parades and special events take place throughout the month, with things coming to a crescendo on Fat Tuesday, March 1st.

Beloved local artist Pandora LaCasse has once again brought her illuminated imagination to downtown Portland, decorating multiple public spaces in lights. The twinkling displays will be able to be viewed every day in February, with a self-guided tour being the best way to experience the event.

Running through February 6th, this festival offers up the chance to take a bite out of some of the best restaurants in Baltimore. Head to a different participating venue every night to sample old favorites and make fresh foodie discoveries.

While the Year of the Tiger officially pounces on February 1st, Boston's Chinatown will be throwing its annual bash on February 13th. The colorful parade will commence in the morning and is scheduled to be followed by dragon dances (weather permitting), vibrant lion processions and traditional firecrackers.

Each year during Winter Carnival, the campus of Michigan Tech in Houghton is taken over by snow statues, snow-based sports and a general sense of frivolity centered around embracing winter in the Upper Peninsula. This year, the festival (February 9-12) will be celebrating its 100th anniversary and will feature broomball, curling, snow soccer, ice bowling, snow volleyball and even a top-notch comedy show.

Head to the Brainerd Lakes Area during the last weekend of the month (February 25-27) for another slightly chilly soiree dedicated to shaking off those winter blues. Friday night features the Frozen Flop-a charity event featuring polar water plunges-and heated tent party; Saturday stars ice golf, digital scavenger hunt and live music; Sunday finishes things off with a food festival.

The 57th edition of this much-loved event will take place in the heart of downtown Jackson and has been extended to take place over two weekends this year (February 11-13 and February 16-17). From the agricultural expositions and livestock shows to the renowned rodeo-the largest east of the Mississippi-Dixie National has something for everyone.

St. Louis' historic Soulard neighborhood will once again play host to a series of Mardi Gras celebrations all month long. The festivities kick-off with unique events like the Cajun Cookoff (February 12), Taste of Soulard food festival (February 19-20) and the Pet Parade & Weiner Dog Derby (February 20), Then, things finish with a bang at the Grand Parade on Saturday, February 26th.

Whitefish is always one of the best small towns in the nation, but during its annual Winter Carnival (February 4-6), the city is at its best. Embrace all things winter at the Gala event, Penguin Plunge, Pie Social, Grand Parade and Post-Parade Social. Oh, and come dressed in your most radical outfit, because this year's theme is "80s Rewind".

In the late 1950s, esteemed photographer Jerry Dantzic accompanied iconic singer Billie Holiday to a weeklong gig at the Newark, New Jersey club Sugar Hill. The results offer an intimate portrait of one of America's best-yet misunderstood-singers. Billie Holiday at Sugar Hill runs through February 27th at Omaha's Durham Museum.

Whether you take on the whole marathon or just a 5K (or something in between), running down The Strip at night will be an experience you will never forget. The event (February 26-27) features live bands on the course, concerts and both pre-race and post-race parties for racers and spectators alike, meaning you'll have a blast whether or not you run or just root on the racers.

Head to the small town of Keene in the Monadnock Region on February 5th for a day full of frosty family fun. The festival will feature ice carving, face painting, train rides, characters from Frozen and scores of s'mores by the firepit.

Spend the day before the big game (February 12) at the Meadowlands Exposition Center quaffing some of the finest beers in the Garden State and beyond at the 11th annual edition of this event. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite sports jersey and with a "pay-one-price" policy, you won't go home thirsty. And if that's not enough, there will also be a drum & bugle parade and axe throwing!

The gorgeous snow-covered peaks of Red River make an exquisite setting for one of the nation's most unique Mardi Gras celebrations. At Mardi Gras in the Mountains (February 24-March 1), local traditions come together with classic Mardi Gras events, most notably at the Grand Ball and the spectacular traditional burning of a figure called Tchoupitoulas-a ritual done to remove your worries and troubles for the coming year.

It's been a tumultuous couple of years for Broadway, so head to the Big Apple to help support its comeback during this action-packed and heavily discounted celebration of live theater. Running now through February 13th, the 2022 festival features a special 2-for-1 ticket promotion for certain shows.

Taking place on February 19th at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, this year's festival will feature arts, crafts, cultural attractions and shopping opportunities from over three dozen black-owned businesses. The theme will be "Past, Present & Future" and it will be woven into the entire event.

Head to the Ramada by Wyndham in Fargo on February 12th for some of the best Blues you'll ever hear in this neck of the woods. Schedule to perform this year is Shawn Holt & The Teardrops, Wayne Baker Brooks and Studebaker John & The Hawks.

The 71st annual NBA All-Star Game will take place in Cleveland on the evening of Sunday, February 20th, but the entire weekend will be full of fun things to do for basketball fans and those who just want to have a ball. Some of the scheduled events include the Rising Stars Game, Celebrity Game, Slam Dunk Contest and Skills Challenge. In addition, the NBA Crossover exhibition will examine how basketball interacts with popular culture and the arts.

An Affair of the Heart has been delighting Oklahoma shoppers for 35 years now, providing a one-of-a-kind marketplace that only takes place a few times a year. From February 11-13 at State Fair Park, you'll be able to browse wares from national and local crafters, artisans and boutiques and you are sure to go home with fond memories-and something special.

For the 19th consecutive year, the PDX Jazz Festival (February 17-26) is bringing some of the best jazz artists from around the country to the Pacific Northwest. The whole spectrum of jazz will be on display, from Grammy-winning artists and NEA Jazz Masters to emerging talent, with just a few of the names scheduled to perform being Robert Glasper, Billy Hart, Diane Schuur and Donald Harrison Jr.

Sorry Punxsutawney Phil, but a boy wizard has you beat this year. Starting on February 18th, the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia will host the world premier of Harry Potter: The Exhibition, an immersive exhibit that takes fans on an engrossing behind-the-scenes tour of the making of the films. Expect to see props, learn how the film magic was made and journey through areas like Hogwarts Castle, Hagrid's Hut and the Forbidden Forest.

Keep warm by trying out the best burgers in Newport and help crown a champion during this tasty winter festival that runs February 18-27. Try as many burgers as you would like at participating restaurants-classic and new school will all be on the menu-then cast your vote and see who takes home the hamburger hardware.

Visit Hilton Head between February 21st-27th to celebrate the renaissance of Southern culinary culture and the art of enjoying tantalizing food and drink. Events include tasty offerings by Southern pitmasters, dinners put on by celebrity guest chefs, displays of cooking local wildlife, cooking demos, wine tastings, cocktail creation and much, much more.

Every winter, Rapid City is overrun with wranglers, horses, cowboys and more Wild West action than you can throw a Stetson at during this sensational stock show and rodeo. The event runs through February 5th, and in addition to the classic rodeo competitions, there will be sheepdog trials, concerts and beer tastings.

All month long, this event will showcase some of the best local restaurants in Nashville, allowing you to sample something new, re-visit old favorites and try unique chef collaborations, all for a good cause. And in case you're wondering, yes, there will be plenty of Hot Chicken involved.

Celebrate the special cultural heritage of Brownsville at this fiesta that proudly straddles both sides of the border. The Charro Days Fiesta (February 19-27) has been going strong since 1938 and you can expect colorful parades, dancing, fireworks, mouthwatering food, costume balls and a lively carnival.

The much-anticipated final run of Hamilton in Salt Lake City will take place at the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater from February 1-13. Take in the history-making musical to see American history as you've never seen it before and then head out to do a little pre-Valentine's Day celebrating.

Head to the Champlain Valley Exposition for a weekend (February 5-6) of family-friendly fun featuring demonstrations of medieval and Viking life, acrobatics, dancing and singing. There will also be lots of period garb and crafts for sale in addition to mugs of tasty mead to drink.

Stony Point Fashion Park will be the setting for the third annual edition of the River City Spirits Festival on February 12th. Come and taste the offerings from dozens of great local distilleries in addition to fantastic food and super live tunes.

Bellevue is the setting for the state's best winter bluegrass festival: Wintergrass (February 24-27). Head to the Hyatt Regency for four days of family-friendly good times featuring bluegrass and acoustic performances of other musical genres. Don't be surprised if you leave with a new favorite artist.

The 27th annual edition of Winterfest will take place February 2-6 and will once again host the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship. There will also be ice sculptures, live entertainment, bonfires on the beach and plenty of great food.

Take note New England, West Virginia knows how to do wonderful things with maple syrup, too. On February 19th, sugar shacks all over the state will welcome visitors in to sample the first batch of the new season and host other exciting events.

Once a year, skiers and riders from all over the world descend on Jackson Hole to try to conquer North America's most legendary couloir run: Corbet's. At the end of the freerun event (February 12-18), only two will be left standing: the newly crowned King & Queen of Corbet's. Even if you aren't participating, the excitement at the resort during the event is palpable.