February may be a short month, but there’s still much to celebrate and commemorate in the days ahead. Take a look at this sampling of events going on and start making plans now!

Black History Month Events | Dates Vary

There’s a lot of incredible programming going on around town for Black History Month. Here’s how you can take part – purchase a copy of The Green Book of South Carolina: A Guide to African American Cultural sites and attend a presentation hosted by Historic Columbia at the Boyd Horticultural Center during “The Green Book of South Carolina” Book Signing,” support an artist and donate to a good cause at Artists for Africa’s Postcard Art 2023 event at the Hilton Garden Inn Columbia Downtown, attend the 18th Annual Black History Parade & Festival in the historic Waverly and Five Points neighborhoods, check out African American Genealogy: A Case Study at Richland Library’s main branch and pop into the Columbia Museum of Art again and again and again for events like More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series Featuring The Mahoganëë Xperience and FAAAC presents A Conversation with Hafizah Augustus Geter and Tyrone Geter, among others. 

Flogging Molly at The Senate | February 5

Irish-American punk band Flogging Molly is coming to The Senate, so get in the Celtic spirit and be prepared to do some dancing. 

Journey with Special Guest TOTO at Colonial Life Arena | February 10

Rest your vocal chords now, because once you start singing along to every single one of the mega hit songs performed at the Journey and TOTO concert, you’re going to be glad you still have a voice the next day.

Kevin James: The Irregardless Tour at Township Auditorium | February 11

You’ve seen him in television shows and movies like The King of Queens and Grown Ups, but if you’ve never seen his stand-up, you won’t want to miss Kevin James’ appearance at Township Auditorium this month. 

Valentine’s Day Events | Dates Vary

Dial up the romance this month. Find the perfect gift for that special someone during Y’allentines @ Heart Bar. Plan a romantic date night out at Amore Under the Stars at the South Carolina State Museum or Chaye Alexander Presents Valentine’s Day Dinner & Jazz at Chayz Lounge. Keep it casual and cute with a Chocolate and Beer Pairing at River Rat Brewery. Or get your date’s heart beating faster (from sheer terror) at My Deceased Valentine. 

Hairspray at Koger Center for the Arts | February 15 and 16

“I was lost ‘til I heard the drums, then I found my way,….” to Koger Center for two performances of Hairspray – the hit musical about a teen in 1960’s Baltimore who uses her newfound stardom to fight for civil rights. 

13th Annual Mardi Gras Columbia Parade & Festival at City Roots | February 18

Laissez les bons temps rouler with a full day of festivities that kick off with a parade anyone’s welcome to join in on, three stages of live music, Abita beer aplenty and food trucks dishing up your favorite Cajun and Creole eats. 

9th Annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff at Icehouse Amphitheater | February 19

Come warm up with many, many cups of chili and cast your vote for who you think deserves to be the chili champ of Lexington.

12th Annual St. Practice Day at Tin Roof | February 25

Set your sights ahead to March and do a test run before the 41st Annual St. Pat’s in Five Points festival with Tin Roof’s clutch St. Practice Day event.