Cirque du Soleil KOOZA
Feb. 2 – 5, Feb. 2 – 8, Feb. 12 – 19, Feb. 22 – 26
A return to our origins, KOOZA combines acrobatic performance and the art of clowning, while exploring fear, identity, recognition and power. The Innocent's journey brings him into contact with comic characters from an electrifying world full of surprises, thrills, audacity and total involvement. This set of shows running through Feb. is KOOZA’s second appearance in Houston following its wildly successful 2012 performance. Head to the Big Top at Sam Houston Race Park and get ready for storytelling at its finest.
Dance Theatre of Harlem
Feb. 3 and 4
Now a singular presence in the ballet world, the Dance Theatre of Harlem Company tours nationally and internationally, presenting a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century. The 18-member, multi-ethnic company performs a forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and resident choreographer Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate African American culture. The company’s two-night engagement takes place at Jones Hall and will be a night to remember.
Lunar New Year Lantern Festival and Market
Feb. 4 and 5
Head downtown to celebrate the Lunar New Year at POST! The event marks the beginning of the year of the rabbit, while bringing together communities and supporting local businesses. As Chinese tradition dictates, the Lantern Festival happens on the first full moon of the lunar cycle. Lighting a lantern is a way to congratulate your community on starting a new year. Meanwhile, the night market is full of amazing vendors, food and gifts for purchase. This cultural celebration shouldn’t be missed!
Sesame Street Live
Feb. 10 – 12
Sesame Street Live “Let’s Party!” is coming to Houston! Join the ultimate icons in kids’ entertainment with Elmo, Cookie Monster and more. This all-new, interactive show unfolds on one of the world’s most famous streets at the funniest, furriest party in the neighborhood. This time, the Sesame Street community discovers choosing a party theme is more challenging than they could have ever imagined. Learn new songs and sing along to familiar favorites all while your kids are having the time of their lives.
Monster Jam
Feb. 11
Monster Jam might not be the most romantic of Valentine’s options, but it is lots and lots of fun! From kids to adults, there’s nothing better than 12,000-pound monster trucks flying through the air at NRG Stadium at speeds up to 70 mph. Classic trucks like Grave Digger, Megalodon, El Toro Loco and Zombie will all be there doing signature tricks, flips and jumps. Pro tip: bring protective ear covering for younger kids.
The Big Game at Social Beer Garden
Feb. 12
Super Bowl Sunday is always an excuse to have a good time and this year’s championship is no different. Head to Midtown and score some “cool” points by joining the party at Social Beer Garden. There’s no cover, some of the biggest TVs in Midtown, lots of food choices, drink specials, DJs and a puppy adoption drive. So, it’s kind of like your own personal Super Bowl and Puppy Bowl in one. Did we mention that there will be boiled crawfish? What more could you want while watching the biggest game of the year!?
Raquel Cepeda Septet: Jazz on Valentine’s
Feb. 14
A Valentine’s tradition like no other is seeing Raquel Cepeda at Houston’s MATCH. This concert is in its 7th year of celebrating love, romance, and friendship through the power of music. Featuring a repertoire of classic jazz standards and original compositions, the concert is full of arrangements that incorporate sounds and flavors from around the world. Plus, Cepeda will be performing with her septet, a group of international, world-class musicians, including Barry Sames, Thomas Helton, Adriano Santos, Cassio Duarte, Salvador Velasco, and Ernesto Vega.
Mardi Gras Galveston
Feb. 17 – 21
If you need a Mardi Gras fix, head to Galveston for the best of Texas Mardi Gras. Known for its lively parades, copious amounts of throws, amazing music and stellar cuisine, Galveston is ready for carnival. The celebrations actually start on Feb. 10, but the culmination is the weekend that leads into Fat Tuesday. Enjoy parades like Friday’s Krewe of Babalu and Krewe de Yaga’s or Saturday’s Mardi Gras King’s Parade and Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade. Sunday is full of parades dedicated to kids and animals, which makes for a fun day. Then, Tuesday night is the final parade of the season with the Mystic Krewe of Aquarius.
Where to Stay in February
For a lovely boutique hotel, head to The Whitehall near Midtown. Houston’s original landmark hotel, The Whitehall shines with iconic mid-century architecture, gracious Southern hospitality, and award-winning cuisine. The Whitehall also has a number of deals list the Stay and Save deal, where the longer you stay the more you save. One of the best amenities at The Whitehall is the in-house art gallery that features original works from a collaboration with the Savannah College of Art and Design.
If you’re looking to head to Mardi Gras, the San Luis Resort is a great option. The 32-acre, beachfront hotel and spa resort is located on beautiful Galveston Island. When you book dates offered for the resort’s Mardi Gras package, you get to enjoy complimentary tickets to the Mardi Gras Galveston festivities.