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10 free things to do in Boston in February
From line dancing to a Bloody Mary sampling, Boston offers plenty of free activities in February.
Although February stakes its claim as the shortest month of the year, Boston isn’t short on things to do during the month — from Chinese New Year dragon dances to line dancing, Bloody Marys to iconic romance flicks. And with Valentine’s Day right in the middle of the month, you’re going to love these 10 things to do in February that won’t cost you a dime.
1. Stroll the city for surprises
New artworks have popped up all over downtown, thanks to a Canadian art initiative known as WINTERACTIVE. From giant pink men peeping into buildings to a replica of a 1962 Canadian satellite, the 17 displays feature interactive elements (many of which are premiering in the U.S.) designed to brighten Boston’s downtown neighborhood during this dreary time of the year. The walkable, outdoor art exhibition inspired by the vibrant winter festivals seen throughout Québec Province will remain on view through March 30. Make your own path to see it all – it’s an estimated 30-minute walk (or 1.25 miles). (various locations throughout Boston)
2. Root for your favorite stars at a Grammy Awards watch party
Boston’s beloved bookstore, Trident Booksellers & Café, will stay open late to stream this year’s Grammy Awards on Feb. 2. Seating starts at 7 p.m., just in time to catch the red carpet fashions. Dress as your favorite pop star for the costume contest, and win prizes for your best guesses on who will take home the gilded gramophones. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. (Trident Booksellers & Café, 338 Newbury St., Boston)
3. Enjoy organ music in an iconic church
The free organ concerts on Fridays continue at Trinity Church, featuring innovative programs by recitalists from across the United States and abroad. The weekly series of midday performances take place in the church on Fridays from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., and this month’s lineup is Sarah Ku on Feb. 7, Roman Krasnovsky on Feb. 14, Andrew Scanlon on Feb. 21, and Ethan Hamman on Feb. 28. While there’s no charge for admission, a $10 donation is welcome. (206 Clarendon St., Boston)
4. Welcome in the Year of the Snake
Boston’s Chinatown continues its celebration of the New Lunar Year of the Snake (Jan. 29) with lion dances, drums, martial arts, and firecrackers at the annual Lunar New Year Cultural Village. Held on Feb. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., you’ll enjoy special performances, traditional Chinese crafts such as calligraphy, handmade dough, characters, and origami games, snacks, family friendly activities, and more. (China Trade Center, 2 Boylston St., Boston)
5. Decide who makes Boston’s best Bloody Mary
Sip, savor, and vote at Time Out’s “Best Bloody Mary in Fenway” contest on Feb. 16. Shake things up at this cocktail showdown held at Time Out Market from 1 to 5 p.m., as Boston’s finest restaurants vie for your attention and battle it out with their savory concoctions. Sample, compare, and crown the Bloody Mary king or queen. (Time Out Market, 401 Park Dr., Boston)
6. Warm up with some cocoa at Moakley Park
Celebrate community at Moakley Park with its Winter Warmer event — a free, fun afternoon complete with warm drinks, yummy snacks, games, crafts, and more. Meet at the basketball courts near the stadium on Feb. 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. to enjoy s’mores, popcorn, and hot cocoa, as you spread the love by making Valentine’s Day cards for community elders, grab your next read at the book table, and chat with friends around a roaring fire. (450 Old Colony Ave., Boston)
7. Celebrate Black History Month with a reflective stroll
The Nurturing Center warmly welcomes you to its annual Silent Walk for Black History Month and HERO (Healing Empathy Redemption Oasis) Art2Heart event held at the Boston Nature Center on Feb. 15. The day begins at 11 a.m. with nature art and craft making, followed by an optional silent outdoor walk and lunch and music at 12:30 p.m. Please bring your own water bottle. (Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 500 Walk Hill St., Boston)
8. Change up your workout with line dancing
Add a few new line dances to your repertoire at these weekly classes that are open to all fitness levels as part of the Boston Parks Winter Fitness Series. The Boston Rhythm Riders rotate moving from high to low impact line dances throughout the hour-long classes held Thursdays in February at 6:30 p.m. (Hyde Park Community Center, 1179 River St., Boston)
9. Grab some tissues for an iconic tear jerker film
Here’s looking at you, Boston Home Team and Mass Cultural Council, for the generous financial contribution that makes the Roslindale Film Society’s free screening of 1942’s “Casablanca” possible. Showing on Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at The Square Root, the romantic classic starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman serves as the perfect precursor to Valentine’s Day with its tale of a cynical American expatriate and a complicated relationship with his former lover. (2 Corinth St., Boston)
10. Watch snowboarders shred City Hall Plaza
Boston City Hall turns into a snowboarding park on Feb. 22 when Red Bull Heavy Metal brings some of America’s top snowboarders to compete for the first time in the city. The event will take place from 2:30 to 6 p.m. and will be led by X Games gold medalist and snowboarding phenom Zeb Powell. Three hundred tons of snow will be shipped in from Loon Mountain (the event’s official mountain sponsor), as Boston’s City Hall Plaza recent renovation becomes a “too good not to ride” atmosphere for these snowboarders. (1 City Hall Sq., Boston)
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