The Best Events Happening in February
This month brings a variety of events, from ice castles to winter carnivals to art shows
Craig Hill’s “Cluster” exhibit is on display at Portsmouth’s 3S Artspace through February.
Ice Castle, North Woodstock, Open February through March
The ice castle in North Woodstock is an unforgettable winter creation that brings fairytales to life. The structure is built entirely by hand using hundreds of thousands of icicles grown by professional artists. The castle includes breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, carved ice tunnels, slides and fountains. Opening and closing dates depend on the weather. icecastles.com
“Cluster,” Portsmouth, February 1-28
This free exhibit by Craig Hill features “evocative paintings and collages that are psychically charged.” Hill is a visual artist working in painting, collage and mixed media sculpture. His work juxtaposes varied modes of representation, creating a visual mash-up that highlights how certain iconography expresses American belief structures. His work is filled with visual contradictions and playful circumstances that are arranged in a single anxious moment. 3sarts.org
Mt. Washington Valley Ice Fest, North Conway, February 5-7
This annual weekend festival features three full days of demos, clinics and more. Seasoned climbers can try advanced tours like the one-day Mt. Washington ascent, while newbies can opt for classes such as ice climbing 101. mwv-icefest.com
Dartmouth’s 111th Winter Carnival “Level-Up: Carnival Reloaded,” Hanover, February 5-21
Begun in 1911, Dartmouth’s Winter Carnival celebrates the beauty of the winter season in the Upper Valley and the achievements of Dartmouth’s many winter sports teams. This year’s extended schedule will allow more opportunities for smaller groups to participate in activities in a socially distanced and capacity-limited way. The Winter Carnival Council plans to host a variety of in-person and virtual programs to reach students on campus and studying remotely this term. This year’s theme celebrates all things video and virtual gaming, ranging from the arcade to your smartphone. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or someone more likely to be flinging Angry Birds on your phone, this carnival will celebrate the games you grew up with and the characters who have kept you company throughout the last year. students.dartmouth.edu
Make & Take: A Dish Garden, Greenland, February 6
Dish gardens have become very popular. Instead of placing just a single plant in one pot, you can nestle several different houseplants in one container to make a dish garden. Learn how to make one by attending a free 20-minute talk on how to choose compatible plants combinations and watch a demonstration on how to pot them up in one container. rollinggreennursery.com
105th Newport Winter Carnival, Newport, February 12-14
The small town of Newport will be transformed into a winter wonderland for three days of activities. This year’s theme is “Life Is a Circus.” Don’t miss out on the fun and an opportunity to celebrate 105 years of community. newportrec.com
Mike McDonald’s Comedy Extravaganza, Portsmouth, February 13
Mike McDonald brings his Comedy Extravaganza back for its 20th anniversary year. This limited seating Valentine’s weekend event will feature the hilarious Jimmy Tingle, super funny Carolyn Plummer and the brilliant Paul D’Angelo. themusichall.org
Wasserman Park Winter Carnival, Merrimack, February 20
Head to Wasserman Park to celebrate the 29th annual winter carnival. This fun-filled event is packed with outdoor activities for the whole family. There will be a campfire with s’mores, snowshoeing demonstration, sledding and more. merrimackparksandrec.org
Snowshoe Yoga, Laconia, February 27
Enjoy the outdoors this winter while doing yoga. In this unique and peaceful snowshoe experience, you will be able to immerse yourself in the peacefulness of nature as you practice yoga in snowshoes. You will also be guided through a walking mediation and introduced to shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing.” prescottfarm.org
