February Michigan Event Calendar

Iron Works #2 - Cranbrook by MikeRyu
Iron Works #2 - Cranbrook by MikeRyu

Our Michigan February Event Calendar shows that the more the weather tries to keep us holed up, the more ways we find to get out and have fun!! Of course, there's still many, many more and we invite you to fill us in on other February events in the comments.

February Fast Facts - Wikipedia

  • Having only 28 days in common years, it is the only month of the year that can pass without a single full moon.
  • It has 29 days in leap years, when the year number is divisible by four (except for years that are divisible by 100 and not by 400 in the Gregorian calendar)
  • It is the only month of the calendar that once every six years and twice every 11 years, will have only four full 7-day weeks.
  • Its birth flower is the Viola (plant) and the Primrose.
  • Its birthstone is the amethyst.

February Quotes

"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home." - Edith Sitwell

"Surely as cometh the Winter, I know
There are Spring violets under the snow." - R. H. Newell

"February is merely as long as is needed to pass the time until March." - Dr. J. R. Stockton

"Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour." - John Boswell

"February makes a bridge and March breaks it." - George Hebert

Notable February Dates from Michigan History Magazine

  • February 13, 1855 The Michigan legislature protects escaped slaves.
  • February 24, 1863 Michigan supports the Emancipation Proclamation.
  • February 17, 1864 The First Michigan Colored Infantry is mustered into federal service.
  • February 21, 1905 The National Ski Association is organized in Ishpeming.
  • February 20, 1909 The Hudson Motor Car Company is organized.
  • February 2, 1936 Ty Cobb becomes one of the first players selected to enter the newly formed Baseball Hall of Fame.
  • February 8, 1985 The Stroh Brewery announces it is closing its Detroit plant.


Things to Do, Places to Go

February 2 - 7
International 500 Snowmobile Race Sault - Sault Sainte Marie
2009 marks the 41st running of the International 500 Snowmobile Race and they invite YOU to join them for this outstanding event that is second to none! "All the thrills of NASCAR" All the excitement of I-500 Snowmobile Racing.

February 3 - 6
Winter Carnival - Houghton
Michigan Tech often registers more than 200 inches of snow in a season. Not content to let this abundant natural resource go to waste, students band together in an annual celebrtion of our beautiful, tough, exhilarating, and character-building climate. For complete event detail visit their website.

February 4 - 7
12th Annual Michigan International Auto Show - Grand Rapids
This is the greatest annual opportunity to view your "next new car!" More than 35 car manufacturers from around the world will bring their finest traveling displays with 300 + new vehicles - including sedans, vans, SUV's, trucks, hybrids and sports cars. Not only is the Auto Show the BEST place to shop and compare options for every day vehicles, it is also the first opportunity for West Michigan residents to see many of the most recently released or "soon to be released" models!

February 4 - 7
North American Snow Festival - Cadillac
Opening ceremonies begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Fox Hill Event Center on February 4. Various events take place on Lake Cadillac on February 4 - 7.

February 4 - 7
59th Annual Perchville USA - Tawas
The 59th Annual Tawas Perchville Festival includes a Perchville queen, live entertainment, a Polar Bear Swim, a "Chilly" Cook-off, ice-fishing contest, the Perchville USA Parade, and many more fun winter events.

February 6
White Pine Stampede - Mancelona
The White Pine Stampede is a major Nordic Ski race, part of the Michigan Cup series and the Midwest's premier Nordic event. The White Pine Stampede has a 50 Kilometer Event, a 20 Kilometer Event, and a 10 Kilometer Timed Tour.

February 6 & 7
Taste the Passion - Leelanau
Love is in the air as you celebrate the upcoming Valentine's Day at the "Taste the Passion" weekend February 6 & 7. This special weekend celebrates wine, chocolate and love in anticipation of Valentine's Day! The combination of winter's beauty in Leelanau with the special pleasures of life always makes for wonderful weekend.

The weekend starts on Saturday as participants head to their first winery stop to collect a souvenir glass. Then the fun begins with special pours and tasty chocolate treats offered at wineries between the hours of 11am and 5pm on Saturday, and Noon and 5pm on Sunday. However, because one cannot survive on chocolate alone (tempting as it may sound), savory dishes will be served at a number of tasting rooms.

February 12 - 14
Detroit's Winter Blast - Detroit
Many signature winter activities are returning with free ice-skating in Campus Martius Park, Professional skating demonstrations, unique sculptures in the Ice Garden, the Meijer Kid’s Family Fun Zone and more. Detroit’s music scene will be on display on two stages, with more than 50 entertainment acts performing. Plus- you can always find a place to warm-up with DTE Energy’s Comfort Zones. You’ll find heat every 150 feet on the Winter Blast site, including both heated tents and warming stations in local buildings.

February 12 - 14
West Michigan Youth Wintersportsfest
Three days, 22 Sports competitions and 3,000 athletes. Open to any athletes 18 and under. This will be an awesome event with youth athletes from all over the state and Midwest! There will be 20 sporting events taking place in 3 days with 3,000 athletes in participation. There will be indoor and outdoor activities including events like bowling, target shooting, figure skating, and many more

February 12 - 14
North American VASA - Traverse City
The VASA weekend festival of Races includes both a 27 and 50km special classic skiing race, a 12km Timed Class, and a 6km and 16km challenge. Junior VASA Races are also part of the weekend festival.

February 12 - 15
Cherry Capital Winter WonderFest - Traverse City
The Third Annual Cherry Capital Winter WonderFest is a three-day wintertime celebration chock-full of fun for all ages in the Cherry Capital of the World, President’s Day Weekend, February 13-16, 2009. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities with wintry frost nipping at your nose, or indoor activities that warm the body and soul, we have something sure to please you and your loved ones.

February 13 - 21
Detroit Boat Show - Detroit
The Detroit Boat Show has been staged every year for 51 years, and is known as the premier boating event in the State of Michigan. The Detroit Boat Show is known as one of the top boat shows in the country in regards to size, sales and attendance.

February 14
Winter Wine Wonderland - Traverse City
Join the wineries of Leelanau, Old Mission & Traverse City at the Cherry Capital Winter WonderFest at the Grand Traverse Resort for a celebration of wine, gourmet desserts, art & fun this Valentines Day. The Wine Festival will take place on Sunday February 14th from 3-8 PM (Fireworks at 7 PM) .

February 19 & 20
Frost Bite Winter Festival - Harrison
Event takes place on 5 groomed nine-hole courses, where novice and veteran golfers hit brightly colored tennis balls over the snow. Bring a partner and sign up for the two-person scramble. Prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, men's and women's divisions.

February 19 - 21
U.P. Pond Hockey Championship - St. Ignace
The 2010 U.P. Pond Hockey Championship will be played on the Wild Ice of Moran Bay, Lake Huron, downtown St. Ignace, Michigan! We hope to have 160 teams competing for prizes!

February 19 -21
UP 200, Midnight Run Sled-Dog Championships and The Jack Pine 30 - Marquette
Three UP sled dog races provide a variety of challenges for mushers. The UP 200 is actually 240 miles in length and is a qualifying race for the Iditarod. Over 15,000 visitors come to Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P.) to see the U.P. 200! It is a favorite winter event for local residents and out of town guests. The U.P. 200 has a dedicated group of over 500 volunteers from the U.P. and the mid-west region that come together to stage this great event each year.

February 26
The Great Wine & Food Symposium
Escape the snow with an evening of indulgence at The Great Wine & Food Symposium, west Michigan’s premier wine tasting event. You'll enjoy gourmet food selections, as well as over 300 wines and beers from around the world. Sample these tastes as classical music drifts through the halls and the snowflakes drift outside.

February 27
The Outhouse 500 - Coopersville
Join in with the hilarious and wacky fun of the 6th Annual Outhouse 500 on Main Street in Historic Downtown Coopersville! Hosted by the Main Street Merchants Association. Teams parade, then race their uniquely decorated outhouses down Main Street!

February 27
Winter Beer Festival - Grand Rapids
The 5th Annual Winter Beer Festival will take place Saturday, February 27th, 2010 at the Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park, just north of Grand Rapids. The Winter Festival is a unique opportunity to sample some of the best beers in the world, all brewed in Michigan. We are expecting more than 35 Michigan microbreweries and brewpubs to participate and there will be more than 200 different beers available to sample. The event is open from Noon to 5:00pm.

February 27
Trenary Outhouse Classic - The Outhouse Races - Trenary
The Outhouse Classic is an annual race in Trenary where outhouses are built and raced down the main street. There are categories: speed, presentation, best use of theme, most humorous, best workmanship, and most miles traveled. Families come to the event to watch and to compete, there are two different age brackets making competitions fair. A few years ago nuns came to compete and built the Vati-Can. Make sure to head on up to Trenary for the annual Outhouse Classic. Read Absolute Michigan's Sports that ARE Silly: Outhouse Racing or watch Outhouse Classic Outhouse Race in Trenary, Michigan.



Related Posts

This is program that compares articles on Absolute Michigan. Sometimes the results are a little odd.

9 Comments

  1. Posted January 24, 2009 at 7:22 am | Permalink

    I always wondered why February was Black History Month in Michigan.

  2. nicole
    Posted January 29, 2009 at 11:16 pm | Permalink

    just in case anyone is interested... there is a photography exhibit opening at the belmont in hamtramck on wednesday, february 25th from 8pm - 12am. come one, come all! food, photos, and fun!
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/n_elle/3228064979/

  3. Posted January 31, 2009 at 9:40 pm | Permalink

    Inforum Presents Luncheon: MOXIE! Courage, Strength and Leadership to Thrive Through Transition

    Event date: Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, 11:30 a.m.

    DETROIT – Inforum presents "MOXIE!" a much needed luncheon program offering inspiration to motivate women to use courage, strength and leadership to face the personal and professional challenges of a shrinking job market and a poor economy.

    The program features a panel of three top women executives who have used their personal moxie to successfully navigate change and persevere through challenging transitions in their lives.

    "We've brought together this powerful panel of speakers to give women in Michigan, facing these dire economic times, what they need now -- a roadmap for finding their own moxie!" said President and CEO Terry Barclay. "Women with MOXIE have mastered balancing strength, and leadership with mental and emotional grace."

    The speakers will share inspirational empowering insights and real-life examples of how they used their moxie to manage upheaval and change, adapt and come out on top.

    Panelists
    *Kathy Oswald, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Henry Ford Health System and previously president of the Right Management, Great Lakes Region
    *Jacqueline Dedo, Vice President of Strategy, Dana Corporation and previously senior vice president of innovation and growth at The Timken Co.
    *Amy S. Courter, Major General, National Commander, Civil Air Patrol, Inc. and Chief Executive Officer, Advanced Materials Intl, Inc.
    Moderator: Ann Thomas, Producer, WJR

    Date: Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, 11:30 a.m.

    Time: 11:30 a.m. Networking/Registration; 11:50 a.m. Luncheon/Presentation

    Location: Southfield Westin, 1500 Town Center, Southfield, MI 48075

    Tickets: Member, $40; Non-Member, $55 (Add $10 after Feb. 9, 2009)

    Tables of 8 may be purchased for $380, which includes special recognition and reserved seating at the event.
    Register on the calendar at http://www.inforummichigan.org or 877.633.3500.

    This program is presented by Inforum, one of the largest and most prestigious business forums for women in the nation. It has more than 2,000 members from a broad cross-section of Michigan’s business community. The mission of the organization is to strengthen the business environment by creating opportunities for women to lead and succeed. Founded as the Women’s Economic Club in 1962 in Detroit, Inforum has affiliates in Grand Rapids and Lansing, Michigan. For more information, visit http://www.inforummichigan.org or call 877.633.3500.

  4. Posted February 3, 2009 at 2:52 pm | Permalink

    Climb Grand Rapids is the American Lung Association of Michigan's competitive stair climb, where individuals and teams will race up the JW Marriott while raising money to fund lung health research, education and advocacy in Michigan.

    WHAT: Participants will take steps to end lung disease in this 23-floor up and down stair climb benefitting the American Lung Association of Michigan.

    WHERE: JW Marriott, 235 Louis Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

    WHEN: Saturday, February 21, 2009. Registration 9:00 a.m., first step 10:00 a.m.

    WHO: Novice and expert athletes of all ages. Register today at http://www.ClimbGrandRapids.org.

    WHY: When you register for Climb Grand Rapids, you are representing the millions of Americans living with lung disease that cannot climb for themselves.

    Take the first step towards a future free of lung disease by registering online at http://www.ClimbGrandRapids.org. Once registered, climbers can personalize their own participant page that can easily be sent to others to raise funds and recruit additional climbers.

  5. Posted March 6, 2009 at 2:41 pm | Permalink

    Alternatives for Girls 20th Annual Role Model Dinner
    “Audacity to Succeed”
    Thursday, April 30, 2009
    Westin Book Cadillac
    Tickets: $150/ person
    For more information about the Alternatives For Girls 2009 Role Model Dinner, call
    Brenda Griffin at 313-361-4000, ext. 223

    Alternatives For Girls, a non-profit organization that assists homeless and high-risk girls and young women avoid violence, teen pregnancy and exploitation, announces their 2009 Role Models to be honored at an annual dinner and auction fund-raiser “Audacity to Succeed,” to be held on April 30, at the Detroit Westin Book Cadillac Hotel.

    Selected for the Professional Role Model is Karen Love, COO of the Michigan Chronicle and the Michigan FrontPage. Gail Perry Mason, who is first vice-president of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., was chosen as the Community Role Model; and Marla Tapper Young, co-owner of Tapper’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry, was selected to receive the Emerging Leader Award. This year, a Summit Award will be presented to Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib, the first Muslim woman to serve in the Michigan Legislature.

  6. Posted March 6, 2009 at 2:42 pm | Permalink

    Alternatives for Girls 20th Annual Role Model Dinner
    “Audacity to Succeed”
    Thursday, April 30, 2009
    Westin Book Cadillac
    Tickets: $150/ person
    For more information about the Alternatives For Girls 2009 Role Model Dinner, call
    Brenda Griffin at 313-361-4000, ext. 223

    Alternatives For Girls, a non-profit organization that assists homeless and high-risk girls and young women avoid violence, teen pregnancy and exploitation, announces their 2009 Role Models to be honored at an annual dinner and auction fund-raiser “Audacity to Succeed,” to be held on April 30, at the Detroit Westin Book Cadillac Hotel.

    Selected for the Professional Role Model is Karen Love, COO of the Michigan Chronicle and the Michigan FrontPage. Gail Perry Mason, who is first vice-president of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., was chosen as the Community Role Model; and Marla Tapper Young, co-owner of Tapper’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry, was selected to receive the Emerging Leader Award. This year, a Summit Award will be presented to Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib, the first Muslim woman to serve in the Michigan Legislature.

  7. Posted June 16, 2009 at 10:04 pm | Permalink

    CALENDAR RELEASE: June 25, 2009 Event

    Contact: Leslie Herrick, APR, Communications Manager, Inforum
    Ph: 313.578.3244
    Cell: 313.303.3263
    Email: Lherrick@inforummichigan.org

    Inforum “Social Media Jump Start” seminar features Ford digital marketing guru Scott Monty and power house social media panel
    Panelists: Terry Bean, John Hill, Derek Mehraban & Catherine Juon

    DETROIT -- Scott Monty, Global Digital and Multimedia Communications Manager for Ford Motor Company, and a panel of social media experts will share case studies, tips and best practices for using social media to positively drive your business at a "Social Media Jump Start” seminar hosted by Inforum on Thursday, June 25.

    The Wall Street Journal, Forbes Magazine, and New York Times are a-twitter about how businesses and individuals benefit by using social networking—also known as digital marketing—as a communication tool to build their brands. From Facebook and LinkedIn to Twitter and Search Engine Optimization, the myriad of social networking options often leaves technical newbies feeling overwhelmed.

    “Inforum’s Social Media Jump Start program offers a user friendly, high impact/low fear approach to give participants the foundation and practical application needed to immediately begin effective use of social media,” said Inforum COO Kari Lawry.

    Panelist Derek Mehraban, CEO, Ingenex Digital Marketing, said, “Social media provides measurable results. We’re going to illustrate how individuals can grow their businesses by building an online community around their brand. Participants will learn and how to track fans and followers, follow link traffic to see who is seeking more information about them, and measure the growth of personal or corporate brands online."

    The panel also includes: Terry Bean – Chief Networking Officer, Networked Inc and Motor City Connect; John Hill – Director of Career Services, Michigan State University; and Catherine Juon –Co-Founder and Catalyst, Pure Visibility.

    Participants will receive tips and tactics on how to build business and personal brands by effectively using social media, digital marketing, search engine optimization, Google tools, and online brand building. They’ll also learn how to publish content, such as press releases and important news about their businesses.

    The Social Media Jump Start event will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dearborn, 7:30 a.m.-noon. Breakfast will be served. The public is welcome to attend by registering on the calendar at http://www.inforummichigan.org.

    Date: Thursday, June 25, 2009
    Time: 7:30 a.m. Registration; 8 a.m. Breakfast & Keynote Presentation by Scott Monty; 9:30 a.m. – 12 Noon Panel discussion
    Place: Hyatt Regency Hotel, Dearborn
    Cost: Inforum members $50; Non-members $75 (Add $10 after June 21)

    To register or for more information on Inforum’s Social Media Jump Start, visit June 25 on the calendar at http://www.inforummichigan.org or call 877.633.3500.

    Inforum is one of the largest and most prestigious business forums for women in the nation, with more than 1,800 members from a broad cross-section of Michigan’s business community. The mission of the organization is to strengthen the business environment by creating opportunities for women to lead and succeed. Founded as the Women’s Economic Club in 1962 in Detroit, Inforum has affiliates in Grand Rapids and Lansing, Mich. For more information, visit http://www.inforummichigan.org or call 877.633.3500.

  8. Posted January 29, 2010 at 3:09 pm | Permalink

    Barefoot Productions presents the suspense thriller, Rope, which opens February 12 and runs through February 28.

    Patrick Hamilton's intricately-crafted and chilling play inspired Alfred Hitchcock's classic film of the same name, which starred Jimmy Stewart.

    Rope, a taut, dark and intelligent thriller which will leave audiences breathless, is directed by Barefoot's Craig A. Hane, who has electrified audiences with similar productions such as Black Coffee and Prescription: Murder.
    Two wealthy collegians execute a "perfect murder," placing the hapless victim's body in their parlor trunk and proceeding to host a dinner party, serving food off the same macabre trunk. Among the dinner guests is their respected mentor, who unwittingly may have contributed to the young men's twisted actions. What results is a battle of arrogance, philosophy and riveting drama. Performances are:
    February 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 at 8:40 p.m.
    February 21 and 28 at 2 p.m.
    Barefoot Productions
    240 N. Main Street
    Plymouth, MI 48170
    Walker-Buzenberg Building adjacent to Bode's Restaurant
    Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.justgobarefoot.com or by calling box office at 734/560-1493. Tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 for students/seniors. Group rates are also available. All performances are held at the Walker-Buzenberg Building, 240 N. Main Street, Plymouth, MI 48170.

  9. Posted February 1, 2010 at 12:49 pm | Permalink

    Cindy Perri, Life Coach/Career Development Facilitator/Inspirational Speaker, is hosting a free workshop entitled "All is Not Lost" at Renaissance Unity in Warren on Saturday 2/6/10. If you have lost your job, home, provisions, etc. (or fear losing them) this workshop is for you. For details visit http://cindyperri.com/events/
    This is a free event. Donations accepted and apprecitated.

Post a Comment

Your email is never published nor shared. Required fields are marked *
*
*