February PlanAhead: Your Louisville events calendar

Happy February, Louisville.

We’re still a few weeks away from the first day of spring, but we’ve got plenty of outings to keep you busy until the warmer weather sweeps into Derby City. If you’re anything like us, you’re ecstatic about Valentine’s and Mardi Gras parties + workshops to prepare your spring garden.

We’re also looking forward to checking out the Sky’s the Limit exhibit at Bowman Field celebrating Black history and achievement in aviation, and rounding out the month with Louisville Restaurant Week.

Grab your calendar and a pen + read on for all the top events happening this month.

Tuesday-Sunday, February 1-6

Tuesday, Feb. 1

• Cards vs. Tar Heels | Tues., Feb. 1 | 8 p.m. | KFC Yum! Center | $27+ | Watch the UofL men’s basketball team take on the North Carolina Tar Heels. 🏀
• KY Inno Startups to Watch | Tues., Feb. 1 | 4-6 p.m. | Noble Funk Brewery, 922 S. 2nd St. | $55 | Check out this inaugural program highlighting 22 early-stage companies in Derby City with a panel conversation + appetizers and a drink ticket included with admission.
• Ping Pong Tournament | Tues., Feb. 1 | 7-10 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing | Free | Sign-ups begin at 6:30 p.m. + the winner takes home a prize from the brewery. 🏓
• Heyrocco & H.A.R.D | Tues., Feb. 1 | 8 p.m. | Zanzabar | $10 | Hear this grunge band from Charleston, SC with an opening performance from Anemic Royalty. 🎸

Wednesday, Feb. 2

• Composting for Healthier Soil | Wed., Feb. 2 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Yew Dell Botanical Gardens | $20+ | Dig in + learn how to turn waste into soil nutrients with the garden’s horticulture apprentice.
• Washed Out | Wed., Feb. 2 | 7 p.m. | Headliners Music Hall | $25 | Hear this dreamy-sounding band perform its hits and new single “Too Late” + opening performances from Brijean and Louisville’s Nightvisions Radio DJs.
• Gheens Great Expectations Concert | Wed., Feb. 2 | 6:30 p.m. | The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall | Free | The Louisville Orchestra + Louisville Youth Orchestra join forces for this side-by-side concert + a cello performance by Anita Graef. 🎻
• February Plant Release | Wed., Feb. 2 | Virtual | Prices vary | Peruse the spring nursery at this online plant sale of Yew Dell Botanical Garden’s inventory. 🌸

Thursday, Feb. 3

• Alice Cooper | Thurs., Feb. 3 | 8 p.m. | The Louisville Palace | $39+ | Catch this iconic rockstar’s theatrical show tricked out with stage illusions + pyrotechnics. 🔥
• Kosair Shrine Circus | Thurs., Feb. 3-6 | Broadbent Arena | $10+ | Step on up to see the George Carden Circus International in a three-ring show + elephant rides. 🎪
• The Most Hated Man in Kentucky | Thurs., Feb. 3 | Virtual | Free for members; $15 for non-members | Travel back in time with The Filson Historical Society and learn about Union General Stephen Gano Burbridge + why Louisville held such a grudge against him.
• Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey & Chocolate Pairing | Thurs., Feb. 3 | 7-8 p.m. | Westport Whiskey & Wine | $10 | Taste three expressions + chocolates led by Buzzard’s Roost Founder Jason Brauner. 🍫
• New Comics Showcase | Thurs., Feb. 3 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Aloft Louisville, 102 W. Main St. | $5 | Get a laugh at this show with rising comics in the city.
• Free Admission at Roots 101 | Thurs., Feb. 3 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Roots 101 African American History Museum, 124 N. First St. | Free | Old Forester Distilling Co. is providing free admission + sales from a bourbon pick from Kentucky’s Original Black Bourbon Enthusiasts will benefit the museum. 🥃

Friday, Feb. 4

• Trail Tuesday at Butchertown Brewing | Fri., Feb. 4 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Butchertown Brewing, 1860 Mellwood Ave. #236 | Free | Try this brewery’s one-of-a-kind, barrel-aged beers with the Louisville Ale Trail + other local brew nerds. 🍻
• Eric Church | Fri., Feb. 4 | 8 p.m. | KFC Yum! Center | $39+ | See the 2020 CMA Entertainer of the Year on his “Gather Again Tour.” 🎸
• Costumed Figure Drawing | Fri., Feb. 4 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Speed Art Museum | Free with admission | Create drawings from a live model dressed in costumes inspired by the artworks on display in the museum with materials provided. ✏️
• Jurassic Quest | Fri., Feb. 4-Sun., Feb. 6 | Kentucky Exposition Center | $19+ | See 100+ animatronic dinosaurs, dino-themed rides, and other ancient reptilian-themed activities at the world’s largest dinosaur attraction. 🦖
• A Journey of Elegance | Fri., Feb. 4 | 6-9 p.m. | Revelry Boutique + Gallery | Free | Check out the opening reception of Louisville artist Sheila Fox’s first solo exhibition, which will be on display until March 6.
• Tunnel of LoVe with Va Va Vixens | Fri., Feb. 5 | 7-11 p.m. | Art Sanctuary | $35+ | Experience a whimsical lineup of music, dance, aerial performance + burlesque at this show running multiple dates through February. 💃

Saturday, Feb. 5

• Citizen Cope | Sat., Feb. 5 | 8 p.m. | Paristown Hall | $36+ | Doors are at 7 p.m. to hear this soulful rock-and-roller on his final tour for a while. 🎸
• Wellness Walk | Sat., Feb. 5 | 10 a.m-12 p.m. | Louisville Nature Center | $10 | Leave your electronics behind and engage in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku — known as forest bathing. 🌳
• Poetry of Nature | Sat., Feb. 5 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Louisville Nature Center | $15 | Embrace nature through the poetry of Emily Dickinson, Ross Gay, Mary Oliver + Ada Limon. 🍃
• Joe Pontillo | Sat., Feb. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | TEN20 Craft Brewery | Free | Reserve your free ticket online to reserve a seat to see this comedy show hosted by Louisville Laughs.
• Lunar New Year Celebration | Sat., Feb. 5 | 5-8 p.m. | Logan Street Market | Free | Celebrate a new year with traditional dinners from traditional dinners, lunar pastries and teas from Boba Féte + dragon dancing with River Lotus Lion. 🧧
• Galentine’s Day with Bluegrass Witch | Sat., Feb. 5 | 7-9 p.m. | Clay & Cotton, 1341 Bardstown Rd. | $50 | Celebrate the power of love by making your own forever bouquet and select a crystal bracelet to take home with drinks + snacks provided. 💐
• Tiny Art, Big Heart | Sat., Feb. 5 | 6-8 p.m. | Revelry Boutique + Gallery | Free | Gaze upon 50 local artists’ works in this group show part of the gallery’s Valentine’s Day showcase + each piece is under $50. 🖼️
• No Turning Back | Sat., Feb. 5-6 | 7 p.m. | Virtual | $10 | See this two-actor performance illustrating Black Kentuckians’ who’ve changed the world from 1860-1970 + stay tuned for a Q&A session after the show with Erica Denise of Actors Theatre of Louisville.

Sunday, Feb. 6

• Hippie Sabotage | Sun., Feb. 6 | 8 p.m. | Old Forester’s Paristown Hall | $25+ | Dance to this brother duo that has performed at festivals like Austin City Limits, Made In America + Day N Vegas.
• Red Herring Cocktail Night | Sun., Feb. 6 | 6-10 p.m. | Gold Bar, 1601 Story Ave. | Free to attend | The former Red Herring crew is taking over the bar to mix up classic cocktails. 🍸
• No Turning Back | Sun., Feb. 6 | 2 p.m. | Commonwealth Theatre Center, 1123 Payne St. | $15 | Learn about the contributions of Black Kentuckians on American history from 1860-1970 + an interactive Q&A session after the show with Erica Denise of Actors Theatre of Louisville.

Monday-Sunday, February 7-13

Tuesday, Feb. 8

• D(rag)IY Anti-Valentines Craft Night with May O’Nays | Tues., Feb. 8 | 6:30 p.m. | The Craftery, 823 E. Market St. Ste. 102 | $30 | Stencil and paint a canvas bag with your anti-Valentines phrase + craft paper hearts under the guidance of local drag queen May O’Nays. ❤️
• Spanish Wines from La Rioja Alta | Tues., Feb. 8 | 7-8 p.m. | Westport Whiskey & Wine | $10 | Taste six Spanish wines with La Rioja Alta’s brand manager Laura Vadillo + advanced sommelier Julie Defriend. 🍷
• Watch & Listen: African American Musicians A-Z | Tues., Feb. 8 | 6-7 p.m. | Middletown Library Branch, 12556 Shelbyville Rd. | Free | Celebrate the legendary Black musicians of the 20th century during this multimedia presentation. 🎷

Wednesday, Feb. 9

• Badfish: Tribute to Sublime | Wed., Feb. 9 | 8 p.m. | Mercury Ballroom | $20 | Don’t go the “Wrong Way” and miss this Sublime cover band on its 20 year anniversary tour. 🎸

Thursday, Feb. 10

• The Ike Reilly Assassination | Thurs., Feb. 10 | 8 p.m. | Zanzabar | $15 | WFPK presents this American rock’n’roller.
• Cards vs. Cavaliers | Thurs., Feb. 10 | 7 p.m. | KFC Yum! Center | $11+ | Catch the UofL womens basketball team take on the University of Virginia Cavaliers. 🏀
• The Soulful Sounds of Derbytown | Thurs., Feb. 10 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Crescent Hill Library Branch, 2762 Frankfort Ave. | Free | Learn from local author Michael L. Jones as he describes the African American entertainers from Louisville who’ve shaped the American musical landscape.

Friday, Feb. 11

• Valentines Love Jam | Fri., Feb. 11 | 7 p.m. | KFC Yum! Center | $54+ | Get your heart pumping and your hips shaking to the “Godmother of Soul” Patti LaBelle with Gladys Knight + Stephanie Mills. 🎤
• Plant Walk Series: The Other Evergreens | Fri., Feb. 11 | 9-10 a.m. | Virtual | $15+ | Take a virtual tour of Yew Dell Botanical Gardens + learn about lesser-known evergreens with the garden’s horticulture apprentices. 🌲
• Louisville Silent Disco | Fri., Feb. 11 | TIME | Hi-Wire Brewing, 642 Baxter Ave. | PRICE |
• Valentine’s Day Hike | Fri., Feb. 11 | 7-9 p.m. | Jefferson Memorial Forest | $25+ | Choose your own V-day adventure — a candlelit hike with hot cocoa or a private bonfire with s’mores. 🥾
• Rockerbuilt Five Year Anniversary | Fri., Feb. 11 | 6-10 p.m. | Rockerbuilt, 1512 Portland Ave. | Free | Explore the new creative compound with live music starting at 8 p.m.
• Clay Date Workshop | Fri., Feb. 11 | 6-8 p.m. | KMAC Museum | $90 | Learn the basics of hand building + throwing on a pottery wheel with your favorite person.
• Valentine’s Fine Dining Experience | Fri., Feb. 11 | 7-9 p.m. | The Gallery at Gatewood, 125 E. Main St., La Grange, KY | $130 | Enjoy a three-course dinner with a live violinist playing + get two souvenir wine glasses. 🌹
• 2022 Louisville Jewish Film Festival | Fri., Feb. 11 | 3-5:10 p.m. | Speed Art Museum | $8+ | Watch the 2020 film, “Persian Lessons,” — a multi-lingual tale of deception + intrigue set in World War II.
• Love Brunch | Fri., Feb. 11-Sun., Feb. 13 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | Morning Fork Louisville, 1722 Frankfort Ave. | Prices vary | Enjoy the most important meal of the day over V-day weekend with your besties or one true love. 🥞
• Clay Date Workshop | Fri., Feb. 11 | 6-8 p.m. | KMAC Museum | $90 | Learn the basics of hand building + throwing on a pottery wheel with your favorite person.

Saturday, Feb. 12

• Hands on Grafting Workshop | Sat., Feb. 12 | 1-3:30 p.m. | Yew Dell Botanical Gardens | $50+ | Learn the mysterious art of plant grafting then take your own grafts from the garden’s unusual evergreens home to grow. 🌳
• Valentine’s Day Hike | Fri., Feb. 11 | 7-9 p.m. | Jefferson Memorial Forest | $25+ | Choose your own V-day adventure — a candlelit hike with hot cocoa or a private bonfire with s’mores. 🥾
• Quattra at Kore Gallery | Sat., Feb. 12 | 6 p.m. | Kore Gallery, 942 E. Kentucky St. | Free | Check out seven local artists’ wearable artworks at this exhibition.
• MakerPlace Workshop: Stained Glass | Sat., Feb. 12 | 1-3 p.m. | Kentucky Science Center | $15+ | Learn how to design, cut + solder your own piece of stained glass art. 🎨
• Galentine’s Day Brunch | Sat., Feb. 12 | 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. | The Hub Louisville, 2235 Frankfort Ave. | Free to attend | Sip $3 strawberry mimosas with a themed menu + get your tarot cards read and see if love is in your future. 💖
• Born Crossed Eyed | Sat., Feb. 12 | 8 p.m. | $15 | Zanzabar | Get “Truckin’” to hear this Louisville Grateful Dead tribute band. 🐻
• Adult Workshop: Cyanotypes | Sat., Feb. 12 | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Speed Art Museum | $10+ | Draw inspiration from Ralph Eugene Meatyard’s photographs of Kentucky’s Red River Gorge as you learn how to craft cyanotype prints.
• Love Boat: A Valentine’s Voyage | Sat., Feb. 12 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Belle of Louisville Riverboats, 401 W. River Rd. | $79.99 | Set sail on the Mary M. Miller with a buffet-style meal and champagne + a kissing booth, photo opportunities and 80s music provided. 🛥️
• Valentine’s Day Tea | Sat., Feb. 12 | 11 a.m. | Conrad-Caldwell House | $35 | Put your pinky up when you sit in this circa-1895 Victorian mansion + drink unlimited cups of tea provided by Louisville Tea Co. 🫖
• A Champagne Valentine’s Day Tea | Sat., Feb. 12 | 2 p.m. | Conrad-Caldwell House | $45 | Upgrade your cup of tea to a glass of Prosecco + nosh on sweet and savory treats. 🥂
• Maker’s Mark Handmade Valentine & Cocktail Sampling | Sat., Feb. 12 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Westport Whiskey & Wine | Free | Create a Valentine’s gift while you sip complimentary Maker’s Mark Gold Rush Cocktails. 🥃
• Biergarten Happy Hour | Sat., Feb. 12 | 4-6 p.m. | German American Club, 1840 Lincoln Ave. | Free to attend | Sip on $5 German pints before the club’s indoor biergarten with German dinner + polka band in full-swing. 🍺
• Coat Check Valentine’s | Sat., Feb. 12 | 9 p.m. | The Whirling Tiger, 1335 Story Ave. | $10 | Dance the night away with your Valentine — or find one on the dancefloor — with DJs Sam Sneed, McKinley + Samosa. 🕺🏽

Sunday, Feb. 13

• PG&J’s PUPPY BOWL 2022 | Sun., Feb. 13 | 1-5 p.m. | PG&Js Dog Park Bar | Free | Watch the Superbowl with Against the Grain brews + puppies from the Kentucky Humane Society. 🐶
• Galentine’s Day Brunch | Sun., Feb. 13 | 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. | The Hub Louisville, 2235 Frankfort Ave. | Free to attend | Sip $3 strawberry mimosas with a themed menu + get your tarot cards read and see if love is in your future. 💖
• Cards vs. Fighting Irish | Sun., Feb. 13 | 2 p.m. | KFC Yum! Center | $9+ | Catch the UofL womens basketball team take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. 🏀
• Love Is Love Brunch | Sun., Feb. 13 | 12 p.m. | Four Pegs, 1053 Goss Ave. | Prices vary | Catch Four Pegs’ first-ever drag show + $2 mimosas and food specials. 🥂

Monday-Sunday, February 14-20

Monday, Feb. 14

• The Jesse Lees Perform The Love Below | Mon., Feb. 14 | 7 p.m. | Headliners Music Hall | $12+ | See these Louisvillians perform Outkast’s “The Love Below” in its entirety. 🎤
• Valentines Day | Mon., Feb. 14 | 5 p.m.-2 a.m. | Gold Bar | Free to attend | Get $5 bottles of champagne, food and drink specials + a couple’s aura photo booth. 💘
• 27th Annual Musique Romintique | Mon., Feb. 14 | 6-9:30 p.m. | The Seelbach Hotel | $125 | Reserve your spot before Feb. 12 to attend this dinner show with dancing + a silent auction. 🍽️
• Love Boat: A Valentine’s Voyage | Mon., Feb. 14 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Belle of Louisville Riverboats, 401 W. River Rd. | $79.99 | Set sail on the Mary M. Miller with a buffet-style meal and champagne + a kissing booth, photo opportunities and 80s music provided. 🛥️
• Sip & Speed (Dating) | Mon., Feb. 14 | 7-10 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing, 642 Baxter Ave. | Free | Meet LOU singles in seven-minute increments during as The Baxter plays matchmaker for participants. 💑

Tuesday, Feb. 15

• Brewery Billiards Brawl | Tues., Feb. 15 | 6-8 p.m. | The Outlook Inn | Free | Catch this inaugural pool tourney between local brewery employees from Mile Wide, Goodwood + Falls City. 🎱

Wednesday, Feb. 16

• Circa Survive: Blue Sky Noise Anniversary Tour | Wed., Feb. 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Mercury Ballroom | $25 | Catch this classic emo rock band from Philadelphia celebrate 10 years of their album, “Blue Sky Noise.” 🎸
• Cards vs. Hurricanes | Wed., Feb. 16 | 7 p.m. | KFC Yum! Center | $22+ | Watch the UofL men’s basketball team take on the Miami Hurricanes. 🏀
• Give us the Ballot | Wed., Feb. 16 | 12-12:45 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Livestream this one-act play writted by local playwright Larry Muhammad about Russel P. Lee + his story about being elected to the nearly all-white Board of Aldermen in 1961.

Thursday, Feb. 17

• Bridging the Divide: Changemakers | Thurs., Feb. 17 | 6-7 p.m. | Frazier History Museum | Free | Hear the voices of Louisvillians striving for change in the city by breaking new grounds, barriers + leading us into the future.

Friday, Feb. 18

• EMO NITE | Fri., Feb. 18 | 9 p.m. | Headliners Music Hall | $16 | Swoosh your hair for this emo dance party where $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to Living The Dream Foundation. 🎸
• Now What? | Fri., Feb. 18 | 6-8 p.m. | Bellarmine University | $5+ | Hear speakers share their ideas on how to move forward during this unprecedented time.
• Belle | Fri., Feb. 18-Sun., Feb. 20 | Times vary | Speed Art Museum | $8+ | Watch this coming-of-age story by Academy Award-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu + see it dubbed in English or in Japanese with English subtitles.

Saturday, Feb. 19

• Creating a Landscape Plan | Sat., Feb. 19 | 11-12:30 p.m. | Yew Dell Botanical Gardens | $25+ | Landscape your own home in this three part design series to help you tackle your spring growing dreams. 🏡
• Great Backyard Bird Count Hike | Sat., Feb. 19 | 11 a.m.-1:30pm + 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Louisville Nature Center | $15 | Join an experienced naturalist + birdwatcher to identify some of Louisville’s beautiful birds and log findings into eBird, a database of 100+ million bird sightings. 🐦
• PG&J’s PUPPY PROM 2022 | Sat., Feb. 19 | Time TBD | PG&J’s Dog Park Bar | Free | Grab your hoop skirt + pooch for this doggy dance. 🐶
• Cards vs. Tigers | Sat., Feb. 18 | 3 p.m. | KFC Yum! Center | $28+ | Watch the UofL men’s basketball team take on the Clemson University Tigers. 🏀
• Walker Montgomery | Sat., Feb. 19 | 8 p.m. | Headliners Music Hall | $13 | Catch the son of John Michael Montogmery take the stage + play his country songs. 🪕

Sunday, Feb. 20

• Cards vs. Hokies | Sun., Feb. 20 | 2 p.m. | KFC Yum! Center | $12+ | Catch the UofL womens basketball team take on the Virginia Tech Hokies. 🏀

Monday-Sunday, February 21-27

Monday, Feb. 21

• Louisville Restaurant Week | Mon., Feb. 21 | Multiple times | Multiple locations | Prices vary | Eat your way through seven days of deals at local restaurants across Derby City. 🍕
• Pop Up Camps: Leaders and Trailblazers | Mon., Feb. 21 + Tues., Feb. 22 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Frazier History Museum | $49 for members; $52 for non-members | Grades one through six will learn about people who paved their own pay through active, story-based teaching from professional educators.

Tuesday, Feb. 22

• Teeling Irish Whiskey Tasting and Custom Coaster Engraving | Tues., Feb. 22 | 7-8 p.m. | Westport Whiskey & Wine | $10 | Sample three expressions of Teeling Irish Whiskey + customize your own wood and leather coasters. 🥃

Wednesday, Feb. 23

• Greensky Bluegrass | Wed., Feb. 23 | 7 p.m. | Old Forester’s Paristown Hall | $29.50+ | Jam with this five-piece Bluegrass band with an opening show from The Infamous Stringdusters. 🪕

Friday, Feb. 25

• KY Flea Market Spring Fling 2022 | Fri., Feb. 25-Sun., Feb. 27 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Kentucky Exposition Center | Free | Shop dealers from across the country selling antiques, collectibles, jewelry, surplus, bath + body. 🛍️
• Gin Blossoms | Fri., Feb. 25 | 8 p.m. | Mercury Ballroom | $35+ | Catch this 90s band play the hits during their 30th anniversary tour + a VIP experience — early entry, Q+A, intimate pre-show, and signed poster — is available for $125.

Saturday, Feb. 26

• Selecting Plants for the Home Landscape | Sat., Feb. 26 | 11-12:30 p.m. | Yew Dell Botanical Gardens | $25+ | Landscape your own home in this second session of a three part design series to help you tackle your spring growing dreams. 🌱
• Louisville Silent Disco | Sat., Feb. 26 | TIME | Mile Wide Beer Co., 636 Barret Ave. | PRICE |
• Mardi Gras Bar Crawl | Sat., Feb. 26 | 3 p.m. | 4th Street Live! | $13+ | See Fourth Street transformed into Bourbon Street at this Party Gras. 🎉
• Mardi Gras & King Cake 10W-40 Release | Sat., Feb. 26 | 2-6 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing, 642 Baxter Ave. | Celebrate Carnival season with a new stout beer release + find the “baby” when you purchase a 4-pack and get a gift card for $10-100. 🍺

Sunday, Feb. 27

• Boost Pop Up | Sun., Feb. 27 | 8-9 a.m. | Kentucky Shakespeare, 616 Myrtle St. | First class free; $18 | Get an early morning 60-minute HIIT class to kick your week into high gear. 👟

Monday, February 28

Monday, Feb. 28

• Brett Dennen | Mon., Feb. 28 | 8 p.m. | Headliners Music Hall | $22+ | Tickets are $22 in advance or snag the VIP experience — soundcheck performance, Q+A, and signed laminate — for $109. 🎵