As winter drags on and the snowstorms start to lose their novelty, it may seem challenging to find fun activities to pass the time. With the spring thaw still months away and a lack of vitamin D to perk us up, here are a few things to look forward to in Halifax during this cold, seemingly endless month of February:
1. Downtown Dartmouth Ice Festival – From Feb. 7-9, hop across the harbour to check out this live ice sculpting, live music, hot chocolate, food, drinks, and shopping extravaganza. With lots of free events, this festival could be a great way to beat those mid-winter blues.
2. Halifax Hurricanes basketball games – Halifax’s only NBL team, currently ranked seventh in Canada, have plenty of action planned for February. Be sure to get your tickets and see them live at home in the Scotiabank Centre Arena. Most importantly, remember to ask for the student ticket price!
3. Halifax Mooseheads hockey games – Halifax’s proud QMJHL team continues their season with many home games during the month of February. Get in on the action by
purchasing your student ticket at the door or in advance using the Ticket Atlantic website.
4. Heritage Day – On Feb. 17, enjoy a day off with family and friends as we honour the 10th anniversary of the Africville apology. Looking for something to do? Take some time to explore Africville Park and reflect on the significance of this land for the African Nova Scotian community.
5. AUS Basketball Championships – Check out some of the top Atlantic university men’s and women’s basketball teams as they battle for the AUS title at the Scotiabank Centre. Gather a group of friends and take in the action between Feb. 28 and Mar. 1.
6. Cinderella – Experience a unique ballet-inspired production of Cinderella, hosted by the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts at the Spatz Theatre on Feb. 16! With two showtimes (1 p.m. and 4 p.m.) and student pricing available, this would be a great event to get you through the mid-February hump.
7. African Heritage Month – February is African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia. This year’s theme is “Ties that bind: Faith, Family and Community.” With various events and workshops held at local libraries, community centres, and museums, there is no shortage of activities to take part in to explore African Nova Scotian heritage.
8. Skating on the Emera Oval – Looking for a date idea or a chill afternoon with friends? The Emera Oval on the Halifax Commons is the place for you. With free skate rentals, easy access to public transportation, and lots of coffee shops nearby, an afternoon on the Emera Oval makes winter in Halifax well worth the cold!
Halifax may not be at its best in the month of February, but it certainly isn’t devoid of fun activities either. With careful planning and research, there is sure to be something to suit all personalities and preferences. And if things aren’t going well and you just can’t seem to beat the mid-February freeze, just remember that Halifax Burger Week is only one month away…and it is certainly worth the wait!
Hannah Baillie, Editor
