February is a surprisingly good month in LA for events, there’s the Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, Bob Baker Day AND numerous other things going on. It may only be the second month of the year, but we’re not hanging around in Los Angeles, we aren’t wasting time – we’re creating amazing events. If you’re looking for guidance on what to do this month then check the list below, in our opinion these are the 10 best things to do in LA in February.

1. CATCH A SHOW (ALL MONTH)

There’s usually at least one Broadway big-hitter in town and February is no exception. Disney’s the Lion King is at the Pantages Theatre from February 2. Why not do dinner and a show in Hollywood? Eat at Musso and Frank Grill, Mel’s Drive In, 25 Degrees at the Roosevelt Hotel or Palms Thai and then it’s only a short stroll to the theatre itself. More information here.

If theatre isn’t quite your thing, how about a concert? Cali Vibes is a wonderful music fest taking place February 17-19 at Long Beach. More information here.

2. SEE SOME ART (FEBRUARY 15-19)

Los Angeles is a key weather-maker in the art world, both because we have a lot of wealthy people living here and – partly because of that – we have a lot of world-class art museums. The LA Art Show is a huge art fair, held in downtown’s convention center, near the crypto.com arena. There are exhibitions, organized by local and international art galleries, as well as other installations and experiences.

More information here.

3. CELEBRATE BOB BAKER DAY (FEBRUARY 25)

In celebration of their late great founder, the Bob Baker Theatre hosts an annual celebration at Los Angeles State Historic Park, near Chinatown. The free festival, which runs from 10 am to 5 pm, features puppet performances throughout the day, as well as a craft market, other fun activities, food trucks and live music. This is definitely one of best things to do in LA in February.

More information here.

The Bob Baker Marionette Theatre is also presenting The Circus, one of their most loved and historic shows,at their home in Highland Park, until March 26.

More information here.

4. CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY WITH BLOODY VALENTINE (FEBRUARY 10, 11 AND 12)

If you’re not in the mood for the traditional romantic movies this Valentine’s Day, how about some more visceral takes on a mushy movie? Street Food Cinema is hosting Queen of the Damned (followed by a Q&A with cast member Marguerite Moreau), Bram Stoker’s Dracula  and Jennifer’s Body at the Million Dollar Theater as part of its Bloody Valentine series. The last two feature a vampire-themed cabaret, and there are photo ops, cocktails and audience games paired with each. Is there a better way to spend Valentine’s Day?

More information here.

5. SUNSET STRIP TOUR (FEBRUARY 25)

The Sunset Strip has been a legendary neighborhood for nearly a century. Born in the 1920’s, when Sunset Boulevard was extended West to the sea, its location in the badlands between Hollywood, the entertainment industry’s Wall Street, and Beverly Hills, home of the movie-stars themselves, meant that it rapidly became known as the place to go to have fun in Los Angeles.Join us on a trip down the Strip, as we trace the steps of those silent-movie stars, sip a cocktail in a Mafia boss’ old penthouse, learn about the illicit activities that used to take place here, and tell you some surprising history about the neighborhood and its clubs.

More information here.

6. WATCH A PUPPET SHOW FOR ADULTS (FEBRUARY 17-20)

Continuing the puppet theme… This, however, is a whole different ball-game to Bob Baker. Part puppet show, part improv show, Puppet Up! Uncensored combines top puppeteering talent with music, jokes and other fun shenanigans. Why does it have “uncensored” in the title? This is an adult show. It’s not just about the puppets either, you’ll be mesmerized by the sheer skill of the puppeteers that’s on full display, as they improvise songs and funny dialogue, all the while masterfully manipulating the mannequins. If you’re a Jim Henson buff – or if you aren’t – this show is not to be missed. It takes place on the historic Jim Henson Company Lot in Hollywood, which was originally Charles Chaplin’s studio, so it’s a great place to see the show too. Definitely one of the most unique and best things to do in LA in February.

More information here.

7. GO TO A COFFEE FESTIVAL (FEBRUARY 11-12)

When I first came to Los Angeles in the late 2000’s Starbucks was still the industry standard. Much has changed since those far-off days and now there are many small (and large) independent coffee shops and bars in Los Angeles offering better quality coffee. And on top of that we now have the first ever Los Angeles Coffee Festival. There will be latte art sessions, coffee throwdowns and street food (all included with the entry ticket).

More information here

8. CELEBRATE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR OR FIRECRAKCER FESTIVAL (FEBRUARY 4-5 AND 18-19)

The Lunar New Year is a sacred event in Chinese culture and throughout much of Asia. This community has been hard hit in Los Angeles this week, so why not show some love and support by celebrating with them? The Huntington Library is always worth a visit anyway – and so is Chinatown. Now you have the perfect excuse to go to there.

For more information about the Firecracker Festival, including the new Boba Garden, check here. The Huntington Library event is family-friendly and features lion dancers, a mask-changing artist, martial arts demonstrations, music, art, craft demonstrations and more (visit their website for more information).

9. VISIT THE ACADEMY MUSEUM (ALL MONTH)

Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971 is an exhibition that explores the rich history of Black participation in US cinema from its beginnings to the civil rights movement. Inspired by and named after the independent all-Black movie from 1923, Regeneration seeks to revive lost or forgotten films, filmmakers, and performers for a contemporary audience.

More information here.

10. GO TO CYCLAVIA: THE VALLEY (FEBRUARY 26)

CycLAvia is coming to the San Fernando Valley this month, closing down Sherman Way for five miles, turning it into a street for bicyclists and pedestrians. These events have had a huge impact on LA and how people think about the city and getting around it. It’s always the best time to visit a neighborhood, so this is definitely the day to make that trip to the Valley.

More information here.

If you have any feedback on the 10 Best Things to Do in LA in February please email us or reach out on social media, we’d love to hear from you.

– By Damien Blackshaw. (Twitter)