The Fraser Valley’s February to-do list

Love (or at least candy and capitalism) is in the air this month.

Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, or one of the many alternative holidays developed for singles, February is often inundated with all things heart-shaped.

But as the days get longer and the sun gets warmer, there are more options to fill afternoons, evenings, and weekends (like a craft beer scavenger hunt in Langley). Winter hikes get warmer and after-work adventures become sunnier. As they do, the last weeks of true winter offer their final fascinations.

All things heart-shaped

There are plenty of options to plan a special Valentine’s Day. Some local restaurants are offering unique menus for the occasion—and some breweries and wineries are also hoping to get in on the day.

In Langley, the Township 7 winery is offering a blind wine tasting on Feb. 11 and 12. Those interested in blending their own wine can visit Backyard Wineries on Feb. 10 and 11 to stir up a wine specifically for their special someone.

Not interested in wine? Townhall Chilliwack is hosting a comedy show paired with a three-course dinner on Feb. 14. Or get tickets to a Feb. 4 flower arranging workshop in Langley.

The Fraser River Lodge in Agassiz is holding a Valentine’s special that involves a five-course meal, a campfire, and smores on Feb. 10 and 11.

Rowena’s Inn, in Harrison Mills, is also holding a special seasonally-inspired dinner on Feb 11.

For a change of pace, take your date, yourself, or your friends to a drag show for Valentine’s Day. Chilliwack will have two: one celebrating Valentine’s Day on Feb. 11, and one railing against it the day before.

If a Galentine’s day (Valentine’s Day but for your group of girlfriends) is more your speed, a Langley bakery is offering an elegant high tea menu from Feb. 10 to 14.

Unusual eats

Valentine’s Day isn’t the only day to enjoy interesting food (and drinks) with loved ones! Langley craft breweries have taken up the British tradition of wassailing—gathering with friends and family for warm treats throughout the winter—with a funky twist: a scavenger hunt. The hunt will go until Feb. 12 and the winner will get a free night in a hotel in Langley Township, a gift card to use at businesses participating in the game, and a bike tour for two.

Chilliwack Heritage Park will be home for the annual Taste of the Valley Market from Feb. 10 to 11. Visitors can check out all manner of locally-crafted bites, sips, and tasty treats.

Black History Month

Old Hand Coffee in Abbotsford is hosting a night of live music and dancing featuring the Pisces Love Tribe and Safari Lounge to celebrate Black History Month on Feb. 11. Or, check out a no-experience-required Afro-groove dance lesson in Abbotsford on Feb. 7.

Sing, Dance, and See

If rain (or the occasional snowfall) is still keeping you inside, there’s no shortage of live music and fun indoor events in the valley.

Swing dancing is continuing its comeback from its birth in the 1920s. Lindy Hop the night away at a free dance in Abbotsford on Feb. 4 or the launch of a new monthly swing dance party in Langley on Feb. 3. Lessons are provided before dancing begins and beginners are welcome. Though dressing up isn’t necessary, it’s a great place to break out the outfit you’ve been saving for a special occasion.

Enjoy live music but aren’t too interested in dancing in public? There are several concerts, large and small, happening this month. The Bez Arts Hub in Langley has Tony Furtado and his acoustic trio and folk group Small Glories lined up this month, alongside featured local talent.

Singer-songwriter James Keelegan is playing in Mission on Feb. 10, and Colin James’ Blues Trio will play on Feb. 7. The Clark Theatre in Mission will also host a small, intimate Coffee House Concert series.

Some performances promise to send their audiences back in time. An ode to the music and memories of the 50s and 60s will perform a rock and roll show in Mission on Feb. 4.

Even further back in time and on the more classical side of the music world, the Chilliwack Cultural Centre will host a Concertango on Feb. 10 that features piano and a string quartet. On Feb. 14 the same stage will be home to Jorgen’s Cinderella, a ballet based on the classic fairytale.

Art is also waiting for you on the walls of galleries across the valley. Langley is home to a province-wide portrait competition until Feb. 5 and the Chilliwack Cultural Centre is hosting an exhibition on light and colour until Feb. 18. The Abbotsford Art’s Council’s first exhibition of year—a photography series—will open on Feb. 4 at the Kariton Gallery. Finally, the Agassiz-Harrison Museum has an exhibition of colourful works from Judith Gillis until Feb. 18.

Plays and Performers

Laughter is a great antidote to a slow, gray, February day. These performers and plays, all coming to the valley in the near future, could be the source of that somewhat-corny traditional medication.

Andrew Packer, a comedian on a national tour, will stop in Chilliwack on Feb. 16. Wes Baker, a comedian and magician, will perform at the Cottonwood stage the next day. And, if you’re tired of white guys telling all the jokes after those two shows, check out a pair of Hindu comedians on stage in Abbotsford on Feb. 25.

A few theatrical productions are also taking to the stage in February—one fairly familiar and one very, very new.

The Chilliwack Cultural Centre will show Beauty and the Beast on Feb. 20. (Though it’s a familiar favourite, expect a twist involving audience participation.)

A series of new plays from new playwrights will be on stage until Feb. 4. Theatre students at Trinity Western University will bring the pieces they’ve written to life at the New Generations festival.

Learn something new

February is also a great time to start learning something new—beyond broken New Year’s resolutions but before the sunny energy of spring. These events promise to put some new knowledge in your noggin—whether that information is on baking or business or board games is up to you.

The Chilliwack Museum will hold a reception and open two new exhibitions in the next few weeks. It is also bringing back its archive tours starting this February: sign up on the last Friday of each month to get a sneak peak into the world of archival science and Chilliwack’s history.

The Abbotsford Innovation network, a new non-profit promoting tech and innovation business, is holding its inaugural event on Feb. 28. A UFV professor will be the guest speaker.

A four-week reading series on reconciliation is starting on Feb. 6. Hosted by Spiritual Path to Awakening, a spiritual wellness centre in Abbotsford, the course focuses on They Called Me Number One: Secrets and Survival at an Indian Residential School, a book by Bev Sellars.

A world religions conference on Feb. 8 in Abbotsford will feature speakers from seven different eastern- and western-based religions in a moderated panel on combating racism.

Trying new creative endeavors through hands-on practice is also a fun way to learn. Try one of several evening painting parties held throughout the valley, or visit the Boardwalk Cafe in Abbotsford for one of their learn-to-play events.

Or, for a fun course where food isn’t just included but the end goal, check out the baking classes held by Anita’s Bread and Coffee in Chilliwack or a pasta class at the Creekside Creamery in Agassiz on Feb. 4 or 18.

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