Things to do in February in Kamloops

We’re welcoming in February with open arms. As the days grow longer, there’s plenty of action to be discovered around Kamloops in February. This month is a playground of potential adventures, unexpected surprises, and the kind of joy that warms you up, even in the winter chill. 

As we gear up for the month ahead, brace yourselves for one-of-a-kind entertainment, cozy dining experiences, sweet treats, and a trove of opportunities to explore the wonder that makes Kamloops truly special. This February isn't just a page on the calendar; it's the beginning of new possibilities and boundless adventures that lie ahead. 

So, fasten your seatbelts, grab a cup of something warm, and start marking your calendars for Things to Do in February in Kamloops.

For the Theatre Enthusiasts: Boom YZ, Shakespeare Mystery Box, and More

Discover the upcoming performance from Western Canada Theatre. Taking you from 1996 to 2020, Boom YZ is a follow-up to the very popular Boom and Boom X. Discover the music, culture and politics of Millennials and Gen Z. Available February 22nd to March 2nd, 2024, with evening showtimes and Wednesday & Saturday Matinees available.

Local Tip: Save on your theatre tickets by using your ‘Loops Explorer Pass, buy one get one 50% off Regular or Aisle Adult tickets. The ‘Loops Explorer Pass deal is also available for all Western Canada Theatre performances. 

For those who love Shakespeare and surprises, we’ve got the perfect combination of fun with the William Shakespeare Mystery Box. They’ll be showcasing one of Shakespeare’s 38 plays, but which play is all part of the mystery. Join them between February 8th to 10th, 2024 for a theatrical surprise. 

Whether you're a fan of comedy, tragedy, or romance, Chimera Theatre promises a night of enchantment and surprise. Trust the bard, let go of expectations, and allow yourself to be swept away by the magic of live theatre. And who knows, they might just happen to perform one of your all-time favourites! No matter which play takes the spotlight, you're in for an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Tickets available for purchase online. 

Ready to get into character yourself? Join the celebration at The Columbo Lodge for Taste of Italy: Venice Carnevale on February 10th, 2024. Step into character with your favourite costume and let the event whisk you away to the charm of Venice during one of its iconic festivals. Head over to the Columbo Lodge for an evening filled with entertainment, masked intrigue, and delicious food.

For the Foodies: Dine Around Kamloops

Warm up your winter with an unforgettable 3-course dining experience with Dine Around Kamloops! Running until February 11, 2024, this culinary adventure spans over 10 local restaurants, each serving up specially crafted menus ranging from $25 to $65 per person.

Dive into a world of diverse and delightful dishes as you explore the offerings from an array of participating locations, including:

• ATLAS Steak + Fish in Kamloops
• Barside Lounge & Grill
• Bright Eye Brewing
• Casa Azul Mexican Restaurant
• Cordo Resto + Bar
• The Columbia Diner
• Isagani F2T Cafe Lounge
• MATCH Eatery + Public House
• Maurya's Craft Bar & Kitchen
• Moxies Kamloops
• ROMEOs Kitchen + Spirits
• Stills Co. Tapas & Cocktails

Explore our Dine Around Kamloops Blog for a closer look at our local culinary scene that’s waiting to tantalize your taste buds. Reserve your table for Dine Around Kamloops –  a culinary adventure awaits! 

Local Tip: If you're visiting Kamloops for Dine Around, take advantage of Sip, Savour, and Stay Specials to save on your accommodation. 

For the Sweet tooths: YKA Hot Chocolate Festival

Craving some chocolatey winter bliss? Warm your soul from the chilly winter elements with the YKA Hot Chocolate Festival. For the month of February, signature hot chocolate drinks are available from participating vendors throughout Kamloops. From White Chocolate Raspberry to Carmel Corn Milk to home-made Biscoff Cookie Batter, these are not your average Hot Chocolates! Here’s where you can experience the wintery chocolate delight with their signature Hot Chocolate Drinks: 

• 5Bean Brew Bar (2 locations)
• Brynn's Bakery
• Gold Leaf Pastries
• Hello Toast
• Logjam Coffee
• Mittz & Co.
• Nate's Brew Bar
• The London Creative
• The Vic Downtown
• Zaaz Eatery and Play

The best part? You can savour every sip guilt-free, knowing the proceeds of $1-$3 per drink go to the Mount Paul Community Food Centre. Ready for a sweet adventure? Download the app, try them all, and vote for your top picks! Each vendor is competing for the titles of Gold, Silver, and Bronze for YKA’s Best Hot Chocolate 2024, so don’t forget to show some love to your favourites. Visit the Mount Paul Community Food Centre website to download the app and start sipping.

Local Tip! Both 5Bean Brew Bar and Zaaz Eatery & Play have special discounts available through the ‘Loops Explorer Pass. Use your pass at 5Bean Brew bar for 15% off your food and then play out some energy with 50% admission to Zaaz indoor play village or 50% at Zaaz Eatery.

For the Art-Lovers: The Kamloops Art Gallery’s Newest Exhibitions

Chill with the Arts at the Kamloops Art Gallery and experience their diverse and inspiring exhibitions. With three new exhibitions on till April, you can discover:

• Bluto's Cave: Allegory of the Man Cave by Patrick Lundeen, a mixed media exhibit that transforms The Cube into a man-cave that defies the traditional norms of masculinity. 
• Sleeping in Skins: Life in Inuit Nunangat in the Central Gallery featuring prints and a beaded front-piece by Inuit artists selected from the Gallery's collection. 
• ᑕᑯᒃᓴᐅᔪᒻᒪᕆᒃ Double Vision, which highlights the artistic legacy of the influential Inuit textile maker Jessie Oonark and her daughters, Janet Kigusiuq and Victoria Mamnguqsualuk. This exhibit is also showcased in the Central Gallery.

Seek refuge from the chill outside at the Kamloops Art Gallery and immerse yourself in the world of mixed media, Inuit artistry, and cultural heritage.

For the Live Music Die-hards: The Blue Grotto Live Music and The Red Violin Concert

Enjoy an evening serenaded by live music at The Blue Grotto, featuring musical guests every Friday and Saturday. Featured artists for this month include Poundsign, InVerse, Paisley Groove, and more. Check out The Blue Grotto website for a complete performance schedule. Don't forget to dust off your dancing shoes – it's bound to be a night worth remembering!

Classical music enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The Kamloops Symphony invites you to a mesmerizing performance of The Red Violin by violinist Lara St. John on February 10th, 2024, at the Sagebrush Theatre. Experience St. John bringing to life the enchanting melodies from The Red Violin film. Get ready for a musical masterpiece, showcasing Shchedrin's reinterpretation of the timeless music from Bizet's Carmen. It's a night of classical brilliance that will transport you. 

For the Film Buffs: The Kamloops Black Films Festival and The 28th Annual Kamloops Film Festival

Get ready for action! The 1st Annual Kamloops Black Film Festival begins February 15 till February 17th, 2024 at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Kamloops. See their thoughtfully curated lineup of films, showcasing stories from Black, African, and Caribbean communities. The festival film line-up includes:

• Hidden Figures on February 15th at 6:30 pm with a Pre-Show Science Experiments by the BIG Little Science Centre beginning at 6:00 pm.
• Cool Runnings Double Feature on February 16th at 10:30 am for the general public and 11:00 am for the school district.
• Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom on February 16th at 6:30 pm
• Sarafina! on February 17th at 11:00 am with a Pre-Show from the Bethel Chapel Choir Concert beginning at 10:45 am.
• Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse on February 17th at 2:00 pm as a Free Family Flick. Welcoming all Spider-Man costumes to receive complimentary candy.
• King Richard on February 17th at 5:30 pm with a Festival Closing Party at 8:00 pm.

Presented by The Kamloops Film Society, in collaboration with Kamloops Caribbean Cultural Society and Valid Dreams Foundation. Dive into the rich tapestry of Black storytelling and join them for meaningful conversations on Black cultures and experiences. With pre-show events, a free family flick, and festival closing party, you won’t want to miss out on this cinematic celebration!

Local Tip: Looking for more ways to celebrate Black History Month? There are more events to honour the historic month. Dress up for the occasion with the Black History Month Cocktail Gala presented by the Afro-Caribbean Student Association (ACSA) at TRU. As ACSA’s first black tie gala, immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusivity with performances by enchanting local Black artists, and space to mingle with cocktails and appetizers.

You can also join TRU for their Black History Month Exhibition on February 24th. The event aims to spread awareness, foster education, and honour the rich history and achievements of Black People throughout history and into the future. Visit the exhibition for a day filled with live performances and guest speakers that will leave you inspired. 

For more film-filled action this February, the 28th Annual Kamloops Film Festival is back. Kicking off February 29th till March 9th, 2024 at the Paramount Theatre. Get ready for buttery popcorn, special events, behind-the-scenes content, and a specially curated film line-up. First launched in 1996, join The Kamloops Film Society for 20+ screenings to celebrate excellence in filmmaking! Stay tuned for more details on their film lineup and special events.

For the Jokesters: Stand-Up Comedy Acts and Open Mic Nights

If you’re looking for a laugh to brighten your February, Kamloops has no shortage of comedy to lift your spirits this snowy season. 

Named the Okanagan’s Hardest Comedy Act to Follow, see Andrew Crone’s Stand-up Act at The Effie Arts Collective on February 10th, 2024. A fan favourite for being ruthless and ridiculous with his original content, he’s bringing punchlines that’ll have you wheezing for air. Doors open at 7:30 pm with the show beginning at 8:00 pm, get your tickets in advance to reserve your spot!

Known as a legend on the Kill Tony Show, Jared Nathan is performing at The Effie Arts Collective on February 16th, 2024. Catch his quick wit and charm that has captivated audiences around the globe. With opening act Himansu Patel, you’ll get the chance to see two comedic pros take to the stage. Presented by Liberty Laughs Comedy, doors open at 7:30 pm and the show starts at 8:00 pm, reserve your tickets online. 

For more belly laughs, Simon King is headlining at the Blue Grotto on February, 29th, 2024. Called ‘one of the greatest comedians of his generation,’ King is an established comedy veteran who brings his one-of-a-kind energy and style to the mic. Book your tickets online to see the show starting at 8:00 pm, doors open at 7:30 pm.

For the budding stand-up comics and artists, The London Creative is hosting an Open Mic Night on February 7th, 2024. With free entry, all poems, songs, comedy, or other forms of artistic expression are welcome! For more opportunities to perform, The Effie Arts Collective also features Open Mic Nights every Wednesday for the opportunity to be a part of the local comedy scene and see comedians-in-the-making.

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As February unfolds in Kamloops, dive into the vibrant arts, culture, dining and special events awaiting this month. With an abundance of activities to choose from, your calendar is poised for excitement. Whether you’re seeking to savour culinary delights or an evening of entertainment, start booking your favourites to experience unforgettable nights for the month ahead. 

Don't forget to share your favourite Things to Do this February in Kamloops, keep us in the Loop! Use #ExploreKamloops or tag @tourismkamloops to share your memorable moments!