It’s the second month of the year, and there’s no lack of things to do in the Valley. 2019 was off to a great start last month, so take the time to look over the month’s upcoming events to plan out February and make it as good as January!

Friday, February 1

– Welcome Diner is hosting a “First Friday” extravaganza featuring a variety of pop up shops selling art and other goods. Enjoy dinner at the restaurant and shop around!

– The Phoenix Indie Film Festival is kicking off today with the hottest new indie films being shown at Crescent Ballroom, Film Bar, and Paz Cantina. Local filmmakers, international premieres, and Sundance Institute collaborations will be shown over the two-day event. Times vary, with a 2-day access pass starting at $75 (smaller ticket options also available).

Saturday, February 2

– The Phoenix Waste Management Open is back and you can hang out all day enjoying golf and a variety of food and drink options. General admission tickets are $60 for the event. More information is available on their site!

– Car and history enthusiasts will enjoy the “Motoring Through Time” festival taking place at Heritage Square. The event will feature a variety of classic cars on display along with local vendors, food trucks, and music. Plus, the event is free! From 10 am-3 pm.

Sunday, February 3

– Spend your Sunday enjoying brunch at State 48 Brewery in Downtown Phoenix from 9 am-1 pm. The day features all sorts of specials, including $6 build your own bloody mary or $16 for a bottle of wine and orange juice for make-your-own mimosas!

-The Art of Chocolate A’Fair is taking place in Gilbert from 10 am-5 pm. Chocolate and romance lovers will enjoy the festival that features live music, fine arts, and of course, chocolate for sale.

Monday, February 4

– Jobot Coffee will have a DJ spinning music and drink specials from 7-11 pm to help make your Monday more fun. Enjoy $4 wells drinks and $2.50 hoppy blonde ales.

– American alt/indie band Half Alive is making their way to Valley Bar for a show starting at 8 pm. The band gained a ton of views on their hit music video “still feel” and the show is bound to be just as great as their sound is. Tickets are $15.

Tuesday, February 5

– Enjoy a guided meditation class taking place at the Mesa Artspace Lofts from 10-11 am. The class is said to be as restorative as 3 hours of deep sleep and can help with a variety of ailments. The event is donation based (suggested $5) and you should bring your own yoga gear.

– It’s time for a paint and sip night at Lolo’s Chicken and Waffles downtown, which will feature a live DJ as well. The cost is $30, and it runs from 7-9 pm.

Wednesday, February 6

– Dog lovers should head over to Kitchen 56 starting at 6 pm for a “Smooch the Pooch” pre-Valentine’s day happy hour. There will be raffles, giveaways, drink specials, photo ops, and of course – lots of dogs.

– The ASU Jazz Studies faculty is coming together at the Nash to perform original compositions and jazz classics. The show starts at 7:30 pm and is $15 to attend.

Thursday, February 7

–  The 19th Annual Juried Exhibition is opening, and you’re invited. The exhibition features the works of professional artists that live in Arizona. It’s a great showcase of local talent that runs from 6-9 pm.

– Jesse McCartney is on tour – yes, the same Jesse that many of us loved back in the late 90’s and early 00’s. He’s heading to the Van Buren on “The Resolution” tour – tickets are $25 for the show starting at 8 pm.

Friday, February 8

– Who doesn’t love beer? Who doesn’t love girl scout cookies? Four Peaks Brewing Co. is combining the two with a girl scout cookie and beer pairing night. Five brews will be paired with your favorite girl scout cookies. The $25 ticket will also include free appetizers and a souvenir glass.

– The Van Buren is hosting a “Gasolina Party” featuring a ton of reggaetón, Latin trip, hip hop, and R&B mixed by DJ Ocho and 2 Deep. Doors open at 9 pm and admission is free before 10 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door (if you’ll be past 10pm).

Saturday, February 9

– The Chinese Culture and Cuisine festival is taking place all weekend at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. You can enjoy this free event from 10 am-5 pm, which features food vendors, a tea garden, traditional Chinese dance, a culture village, and much, much more.

– Join PHX Fray for our third Thirsty Wheels Road Ride for a pub crawl on wheels! Your ticket includes a guided tour, one free drink, exclusive drink deals, and a chance to meet new people. This event is BYOB (bring your own bike)!!

– Head over to Film Bar for a late night showing of the classic “Rocky Horror Picture Show” starting at 11 pm. The night will feature extra flair with costume contests and prop kits. Tickets are $14.

Sunday, February 10

– It’s time for a Grilled Cheese Festival taking place from 12-7 pm where chefs are put against one another to compete for the title of Culinary Master. Apart from yummy grilled cheese goodness, there will also be beer and other cocktails available for purchase. Live bands will be performing as well. General admission is $15.

– Take a look through the Willo Historic neighborhood (the largest historic district in Phoenix) during their 31st annual Willo Home Tour. Not only will you get to look at some unique homes during this time, but there is also a street fair with local vendors to enjoy from 10 am-4 pm. Tickets range in cost but start at $18 for general admission.

Monday, February 11

–       It’s time for “Cocktails Under the Cosmos” presented by the Mountain Shadows Resort. The event features a signature cocktail themed around the month’s astrological sign. You can also view the stars with an expert astronomer as a guide. The $45 ticket includes two cocktails and some light bites. From 6:30-8:30 pm.

Tuesday, February 12

– The Mesa Arts Center allows you to tour “Albesila,” which is a large-scale work of public art that is described as “walking inside a work of stained glass.” The experience features ambient music and color. The sessions are for 30 minutes and admission is $7.

– Have a fun date night over at Cookie Brokers bakery with a cookie decorating class from 5:45-7 pm. You’ll learn the basics of working with royal icing, and all materials are provided for the class. Tickets are $20.

Wednesday, February 13

–  It’s time for the third annual “Sweetheart Lunch in the Park” – a lunchtime picnic at Civic Space Park to spread the love and help end hunger. There will be handcrafted ceramic bowls for purchase with a minimum $12 donation.

– Film Bar is hosting a “Big Gay Sing-A-Long” featuring a showing of the classic musical Grease. Costumes are encouraged and there will be raffles and wine specials. Tickets are $14 and benefit an LGBT charity. Starts at 7 pm.

Thursday, February 14

– Spend your Valentine’s Day at High Bar for a “Wine, Chocolate, and Jazz” night from 5-8 pm. Enjoy views of Camelback mountain as the sun sets on the rooftop lounge. Admission is $25, which includes complimentary wine tasting, chocolate samples, and entertainment from the live band.

– Sun Up Brewing Co. is hosting a “Tour of Love” beer dinner to celebrate Valentine’s Day from 6-8:30 pm. The dining and drinking menu will feature several courses all paired with local brews. Tickets range, starting at $75.

– There’s a Happier Hour Comedy Show taking place at ThirdSpace, featuring local and nationally touring comics. The event is free with no drink minimum! Starts at 7:30 pm.

Friday, February 15

– The Alwun House is hosting an “Erotic Poetry & Music Festivus” that will feature a variety of poetry, songs, comedy and more surrounding the themes of lust, passion, pain, and love. There will be a cash bar as well. Tickets are $10, starts at 7 pm.

– The Camby hotel is “throwing out the rules of traditional high-tea” and giving people the chance to indulge in a tipsy tea party. Between 2-5 pm you can enjoy libations that are takes on classic teas and fun bites as well. You enjoy a choice of tea cocktail and sweet treats. Contact The Camby for reservations.

Saturday, February 16

– Celebrate Arizona Cocktail Weekend over at The Van Buren from 8 pm-12 am. There will be a DJ spinning tracks as you enjoy cocktail samples from over 30 brands. This is the perfect event for any libation lover! Tickets are $50.

– The Pressroom is hosting Country Fest Phoenix from 5 pm-2 am featuring several live performances, drinking, shopping, dancing, food trucks, and much more. It will be a great party!

Sunday, February 17

– The Wigwam Festival of Fine Arts is taking place from 10 am-5 pm featuring over 100 fine artists and craftsmen. Enjoy live entertainment and food options. Admission and parking is free.

–  It’s time for the Street Eats Food Festival over at Salt River Fields.  From 11 am-5:30 pm, over 55 food trucks will sell a range of eats, with every menu featuring a $2 sample. Not only will there be great food available, but live music, lawn games, vendors, and much more will also be on site. Tickets are $12 online or $15 at the gate (with VIP options online).

Monday, February 18

– Rott n’ Grapes is hosting an “Up Top” trivia night from 7-9 pm. Happy hour on beer and wine will be until 8 pm. You can also enjoy a board of bruschetta and wine for $25.

– Enjoy a culinary experience unlike anything else with an “Emulsion pop-up,” featuring a night of amazing food and wine pairings that are meant to make you re-think the way you see food and the typical dining experience. Tickets are $115 and the event runs from 6-9 pm.

Tuesday, February 19

– Shen Yun kicks off at the Orpheum Theatre and runs through the 24th of the month with various performances. You can see a showing tonight at 7:30 pm. The classical Chinese dance company has attracted people from around the world with their mesmerizing performances rich with culture. Tickets starting at $80.

– Singer-songwriter Justin Nozuka is bringing his talents to Valley Bar as a part of his “Run to Waters” tour. The show starts at 8 pm and tickets are $25.

Wednesday, February 20

– PHX Fray is at it again with Speed Dating at Two Brothers! Skip the apps and come meet real locals to enhance your PHX experience.

– The Mesa Arts Center is presenting a “Well-Fed” artist workshop series that is beneficial to any aspiring artists or entrepreneurs. This month, you can attend a workshop on “Active Listening: Sharing People’s Stories Through Podcasting.” Refreshments are provided and it’s free to register. 6-8 pm.

– It’s time to hang out at the Found:RE hotel in Phoenix with your furry friend for their monthly “Yappy Hour.” There will be food and drink specials along with complimentary treats for your dog! From 6-8 pm.

Thursday, February 21

– Foodies won’t want to miss the “Devour the World” event taking place at the Japanese Friendship Garden from 6-9 pm. You’ll be able to sample food from up to 20 regional restaurants and chefs to celebrate the international flavors of Phoenix, all in the serene setting of the garden. Tickets are $75 and include the samplings as well as libations.

– Enjoy a night of storytelling with a StorySLAM presented by The Moth over at Crescent Ballroom. People will be telling five-minute stories about love – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Tickets are $15 for the show starting at 8 pm.

Friday, February 22

– Did you know its National Margarita Day? Head over to Taco Guild from open-close for food and drink specials to celebrate all day.

–  The Desert Botanical Garden transforms from 6-11 pm with the “Electric Desert” experience, where lights and music guide guests through an immersive experience. Tickets range in cost from $24.95-$29.95.

Saturday, February 23

– OdySea Aquarium is hosting a free Artisan Festival from 10 am-2 pm, featuring free live music and local artists. Of course, there will be food vendors and fun attractions to check out as well.

–  The 35th annual Matsuri Festival of Arizona will be at Heritage Square Park from 10 am-5 pm. The festival celebrates Japanese culture with food, live entertainment (dance, martial arts, and more), and arts and crafts. Admission is free.

– Come get out and active with PHX Fray at our Peaks & Pints Beer Hike- Gateway Loop to Inspiration Point. After completing the 6.2 mile hike, treat yo self to some ales and good conversation!

Sunday, February 24

– Talk about a Sunday “Funday” – CB Live at Desert Ridge Marketplace is hosting “Om-Lit,” a party brunch that was voted #1 in South Florida. There will be a live DJ and entertainment, a full brunch menu, and mimosa/bloody mary specials. From 10 am-3 pm.

– Celebrate Italian culture, music, food, and more at the Italian Festival of Arizona. The event takes place from 11 am-5 pm and is a great way to spend the day. You can get a single general admission ticket for $10 or two tickets for $16.

Monday, February 25

– Enjoy a night of wine tasting at Rott n’ Grapes Uptown. This month’s theme is “Roses and Rosés,” with a ton of great rosés up for tasting. Starts at 6:30 pm and is $25.

– The Lost Leaf is hosting a night of music by Sans Pagaie, a live jazz band. There’s no cover to enjoy the music and a variety of local beers and wines to sip on. The show starts at 9 pm, but get there early to enjoy happy hour until 7 pm.

Tuesday, February 26

-Take the time to enjoy panoramic views of Scottsdale from the 15th floor of Talking Stick Resort with an “Orange Sky Wine Dinner.” The night features a multi-course meal along with perfectly paired wines. You can make reservations on their website.

– English rock band Muse will be performing at the Talking Stick Resort Arena (with special guest Walk the Moon) as a part of their Simulation Theory World Tour. Tickets start at $44.25 and the show starts at 7:30 pm.

Wednesday, February 27

– Why not hit up happy hour at Hotel Valley Ho from 4-7 pm? The Zuzu Restaurant on site allows you to enjoy the vintage feel of the hotel with some great deals, including $6 signature cocktails and half off wine by-the-glass.

– Comedy and jazz combine for a night at The Nash. “Jazz and Jokes” brings together stand-up comedians with jazz musicians for a night that’s truly fun. The cost is $10 for the show running 7:30-9 pm.

Thursday, February 28

– From 10 am-1 pm, enjoy the Sun City Festival farmer’s market in Buckeye, Arizona. There will be tons of local produce, baked goods, and much more available for purchase.

– DJ Gila Man is back at Valley Bar spinning a range of vinyl selections for you to boogie to. The event is free and starts at 9 pm, so get your dancing shoes on!

What is on your calendar for the second month of the year? Anything you’re planning on going to that we might have missed? Make sure to tag us on social media with #PhxFray and #FrayLife so we can be in on the action!

Can’t make any of these events? Check out our 2019 Bucket List and try to cross something off on your own time!

View More Articles By Emily Holloway