February may be the shortest month of the year, but it holds some really big events in Irving. First, we can't forget the little guy aiming his arrows at the heart. And there's celebrations all month long for Black History Month. February is also a great time to love yourself by getting outside and getting in shape. However you celebrate February, we've added below our top five favorite things to do, and we think you'll love them too.

 

1.  Celebrate the Day We Love to Love

 

From our heart to yours, here are some of our favorite ways to say "I love you" this Valentine's Day.

 

  • FOUR SEASONS ROMANTIC GETAWAY - Rekindle your romance with Chef de Cuisine Paolo Gama's indelible dishes at LAW Restaurant with live music at the OUTLAW Taproom. February 12 | 4150 N. MacArthur Boulevard | (972) 717-2420. Other hotels offering a romance package include NYLO, Omni Las Colinas, Texican Court and Westin Irving Convention Center.
  • VALENTINE'S GONDOLA CRUISE - For the lover who wants to float the message home, take a cruise around the romantic Mandalay Canals. You may be able to arrange a message in a bottle for your dearest to find. This floating fantasy exudes all kinds of loving emotions. Costs start at $190. February 12 - 14 |  357 Westfork Street | (972) 506-8037
  • WHISKEY CAKE - What says "Be my Valentine" better than bourbon, chocolate and more bourbon? Along with a delicious wood-grilled ribeye steak with garlic gulf shrimp, surprise your sweetie with sweets. Give the gift of bourbon-smoked chocolate strawberries with chocolate crunchy pearls and watch them melt in your hands . . . your sweetie, not the chocolate. Dine-in price is $58 including strawberries, or choose from additional add-ons. February 10 - 15 | 3225 Regent Boulevard | (469) 941-2253

 

2. Enjoy a Night Out on the Town

 

There's never a shortage of live entertainment around the city featuring local and world-traveled talent. These restaurants and venues will satisfy everyone's hunger for a great night out.

 

  • Irving Arts Center offers two concert halls to bring you the stage, live music and seat-gripping speakers, such as:
    • America's Sweethearts on Saturday, Feb. 5
    • New Philharmonic Symphony on Sunday, Feb. 6
    • Smooth Jazz Prelude on Friday, Feb. 11
    • Mic Maliss on Friday, Feb. 18
    • Raul Canosa on Saturday, Feb. 19
  • Mama Tried honky tonk with western music on the weekends that'll tonk your socks off.
  • Mercy Bar and Lounge offers a large wine selection throughout the week and live music on the weekends.
  • Michael's at Las Colinas invites you to experience their entertainment line-up each week.
  • Nosh & Bottle Market brings jazz, jazz and more jazz on Wednesday through Friday nights.
  • OUTLAW Taproom features live music from 5 - 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday each week.
  • The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory brings you 
    • Dr. Jordan B. Peterson on Wednesday, Feb. 9
    • Ricardo Montaner on Sunday, Feb. 13
    • La Arrolladora Banda on Saturday, Feb. 19
  • The Ranch at Las Colinas offers delicious farm to fork food and ambiance with a weekly line up of musicians, Tuesday through Saturday evenings.
  • Two Mules Cantina at the Texican Court Hotel features outdoor fire pits on the patio, great food and drinks, and local musicians.
  • Announcing the return of Texas Lottery Live! in an open air venue with live music to experience from your lawn chair. With plenty of nearby restaurants in the Toyota Music Factory, you won't go hungry.

 

3. Grab Your Sneakers for Love on the Run!

 

It's time to love yourself and stay fit. It's easy with a great pair of sneakers and a 5K run through scenic Las Colinas.

 

  • The Sneaker Exit highlights sneakers and streetwear culture. Shop for those hard-to-find sneaker brands, as well as apparel and accessories. Sell or trade your own sneakers with vendors and attendees. It's the ultimate sneaker trade show. Tickets are $22.94 including tax and fees. February 20 from 1 - 6 p.m. | Irving Convention Center, 500 W. Las Colinas Boulevard | (972) 252-7476. Learn more about additional Irving Convention Center events.
  • The Irving Marathon Running Series presents their annual Love on the Run 10k, 5k Family Run/Walk. It's a great way to show off your new sneakers! Entry cost is $24.99 - $44.99. February 12 | Toyota Music Factory, 316 W. Las Colinas Boulevard | Registration

 

4. Celebrate Black History Month

 

Explore the history and contributions of local and notable African Americans.

 

  • Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center is home to three separate museums. Together, they tell the story of the west Irving community of Bear Creek, one of the oldest African-American communities in Dallas County.
  • Shelton's Bear Creek Cemetery is a designated Historic Texas Cemetery and the resting place of nearly 200 former slaves. It's one of the few remainders of the Bear Creek community that existed in the area.
  • Irving Archives and Museum features the "I AM A MAN: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1960-70" exhibit. See up close the photos of a decade that marked change, yet reminds us how far we have to go. Museum admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children 4-17 and seniors 65 or older. 801 W. Irving Boulevard | (972) 721-3700
  • Irving Arts Center presents "Our Voice: Celebrating the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Awards" in the Dupree Lobby Gallery. This exhibit contains 101 award-winning titles and is the largest presentation of Coretta Scott King illustrator winners and honorees ever assembled since the award was established in 1974. In the Carpenter Hall Lobby are works by Ernie Benton and Sontonya Necheal. Benton's work revolves around the interplay of shape and color. Necheal, a self-taught artist, creates colorful, abstract works on canvas. Gallery Hours are Tuesday - Saturday from 12 - 5 p.m. Admission is free. 3333 N. MacArthur Boulevard | (972) 252-2787
  • The Irving Black Arts Council has gathered a collection of works by artists such as Lloyd Mays, Warrick McDonald, Alijah Thomas and more. You can view this collection at the Irving Arts Center from February 5 - 26. There's also an artist reception on February 5 from 5 - 7 p.m. in the Main Gallery. Admission is free to the exhibit and reception. 3333 N. MacArthur Boulevard | (972) 252-2787
  • For a closer look at the events in Irving celebrating Black History Month, read our blog entitled, "Celebrate Black History Month With the Irving Black Arts Council." 

 

5. Visit Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel Exhibit Up Close and Personal
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Allie Pearson (@aquagal_al)

 

Images from the Vatican's Sistine Chapel come to life with the look and feel of the original paintings.

 

Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition will be visiting Irving for a limited time, from February 11 through March 27. This immersive exhibit feature more than 30 artfully displayed reproductions including The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgement. Engage with the artwork in ways that were never before possible: seeing every detail, every brushstroke and every color of the artist’s 34 frescoes. Appointments are tiered and capacity is limited for your health and safety. Admission is $17.50 for adults and $13.30 for children. Irving Mall, 3880 Irving Mall | (972) 255-0571