THE BIG TO DO

WED, Feb. 1

[wine]

Manhattan’s Wine Tasting - Enjoy select wines with small plate pairings. Wine tasting is by reservation only. Please call to reserve your spot 419-243-6675. $60, tax and gratuity included.

6:30pm. Manhattan’s Pub ‘n Cheer, 1516 Adams St.

[improv]

Improv for Fun - This class will provide a fun, safe, and inspiring environment to introduce participants to the art of creating authentically “in the moment,” a very beneficial skill for everyday life. Limit of 20 people. Registration is required. 6:30-7:30pm. Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Rd., Oregon. toledolibrary.org Free.

THUR, Feb. 2

[talks & lectures]

Better Toledo | Confronting Racism presented by Monita Mungo - Dr. Monita Mungo explains how systemic racism affects the choices and chances of individuals and the importance of perceptions and narratives used to describe recent social justice protests. Learn how you can address issues of racial injustice, advocate for social justice and confront systemic racism. 3-5pm. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. toledolibrary.org Free.

FRI, Feb. 3

[automotive]

Toledo Auto Show - Attendees can expect the Toledo Auto Show to be amazing for vehicle shoppers and enthusiasts: with new cars, trucks, SUVs & so much more! $6-8. Noon-9pm. Also on Saturday, Feb. 4, 10am-9pm and Sunday, Feb. 5 10am-5pm. Glass City Center, 401 Jefferson Ave. toledoautoshow.org

SAT,

Feb. 4

[tradeshows & expos]

The Michigan Oddities & Horror Fest - This 2 day event features everything from witchcraft, horror exhibits, vendors, and more! $15. 10am8pm. Also on Sunday, Feb. 5. FMB Expo Center, 3775 S. Custer Rd., Monroe, MI. natethompsonvideo.com

[workshops]

Love Languages Workshop - The 5 Love Languages® is a simple and effective way to strengthen your connections, so you can experience greater joy and harmony in all of your relationships. This workshop will dive deep into the fundamentals of Dr. Gary Chapman’s book. $25. 1-3pm. California Yoga, 5648 Main St., Sylvania. californiayogastudio.com

SUN, Feb. 5 [film]

Toledo Jewish Winter Flicks

(see page 20)

TUES, Feb. 7 [book clubs]

Wine & Words with Author C P Morgan - A Book Club where you can meet the author and enjoy an adult beverage with them! The February meeting will discuss “Dorothy Claes and the Prison of Thenemi : A Magical Mythical Mystery” with author C P Morgan. 6:30-7:30pm. Gathering Volumes, 196 E. South Boundary St., Perrysburg. gatheringvolumes.com

WED, Feb. 8 [comedy]

Kevin James Thornton - Kevin James Thornton is a rising TikTok/IG star with over 1 million followers and 500 million video views. Kevin has built a loyal following posting hilarious, heartfelt and occasionally cringey moments of self reflection that are relatable to audiences young and old alike (with a splash of autotune). $37. 7pm. Toledo Funny Bone, 6140 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg. toledo.funnybone.com

THUR, Feb. 9 [trivia games, craft beer]

HEAVY Trivia - Romantic Comedies - Get into the Valentine’s Day spirit with a night of fun and trivia about famous romantic comedies! HEAVY Trivia featuring questions about famous romantic comedies. From classics like When Harry Met Sally and Pretty Woman, to newer entries to the genre like Silver Linings Playbook and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, your knowledge of rom-coms will be put to the test! 6pm and 8pm. HEAVY Beer Company, 1301 N. Summit St.

FRI, Feb. 10 [opera]

The Merry Widow - Just in time for Valentine’s Day! The Merry Widow dances into our hearts with its beautiful melodies and witty storyline. J. Ernest Green conducts this bubbly delight while Jamie Offenbach and James M. Norman bring the light-hearted comedy to life. Starring as the merry widow is Alyson Cambridge (Toledo Opera’s Carmen) and BGSU voice professor Keith Phares as Count Danilo. $79-$129. 7:30pm. Also Sunday, Feb. 12, 2pm. The Valentine Theatre, 410 N. Superior St. toledoopera.org

SAT, Feb. 11 [lectures]

Maumee Valley Adventurers: Travel CircleJoin Maumee Valley Adventurers each Saturday in January, February and March for a trip around the globe as local presenters share their experiences traveling to far away destinations. This week’s topic is Pedaling, Pondering and Praying: An 1852 Mile Life Changing Journey presented by Mike Armstrong. Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Oak Openings Lodge, 5230 Wilkins Rd., Whitehouse. metroparkstoledo.com. Free.

[yoga]

Partner Yoga Toledo Yoga offers a session of Partner Yoga from 1-2pm. Working with a partner allows for a new experience and perspective on the function and flow of yoga. The class is not only intended for couples - bring the partner of your choice. $25/couple. Register at hello@toledoyoga.com. 4324 W. Central Ave., Toledo. 419-531-0006. toledoyoga.com/

[craft beer]

Valentine Chocolate + Beer Pairing

- Harvest Chocolate will present an immersive evening as you taste your way through bean to bar chocolate made from different single origins from around the world. Each chocolate variety will be paired with a flight of craft beer selections from Quenched & Tempered to take your taste buds on an adventure - perfect for both craft chocolate and craft beer lovers! $40. 6:30pm. Quenched & Tempered Brewing Co., 1210 Jackson St. harvestcraftchocolate.com

Into the Great Wide Open

You may have taken a cross-country road trip, but have you ever done it on foot? Learn about that experience from Jodi Harrington, who crossed America on the northern route of the American Discovery Trail. On Thursday, February 9 she’ll talk about the logistics of her trip, some of the challenges and what she learned about herself and fellow travelers. 7-8:30pm. W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Rd., Perrysburg. woodcountyparkdistrict.org Free.

Natural Woman

The incredible life and music of Aretha Franklin are celebrated in the musical R.E.S.P.E.C.T. on Wednesday, February 22 at the Valentine Theatre. “Soul Mama” Angie Narayan brings the full Aretha treatment to this soulful, dramatic retelling of Franklin’s monumental career. $49-$89. 7:30pm. The Valentine Theatre, 410 N. Superior St. valentinetheatre.com

Spring Swapportunity

We’re almost through with winter, and we know that because Toledo GROWs’ annual Seed Swap is happening! Gardeners feel a little hope at the coming of spring and start planning out raised beds and curb appeal for the year. Get your homestead ready for planting season and share extra seeds with friends at Seed Swap 2023 on Saturday, February 25. Swap guidelines can be found online. Noon-3pm. Scott High School, 2400 Collingwood Ave. toledogrows.org/

[valentines day]

Wine & Dine Valentines Dinner The Zoo will host a Valentine’s Day Wine and Dine event in the serene setting of Great Hall. Guests will enjoy an intimate, multi-course gourmet meal, complete with professionally paired wines, prepared by Toledo Zoo’s award-winning catering staff. In addition, there will be live entertainment. $85 members, $90 non-members. 6:30-9:30pm. The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org/wine

[dance]

XOXO: An Evening of Love and Dance - XOXO, an evening of love and dance, will be an immersive experience to celebrate love and bring our Toledo community together. The Modern Dance Co. will perform and then audience members will be able to participate in our open dance floor after the show! $18-$32. Handmade Toledo, 1717 Adams St. themoderndancecompany.com

TUES, Feb. 14

[live music]

Valentine’s Day with Crys Matthews - Over Yonder Concert House is planning a very special dinner & show with one of the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers. Tickets available on Brown Paper Tickets. $45. 7pm. HEAVY Wheelhouse, 3520 Waterville Swanton Rd., Swanton.

THUR, Feb. 16 [cooking classes]

Vegan Soups, Stews and Chilis - Perfect for taking the edge off the chilliest of February days, gather together and learn to make hearty and delicious dishes using plant-based ingredients: Chipotle Black Bean Bulgur Chili, Turkish Bride Soup and Irish Stout Stew. $30. 6-8pm. The 577 Foundation, 577 East Front St., Perrysburg. 577foundation.org

[drinks]

[nature

& wildlife]

Adults Only: Animal Valentines Grownups! Bring your special someone(s) and join this inclusive evening about the diversity of sexualities in nonhuman valentines. Enjoy an evening of trivia and games and see how much you know about the mating rituals of animals near us. Warm beverages will be available during this program. Registration required. 7-8:30pm. W.W. Knight Nature Center, 29530 White Rd., Perrysburg. woodcountyparkdistrict.org. Free.

Craft Cocktail Workshop - Registry’s Craft Cocktail Workshops make a great adult field trip! Whether it is a date night, girls night or a team building experience. This workshop is All About the Bubbles. Call to reserve a spot, space is limited. (419) 725-0444. $35. 6-8pm. Registry Bistro, 144 N. Superior St.

FRI, Feb. 17 [golf]

The 15th Annual Toledo Golf Show - Get ready for spring. Vendors and fun activities. $7, children under 12 free. 3-8pm. Also Saturday, Feb. 18, 9am-6pm and Sunday, Feb. 19, 10am4pm. Sylvania Tam-O-Shanter, 7060 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania. toledogolfshow.com

Looking for a quick change of scenery and a taste of something different? Visit toledocitypaper. com or check out our sister Current magazine (covering Ann Arbor), at ecurrent.com, to explore film, art, music and more

Three, two, one, blast-off

Zipline through scenic Royal Oak, MI, learn to ski and snowboard, go ice skating and enjoy live music, ice sculptures and food trucks at Winter Blast Royal Oak. The free admission community festival is presented by Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort and runs from Friday, February 3 through Sunday, February 5. The family-friendly festival takes place in and around Centennial Commons and the Royal Oak City Center. winterblast.com/

No scuffs

Attention sneakerheads: Sneaker Palooza 2023 will take place on Saturday, February 11 from noon-5pm at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn. More than 200 vendors are expected to participate, bringing rare sneakers and apparel to buy, sell and trade. Tickets are $20-$360 and are available at Eventbrite. 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn. sneakerpalooza.com/

Feel the burn

If you’re bummed that you haven’t been able to make it to Burning Man since the pandemic began, perhaps you can approximate that level of creativity and entertainment by attending Burning Snowman in Port Clinton on Saturday, February 25 from noon-9pm. Celebrate winter with an outdoor music festival on the shores of Lake Erie. This festival is a fundraiser for several local non-profits, including Kids for Christmas, Team VIAC, Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center, Port Clinton Police Department and Fire & Rescue. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Eventbrite. 252 West Lakeshore Dr., Port Clinton. 419-3576247. facebook.com/BurningSnowman/

SAT, Feb. 18

[hiking]

Wintering the Towpath - Shake off those winter blahs at the best winter hike in the region. Stunning views of the Maumee River await those hiking the Towpath Trail from Providence to Bend View (5 miles). Board the shuttle bus back to Providence for more winter fun; food trucks, s’mores, live music and much more. $5. Continuous start from 10-11am. Providence Metropark, 13827 US 24 West, Grand Rapids. metroparkstoledo.com

[bridal]

Wildly In Love Bridal Show - Meet local wedding vendors at the first Wildly in Love Bridal Show at the Toledo Zoo, located inside our Malawi Event Center! Also, get a sneak peek at unique wedding experiences, packages and the opportunity to book everything for your special day in one place. Pre-registration includes a raffle, one hour early admission to walk the zoo and free parking. $10. Noon-4pm. The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org/bridal-show

SUN, Feb. 19 [crafts]

3rd Sunday Sip n’ Stitch - Bring any project that you would like to get work done on, come together and have some time to work on things you usually don’t get to work on when home. Register in advance. $8. Noon-4pm. Knit-Picky & Hooked, 15555 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI. lakeeriemercantile.com

WED, Feb. 22 [musicals]

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. - Journey through Aretha Franklin’s courageous life of love, tragedy and triumph! Share the earth shattering ‘Aretha’ experience presented by Australia’s own ‘Soul Mama’ Angie Narayan combining storytelling, song and soul. $49-$89. 7:30pm. The Valentine Theatre, 410 N. Superior St. valentinetheatre.com

THUR, Feb. 23

[dance]

The Andersons Family Series: Fly Dance Company - The “gentlemen of hip-hop” Fly Dance Company brings their risk-taking movement and clever choreography to the Toledo Symphony for a surprising evening where street dance and classical music collide. $15-$42. 7-8:30pm. The Valentine Theatre, 410 N. Superior St. valentinetheatre.com

SAT, Feb. 25

[gardening]

Seed Swap 2023 - Join Toledo GROWs for Seed Swap 2023. 10 FREE packets of seeds to each attendee! Bring additional seed packets to swap for more (50 packet limit). Seeds must be dated 2020 or later and labeled in individual envelopes. No bulk seeds accepted. No seeds to swap? Extra packets available for a 50 cent donation. Noon-3pm. Scott High School, 2400 Collingwood Ave. toledogrows.org

[talent shows]

Maumee’s Got Talent! - The Maumee Uptown Business Association will be hosting their first talent show. Singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, ventriloquist, oddities - see it all! Top three overall winners will receive an amazing prize! 6pm. Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St., Maumee. maumeeuptown.com

[music]

KeyBank Pops: The Music of Elton John - Referred to as “the new voice of the American Rock and Roll songbook” by Billboard, Michael Cavanaugh returns to Toledo for an evening of rock n’ roll favorites by Elton John, including “Tiny Dancer,” “Your Song,” “Rocket Man,” and more. $12.50-$64. The Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle, 2445 Monroe St. toledosymphony.com

SUN, Feb. 26

[coffee, zoos]

Slow Brew - Sample and celebrate all things coffee with local roasters and coffee exhibitors at the Toledo Zoo. Visit the sloth from 9-10 a.m. at Malawi Event Center, then enjoy unlimited samples from local roasters and coffee exhibitors. Also learn about Grounds in Gardening and the Wild Toledo conservation program. $15 members, $25 non-members. 9am-noon. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org