Fun February Festivals: Events Worth Traveling For In The Month Ahead

Sign up for the Morning Brief email newsletter to get weekday updates from The Weather Channel and our meteorologists.

Tired of the February doldrums and looking for a change of pace? If you can travel, these would be the peak festivals to visit around the country.

Arizona Renaissance Festival

Feb. 1 - March 30

The first “ren faire” of the year based just outside of Phoenix, Arizona, offers a respite from the cold for many across the country. And it shows, as many people travel to this festival for one of the many unique theme weekends happening during the 9-weekend run – including royalty, pirates, time travelers and Vikings.

Activities are spread across 16 stages, with the Village Marketplace offering 200 artisans showcasing their wares, while at least 18 food spots feed guests with classic dishes like turkey legs and meat pies to more contemporary items.

Groundhog Day In Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania

Feb. 2

Whether you are a fan of the movie, the rodent or inaccurate meteorology, everyone enjoys this ridiculous American tradition, based on ridiculous German tradition.

This year, you can join the tens of thousands who flock to western Pennsylvania to find out if Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow and usher in six more weeks of winter. But there is a full festival schedule, including the Groundhog Ball, pancake and sausage breakfasts, live music, authentic foods and more.

Daytona 500

Feb. 16

Located in Daytona, Florida, the prestigious event itself is already sold out, but there are numerous events at the speedway and in the city of Daytona throughout the week, including other races, concerts and experiences.

While rain delays are always a concern, there are plenty of indoor festivities as well.

South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SoBeWFF)

Feb. 20-23

Like most Miami events, this is part concert, part art festival and part celebrity who’s who.

Running four days and nights with over 105 events across Miami-Dade County, and featuring celebrity chefs like Guy Fieri, Rachael Ray and Andrew Zimmern to name a few, SoBeWFF is one of the biggest events of the year in a city that hosts a lot of big events.

When you factor in Miami’s February average low of 68 degrees, you can see why it is so popular. Bring cool clothes – in all senses of the meaning.

SF Beer Week

Feb. 21-March 2

Calling all hop heads and brew bros: San Francisco Beer Week – which technically runs longer than a week – features local favorites, California classics and national names.

Breweries, bars and aficionados will meet across the Bay to sample new brews, enjoy theme nights or hunt for the legendary triple IPA, Pliny the Younger. While sometimes rainy, and definitely on the colder side, the crowds and drafts will help keep you warm – as will a burrito or Mission Dog. Don’t forget to tip your servers!