![A dog dressed up for Mardi Gras 4Paws, which takes place in Colorado in February.](https://uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/01/10144217/2022-Mardi-Gras-4Paws_Credit-Matt-Lit-125-web.webp)
February has long been celebrated as the month of love and romance, with the earliest official celebration of Valentine’s Day dating back to the 1300s. Even though couples get all the love and attention this month, it’s also a great time to focus on and nurture relationships with family, friends and yourself.
Whether it’s a nice gesture, a fun outing or a simple “thinking of you” text, don’t hesitate to share the love this month. Here are some fun things to do in Colorado in February with those important people in your life.
Feb. 2: Enjoy a First Friday
![Free and open to the public, First Friday Downtown in Colorado Springs features new art, live music and special events on the first Friday of every month. Photo courtesy of Stellar Propeller Studios.](https://uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/01/24101147/FirstFriday-to-do-feb-Instagram-web.webp)
First Fridays are a great opportunity to enjoy art, music and good food in your community.
You can find all kinds of First Friday events across Colorado, but some of our favorites include the First Friday Art Walk in the Denver Art District on Santa Fe, the Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk and the Colorado Springs First Friday.
Feb. 7-11: Celebrate 111 years of winter tradition in Steamboat Springs
![ski jaring at the Steamboat Winter Carnival, a week-long event each February in Colorado.](https://uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/01/10144213/WinterCarnival2016-GEORGEFARGO-Lifetime-PhotoCredit-65-web-300x188.webp)
The Winter Carnival is a unique celebration that started to help residents cope with cabin fever during the height of the frigid Colorado winter season. It includes one-of-a-kind events such as skijoring, when contestants on skis race a flat course down a street while being pulled by a horse. There’s also the Dog and Dad Dash, where children under five compete against one another while being pulled in a sled by the family dog. And don’t forget the light show on skis, the snow sculpture competition, the s’mores family fun party and more!
Feb. 10: Celebrate the month of love in the land of love
![two people make a heart with their hands at the Loveland Sweetheart Festival that takes place in Colorado in February.](https://uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/01/10144225/Richard-Haro__sweet-01-web-300x210.webp)
The Loveland Sweetheart Festival in downtown Loveland, Colorado, features love-themed activities for everyone.
This free event includes live entrainment, a light show, a palace of sweets, a tunnel of love, food trucks, the Sweetheart Classic 4-mile race and the Little Miss Valentine and Little Mr. Cupid contest. What’s not to love?
Feb. 10: Celebrate Mardi Gras while giving back to man’s best friend
![A dog dressed up for Mardi Gras 4Paws, which takes place in Colorado in February.](https://uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/01/10144220/2022-Mardi-Gras-4Paws_Credit-Matt-Lit-65-web-300x200.webp)
The town of Frisco celebrates Mardi Gras with a twist by hosting a costumed canine parade and street party for dogs and their families. All proceeds from the event go to the non-profit Hope for Animals – Clear Creek Rescue, which helps abandoned, lost and suffering animals through rescue, shelter and public education.
Register for the parade or come enjoy live music, “Yappy Hour” and a costume contest to crown the king and queen pup of the parade.
Feb. 1-28: Enjoy a culinary experience while getting your daily steps in
![people take a Rocky Mountain Food Tour in the snow in Colorado in February.](https://uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/01/10144215/RMFT-_MG_6104-web-300x200.webp)
Rocky Mountain Food Tours offers a 1.5-mile, 3-hour walking tour for the whole family in Colorado Springs.
The tour stops at five surprise destinations for tastings at some of the most loved restaurants in downtown Colorado Springs. Along the tour, a guide will provide local history tidbits and fun facts.
Feb. 1-28: Cozy up for a romantic sleigh ride dinner
![people taking a sleigh ride, which they can do at 4 Eagle Ranch in Colorado in February.](https://uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/01/10144208/Getty-horse-sled-rides-web-300x198.webp)
Surprise your valentine with a cozy and romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride and ranch dinner at 4 Eagle Ranch in Wolcott, Colorado, about 25 minutes outside of Vail Ski Resort.
Snuggle up under warm blankets, soak in the wide-open, star-lit sky, and enjoy a warm drink as you ride around the ranch. When you return, an authentic three-course ranch dinner awaits, with s’mores by the campfire to end the night. Make it a date night or bring the kids; adults are $95, and kids are $45 each.