Snow days, ice days, sub zero days…January felt like a long month, a month when we spent far too many weekends at home. There was certainly plenty to keep us busy in the city but we were in nesting mode, thanks in part to Marie Kondo, but mostly due to just wanting to stay warm and cozy. Well, look out because Montreal February 2019 is going to be the perfect chance to break out of hibernation.

Two of the festivals from last month carry through to February and definitely deserve a visit. The Fête des Neiges, is on weekends until the 10th, and the Olympic Stadium’s Jeux d’Hiver, is on until March 9.

Community Festivals – Throughout the Month

If there’s one thing Montreal is known for in February, it’s the multitude of community-based outdoor festivals. Our city recognizes the mid-winter blues and, as a result, has given us so many opportunities to get outdoors as a family. Here are but a few of the neighbourhood-based celebrations taking place throughout the month:

• February 2: Laval-West, Kirkland, Ste. Anne-de-Bellevue, Dollard
• February 3: Hampstead
• February 9: Downtown, Ste. Dorothée
• February 10: Ste. Lazare, Outremont, Vimont, Chomedey, TMR, Montreal West
• February 16: Lachine, Ahuntsic-Cartierville
• February 17: Laval-des-Rapides, Cote-Saint-Luc
• February 23: Ahuntsic-Cartierville
• February 24: Laval-des-Rapides, Lachine, Ahuntsic-Cartierville

Geordie Theatre Fest – February 1-10

Geordie Productions is putting on a special 2-week event filled with theatre for both young and old. Three plays are on the itinerary: One Thing Leads to Another for babies 3-12 months old, Little Witch for kids 6+ and The In-Between for teens 13+. The majority of performances that are open to the public will be held on weekends.

Le Monument National, $0-$22/ticket, based on age

The Lego Movie 2 – February 8

The most highly-anticipated movie sequel has been all the buzz around my house and the big day is almost here. Emmet, Lucy and a new bunch of characters are ready to steal the screen for this month’s hottest movie release.

Various cinemas

Centaur Theatre Saturday Morning Series – February 9 & 23

February is proving to be the ideal month to expose children to theatre in Montreal. The Centaur will be hosting three Saturday morning performances including: Tales from the Wind on February 9th and Crapabble Trolls and FELT on February 23rd.

Centaur Theatre, $10/Adults, $8/Children

Build a Heart Candy Box – February 9

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Home Depot is hosting workshops at various locations, from 10am-12pm, where kids will learn how to build a heart candy box. The worksop features easy to follow step-by-step instructions.

Free, registration required

Montreal en Lumière – February 21 – March 3

The 20th edition of this festival of lights is back at Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles. A lineup for the 2019 edition of the outdoor site has yet to be announced but if it’s anything like last year we can expect a giant ferris wheel to brighten up the night, as well as plenty of family-friendly activities.

Quartier des Spectacles, Free

Butterflies Go Free – February 28 – April 28

The Montreal Botanical Garden’s annual event returns with thousands of colourful butterflies in flight. Tickets must be purchased in advance of arrival to book a specific time to visit the exhibit.

Montreal Botanical Gardens, $0-$20.50