From must-see exhibitions, to long-awaited shows, now is very much the right time to open your calendar and diarise these events. As you can see, February is set to be a month to remember.
Tracey Emin: A Second Life at Tate Modern, London
26 February-31 August
A landmark exhibition celebrating 40 years of one of the world’s most important contemporary artists, Tracey Emin: A Second Life is a journey of unapologetic self-expression, exploring passion, pain, and healing through the vehicle of the female body. The artist’s biggest exhibition to date, expect seminal installations from the Nineties, including the iconic, My Bed, plus paintings, sculpture, and also some never exhibited before works. www.tate.org.uk
Leicester Comedy Festival, venues across Leicestershire
4-22 February
As Europe’s largest and longest-running comedy festival, February sees 700 performances pop up across this county, with household names such as Sir Stephen Fry, Sara Pascoe, Ian Stone and Paul Merton performing alongside emerging talent. For the children, The UK Kids’ Comedy Festival will also run at the same time, showcasing 70 shows suitable for younger audiences. www.comedy-festival.co.uk
The Guinness Men’s Six Nations Rugby Championship, Allianz, Principality and Scottish Gas Murrayfield stadiums
15 February-14 March
One of the highlights of the UK’s sporting calendar, this six-week tournament has been defining rugby since 1883. Nearly 180 million people tuned in to watch six nations battle it out last year – so whether you grab some tickets or soak up the excitement in the comfort of your own home, you can count on old rivalries resurfacing and also new stars being made. www.sixnationsrugby.com
Dracula, Noel Coward Theatre, London
2 February – 30 May
Following the massive success of Wicked and Wicked: For Good, celebrated Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award-winner, Cynthia Erivo, returns to the stage for the first time in almost a decade. Starring in a brave reimagining of Bram Stoker’s classic gothic novel, she will play all 23 characters in this chilling tale, directed by visionary theatre maker, Kip Williams. www.draculawestend.com
Chinese Lunar New Year Celebrations, cities across the UK
Dates throughout February
Celebrate the year of the horse by visiting one of the colourful parades taking place across the country. Head to the capital on 21 and 22 February for the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia with red lanterns, floats and street food aplenty. Then check out Manchester’s spectacular Dragon Parade on 15 February or Birmingham’s Hippodrome Square between 17 and 22 February for a New Year Market, funfair and cultural performances.
Shadowlands, Aldwich Theatre, London
5 February – 9 May
Hugh Bonneville takes a break from Paddington and Downton Abbey to star in William Nicholson’s beloved play about celebrated author, C.S Lewis. Based around the unexpected love affair between academic Lewis and American poet, Joy Davidman (played by Maggie Siff of Mad Men and Sons of Anarchy), this production will inspire bookworms young and old. www.shadowlandsplay.com
Ramses & The Pharaohs’ Gold, Neon, Battersea Power Station, London
From 28 February
Ramses the Great ruled ancient Egypt for nearly 67 years, so this astounding exhibition, part of a global tour, is your chance to immerse yourself into the extraordinary world of the Warrior King. Showcasing 180 priceless artefacts on loan from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiques, encounter ornate sarcophagi, royal masks and then the original wooden coffin that once held the legendary Pharaoh’s mummy. www.RamsesTheExhibition.co.uk
Vegan Festival, Paisley, Stockport and Essex
Various dates
If Veganuary has inspired you to go plant-based, be sure to visit one of the fabulous vegan events springing up near you. This month hosts The Scotland Vegan Festival (7 February), Stockport Vegan Festival (15 February) and Essex Vegan Festival (21 February), where you can indulge in all things plant-powered – from food and drink to beauty, homeware and workshops. www.veganeventsuk.co.uk
John Moores Painting Prize, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
Until 1 March 2026
Then there’s the chance to catch prestigious exhibition, John Moores Painting Prize at Walker Art Gallery, with the Visitor’s Choice set to be announced mid-month. Renowned for supporting artists – established and emerging – from all across the UK, the competition provides a platform to inspire and disrupt the art world, with previous winners also including David Hockney, Sir Peter Black and Rose Wylie. www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Scottish Snowdrop Festival, locations across Scotland
Dates throughout February
Swathes of delicate white flowers grace gardens across the UK throughout February, and the Scottish Snowdrop Festival has now become one of the most significant annual gardening events for green fingers anticipating the start of spring. Take in breathtaking displays within stately grounds such as Branklyn Garden, Castle Fraser and Newhailes Estate, or visit private gardens and stock up on plants to cultivate your own splendid display. www.nts.org.uk and www.discoverscottisgardens.org
