10 things you MUST do around Charlotte in February

Sure, it’s tempting to spend this cold and cheesy-romantic month under blankets, bingeing on Netflix and heart-shaped chocolates. But before you pull out the hibernation gear, consider that Charlotte offers some pretty fun stuff in February.

Still eyeing those blankets? Don’t worry, this list is strictly for those seeking to stay warm. As in, you’ll have to look elsewhere for details on the Cupid’s Undie Run and the Whitewater Center’s Frigid 5K (seriously, what’s with all the cold runs?). From an indoor wine festival to a chili cook-off, these are the hottest things to do in Charlotte this month.

(1) Roast and toast at the Mint Museum Randolph’s Oyster Roast.

Shuck oysters. Drink local beer. Roast s’mores. Listen to live music from Matt Weldon — all on the wide lawn of the museum’s Randolph location. Sounds like something that will look good in Valencia filter, right? The picturesque event Feb. 4 is hosted by the Mint Museum’s Young Affliates and Founders’ Circle, and tickets are $40 ($30 for museum members). (Increase the price by $5 if you plan to buy the day of the event.) 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte.

(2) Chow down on chili at Sycamore Brewing.

Break out the elastic waistband pants. Sycamore’s chili cook-off features unlimited samples of savory, spicy and generally yummy chili — all washed down with the South End brewery’s craft beers. The cook-off, which starts at noon on Feb. 4, will include winners in categories like “Tongue Burner” and “Most Creative.” And you can feel good about indulging — 100 percent of the proceeds go to local nonprofit Bless Back Worldwide for aiding Hurricane Matthew victims in Haiti. 2161 Hawkins St., Charlotte.

(3) Sip and sample at Winey Grapes.

There are going to be more than 100 different wines to sample at this cozy indoor festival at Slate in South End. (Pro tip: You probably shouldn’t actually sample all of them.) In addition to the wines, which are from around the world, the Feb. 4 afternoon event features live music and local art. And hopefully a ride home on the adjacent light rail. 200 E. Bland St., Charlotte.

(4) Indulge in an all-chocolate cooking class.

Guys, skip the dinner-and-a-movie date night this month. Trust me. Chef Alyssa is hosting her third-annual chocolate workshop Feb. 7. The evening features truffle making as well as lessons on chocolate cake, mousse and chocolate-covered almonds. Bring along a bottle of wine and pat yourself on the back — you just created the dream date night. Atherton Market, 2104 South Blvd., Charlotte.

(5) See the circus at Spectrum Center.

When something has been the self-proclaimed “Greatest Show on Earth” for the last century, it’s probably worth checking out, right? Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus brings its famed act to Uptown’s Spectrum Center today through Feb. 5. There will be acrobats, trapeze acts, wild animals, motorcycle stunts and, for the especially brave, clowns.

(6) Outsmart your friends at Coco and the Director.

Grab a $4 tall boy, a pastry, and snag a soft seat on the second and fourth Thursday night of the month at Uptown’s Coco and the Director. The cozy coffee shop hosts trivia nights Feb. 9 and 23 this month, and the winner scores a sweet $20 Coco and the Director gift card. 100 W. Trade St., Charlotte.

(7) Soak in the scene at Gantt After Dark.

February is Black History Month, and one of the best spots to celebrate that locally is the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture. Spend an evening there on Feb. 16 for the museum’s first Gantt After Dark of 2017. From sipping wine as you paint under the guidance of renowned artist Cathay Dawkins to viewing works from local filmmakers, this is four hours of cultural fun. 551 S. Tryon St., Charlotte.

(8) Catch a competitive game at CIAA.

Sure, it would have been fun to see the NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte this year. But a certain law (cough, HB2, cough), ruined everything made that not happen. Luckily, we’ve still got the annual CIAA Tournament. And even though its celeb-studded parties and events often steal the spotlight, the tournament features five days of exciting college ball from Feb. 21 to Feb. 25.

(9) Take in the tunes of Shovels & Rope.

The Charleston-based, married folk duo of Michael Trent and Cary An Hearst has a big year ahead. This month they’re on tour in Great Britain before hitting stages around the U.S., and wrapping things up when they open for The Avett Brothers at Colorado’s Red Rocks in July. So, you’re going to want to catch the award-winning pair when you can: Feb. 21 at Knight Theater. Tickets start at $20. 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte.

(10) Cozy up fireside at the new Kinship.

Here’s the best way to enjoy Uptown’s Ritz-Carlton’s newest addition, its Kinship lounge: Go on a weekend evening. Snag one of the soft leather seats near its sleek fireplace. Order the Java Affiliation cocktail made with fresh espresso and vanilla vodka, and topped with a Kahlua Baileys foam. Enjoy the sounds of a local jazz band. Tag us on social and say thanks for this amazing advice.

Bonus: Queen City Brewers Festival isn’t included on this list because it’s precariously close to being sold out. If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, it’s time. There are just a few left for the popular local beer fest happening this weekend.

Photos: Will Dickey/The Florida Times-Union via AP; Courtesy of Chef Alyssa; Robert Lahster/Charlotte Observer; Justin Driscoll

This story was originally published February 1, 2017 at 12:00 AM with the headline "10 things you MUST do around Charlotte in February."