February is the shortest month of the year, but it’s jam-packed with activities.
With Black History Month and Valentine’s Day taking place in February, local businesses are planning several family and couples-friendly events throughout metro Atlanta.
Here are 10 events worth attending this month:
‘Too Heavy for Your Pocket’
The Alliance Theatre continues its tradition of celebrating emerging playwrights with the premiere of Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition winner Jiréh Breon Holder’s “Too Heavy for Your Pocket.”
The play tells the story of two young couples in rural Tennessee during the civil rights movement. Bowzie is hoping to attend Fisk University on a scholarship, but when presented with the idea to become a Freedom Fighter, his future becomes uncertain.
“Too Heavy for Your Pocket” will run from Feb. 4-26. On Feb. 10, the theater will host a Q&A with Holder.
7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays (except Feb. 4-5); 7:30 p.m. Sundays (except for Feb. 19). Feb. 4-26. $10 (teens), $20-$42 (general admission). Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. Alliancetheatre.org.
UniverSoul Circus
The parking lot of Turner Field is still in use, even though the Braves have officially played their last game at the venue.
The Gold Lot will host UniverSoul Circus Feb. 8 –March 12, bringing an engaging circus show full of animals, dancing, unique skits and enthusiastic audience engagement to the city.
Times vary. Feb. 8-March 12. $16-$40. Gold Lot at Turner Field, 521 Capitol Ave., Atlanta.
Moonlight
“Moonlight” is up for eight Oscars this month, including “Best Picture.” Alliance Theatre will host a free screening of the movie ahead of the awards ceremony.
The Barry Jenkins-directed film has a few ties to Atlanta, including the fact that singer/actress Janelle Monae has a role in the movie.
The film was inspired by “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue,” a play written by Tarell Alvin McCraney. In 2008, McCraney won the Atlanta-based Alliance/Kendeda Competition.
7:30 p.m Feb. 8. Free (RSVPs recommended). Rich Auditorium at Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. alliancetheatre.org.
Valentines in the Garden
If your Valentine is a fan of flowers, there’s no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Valentines in the Garden will feature live music, specialty cocktails, catered desserts and more.
The event is also the only opportunity to experience the garden’s Orchid Daze at night.
7 p.m.-11p.m. Feb.11. $35 (members), $40 (non members). Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. Atlantabg.org.
Netherworld
Experience one of Atlanta’s most popular haunted attractions with your Valentine this month.
Netherworld will open for one night in February for “Scream in the Dark.” The event will invite attendees to experience the scary haunt in the dark, walking through the attraction with only an LED candle.
Limited tickets are available and are available in 30-minute increments from 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
7 p.m.-10 p.m. (in 30-minute increments). Feb. 11. $25.95. Netherworld, 6624 Dawson Boulevard, Norcross. Fearworld.com.
Valentine’s Concert for R&B Lovers
Kem, Robin Thick and Jeffrey Osborne will participate in the 11th annual “Celebration for Lovers and Friends” at Fox Theatre. Couples and single R&B fans will definitely enjoy this show.
8 p.m. Feb. 11. $60-$150. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta. Foxtheatre.org.
Alvin Ailey
One individual who is certainly worth celebrating during Black History Month is choreographer Alvin Ailey. Ailey’s contributions to modern dance and choreography will be on display when the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs the critically acclaimed “Revelations,” a work that incorporates blues, spirituals and gospel, at the Fox Theater.
8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. Feb. 15-19. $21.50-$86.50. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta. foxtheatre.org.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
The UniverSoul Circus isn’t the only circus worth seeing this month. ”The Greatest Show on Earth” will stop at two local venues before closing permanently in May.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will stop at Philips Arena in Atlanta and Duluth’s Infinite Energy Arena for a series of shows beginning in February.
Times vary. Feb. 15-20. $15-$65. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com.
Times vary. Feb. 23-March 5. $15-$65. Infinite Energy Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, www.InfiniteEnergyCenter.com.
“Exit Strategy”
As a public school in a troubled Chicago neighborhood prepares to close, a group of teachers hope an administrator can change the fate of the high school in “Exit Strategy.”
Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company is putting on the production at the Southwest Arts Center.
Times vary. Feb. 21-March 19. $10-$40. Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. Truecolorstheatre.org.
Orchid Daze
Thousands of orchids will be on display at Atlanta Botanical Garden’s during Orchid Daze.
The exhibit kicks off on Feb. 11.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays through March, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays through April. Feb. 11-April 9. Free (members, children under 3), $15.95 (children 3-12), $21..95 (adults). Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. Atlantabg.org.
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