Whether you like feasting on beer and cod, chatting with Al Gore, or lighting up the night on Fat Tuesday, there’s a lot to enjoy in St. Louis this month. Here’s a list of the top 10 February events from the SLM calendar, in chronological order:
February 1–April 8: “Joy in People”
Turner Prize–winning contemporary artist Jeremy Deller is known for staging historical reenactments and parades. But “Joy in People” brings his live art indoors via photographs, films, and artifacts. $5, $3 seniors, free kids and students. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Wed, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Thu & Fri, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat & Sun. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington, 314-535-4660, contemporarystl.org.
February 2: Lady Gaga
Whether she’s continuing to feud with Madonna or wearing a meat dress, pop singer Lady Gaga finds ways to keep both fans and detractors talking. $49.50–$175. 7:30 p.m. Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark, 314-622-5435, scottradecenter.com.
February 3: Wiener Dog Derby
Wiener dogs (OK, technically dachshunds) race for prizes in the Wiener Dog Derby. Free to observe, $10 for a dog to compete. 2 p.m. Soulard Market Park, Ninth Street and Lafayette Avenue, 314-771-5110, mardigrasinc.com.
February 9: Al Gore
Former vice president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore discusses his new book, The Future: Six Drivers of Global Climate Change. $35–$50. 7 p.m. St. Louis County Library’s Headquarters Branch, 1640 S. Lindbergh, 314-994-3300, slcl.org.
February 12: Light Up the Night Fat Tuesday Parade
Get in the last bit of revelry before Lent at the Light up the Night Fat Tuesday Parade on Washington Avenue. The region’s only nighttime parade promises a stream of beer and beads. Free. 7 p.m. Parade starts at Washington Avenue and Broadway, 314-771-5100, mardigrasinc.com.
February 15 & 16: Cod & Cask Festival
All weekend long at the Cod & Cask Festival, revelers can enjoy live music and a feast of beer-battered Icelandic cod, chips (in the British sense), and cask-conditioned ale. Free. 5 p.m.–midnight Fri, 11 a.m.–midnight Sat. Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust, 314-241-2337, schlafly.com/tap-room.
February 19–March 3: The Book of Mormon
From the creators of South Park and Avenue Q, The Book of Mormon is a comedic musical about two naïve Mormon missionaries seeking converts in war-torn Uganda. $39–$100. 8 p.m. Tue–Sat, 2 p.m. Sat, 1 & 6:30 p.m. Sun. Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand, 314-534-1111, fabulousfox.com.
February 26: The Points 20th Birthday Show
To celebrate its big milestone, rock station 105.7 FM KPNT-FM hosts The Point’s 20th Birthday Show featuring Passion Pit, the band behind songs like “Take a Walk” and “Carried Away.” With Matt and Kim. $25–$35. 7:30 p.m. Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market, 800-745-3000, peabodyoperahouse.com.
February 27–March 2: Kurt Elling
The New York Times called Grammy Award–winning vocalist Kurt Elling “a jazz singer of nimble instinct and literary flair.” With a baritone that spans four octaves, Elling brings a superb command of rhythm and phrasing to the stage in his performances for Jazz St. Louis. $15–$37. 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington, 314-289-4030, jazzstl.org.
February 28: Paco Peña: Flamenco Vivo!
Learn about the traditional dance and music of Spain’s Andalusia region in Paco Peña: Flamenco Vivo! The show is presented by the St. Louis Classical Guitar Society. $20–$44. 7:30 p.m. Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, University of Missouri–St. Louis, 1 University, 314-516-4949, touhill.org.
By Rosalind Early and Nancy McMullen
