There’s more to February than burrowing beneath blankets in an advance stage of human hibernation. And as for football, what does the Super Bowl even matter when you realize the Bills aren’t even in it?
Fortunately, several uniquely Finger Lakes events will prompt you to get out and about.
Here are six suggestions.
1. Indulge your curiosity in West Bloomfield
In the spirit of the historic Chautauquas who celebrated learning, culture, and lively exchanges of ideas, the West Bloomfield Congregational United Church of Christ will host a Day of Curiosity on Feb. 7. The event will feature a full day of expert-led presentations and interactive workshops on a wide-ranging and eclectic mix of topics. Cryptocurrency? Yep, that’s covered. Nutrition? That too, as is tree grafting and more. A suggested donation of $20 and a nonperishable food item for the church’s HOPE Food Pantry are requested. Day-of registration will be available as space allows. For more information and to register, visit the church’s website at wbccucc.org.
2. Murder and mystery in Canandaigua
The Hotel Canandaigua will host a Valentine’s Day weekend of murder mystery from Feb. 13-15. Each guest will be able to participate in a whodunit, and Nolan’s Catering has curated a delectable menu to satisfy all murder-mystery-weekenders. The weekend includes two nights of accommodations, a three-day interactive murder mystery adventure, and food and drink, including wrap-up Sunday breakfast buffet. For details, visit https://www.murdermystery.com/weekend-events/hotel-canandaigua-ny. Hotel Canandaigua, Tapestry by Hilton is at 205 Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua.
3. Send lots of Valentine’s love to Valentown
Acquilano Wine Cellars is hosting the Victor Farmington Rotary Club’s Victorian-themed Valentine’s Day fundraiser. Proceeds from the event scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 14 will help out the Historic Valentown Museum, which is a 19th-century building near Eastview Mall. Visitors will enjoy an afternoon of music, sweets and wine. Tickets are $20 per person at the door; a ticket includes a complimentary glass of wine and chocolates. Acquilano Wine Cellars is at 143 S. Main St., Canandaigua.
4. Take a genealogical trip in time
As part of its programming in celebration of America 250th anniversary, the Ontario County Historical Society will host a beginner’s genealogy workshop in partnership with the Canandaigua Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution. The workshop, which will be 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 21, will orient participants to online resources, as well as resources at the Historical Society, 55 N. Main St., Canandaigua. Trained genealogists from the Canandaigua Chapter, NSDAR Inc., will work one-on-one with workshop participants to get them started on their journey of discovery. Full program details can be found at www.OCHS.org. Registration is required for this program by calling 585-394-4975 to register.
5. Fire and ice are nice at Canandaigua Fire & Ice Festival
Canandaigua’s popular celebration of the winter season returns for a 10th year. The Downtown Canandaigua Fire & Ice Festival will be held Feb. 21 and 22. If past years are any indication, visitors will be treated to all sorts of fire and ice events, such as fire shows and ice sculpture carving contests, food and drink experiences, shopper deals and other activities. Details will be coming soon. This two-day event is ranked as one of the best winter festivals in the world by Forbes.
6. Geneva gets into the winter spirit
Geneva also embraces the snow and cold with Geneva Winterfest, a two-week celebration running from Feb. 6 to Feb. 22. The event is designed to transform downtown and the greater Geneva community into a vibrant winter destination and includes the Winterfest Carnival, which is scheduled for Feb. 21. The festival’s new anchor event will includes family winter activities, including crafts and games, food and drink experiences and more. For more details, a schedule of events and more, check out the Geneva Business Improvement District website at www.genevadowntown.com/winterfest-2026.
7. Learn to make maple syrup
Do you have a maple tree in your yard, but have no idea how to tap into its full potential? Learn how to make sweet golden amber maple syrup with Russ Welser, senior resource education with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County, during a workshop planned for 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 28 at the center headquarters, 480 N. Main St., Canandaigua. The cost per family is $10, and advance registration is requested by Feb. 20. To register, contact Nancy at 585-394-3977, ext.427, or email nea8@cornell.edu.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 7 Finger Lakes events to get you out of hibernation this February
Reporting by Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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