The month of February screams Valentine’s Day. Those of us who have a valentine, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a significant other, or even a ‘possible’ valentine, are excited and await this day to express their love. The month of February is filled with flowers, chocolates, stuffed animals, and overly expensive dinners and gifts for these love birds. But what about those of us who are lonely in this freezing cold month of winter? Well don’t you worry. Here is a list of 11 things happening in Toronto that are not Valentine’s Day.

1. (FREE) TORONTO LIGHT FEST (Jan 27 – Mar 10)

In the cold winter, you can go an enjoy North Americas biggest outdoor lighting event happening at the Distillery Historic District.

2. EVERGREEN WINTER VILLLAGE (Dec 10 – Feb 28)

Eat, shop and play at Evergreen Brickworks this winter. You get to eat food from 15 different internationally inspired vendors, sit around a fire, ice skate, and more!

3. (FREE) WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR (Nov 15 – Mar 19)

More than 100 photos from the prestigious nature photography competition. Taking place at the ROM, so if you are a student, you enter for free on Tuesdays between 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM.

4. CASA LOMA TRANSFORMED INTO BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Feb 17 – Feb 20)

Attendees will have the opportunity to view nine costumes worn in the film, as well as participate in interactive exhibits, view performances and more. General Tickets are $25.

5. JOHN, A PLAY (Jan 29 – Feb 19)

In JOHN, Baker introduces a cheerful innkeeper, a young couple struggling to stay together. Baker’s hyperrealism bleeds into the eerily supernatural in this quiet tale where
actors and audiences alike delve into ideas of self, mortality, and the solitude of human experience. Single Tickets are $20 – $47.

6. AMY SCHUMER LIVE (Feb 16)

In the lonely month of February(#singlelife), bring your friends for a good laugh as this comedian hits the stage. Tickets start at $39.

7. (FREE) TIFF NEXT WAVE FILM FESTIVAL (Feb 17 – Feb 19)

The 6th annual film festival for film lovers. Free movie screenings for anyone under 25, film challenges, battle of the scores and more!

8. 5TH ANNUAL TORONTO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL (Feb 15 – Feb 19)

The Toronto Black Film Festival is dedicated to celebrating the very films dealing with the varied experiences of black people from diverse communities. Tickets from $10-$20.

9. (FREE) 1 LOVE T.O. 1OTH ANNIVERSARY PARTY (Feb 18)

The final free skating party of 2017 is a biggie because it’s also a celebration of 1 Love T.O.’s 10th anniversary. Skate to music DJs Dlux and Yuknodis, alongside host Mr. 1 LOVE T.O. himself – Tyrone Tyrone ‘T-rex’ Edwards.

10. THE ARTIST PROJECT (Feb 23 – Feb 26)

Annual art fair with works by more than 250 contemporary artists. Adult admission $15 at the door, $14 online.

11. WAVELENGTH MUSIC FESTIVAL (Feb 17 – Feb 19)

Lots and lots of music, and no sleep for the entire weekend! 19+, tickets are $3 RSVP, or $10 regular.

Image courtesy of Sabine Osmann-Deyman.