Oh hey February! January’s not been a bad month – I finally feel back in the work routine after my Christmas break, and my birthday on the 14th really helped to brighten my January blues! A day when you get not one, but two birthday cakes is always a good day. I like to make plenty of plans for my birthday and this year was no different; I went to my parents’ house on the day for presents but we also had a family meal out at Ambiente tapas bar the following weekend, and tomorrow the boy’s taking me to Shears Yard so we can take advantage of their 50% off food January offer. I can feel the food baby already…

Anyway, enough of my ramblings – let’s take a look at what cool things are going on in Leeds in February!

4th: Leeds Rhinos v Warrington Wolves

I know this is only exciting to a specific slice of the Leeds population, but yay Super League is back! February for me has always meant the start of the rugby league season, the start of Friday nights stood on the terraces wearing 5 layers of clothing and cheering your team on while trying to ignore the fact that you can no longer feel your feet. Good times. I no longer have a season ticket so I wimp out on going to most games until the weather warms up, but this year a couple of spare tickets throw my way mean I’ll be in the South Stand for Rhinos’ opening clash against Warrington.

10th: Dancing Years EP Launch

Dancing Years aren’t one of my all time favourite bands, however for me this gig has a small but satisfying significance. I first came across Dancing Years back in 2012, when I went to see Dry the River and they were supporting. Guess where the gig was? Yep, the Brud. Their set worked really well in the intimate venue, and I still remember them ending by asking everyone to quiet down so they could perform their last song without mics, which was awesome. Back then they had nothing more than a website and a small SoundCloud account, so it’s cool to see them back at Brudenell launching their first EP.

11th: Wong’s Happiness Diner Supper Club

Yeah…so…I’m kinda in love with this supper club menu. I’ve never come across Wong’s Happiness Diner before (correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t think they’ve ever come to Leeds?), but I hear they used to cook up a storm in north London. They pitch their food as ‘Chinese comfort food’, which sounds like an epic combination of two things I already love,and the supper club menu of ribs in peanut chilli oil, Szechuan cumin lamb, crispy tofu and braised aubergine sounds amazing. Throw in a sharing plate culture, some Northern Monk brews and a Chinese cartoon and we’ve got ourselves a winner.

13th: Belgrave Feast

Belgrave Feast is a monthly affair but I like to keep throwing it in every few months because it really is a fantastic event. Every month these guys manage to recruit new and awesome street food vendors to their line-up, and every time the place gets so packed I almost wish less people knew about it. This month’s offering includes Smak! Polish grill, Fat Annie’s hot dogs and Doughnut Guy alongside in-house favourites Dough Boys and Patty Smith’s. Forget candlelit dinners, this is the only plan you need for Valentine’s weekend.

14th: Chinese New Year Festival

It’s Chinese New Year, and in 2016 we’re welcoming the Year of the Monkey! The Leeds Chinese Community Association are running a whole day of activities at Leeds Town Hall, including performances of dance, music, calligraphy, tai chi and kung fu. There will also be stalls offering beauty goods, food and crafts. Leeds City Museum are also hosting some Chinese Lantern Making classes for kids on February 3rd, so head down with the family and get crafty!

Until 21st: The Ice Cube in Millennium Square

Ah, the Leeds A&E Unit’s favourite thing is back for another year! The Ice Cube has become something of a Leeds institution, taking the place of the German Christmas Market in Millennium Square from late January through February. It’s grown over the last few years and now brings with it rides and a snow slide. Fun fact – I slipped and fractured my wrist on this ice rink when I was 14, and have since come to terms with the fact that my total lack of balance or coordination makes me a disaster waiting to happen on ice. Have fun kids, I’ll sit this one out.

26th-27th: Battle of the Burger

Yes, you heard it right – Battle of the Burger is returning to Canal Mills for a second year! I blogged about this event last year and can’t wait to go back to sample 2016’s offerings. Last year’s winner The Fat Hippo will be returning, along with Cow Boys Burgers, Longhorns BBQ, Kerb Edge, Leeds native The Joint, and dessert king The Doughnut Guy. Like last year, entry is free and all vendors are selling their burgers at just £3 each, so it’s totally acceptable to have more than one…

What are your plans for February – I’d love to know!