February 2023 has arrived in the City of London, which means the city is abuzz with Valentine’s Day plans and the hopeful scent of spring around the corner.
You might be tempted to bury yourself in blankets to wait out the rest of the winter, but you’d be missing out on loads of fun things to do in the City of London in February. There’s a massive children’s festival, Status Quo exhibition, artsy activities and more to see and do in the City this month. Get ready to explore.
And if you’re looking for the best date ideas for Valentine’s Day in the square mile, we’ve got you covered there too. Whether you’re comfortably cuffed or still swiping through dating apps, there are loads of fun activities to try.
Southbank Centre Imagine Children’s Festival
The annual Southbank Centre Imagine Children’s Festival is returning to the City for February 2023. Kids aged 11 and younger will enjoy 11 days of fun packed with more than 100 events. Head to Southbank and you’ll find children’s theatre, music, poetry and fun throughout the February half-term. Even better, more than half of the events are completely free. The festival goes from 8 February to 18 February; get ready to bundle up with the kiddos and have some family fun.
Belvedere Road SE1 8XX
southbankcentre.co.uk | Imagine Children’s Festival | Southbank Centre
Status Quo exhibition at Barbican Music Library
An exhibition about one of the biggest UK bands – Status Quo – is rockin’ into the Barbican Music Library. Celebrating Seven Decades of Quo will run from 16 February to 22 May. You’ll get to see the original handwritten lyrics to Caroline and Down Down, which will be displayed for the first time, along with posters, photographs and famous albums. Come on, sweet Caroline – you don’t want to miss this.
Silk Street Barbican EC2Y 8DS
barbican.org.uk | Library | Barbican
Dance Nation at Milton Court Theatre
Looking to see a dance performance that will leave you awed? Dance Nation is about a troupe of pre-teen dancers who are competing in the cut-throat world of dance competition. This Guildhall School production explores youth, ambition and self-discovery. It goes from 13 February to 18 February at Milton Court Theatre, just a hop, skip and jump from The Barbican.
1 Milton Street EC2Y 9BH
barbican.org.uk | Dance Nation | Barbican
Heritage Gallery Exhibition at Guildhall Art Gallery
Looking for an eye-opening and free exhibition in the City of London this February? The Heritage Gallery Exhibition at Guildhall Art Gallery tells the story of Stephen Lawrence, a London teenager who was killed in a racially motivated murder in 1993, and Richard Whittington, a City philanthropist and former Mayor of London. The exhibition is on display at the City of London Corporation’s Heritage Gallery from 20 January until 28 April and is free to enter.
Basinghall Street EC2V 5AE
cityoflondon.gov.uk
See the Evanescent giant bubbles
Looking for a joyful exhibition to see this February in the City of London? Evanescent is a free sound and light installation that can be found in front of the Leadenhall Building. The shimmering inflatable domes are gathered in clusters that reach 7.5m high, meaning you can explore under and around them. They will be on display until 10 February, so be sure to see them before they’re gone.
122 Leadenhall Street EC3V 4AB
FESTIVAL.ORG
Valentine’s Day date ideas
Swinger’s Crazy Golf
Looking for a unique date idea in the City of London this Valentine’s Day? This one’s for the couples who want a little more than a meal out. Swinger’s Crazy Golf combines three of our favourite things: golf, cocktails, and street food. Grab your sweetheart and get ready to show off your golf skills – or at least have a laugh on the green. Fore!
8 Brown’s Buildings EC3A 8A
swingers.club/uk
Drinks and views at City Garden Bar
There are few places quite as beautiful as Sky Garden – London’s highest public garden. Have a stroll around and take in the incredible views, then head to City Garden Bar for cocktails. It’s a guaranteed romantic night out – just be sure to book in advance, since this place fills up fast.
1 Sky Garden Walk EC3M 8AF
skygarden.london
Dinner, drinks and shuffleboard at Burdock
Looking for a fun twist on dinner and drinks this Valentine’s Day 2023? This quirky restaurant and bar serves cocktails, yummy plates and shuffleboard: the perfect table game for couples who like to get competitive. For more alternative dining experiences in the City of London, click here.
22-25 Finsbury Square EC2A 1DX
burdocklondon.com
Flippin’ fantastic Pancake Day fun
The City of London is once again celebrating Shrove Tuesday in style with the legendary Leadenhall Market pancake race. Hosted by the Victorian market’s 18th century pub – The Lamb Tavern – the annual tradition will see teams take to the cobbles for a 20m flipping relay. Teams will be encouraged to don bowler hats as a nod to Leadenhall Market’s iconic City status at this much-loved annual event, which is to be commentated by Market personality Charlie from London City shoeshine, who is back by popular demand. The golden frying pan is up for grabs, spatulas at the ready!
21 February, 1pm
Leadenhall Market
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