Valentine's Day is just one of many things going on in Austin in February 2011. Cultural celebrations abound in the second month of the year.
Carnaval Brasileiro
Courtesy of Carnaval Brasileiro
Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road
When: 8 p.m-1:30 a.m., Feb. 5
What: The event -- the city's annual Brazilian-style Mardi Gras celebration -- includes performances by Beleza Brazil (formerly Grupo Saveiro) and Austin's own Academicos da Opera. It's an all-ages samba party, and costumes -- the crazier the better -- are encouraged. Tickets $35 in advance, $40 at the door.
Chinatown New Year
Where: Chinatown Center, 10901 N. Lamar Blvd.
When: Festivities begin at 11 a.m., Feb. 6
What: Austin's Asian American community will ring in the year of the golden rabbit with traditional fire crackers at the pagoda, followed by performances by dragon and lion dance team troupes.
Austin Marathon and Half Marathon
Where: Starting line is at 16th Street and Congress Avenue; finish line is at 10th Street and Congress Avenue
When: 7 a.m., Feb. 20
What: The route will take runners through some of Austin's most scenic and historic areas, including Lady Bird Lake, the Allandale and Hyde Park neighborhoods, the University of Texas campus and the state Capitol complex.
Jugglefest
Where: Belmont Hall (Rooms 528 and 302) and Jester Auditorium, University of Texas campus; Davis Auditorium, Texas School for the Deaf
When: Feb. 25-27
What: The festival, now in its 18th year, is hosted by the Texas Juggling Society and will include hours of workshops games and special performances. $15 for three-day admission; $5 for public show.
African American Community Heritage Festival
Where: Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon St.
When: 1-5 p.m., Feb. 26
What: The festival, which celebrates the contributions and achievements of African Americans, is part of the Black History Month festivities in East Austin. The event will feature live music, slam poetry, dance, local crafts, artists, games and activities for children, food and living history exhibits and a health fair.
Art Night Austin
Where: Various venues
When: Feb. 26
What: Get a preview of the artists and partners collaborating in spring 2011 at Austin's premier galleries, museums and temporary art spaces. Each space is paired with complimentary chef-prepared bites (from Kenich, La Condesa, Parkside, Frank and Cain's Fine Catering), wines and music. Tickets $75.
Green Garden Festival
Courtesy of the City of Austin
Where: Zilker Botanic Gardens, 2220 Barton Springs Road
When: Noon-4 p.m., Feb. 27 (rain or shine)
What: Representatives from seven city departments and area gardening groups will answer questions to teach residents how to get beautiful landscaping while conserving water and energy and recycling waste. The event will include demonstrations on how to compost, build a rain barrel or a rain garden, rebate information, fertilizer/pest control tips and which plants will thrive in Austin.