After a slightly sleepy January, Bordeaux is waking up to a stream of fun events taking place in February. We have the Spa Salon, a dance festival, a kids’ festival, shopping, concerts and more.
I know that it’s the middle of the winter, but last year we had a week in February when the temperatures went up to 25°C, so in case it happens again here’s an article about the best beaches around Bordeaux.
If you missed it on the Lost in Bordeaux Facebook page, last month I opened a group called Travel in the Southwest of France where me and other people living and traveling in the region share their recommendations and beautiful photos – it’s a super fun group so you should join and invite your friends of course 🙂
Here’s the list of things to do in Bordeaux in February 2020!
Hors Piste – ski in the city
Hors Piste is a cool winter event in Darwin where they transform one of the Hangars into a ski station with fun free activities. The event will take place on February 1st. For more details and the full program click here.
When: February 1 / Where: 87 quai des Queyries, 33100 Bordeaux
Last days of winter Sales
Soldes d’hiver are several weeks in the winter during which you can find really good deals on clothes, shoes, electric supplies, toys and more. Les soldes d’hiver will take place until February 4 so you still have a few days to shop in February.
Disney on ice
One of the most popular events for kids in Bordeaux is happening again! All the popular Disney characters reunite for an ice skating spectacle. Disney Sur Glace includes three shows during this weekend (February 7-9) at the Arkea Arena. For tickets and more details click here.
When: February 7-9 / Where: 48-50 Avenue Jean Alfonséa, 33270 Floirac
Salon Spa
A spa salon with representatives from 70 establishments will take place on February 7-8 in Hangar 14. The program includes different conferences on health and thermal medicine. For the full program click here.
When: February 7-8 / Where: Hangar 14, Quai des Chartrons, 33000 Bordeaux
Braderie d’Hiver
Every winter the main streets of Bordeaux are getting filled with stands of clothes, shoes, toys, house supplies and more – this is the Bordeaux winter Braderie. If you’re in town for winter sales take the opportunity to check out the stands of more than 250 merchants on rue Porte Dijeaux, rue Sainte Catherine and rue des Trois Conils. The Braderie will take place on February 6-8.
When: February 6-8 / Where: Center of Bordeaux: rue Porte Dijeaux, rue Sainte Catherine and rue des Trois Conils
Jumping International de Bordeaux
Jumping International de Bordeaux is a big riding equestrian event that includes competitions, spectacles and a fun fair. The event will take place on February 6-9 in Parc des Expositions de Bordeaux. More than 250 exhibitors will present their horses at the event which will include activities such as: Jumping world cup, amateurs competition, Equine Health Forum, a show of Iberian horses and more. For more details click here.
When: February 6-9 / Where: Cours Jules Ladoumegue, 33300 Bordeaux
Villenave Trail Urbain
Villenave Trail Urbain is a sportive weekend taking place in Villenave d’Ornon on February 8-9. The weekend includes four different running/ hiking trails in the landscape of Villenave d’Ornon, starting with a Nordic night walking trail on February 8 and three other trails ranging from 5 to 21km. On February 9, there will also be two hiking trails tracks for kids: the Cross du CAV for kids from 11 to 14 years old and the Pouss’cross for ages 6 to 10. The tracks will start from Espace D’Ornon and will go through several chateaux in the area. You can see all the details and the inscription forms here.
When: February 8-9 / Where: 147, route de Léognan 33140 Villenave d’ornon, 33140 Villenave-d’Ornon
Green Market au Château des Tours, Bouscat
A green market will take place on February 9 in Château des Tours in le Bouscat. The market will host local producers of organic fruit and vegetables, patisserie, natural cosmetics and more. Check out the full list of merchants here. The entry is free.
When: February 9, from 10:30 / Where: 246 Avenue de la Libération Charles de Gaulle, 33110 Le Bouscat
Festival Pouce Bordeaux
Pouce is the annual kids’ dance festival taking place around Bordeaux metropole. During the festival, many dance shows will take place in Bordeaux, Pessac, Floirac, Bruges and other towns around the metropole. This year the festival will take place on February 11-21. The program also includes a dance workshop for parents and kids on January 26. Check out the full program here.
When: February 11-21 / Where: different locations around Bordeaux (check out the program)
One Night of Queen – Tribute
If you enjoy tribute concerts you may really like this one. Garry Mullen and The Works will pay tribute to Freddy Mercury and Queen at a special concert in Arkea Arena that will take place on February 12. For tickets and more details click here.
When: February 12 / Where: 48-50 Avenue Jean Alfonséa, 33270 Floirac
Lara Fabian in Bordeaux
Lara Fabian will take the stage of the Arkea Arena on February 13. For the tickets click here.
When: February 13 / Where: 48-50 Avenue Jean Alfonséa, 33270 Floirac
Game In Jeux Vidéo
Union Saint Jean invites you to a weekend dedicated to video games on February 15-16. This year the event has a “games from the 80s” theme. The program for kids includes a family space with kids makeup, paper toys, arcade games, big puzzles and more. The adults can enjoy a game museum, board games and more. Check out the long program on the facebook page of the event.
When: February 15-16 / Where: 97 Rue Malbec, 33800 Bordeaux
Chocolate Festival in Jardin Botanique
This tasty chocolate fair, organized by Fédération Autonome des Métiers Gourmands, is taking place at the Jardin Botanique on February 14-16. This year the theme is “Fruit time” and you’ll discover the beautiful sculptures made by the chocolatiers for the national chocolate competition of Bordeaux. Some of the best Bordeaux chocolatiers will present and sell their works at the fair. For the full program click here.
When: February 14-16 / Where: Jardin Botanique Bordeaux-Bastide, Esplanade Linné, 33100 Bordeaux
Ratatam – kids festival
The fourth edition of the Ratatam kids festival will take place at the Entrepôt du Haillan on February 18-23. The program includes concerts, animated movies, a painting contest, video games, meetings with cartoonists, a comics workshop and more. Check out the full program here.
When: February 18-23 / Where: Entrepôt du Haillan, Rue Georges Clemenceau, 33185 Le Haillan
Fête des Bœufs Gras
Bazas in the Southern part of Gironde is a beautiful town that attracts many people with its weekly market. But what Bazas is mostly known for is its Beef. Since 1283, on the Thursday before Mardi Gras, the city of Bazas hosts the famous “Fête des Bœufs Gras” that celebrates the Bazas Beef. An Oxen parade takes place on the central streets of the town with the Oxen judged by a jury of experts. The day ends with a banquet where you can taste the famous meat. The event will take place on February 20.
When: February 20 / Where: Place de la Cathédrale, Bazas, Gironde
Tour of Bazas and Local Foods Tasting
if you’re planning to go to Bazas for Fête des Bœufs Gras you have to read this one! This year two amazing English speaking guides Anne JORDAN and Simona PALENGA of Aquitaine Travel Guide will take for a two hours tour in Bazas. They will take you for a walk around the village of Bazas and show you the highlights of this UNESCO gem. You will discuss the history and importance of the Bazadais cattle and Boeuf Gras and finish with a tasting of local wine and foods, from foie gras to Bazadais saucisson. Tours offered Wednesday, February 19th at 3pm and Thursday, February 20th at 930am and 1030am. Meeting Point : Le Hotel Rodin / 3 Rue Charles de Gaulle Price is 10 EURO pp (cash only, kids under 10 free).
For all the details and reservation click here.
Cirque du Soleil – Corteo
The amazing Cirque du Soleil is coming back to Bordeaux once again with its new spectacle Corteo. Three shows will be performed on February 21-23 at the Arkea Arena. For tickets and more info about the show click here.
When: February 21-23 / Where: 48-50 Avenue Jean Alfonséa, 33270 Floirac
Black History Month in Bordeaux
The third edition of the Black History Month in Bordeaux is taking place from January 9 to February 18. It is a month of reflection on the dark history of slavery that Bordeaux was part of as well as a celebration of black culture in France and around the world. The program of the Black History month includes conferences, music concerts, exhibitions and more. This time the main two themes are the one hundred years mark to the sinking of the “French Titanic” with 192 Senegalese workers onboard and the role Boxing played in the Black liberation. For more info and the full program click here.
Foire aux Plaisirs
This is the spring edition of the traditional Bordelaise Fair that is taking place at Place des Quinconces from February 21 to March 23. It’s a perfect activity for kids and for those who are young in spirit as La Foire aux Plaisirs de Bordeaux has it all: a big wheel, roller coasters, ghost trains, bumper cars, donuts, crèpes, barbes à papa and more. The fair is open daily from 14:00, you are not required to pay any entry fee, only for some of the attractions. See more info about the fair here.
When: February 21 to March 23 / Where: Place des Quinconces , 33000 Bordeaux
Truffles market in Saint Emilion
Truffles are one of the most identified products of the Southwest of France. Usually, Dordogne is the one to take most of the credit when it comes to truffle markets, but Gironde is giving a fight. Every Saturday morning in February a truffles farmers market will take place at Logis de Malet in Saint Emilion. See more info here.
Check out my article about what to do and see in Saint Emilion if you decide to go.
When: February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 / Where: rue des anciennes écoles, in front of la maison du vin), Saint-Émilion
Plenty of concerts at the IBOAT
If you’re looking for a cool music venue in Bordeaux, Iboat is your place. Tens of concerts are planned to take place in this chic boat in Bassin a Flot. For the full program click here.
When: February / Where: Bassin à Flot n°1, Cours Henri Brunet, 33300 Bordeaux
Carnaval de Bayonne
If you’re in a mood for traveling a bit in February, Bayonne is a good option as on February 22 the city will celebrate its annual carnival. This is a very traditional Basque festival with music and beautiful costumes. The program of the Carnaval has not been updated yet, I will update it here once it goes online.
When: February 22 / Where: Ville de Bayonne
Escape the rain
If it’s cold and raining and you’re not in a mood for an event, you can always choose one of the cool places on my list of things to do when it’s raining in Bordeaux.
Discover the foodie streets of Bordeaux
Staying in foodie mood, you can also explore some of the foodie streets in Bordeaux. These are the places where you can find the best bakeries, coffee shops, cheese shops and more. They are not always on the tourist trail and not always easy to find and that’s why I decided to write an article about the foodie streets of Bordeaux.
Go to one of Bordeaux’s museums
Last but not least, if it’s too cold outside, going to a museum is always a good idea! Bordeaux has a great variety of museums, from street art to science and history, just choose one from my list of museums in Bordeaux.
Finally, if you are looking for a fun and delicious activity in Bordeaux, check out my food tours in which I’ll take you through a three hours journey in the culinary scene of the Southwest of France.
Is it your first time in Bordeaux? If it is you should definitely check out my ultimate guide to Bordeaux to get familiar with all the must-see places in the city. To help you choose a hotel I’ve gathered a list of the best hotels in the center of Bordeaux as well as a guide to the districts of Bordeaux to help you find your preferred AirBnB location.
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