What’s On in Paris – February 2022

Note that the Pass Sanitaire is still required in most monuments, concerts, and other entertainment venues, and masks are required everywhere indoors. Due to the ongoing Covid pandemic, it’s possible some events may be canceled at the last minute such as concerts or theatre productions, so be sure to confirm before making plans.

February 1-13
The Chinese New Year of the Water Tiger is celebrated over two weeks in several locations throughout Paris, notably in the 13th arrondissement, home to the largest Chinatown in France. While the famous parade has been canceled once again because of Covid, there will be a smaller Dance of the Lions at noon on Sunday the 6th in front of Les Olympiades (45 Ave d’Ivry). Read the article about other ways you can celebrate: Celebrating the Chinese New Year in Paris’ 13th Arrondissement

February 2nd – June 16th
To celebrate the centenary anniversary of the publication of James Joyce’s novel Ulysses by Sylvia Beach, owner of the original Shakespeare & Co Bookstore in Paris, an ensemble of international stars are recording the complete text to be released as a free podcast between February 2nd and Bloomsday on June 16th by Shakespeare & Co, listen here.

February 3
The Chinese New Year edition of Le Food Market, a street food market along Boulevard de Belleville between metro Couronnes and Ménilmontant, featuring 20 Chinese restaurants and tables where you can sit and enjoy your meal (all dishes €10 or less). Open 6-10:30pm. 

February 5-6
The bookstore at La Fab, Agnès b.’s art gallery in the 13th (Place Basquiat, next to the Bibliothèque Mitterrand) is having a large clearance sale of historical art books published by the Galerie du Jour, with benefits going to charity.

February 5 – March 6
Check out the highest skating rink in Paris on top of the Montparnasse Tower. Tickets include skates, 30 minutes on the rink (synthetic rink, not actual ice, ahem), and access to the observatory. Please note that gloves are not provided but are strongly recommended. Tickets €20. Pass vaccinal (or Saintaire for kids) and masks required.

Through February 8
The twice-annual sales (soldes en français) kick off in shops all over France, with clothing and home goods up to 70% off. Even if “everything is cheaper online,” the sales are a great time to support small, independent shops, especially those which are usually a bit out of your price range.

February 9, 16, March 9
Come skiing, sledding, skating, and trying your hand at the biathlon at the AccorHotels Arena (Bercy Stadium), a special 3-day event to celebrate the winter Olympic games currently taking place in China and get Parisians in the mood for the 2024 Olympics taking place here in the City of Light. On the program: initiations, virtual reality experiences, and performances around bobsleigh, skiing, and other ice sports including…curling! “Starting at 5 pm the ice rink will be transformed into a show on ice interspersed with free practice sessions for the general public. The shows will be performed with professional dancers, dedicated costumes, with light effects around the theme of the Winter Games. Several shows spread over the evening will feature acrobats, dancers and freestylers.” Open 10am-9:30pm. Free entry, Pass Vaccinal required.

February 13th
The annual Chinese New Year “Nouvel An Chinois” basketball match between French League teams Paris Basketball and Cholet Basket, tickets €15-25. There will be a dragon dance, an Asian market, and other entertainment to celebrate the holiday. From 5pm at the Halle Georges Carpentier, 81 boulevard Masséna, 13th. You can buy tickets online or at the stadium: https://tinyurl.com/nfswtp8s

February 18-20
The International Players of Paris are performing two one-act comedies, Woodly Allen’s “Central Park West” at Le Quai 3 (3 Quai Voltaire, 78230 Le Pecq, RER A). Opens with “Audience” by Michael Frayn. Shows at 3pm and 8pm, tickets €12-15.

February 19-20
Want to get your hands dirty and help plant a micro-forest in the Parisian suburbs? Join the volunteers at Boomforest this weekend to help plant 1500 seedlings along a stretch of road in Vitry-sur-Seine (5 Impasse Jean Jaurès, 94400; southeast of Paris). The website’s in French, but the organizers speak English (and many other languages for this international group). Tools and gloves provided, just come in clothes that can get dirty! Register for a timeslot here: https://www.boomforest.org/fr/plantations/vitry (if you need info in English, email them info@boomforest.org).

February 19
The Emmaüs Alternatives charity shop is having their Vente au Kilo, selling second-hand clothes and accessories for €1 for 10 kilos, at Le Point Ephémère (200 Quai de Valmy, 10th), from noon-7pm. Pass vaccinal and mask required.

February 22
The American Library in Paris is hosting a special Evenings with an Author event Playing the Parisienne, a conversation between “Emily in Paris” star Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu and Paris author and former Paris bureau chief for The New York Times, Elaine Sciolino. From 7:30pm. This event is both online and in person, reserve your spot in advance.

February 23
Tonight’s “Evenings with an Author” event at the American Library is in Paris is “Les Mariannes Noires” with director Professor Mame-Fatou Niang for Black History Month. From 7:30pm, in person and online. Reserve your space here.

Through February 26
The one-woman show “Oh my God, she’s Parisian” starring Julie Collas is back at the Théâtre Bo St Martin (19 blvd St Martin, 3rd) every Saturday through February 26th. For more info and tickets: https://www.julie-collas.com/

February 27
The 24th annual Carnaval de Paris, aka the Promenade du Boeuf Gras takes place today with the theme, “The World of Antiquity.” The parade starts at the Place Gambetta in the 20th at 2pm and weaves its way to the Place de la République for the grand finale through 8pm.

Every Weekend through March 6
The Cité Fertile, a “Third Space” in the Parisian suburb of Pantin, transforms into La Cité des Merveilles every weekend through March at their massive space dedicated to sustainable living. On the program of this fun fair are sweet and savory street-food stands, different eco-responsible Christmas markets every weekend in December (see the schedule here), live music, a labyrinth, games and attractions for young and old, and a magical atmosphere where tree-huggers have a good time! Free entry (tickets for the flying chairs ride sold separately), open Sat noon-1am and Sun until 8pm. Exceptionally open Friday Dec 10th 6pm-1am and open daily February 19th-March 6th.