February

THURSDAY 1

[talks & lectures, lunch]

First Thursday: Bob Lynn: Political Musing for 2024 

The long-time union leader will discuss the political landscape of 2024. Includes a light lunch. Cash or check. $15. Noon. Monroe Street United Methodist Church, 3613 Monroe St. @Firstthursdaytoledo

FRIDAY 2

[automotive, trade shows & expos]

Greater Toledo Auto Show

Consumers and car enthusiasts can see new vehicles and interact with the latest interactive technologies at the 2023 Greater Toledo Auto Show presented by the Toledo Automobile Dealers Association. $6-$8. Noon to 9pm. Also on Saturday, Feb. 3, 10am-9pm, and Sunday, Feb. 4, 10am-5pm. Glass City Center, 401 Jefferson Ave. toledoautoshow.org

[museums, crafts]

Free First Fridays & Make and Take Craft Day 

Grab a Valentine’s Day themed take home craft at the Wood County Museum’s Free First Fridays. 10am-4pm. Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. woodcountyhistory.org. Free

SATURDAY 3

[parks & gardens]

Behind the Scenes at Stranleigh

A unique opportunity to see all four floors of the Manor House and discover what life was like on the Stranahan Estate. $15. 9am-noon. Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. metroparkstoledo.com

[travel, talks & lectures]

Maumee Valley Adventurers Travel Circle

Local presenters Cara Douglas & Anthony DiVitto will present Our Fantastic National Parks – Zion, Bryce, Yellowstone and Glacier. 1-3pm. Oak Openings Metropark, 4139 Girdham Rd., Swanton. metroparkstoledo.com

[live music, fundraisers]

Phil Barone and The Cruisers – Jim Morrison Tribute Concert 

In a stellar collaboration and Jim Morrison tribute concert, Phil Barone and The Cruisers are joining forces once again. All proceeds from this year’s concert will benefit the local non-profit Dyslexia Education Center. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. $25-$35. 7-10:30pm. Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St., Maumee. 

SUNDAY 4

[breakfast, farms]

Farm Breakfast (Off the Farm) 

Enjoy a breakfast of buckwheat pancakes with maple syrup, bacon, eggs and other treats raised or grown on the Carter Historic Farm. First come, first served. 10am-noon. Otsego Park, 20000 W. River Rd., Bowling Green. wcparks.org. Free

[tea, fundraisers]

Valentine Tea 

The Toledo Swiss Singers, one of the area’s oldest singing groups, will host a traditional high tea. The event will also feature renowned jazz pianist Gene Parker. Ticketed. $20-$30. 3pm-5pm. The Chalet at Oak Shade Grove, 3524 Seaman Rd., Oregon. toledoswiss.simpletix.com

MONDAY 5

[nature & wildlife]

Nature Journaling with Metroparks Toledo 

Whether you draw, doodle, write or just spend time in nature, journaling takes your hobbies and interests to a higher level. 7-8pm. West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 Sylvania Ave. toledolibrary.org. Free

TUESDAY 6

[book clubs]

Wine & Words | Beer & Books 

A book club where you can share a drink with the author. The February meeting will discuss Met the End, a true-crime survival memoir by author Holly Brians Ragusa. Hosted by Gathering Volumes. 6:30pm. Six Fifths Distilling, 120 W. South Boundary St., Perrysburg. gatheringvolumes.com

THURSDAY 8

[talks & lectures, nature & wildlife] 

Base Camp Stories: The Faces in the National Parks, Jodi Harrington 

Join explorer Jodi Harrington as she shares stories of her adventures in our National Parks. 7-8:30pm. W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Rd., Perrysburg. wcparks.org. Free

FRIDAY 9

[flora]

Toledo Zoo Orchid Show

Discover the vivid colors, delightful scents and fascinating backstories of rare and exotic orchid species. It is included with Zoo admission. Open 10am-4pm, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting Friday, Feb. 9. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org

[crafts]

Plant Some Love 

Learn how to make a plant-able Valentine with recycled paper at this DIY-style program. Register online. $10. 5:30-7:30pm. Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. metroparkstoledo.com

SATURDAY 10

[history]

The Toledo War 

There has been a rivalry between Michigan and Ohio for two centuries. Discover the origins of the feud and who the real loser was (spoiler: Wisconsin). $3. 10am-11am. Fallen Timbers Battlefield, 4949 N Jerome Rd., Maumee. metroparkstoledo.com

[dinner, theater]

Opening Night – The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show

Solve a hilarious mystery while you feast on a fantastic dinner. Actors are hidden in the audience resulting in a fun, social and interactive evening. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. $59.95. 6pm-9pm. Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel, 444 N. Summit St. 

SUNDAY 11

[tea]

Galentine’s Day Tea Party

Visit the Dollop Shop’s cozy dessert parlor for tea. Reservations include tea and a platter of sweet and savory pastries and finger sandwiches. Cocktails and other café beverages will be available for purchase. $35. 1-5pm. Dollop Shop, 3144 Markway Rd. dollopshoptoledo.com

MONDAY 12

[astronomy]

Preparing for the Solar Eclipse

Learn how Lucas County is prepared for the solar eclipse in April with the Lucas County Emergency Management Agency. 6-7pm. Holland Branch Library, 1032 S. McCord Rd, Holland. toledolibrary.org. Free

TUESDAY 13

[caregiving]

Virtual-Caregiver Education- “Benefits of Journaling for Self-Care”

Presenter Christina Murray, LISW-S, General Caregiver Support Program Coordinator at VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. Teleconference or video conference. To RSVP and obtain access instructions please email or call Jennifer Forshey, LSW, jforshey@areaofficeonaging.com or (419) 725-6983 or Tracie Fountain, BSN, RN, tfountain@areaofficeonaging.com or (419) 725-6984. 12:45pm-2:15pm. 

THURSDAY 15

[papercrafts]

Creative Card Making

Create five beautiful cards while learning the best stamping techniques, how to apply card-based adhesives and fun ways to use various card-making tools. $30. 6pm-8:30pm. The 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. 577foundation.org

FRIDAY 16

[talks & lectures]

Do You Really Know Who (Or What) Is Behind the Curtain?

What do you know about the candidates and issues for which you vote? Learn what you can do to make sure you don’t fall prey to misinformation before you cast that ballot. 10am-11am. Lourdes University, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. lourdes.edu/academics/lifelong-learning-program

[opera]

Romeo & Juliet 

The world’s most celebrated love story finds new dimension in Charles Gounod’s classic retelling of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. $39-129. 7:30pm. Also on Sunday, Feb. 18 at 2pm. The Valentine Theatre, 410 N. Superior St. toledoopera.org

SATURDAY 17

[reading, parks & gardens]

Reading Retreat with the Way Library

Join this unique retreat for readers held at W.W. Knight Preserve. There will be opportunities to swap books, journal in nature, do puzzles or spend your free time reading. Register online. 10am-2pm. W.W. Knight Preserve, 29530 White Rd., Perrysburg. waylibrary.info. Free

[astronomy]

Star Struck: Solar Eclipse Preview

Get ready for the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024. Amateur astronomer Jim Gasser will present the history, lore and science of solar eclipses. 7-830pm. Whitehouse Community Library, 10651 Waterville St., Whitehouse. metroparkstoledo.com

SUNDAY 18

[tea, crafts]

Tea & Crafts 

Enjoy a cup of tea and learn a new craft inspired by the skills of yesteryear. Included with general admission. 2-4pm. Fort Meigs, 29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg. fortmeigs.org

[parks & gardens]

Behind the Scenes at Stranleigh

A unique opportunity to see all four floors of the Manor House and discover what life was like on the Stranahan Estate. $15. 5-8pm. Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. metroparkstoledo.com

TUESDAY 20

[cooking classes]

Foraged & Seasonal Cooking: Winter Soup & More

In this class, dive into the world of making a hearty chicken soup with greens and root vegetables using the magic of an Instant Pot. $32. 6-7:30pm. 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. 577foundation.org

WEDNESDAY 21

[birdwatching]

Coffee with the Birds

Enjoy a birding stroll with coffee. Register online. 8:30am. W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Rd., Perrysburg. wcparks.org

THURSDAY 22

[musical]

The Barricade Boys 

Premier. Stars from London’s West End production of Les Misérables, The Barricade Boys will captivate with show tunes and musical selections from eras past and present. $49-$79. 7:30pm. The Valentine Theatre, 410 N. Superior St. valentinetheatre.com

SATURDAY 24

[performing arts]

Not Your Average Ensemble: A Night of Black Voices 

Stone Productions and the Collingwood Arts Center present a cabaret-style fundraising event featuring showstopping selections from musicals representing Black culture. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. $15. 7pm. Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd.

SUNDAY 25

[coffee, zoos]

Slow Brew 

Sample and celebrate all things coffee at Toledo Zoo! Ticket includes live animal demos, a collectible coffee mug, Orchid Show admission, Zoo admission, parking and more. $18-$30. 9am-1pm. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org

TUESDAY 27

[caregiving]

Virtual- Caregiver Educational Series- Behaviors: What is the Person with Dementia Trying to Communicate?

Presenter is Cheryl Conley, MA, LSW, Social Services Director, MemoryLane Care Services. Teleconference or Video-Conference. To RSVP and obtain access instructions please email or call Jennifer Forshey, LSW: jforshey@areaofficeonaging.com or (419) 725-6983 or Tracie Fountain, BSN, RN: tfountain@areaofficeonaging.com or (419) 725-6984. 6:15-7:45pm.

MARCH

FRIDAY 1

[craft]

Free First Fridays & Make and Take Craft Day 

Grab a take-home craft at the Wood County Museum’s Free First Fridays. 10am-4pm. Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. woodcountyhistory.org. Free

SATURDAY 2

[wine]

Glass City Wine Festival

Sample the best wine the region has to offer. The Skip Turner Band performs live. Ticketed. $25. 1pm. Glass City Center, 401 Jefferson Ave. glasscitywinefestival.com

THURSDAY 7

[theater]

Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue

One last hurrah for Miami’s sassiest seniors. Enjoy the heartfelt hilarity of four ladies whose friendship never ended. $39-$64. 6:30pm. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. stranahantheater.com

FRIDAY 8

[support groups]

Kinship – “Let’s Talk Support Group”

A support group for grandparents, family relatives or close family friends raising children. Connect with other kinship caregivers going through a similar experience. Call the Kinship Navigator Program to register at (419) 382-0624 ext. 1175. 11:30am-12:30pm. Sylvania Senior Center, 7140 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania. areaofficeonaging.com

FRIDAY 15

[talks & lectures]

Beyond TV Shows: The Practicality of Forensic Methods

Dive into the world of forensic science and learn how its specialized disciplines are applied to actual cases. 10-11am. Lourdes University, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. lourdes.edu/academics/lifelong-learning-program. Free

SATURDAY 16

[dinner, theater]

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show

Solve a hilarious mystery while you feast on a fantastic dinner. $59.95. 6-9pm. Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel, 444 N. Summit St. thedinnerdetective.com

SUNDAY 17

[choral]

St. Patrick’s Day Presented by whateverandeveramen.

Join whateverandeveramen. on St. Patrick’s Day for some Irish melodies, traditional drinking songs and some delicious (not green) craft beer. $20. 6-9pm. Earnest Brew Works Downtown, 25 S St Clair St. whateverchoir.org

WEDNESDAY 20

[book clubs]

Art Book Club: Tiffany Girls

Join fellow art and book lovers for a fictionalized look at the interesting early history of Tiffany Studios. There will be an accompanying docent-led tour of the galleries for book club attendees on Friday, March 22nd from 5:30pm-6:30pm. To register, please email library@toleodmuseum.org or call 419-254-5770, and provide your name, email address, and phone number. 5:30-7pm. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. toledomuseum.org

THURSDAY 21

[caregiving]

Kinship Club Meeting

Make connections with other kinship caregivers, discover community resources and build a resiliency toolkit for yourself. Call the Kinship Navigator Program to register at 419-382-0624 ext. 1175. 5:30-6:30pm. Margaret Hunt Senior Center, 2121 Garden Lake Pkwy. areaofficeonaging.com

SATURDAY 23

[tradeshows & expos]

Expo 419

A unique tradeshow that brings together service providers from throughout Toledo. 11am-5pm. Also on Sunday, March 24, 11am-5pm. Sylvania Tam-O-Shanter, 7060 Sylvania Ave. Sylvania. expo419.com

TUESDAY 26

[caregiving]

Virtual-Caregiver Education Series-“Crisis Situation- Hospital Admission and Discharge Process”

Presenter: Barbara Gaynor, Braddock Consulting. Teleconference or Video-Conference. To RSVP and obtain access instructions please email or call Jennifer Forshey, LSW: jforshey@areaofficeonaging.com or (419) 725-6983 or Tracie Fountain, BSN, RN: tfountain@areaofficeonaging.com or (419) 725-6984. 6:15-7:45pm.

THURSDAY 28

[talks & lectures]

Tea & Talk Series: Ripped From the Headlines: Jackie’s Fight For Privacy

Stephanie Bohnak, Director of Education and Outreach at the National First Ladies Library and Museum, will discuss Jackie Kennedy’s scandals and her struggle for privacy. $25-$30. 2-4pm. Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. woodcountyhistory.org

FRIDAY 29

[baseball]

Toledo Mud Hens Opening Day

Get ready for the 22nd season of Mud Hens baseball at Fifth Third Field! Don’t miss the Mud Hens on opening day! $20-$50. 4:05pm. Fifth Third Field, 406 Washington St. milb.com