What You Need To Know In Entertainment – February 2015

February may be the peak of the winter blues with plenty of snow and lovesick couples to go around, but the month also has something else to offer that should cheer even the most sour spirits up. Here's what you can't afford to miss this February:

MUSIC EVENTS

Super Bowl XLIX  (Feb. 1)

So it may be the most important football game of the year, but it's not all touchdowns and tackles. The Super Bowl's halftime show is like a giant concert you can watch in your living room.  This year Katy Perry will perform along with Lenny Kravits after Idina Menzel opens the game with The National Anthem, but most are anxiously waiting to see what Perry will pull off.

NBA All-Star Game (Feb. 15)

The Super Bowl isn't getting all the attention when it comes to pop stars taking over the halftime show. At this year's NBA All-Star game, singer Ariana Grande will be headlining the show at the game's midpoint.  After nabbing two GRAMMY nominations and having one of the best-selling albums of 2014, Grande is a bad follow-up to Katy Perry's Super Bowl performance.

The Maroon 5 World Tour (Feb. 16)

In support of their newest album, V, Maroon 5 will be going on a massive tour slated to start in Dallas on Feb. 16. The Maroon 5 World Tour will see the band travelling the U.S. before heading abroad to play in cities like London and Barcelona.

Imagine Dragons' 'Smoke + Mirrors' (Feb. 17)

Following the massive success of their first album, Night Visions, Imagine Dragons is back with a sophomore album dropping in February. Titled Smoke + Mirrors, the album has been inching closer to release since the band released the lead single and accompanying video in late 2014.

 AWARD SHOWS

The 86^th Academy Awards (Feb. 22)

Hollywood's biggest night will finally air in February! Major nominees include Steve Carrell, Julianne Moore, Reese Witherspoon, and Bradley Cooper while films like "Birdman," "Boyhood," and "Selma" will vie for Best Picture. This year's show has gotten a lot of criticism for its lack of diversity, but it probably won't stop movie-lovers from tuning in.

MOVIES RELEASES

Jupiter Ascending (Feb. 6)

The makers of "The Matrix" present "Jupiter Ascending," an upcoming science fiction film that stars Channing Tatum as an alien of sorts who is sent to earth to inform Mila Kunis, a down-on-her-luck janitor, of her true destiny beyond the planet.

Spongebob: Sponge Out Of Water (Feb. 6)

The cartoon character named after a household product is returning to the big screen in a sequel to the 2004 animated film. Spongebob and his friends will venture above sea level in an all-new adventure using a mix of CGI and live-action sequences.

Fifty Shades Of Grey (Feb. 13)

Just in time for Valentine's Day, the best-selling novel "Fifty Shades of Grey" is coming to a theater near you in all of its steamy and romantic glory. With its trailer being one of the most watched in 2014, the film is sure to be an instant hit.

TELEVISION PREMIERES

The Odd Couple (Feb. 19)

Remaking a classic often proves difficult and fruitless, but CBS may have actually nailed it with the upcoming "The Odd Couple," based on the original play and television show by the same name. Starring Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon as the oddly paired roommates of a New York apartment, the duo have a comical chemistry that can't be missed. And while this new show begins, a favorite will be ending when "Two and a Half Men" airs its series finale the same night.

Survivor: Worlds Apart (Feb. 25)

The quintessential reality completion series is coming back and celebrating its 15^th anniversary and 30^th season in February. "Survivor" is returning, and this season, titled "Words Apart," will feature three tribes divided by profession, including white collar, blue collar and no collar jobs.

The Amazing Race (Feb. 25)

Right after "Survivor" premieres, "The Amazing Race" will also return, and this time it's getting a bit more romantic. This season of the worldwide scavenger hunt will feature teams of couples competing for the grand prize; including New Kids on the Block member Jordan Knight.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Mardi Gras & Fat Tuesday (Feb. 17)

It may be the perfect time to head down south to no other than New Orleans for Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday. The huge celebration is happening mid-February and is always filled with beads, parade floats, and an overall fun atmosphere.

 

Shawn Thomas writes Entertainment & Lifestyle content for CBS Local. Follow him on Twitter.