February 19, 2026 - Rail Jam, Yo Yo Ma

What’s Up Provo! and Orem! If you’ve been humming “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,” only to remember it’s February, you’re not alone.

Lots coming up so let’s get into it. Also happy Chocolate Mint Day!

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As always, here’s the quick, local news, wrap up (no shootings)…

🏃‍♀️ Provo 7th Grader Runs Fastest Middle School Mile Ever
12-year-old Angelina “Angie” Alder of Provo rewrote the record books at the Utah Indoor State Championships. Running a 4:47.93 1,600 meters at the Olympic Oval in Kearns, Angie clocked the fastest recorded mile ever by a U.S. middle school girl and at altitude!

🎸 Rooftop concerts to return?
The rumor is that the beloved Rooftop Concert Series may be gearing up for an encore. Organizers say they’re working to revive the free summer shows that once drew crowds to downtown Provo rooftops for live local music. Details are still in the work but the hope is we will have some rooftop concerts this summer!

💾 Provo Planning Panel Backs Big Data Center Plan (with Conditions)
The Provo Planning Commission has recommended that the City Council approve rezoning an East Bay site (1507 S. & 180 E.) to allow a proposed data center. Commissioners voted 5–2 to send the rezoning forward, adding a “data center overlay” to a current industrial zone and setting rules about power, water use and site layout. They say there will be millions in potential annual power revenue from this, but the mayor is urging caution as these projects might not have much ongoing economic benefit for residents as some might expect.

The vote to approve rezoning, by the City Council, will probably be in March.

🏈 Three New Cougars
Three new transfers have officially joined the BYU Cougars football roster. According to Sports Illustrated, the additions weren’t formally announced but are now listed with the team as BYU continues to reshape its depth chart heading into spring ball. The three added are running back Micah Beckstead (from Timpview), linebacker Daniel Taumoepeau, and cornerback Seth Shigg.

🐉 Orem Reading Challenge: The Hobbit Book Discussion
Join fellow fans for an adults 18+ book club on The Hobbit.
Orem Public Library | Feb. 19 | 6:30pm-8:30pm

🎶 An Evening with Ned McGowan
Guest artist Ned McGowan (American-Dutch composer) joins BYU students and faculty for an evening of music—free admission!
BYU | Feb. 19 | 7:30pm

🎺 BYU Symphonic Band: Kaleidoscope
An energetic night of symphonic band music. (Ticket prices start at $6)
BYU | Feb. 19 | 7:30pm

🌍 BYU 150: Night of Light "World On Campus"
There’s going to be a scavenger hunt around campus, all the museums will be doing things, there will be performances, a planetarium show, and more!
BYU | Feb. 20 | 6pm-10pm

🎨 Art After Dark: Night of Light
Come see “the MOA’s latest masterpiece: a newly gilded cast of the Gates of Paradise!” Live music, magnet making, fire pits, trivia, and pana cotta from Dionne’s Bakery. (Part of the Night of Light event)

☄️ Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812
An epic Moscow tale of love, scandal, and redemption.
UVU | Feb. 20 | 7:30pm

🎿 National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championships
Watch National Guard biathletes compete at this Olympic venue!
Soldier Hollow Sport Development Center | Feb. 20-25 | 8am-5pm

🏂 Rail Jam
Good thing we got some snow! Free rail jam at the base of Jake’s. The main jam is from 5-5:45pm and the awards will be handed out at 6pm.
Sundance | Feb. 20 | 5pm-5:45pm

💗 Pretty in Pink Girls Night
Lots of pink treats and lots of fun.
Provo Rec Center | Feb. 20 | 6pm-8pm

❄️ Utah’s EKO 2026 Winter Games Kickoff Event
Kind of far away, but it’s the kickoff celebration for all of Utah’s EKO (every kid outdoors) 2026 Winter Games. Free ice-skate rentals, try curling, hockey and more! More EKO events coming up all year long.
Olympic Oval in Kearns | Feb. 20 | 3pm-6pm

🎞️ Film Restoration Premiere: The Write Move
Celebrate the restoration of The Write Move with a premiere screening. Made by the same people who made the classic The Phone Call.
BYU | Feb. 20 | 7pm

🤸‍♀️ BYU Women’s Gymnastics vs. Denver (Home Meet)
Marriott Center | Feb. 20 | 7pm

🏐 BYU Men’s Volleyball vs. Fort Valley (2-game home series)
Smith Fieldhouse (BYU) | Feb. 20–21 | 7pm

🏒 Semi-Pro Hockey Game
Park City Pioneers face the Reno Ice Raiders in the Midway Outdoor Winter Classic.
Midway Ice Rink (outdoor rink) | Feb. 21 | 5pm-8pm

🏍️ Kickstart the Season Open House
Check out all-new models in bold colors, enjoy free wings with potato/mac salads and chips plus drinks. As always there will be a bunch of giveaways as well.
Summit Harley Davidson | Feb. 21 | 11am-3pm

🎭 Family Concert Series: Lights! Music! Action! Opera!
Free, family-friendly BYU Opera concert!
BYU | Feb. 21 | 11am-11:40am

🎷 Synthesis: BYU Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival Concert
BYU’s premier jazz band performing with a world-renowned guest artist, Linda May Han Oh.
BYU | Feb. 21 | 7:30pm

🏀 BYU Cougars Men’s Basketball vs. Iowa State Cyclones (Home Game)
Come on Cougs!
Marriott Center | Feb. 21 | 8:30pm

Next week sneak peek

We’re going to continue to just pack in as many as we can this time…

🎨 Makerspace Workshop: One-Stroke Painting
Learn one-stroke floral painting with expert Denise using a multi-color brush. Make a custom card or gift, and then take home your masterpiece. Registration required.
Orem Library | Feb. 23 | 7pm-8:30pm

🎭 Grassroots Shakespeare Company: The Tempest
“We are such stuff as dreams are made of…” It’s an all-ages evening of live theater and Shakespeare.
Orem Library | Feb. 23 | 7pm-9pm

🎬 Film: Philadelphia Story (1940, NR (approved))
Part of the February: Sweethearts Showcase, this all-ages screening runs 1h 55m—come enjoy a romantic classic on the big screen.
Orem Library | Feb. 23 | 6pm-8pm

📚 Imagication
This time it will be a reading of "Curious George and the Firefighters" with Ms. Rachel and Mr. Aron. And you can pick up a Chick-fil-A treat card as well! Registration required.
University Place | Feb. 23 | 11am-12pm

🎙️ Forum: Ross G. Douthat
Join New York Times columnist, author, former Atlantic editor, and host of the “Interesting Times” podcast, Ross Douthat, will be speaking on campus.
Marriott Center | Feb. 24 | 11:05am

🔎 Murder in the Shire
A whodunnit in middle earth. Become a detective in a Tolkien-themed murder mystery, for ages 18+.
Orem Library | Feb. 24 | 7pm-9pm

🎻 Yo-Yo Ma
It’s definitely a very special gala performance when renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma will be there! This one is part of BYU OnStage’s BRAVO! Series and also part of the sesquicentennial/centennial celebration. Tickets start at $29.
Concert Hall, BYU Music Building | Feb. 24 | 7:30pm

🎿 Wednesday Night Lights #3
Low-key evening Nordic ski race with a “skate mass start,” plus a post-race BBQ.
Soldier Hollow Nordic Center | Feb. 25 | 5:15pm

🎨 Still Life Paint Night with Tyler Pack
Join artist Tyler Pack for a group oil painting class. Registration required.
Havenlight Gallery by RC Willey, University Place | Feb. 25 | 6pm-8pm

🎻 BYU Winter Violin Showcase
Free BYU OnStage concert.
BYU Music Building | Feb. 25 | 7:30pm

🪩 Warehouse Dance Party
Community dance party at theFINDlab!
The Analog Community Center | Feb 26 | 7pm-10pm

👠 $3 Shoe Sale
We don’t often include sales—but hey, $3 shoes!
Curverture | Feb 26-28 | 12pm-8:30pm

🎤 Winter Bluebird Cafe Concert Series
Nashville’s finest singer-songwriters come to the mountains in partnership with the Bluebird Cafe. Last we saw there were actually a few tickets left!
Sundance | Feb. 27-28 | 8pm-10pm

🌶️ Thai Night
Beginner-friendly and perfect for date night or friends. Once again, registration required.
Provo Rec Center | Feb. 27 | 6pm-8pm

“You Belong Outside.”

Saami Ski Shop is dedicated to helping everyone feel ready to hit the slopes. From beginners to seasoned skiers, they’ve made it they’re mission to help everyone feel they belong outside and ready for they’re adventure.

How It Started: Andrew and Sam are transplants from Australia and San Diego, and initially not skiers (obviously 😉). But in 2010, they decided to embrace the winters and take up skiing with their 6, 4, and 2 year old’s. After that first year, they were all in. They joined (and eventually managed) a ski team. They even founded a ski education foundation!

Throughout their skiing journey, Andrew and Sam found so much help and support at the local ski shop, Nyman’s. When the opportunity came to partner with Nyman’s and purchase their store, “it was a no-brainer". They are proud to build on Nyman’s vision of helping everyone find a love for the outdoors.

What They Do: Saami’s has the right gear and help for your winter adventures at the right price. They are super knowledgeable and helpful and have great prices for rentals and gear.

📍 1313 E 800 N, Orem
⛷ Saami Ski Shop

Friday - 35° | 🌨️ | 42%

Saturday - 43° | ⛅️ | 3%

Sunday - 49° | ⛅️ | 2%

(next) Monday - 54° | ⛅️ | 2%

(next) Tuesday - 54° | ⛅️ | 14%

(next) Wednesday - 48° | 🌧️ | 66%

(next) Thursday - 51° | 🌧️ | 36%

Thanks for reading. Send this to a friend who was a fan of the old rooftop concerts. 😉

-Nicole, Josh, & Carlie

Get your message out to 11,000+ families in Provo/Orem.
Claim your spot in the newsletter