Good morning Toledo,

A quick update, we have upgraded our events section to list more events than ever before, check it out at the bottom of this email.

It's a steady week of small shifts and seasonal updates. From a pest watch affecting local landscaping to a familiar face returning at the Zoo, today's edition covers a few things worth knowing as we open up February.

In today's edition:

• A new quarantine affecting boxwood plants in Lucas County
• The Toledo Ale Trail relaunches with fresh stops and updated maps
• Nuka the polar bear is back on display at the Zoo

Let's get to it.

Destination Toledo has relaunched the 419 Ale Trail with a simpler, map-based format that ditches the digital passport for a classic paper guide. Three Bowling Green breweries are on the route, and beer fans can now explore at their own pace while collecting annual stickers along the way.

Read more →

Lucas County is now part of a state quarantine zone aimed at stopping an invasive moth that targets boxwood plants. The Ohio Department of Agriculture added the county to the list as part of ongoing efforts to contain the pest before it spreads further across northwest Ohio.

It's a quiet but important move for local gardeners and landscapers who rely on boxwoods. Worth keeping an eye on if you've got them in your yard.

Read more →

The Toledo Zoo's polar bear habitat just got a little more interesting. Nuka, a 21-year-old male, is back at Arctic Encounter after a stint at the Detroit Zoo, reuniting with Crystal in hopes of welcoming more cubs. The pair successfully raised twins in 2022, and their story continues the zoo's role in polar bear conservation.

It's a reminder that our local zoo does more than entertain—it's part of something bigger.

Learn more →

Lucas County Commissioners approved several resolutions for the Sheriff's Office this week, including $68,250 to replace a rescinded federal grant and funds for jail repairs. The money will support law enforcement operations in Jerusalem Township and address long-overdue maintenance at the county corrections center.

Read more →

Slow Down at Stu's

Monday, February 3, 2026 · 12:00 AM - 1:00 AM

Stu's House, 39 North Huron Street, Toledo, OH 43604

Settle into candlelight, gentle yoga, and a calming sound bath at this intimate gallery gathering—bring your mat, props, and a mug for tea. Get details →

Toledo Pinball League Season 7 Kicks Off

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 · 11:30 PM - 1:30 AM

4311 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, OH 43614

Compete in 4-player groups across six qualifying sessions with $15 entry, where your best four nights count toward finals seeding and prizes. Get details →

Mama I'm A Big Girl Now - Broadway Series

Thursday, February 5, 2026 · 12:30 AM - 2:30 AM

The Valentine Theatre, 04410 N Superior St, Toledo, OH 43604

Experience this captivating Broadway production at one of Toledo's premier performing arts venues.

Get details →

An Evening with Mary Kubica

Friday, February 6, 2026 · 12:00 AM - 1:00 AM

Main Library - Toledo Lucas County Public Library, 325 North Michigan Street, Toledo, OH 43604

Join bestselling author Mary Kubica for an intimate discussion of her latest thriller, It's Not Her. Get details →

Distant Cousinz Trio at Lucille's Jazz Lounge Thursday, February 6, 2026 · 12:00 AM - 3:00 AM Lucille's Jazz Lounge, 1447 North Summit Street #Suite C, Toledo, OH 43604 Toledo's most versatile group featuring top-tier musicians who move seamlessly between genres. Get details →

Jazz Masters Unite: Keigo Hirakawa Quartet with David Bixler

Friday, February 7, 2026 · 12:00 AM - 3:30 AM

Lucille's Jazz Lounge, 1447 North Summit Street #Suite C, Toledo, OH 43604

Experience an unforgettable late-night session where two visionary jazz artists blend their distinctive styles. Get details →

Poetry & Visual Art Docent Tour Saturday, February 7, 2026 · 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Toledo Museum of Art, Green Building, Herrick Lobby A guided exploration of artworks eligible for the 2026 Poetry Prize Competition, with materials provided to inspire your own poetic response. Get details →

Wine & Chocolate Tasting Evening

Sunday, February 8, 2026 · 12:00 AM - 2:00 AM

Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way, Toledo, OH

An adults-only evening featuring wine tastings from around the world, unlimited chocolate samples, hands-on workshops, and a sneak peek at the new Tutankhamun exhibit. Get details →

🍹 Margarita Mixology Masterclass

Sunday, February 8, 2026 · 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Bellwether at Toledo Spirits, 1301 North Summit Street, Toledo, OH 43604

Master the art of crafting three distinct margarita styles with expert guidance in this hands-on bartending workshop. Get details →

Thanks for reading The Toledo Dispatch. Talk soon!