Toronto dance parties to have on your radar this February.

Winter is a little less awful if you can find a good excuse to get out on a dance floor once and a while. Even in the middle of February, all the regular ongoing monthly parties and dance bars are still bumping, but if you're looking for something a bit more out of the ordinary, here are five of the biggest and best special events taking over the clubs, warehouses, bars, and even beaches.

Turning Point / February 1st / The Garrison / 10pm / $10
A Man Called Warwick's rare tropical funk party takes over the back room of the Garrison February 1. The night always draws a big crowd of sweaty dancers, but make sure to get there extra early this time, as the special guest this month is the talented Worcestershire-born, Columbia-based producer/DJ Quantic.

BRRRR! Winter Music Festival / February 1st / Echo Beach / $96.50
It seemed like a longshot that Torontonians would actually brave the winter weather for an outdoor EDM festival on the waterfront, but the success of last year's BRRRRR! Winter Music festival proved the doubters wrong. This year's edition features big names like Wolfgang Gartner, Sharam, Hot Since 82, Felix Cartel and many more, February 1, at Echo Beach. However, fans of Hot Since 82 who would rather hear him in a more intimate (and less frigid) environment can get another chance to hear the Leeds-based DJ spinning February 6, at EFS.

Motor City Legends / February 7th / Coda / 10pm / $25
Techno wouldn't exist if it weren't for Kevin Saunderson, so if you care about electronic music you should make sure you catch him DJing at least once in your life. Saunderson hits Coda (the new club run by the guys behind Footwork and Art Department's Jonny White) February 7 with fellow Detroit legends Octave One, who are one of the best no-laptop live techno acts around.

Promise Heart Party / February 14th / 158 Sterling Rd / 10pm / $40
Promise (the people behind the long-running Sunday afternoon Cherry Beach parties) return to the massive abandoned factory where they threw their German Sparkle Party back in December for a special Valentines Day event. The space itself is a big part of the appeal, not to mention the 18 bass bins they're going to be pounding the dance floor with. Performing are Montreal's Tone Depth, and local talent Ali Black, Tricky Moreira, and Chobo.

Dennis Ferrer / February 16th / Maison Mercer / 10pm / $20
New York soulful house producer/DJ Dennis Ferrer plays Maison Mercer for a Family Day long weekend party February 16. He's one of the few producers who's capable of moving easily between the warm jazzy side of house and the big room tech house scene, while still maintaining his own distinct sound.