February may be a shorter month, but there’s no shortage of things to do in Chicago. Try a new cuisine during Chicago Restaurant Week, shop at an artisan pop-up market, celebrate Valentine’s Day, explore a new museum exhibit, honor Black History Month, and so much more. Check out our list of favorite Chicago activities and events to enjoy this February 2025.
Top events in Chicago this February
Chicago Theatre Week (Feb. 6 – 16): Now in its tenth year, Chicago Theatre Week features value-priced tickets to various musicals, dramas, comedies, and more.
Lunar New Year in Uptown (Feb. 8): The Uptown neighborhood will welcome the Lunar New Year with the annual parade, featuring community groups, cultural institutions, dancers, and performers.
Chicago Restaurant Week (Jan. 25 – Feb. 9): This year is the 18th annual Chicago Restaurant Week, when over 500 of the city’s top restaurants offer special prix fixe menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Orchid Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden (starts Feb. 8): The Chicago Botanic Garden goes all out for its annual orchid show, featuring thousands of delicate blooms.
Chicago Auto Show (Feb. 8 – 17): The largest auto show in the nation takes over McCormick Place yet again with over twenty kinds of vehicles on display, indoor and outdoor test drives, food specials, and more.
Chinese New Year Parade in Chinatown (Feb. 9): Welcome the Year of the Tiger with traditional lion dances, cultural performances, and more during this colorful celebration.
Valentine’s Day Fireworks at Navy Pier (Feb. 14): Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special themed edition of the award-winning fireworks show on the lakefront.
Spring Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory (starts Feb. 13): Warm up and enjoy the magic of spring blooms during this annual display of unique flora.
Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park (through February): Ice skate through the ribbon rink at Maggie Daley Park and enjoy the incredible skyline views as your backdrop.
Polar Adventure Day at Big Marsh Park (Feb. 22): Head to Big Marsh Park for a celebration of winter, including hot cocoa, sled dog demos, winter crafts, and more.
More events in Chicago this February
Lunar New Year at Navy Pier (Feb. 1): Welcome the Year of the Snake with performances, music, art, and family-friendly activities.
Fika Fest in Andersonville (Feb. 1 – 2): Get cozy during the neighborhood crawl, dedicated to the Swedish tradition of coffee and connection.
Chicago Artisan Market (Feb. 1 – 2): Head to Artifact Events in Ravenswood to shop the artisanal market, featuring local favorite food, fashion, art, and more.
And Still We Rise at the American Writers Museum (Feb. 1 – 28): This special tour celebrates the resilience and achievement of Black writers throughout American history.
On Stage at the Museum of Contemporary Art (Feb. 1 and 13 – 15): Each spring, the MCA presents a suite of original performances reflecting on a contemporary theme.
Architecture & Design Film Festival (through Feb. 2): The Chicago Architecture Center presents this annual festival focused on films highlighting the creative spirit of architecture and design.
Taste of Ravenswood (Feb. 7): Experience the neighborhood’s top restaurants, brewers, and spirit-makers for a fantastic, one-night-a-year experience.
Dog Admission Day at Morton Arboretum (Feb. 9): Canine companions are welcome to stroll the trails of this sprawling green space just outside the city.
Jeremy Frey: Woven at the Art Institute of Chicago (through Feb. 10). It’s the last call to see this mesmerizing exhibit featuring the intricate art of basket weaving.
65th Annual UChicago Folk Festival (Feb. 7 – 8): The University of Chicago’s annual Folk Festival is a two-day, celebration of traditional folk music from around the world.
Cider Summit at Navy Pier (Feb. 8): Sample your way through over 150 selections of hard ciders from local, regional, and international cider producers.
Chicago Black Restaurant Week (Feb. 9 – 23): Celebrate the city’s Black-owned eateries with two weeks of incredible eats during this annual event.
Dorothy Love Stories at Dorothy (Feb. 12): This inclusive space in West Town presents this love-centric event in honor of Valentine’s Day.
Sips & Sweets at Begyle Brewing (Feb. 13): Indulge in an evening of delicious beer and local artisanal chocolates from Katherine Anne Confections.
White Cities: On the Legacy of Charles White (Feb. 14 – 15): The Hyde Park Jazz Festival presents this series dedicated to the Chicago-born artist, including a piano performance and a free symposium.
House Party at Shedd Aquarium (Feb. 15): A local DJ will be spinning house music and keeping the vibes high as guests come face-to-face with incredible aquatic animals.
Golden Hour from The Joffrey Ballet (Feb. 20 – March 2): The acclaimed ballet troupe debuts this curated program that includes world premiere performances at the Lyric Opera House
Curling at the Gwen Hotel (through February): Enjoy cocktails and curling on the rooftop terrace of the Gwen Hotel on Michigan Avenue.
MagicCon: Chicago at McCormick Place (Feb 21 – 23): Fans of Magic: The Gathering will love this annual event, featuring an abundance of unique merch, play events, and more.
Lyric Opera of Chicago at Kehrein Center for the Arts (Feb. 21): The acclaimed Lyric Opera presents a selection of great choral works at this community arts center in the Austin neighborhood.
Black Makers Market at Navy Pier (Feb. 22): This indoor market honors Black History Month at Navy Pier by showcasing hand-crafted creations from Black artists and makers.
Music Frozen Dancing at Empty Bottle (Feb. 22): Local venue Empty Bottle partners with Goose Island to bring this free music festival to the streets of West Town every winter.
Black Creativity at the Museum of Science and Industry (through February): Since 1970, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry has hosted this juried art event featuring professional and amateur Black artists.
Chicago Hounds Rugby home opener (Feb. 23): Head to SeatGeek Stadium to see Chicago’s men’s rugby team face off against the Utah Warriors.
Black History Month Storytime at Field Museum (Feb. 26): This free event for kids ages two to six will share stories honoring Black identities, communities, history, and culture.
