30+ things to do in Chicago this February

February may be a shorter month, but there’s no shortage of things to do in Chicago this month. 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 2024.

Top events in Chicago this February

Chicago Auto Show

Try something new during Chicago Restaurant Week (through Feb. 4): This year is the 17th annual Chicago Restaurant Week, when over 400 of the city’s top restaurants offer special prix fixe menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Get discounted tickets during Chicago Theater Week (Feb. 8 – 18): Theatre lovers won’t want to miss this special celebration of the arts, when you can snag discounted tickets at $15 or $30 (or less) for more than 100 diverse shows.

Admire the Orchid Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden (starts Feb. 10): The Chicago Botanic Garden goes all out for its annual orchid show, bringing classic carnival rides and attractions to life through flowers.

Don’t miss the Chicago Auto Show (Feb. 10 – 19): The Chicago Auto Show, the largest and longest-running event of its kind, returns to McCormick Place with hundreds of vehicles and interactive exhibits.

See Chance the Rapper at a historic theatre (Feb. 16): The newly restored Ramova Theatre will host Chicago’s own Chance the Rapper for what promises to be an unforgettable show.

Head to the Lunar New Year parade in Uptown (Feb. 17): Visit the Uptown neighborhood for the annual family-friendly Lunar New Year parade. There will also be activities for the little ones to enjoy, local dance performances, and more.

Bundle up for Polar Adventure Days at Northerly Island (Feb. 17): Head to Big Marsh Park for a celebration of winter, including guided walks, sled dog demos, winter crafts, and more.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Chinatown (Feb. 18): Chinatown will be celebrating the Year of the Dragon. The Chinese New Year parade will include traditional dragon and lion dancing teams, floats, bands, and much more.

More events in Chicago this February

Windy City Open squash tournament

Get tickets for Champion at the Lyric Opera (Feb. 3 – 11): Champion is the first opera written by composer Terrance Blanchard and brings the true story of boxer Emile Griffith to life via this “opera in jazz”.

Celebrate Black film makers at the Music Box Theatre (Feb. 3 – 24): This film series at the Music Box Theatre highlights the contribution of Black and African-American filmmakers, including Chicago classics such as Barbershop and Love Jones.

Shop the Black Maker’s Market at Navy Pier (Feb. 3 – 24): This indoor market kicks off Black History Month at Navy Pier by showcasing hand-crafted creations from Black artists and makers.

Sip your heart out at Cider Summit (Feb. 3): Sample your way through over 150 selections of hard ciders from more than 50 local, regional, and international cider producers at the 10th annual festival.

Enjoy the Architecture & Design Film Festival (through Feb. 4): The Chicago Architecture Center will be hosting the annual film festival focused on films highlighting innovation and sustainability in architecture, design, and fashion.

Watch a classic film in concert at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Feb. 9): The Chicago Symphony Orchestra will be performing the iconic score of the 1951 movie musical, An American in Paris, starring Gene Kelly.

Go to Folk Fest at the University of Chicago (Feb. 9 – 10): This year is the 64th annual Chicago Folk Fest at the University of Chicago, highlighting folk musical performances and specialty workshops.

Dive into local history on a Chicago Mahogany Tour (Feb. 10 and 24): Join the TikTok-famous Chicago historian Dilla on a tour of historic Bronzeville, including fascinating stories and landmarks of the city’s Black Metropolis.

Discover the legacy of Frederick Douglass (through February): Learn about the influence of legendary Black authors during these special tours of the American Writers Museum.

Enjoy Picasso’s works at the Art Institute (through February): This exhibition highlights Picasso’s work on paper and the professional and personal relationships he chose to express through this artistic lens.

Shop at the Chicago Artisan Market (Feb. 10 – 11): Head to Artifact Events in Ravenswood to shop the artisanal market, featuring local favorite food, fashion, art, and more.

Catch the Chicago Architecture Biennial (through Feb. 11): Don’t miss your last chance to see the largest architecture and design exhibition in North America, held at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Indulge during Chicago Black Restaurant Week (Feb. 11 – 25): Two weeks of special deals and events will be taking place at Black-owned restaurants and businesses throughout the city.

Head to Fika Fest in Andersonville (Feb. 11): The Andersonville neighborhood is bringing back its Fika Fest, a celebration of the Swedish custom of cozy coffee breaks, with events like a Coffee and Hot Cocoa Crawl and the Great Andersonville Puzzle Exchange.

See spring blooms at Garfield Park Conservatory (opens Feb. 14):  Admire the first blooms of spring at this annual flower show, showcasing the history and science of plant naming.

Bring your valentine to The Whistler for live jazz (Feb. 14): Logan Square’s favorite late-night spot, The Whistler, brings together craft cocktails and live jazz for their ongoing jazz series.

Explore an exhibit on Black history (through February): Honor Black History Month by visiting the DuSable Black History Museum in Washington Park, the oldest museum of its kind in the country.

Watch Studies in Blue at the Joffrey Ballet (Feb. 15 – 24): The Joffrey Ballet will be home to a short run of Studies in Blue, a unique performance highlighting three different pieces that go beyond classic ballet.

Make dumplings for the Lunar New Year (Feb. 17): The 20th annual Chinese New Year dumpling-making dinner at Hing Kee Restaurant will feature tons of authentic dishes and traditional entertainment.

Celebrate Begyle Brewery’s birthday (Feb. 17): Artifact Events in Ravenswood is hosting a birthday bash for the beloved local brewery, with live music, games, neighborhood food trucks, and more

See top squash players in action (Feb. 21 –28): This year is the 40th anniversary of the Windy City Open, which brings the world’s leading squash players to the University Club of Chicago.

Hear from and meet Billy Dee Williams (Feb. 22): Actor Billy Dee Williams, best known for his roles in Star Wars, Brian’s Song, and Lady Sings the Blue, will be in Chicago for an evening of discussions around his career and new memoir.

Attend a free classical music concert (Feb. 22): The Black Moon Trio will honor Black History Month with a special show at the Logan Center for the Arts.

Celebrate Carnivale at Navy Pier (Feb. 24): Experience Carnivale traditions at this free cultural celebration, with art-making activities, food, dance, and global music.

Defy winter at an outdoor music festival (Feb. 24): Local venue Empty Bottle partners with Goose Island to bring this free music festival to the streets of West Town every winter.

Attend a barbecue tasting from top pitmasters (Feb. 25): What is Chicago-style barbecue? Dominique Leach and top local pitmasters share their thoughts, alongside bites of their best barbecue dishes.

Enjoy a sensory-friendly day at an aquarium (Feb. 25): The Shedd Aquarium welcomes guests with disabilities and veterans to explore the museum in a comfortable, sensory-friendly environment.

Visit the longest-running Black art exhibition (through February): Since 1970, the Museum of Science and Industry has hosted this juried art event featuring professional and amateur Black artists.

Reserve an electric boat for Valentine’s Day (through February): What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than out on the water? Enjoy a private romantic cruise down the Chicago River with a heated, fully-enclosed boat, outfitted with twinkling lights, coolers, and more.