The best February 2025 events in Chicago

Open wide! Chicago Restaurant Week is back for its 18th year. More than 470 Chicagoland eateries will offer specially curated prix fixe menus for brunch ($25), lunch ($25) or dinner ($45/$60) between January 24 and February are 9. With more than two weeks to chow down, there's plenty of time to make a few reservations and check out some of the best restaurants in Chicago while saving some coin.

Kick off the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Snake with a dumpling-making dinner hosted by the Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute. The event will include storytelling, lion dances, dumpling making and a sumptuous feast. Tickets are $55 and the festivities will take place at Hing Kee on January 25-26 and February 1-2.

Indulge your sweet tooth with a host of delectable, sugary treats from Stan's. The chain is hosting its second annual donut fest, where attendees can try 12 different tastings, including flavors like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Mini Cinnamon Roll, Cannoli Bombolini, Brown Butter Glazed and more. Upgrade to a VIP ticket to enjoy early entry and two drinks with your donuts.

In the mood for a vacation? Start planning your next big trip at the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show, which gathers travel experts and ambassadors from destinations across the globe. This year, travel writer and Brat Pack member Andrew McCarthy and CBS News travel editor Peter Greenberg are among the keynote speakers. Guests can attend seminars on how to book cheap flights—an ever-salient issue, given airfare prices these days—get packing tips and snag sweet deals on trips at the convention.

This touring film festival returns to the Gene Siskel Film Center to showcase movies that span a variety of architecture and design topics. This year's fest includes picks like The House: 6 Points of Departure, which explores the creative process behind the Crawford House in Montecito, California, and This Is Not a House, the story of one of the most unique homes in the world. Tickets are $20 per screening, $15 for Chicago Architecture Center and Gene Siskel Film Center Members, and $8 for students.

The sixth annual West Loop Wedding Walk returns on February 2. Couples can spend the afternoon touring 12 of the neighborhood's premier event venues—which have been staged for the occasion—while enjoying food and drinks and meeting more than 200 vendors. Transportation between venues will be provided. Once you've had your fill, head over to Galleria Marchetti for an afterparty hosted by Bluewater Kings.

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is running a weekend of events and promotions as part of its Swedish-inspired Fika Fest. A variety of businesses in the neighborhood will offer discounts and specials, plus you can take part in a Coffee and Cocoa Crawl on February 1 or the Great Andersonville Puzzle Exchange on February 2.

Bring the little ones to the Market on February 1 for a donut decorating class. 2d Restaurant will teach young chefs how to create a Lunar New Year lantern and three different mochi donuts with a variety of toppings and sprinkles. All of the necessary ingredients will be provided, and kids will be able to take their delicious sweet treats home.

Parents, bring the family to the United Center for a day of Disney magic. Kids will enjoy the timeless stories of Wish, Frozen 2, Moana, Lion King and Little Mermaid through memorable performances on ice by their favorite characters. You can also purchase a character meet-and-greet experience that includes a sing-along, crafting, interactive time and photos with Anna and Elsa.

The Irish American Heritage Center celebrates the legacy and music of The Man in Black, Johnny Cash, for the 20th year running. Three stages showcase bands playing Cash's greatest hits and rare songs. Performers include Chicken Wire Empire, Iron Horse, Hoodie Snitch, Union Avenue and more. Best of all, proceeds benefit Pat Mac's Pack, a charity that raises funds for pediatric brain tumor research and provides financial assistance to young cancer patients and their families. 

Calling all sweets lovers! Chef and chocolatier Jorge Kauam offers an irresistible selection of specialty handmade confections—including the viral Dubai chocolate bar—at the Market on weekends. Stop by to indulge your sweet tooth but don't wait as the pop-up will only be around for a limited time!

This Chicago Beer Society–sponsored event pairs niche local beers with bites from corresponding brewpubs, asking attendees to vote for their favorites. Half Acre hosts the annual event, which will conclude with an awards ceremony at the end of the evening. Partipating breweries include Haymarket, Off Color, Old Irving, Other Half and more.

The six-time Tony Award-winning production kicks off its national tour with a five-month run in Chicago. Nineteen years after Harry, Ron, and Hermione saved the wizarding world, they’re back on a most extraordinary new adventure—joined by a brave new generation, including Harry’s son Albus—that threatens to change the past and future forever. The play has sold over 10 million tickets worldwide since its world premiere in London in July 2016, and holds a record 60 major honors.

Discover one-of-a-kind treasures from over 100 local small businesses at this curated indoor marketplace. You’ll be able to check out the best in Chicago food, fashion, home goods and art, as well as chat with vendors to learn about how the products are made. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join the fun, and tickets are discounted when purchased in advance.

Celebrate the life and career of Chicago actor and comedian Harold Ramis at Harry Caray’s Tavern Navy Pier on February 2. Cast members from the celebrated comedy Groundhog Day—including Stephen Tobolowsky, Peggy Roeder and Richard Henzel—will be on hand for a Groundhog Day ceremony, during which Chicago Harry, a live groundhog, will emerge from his tree stump to reveal if he sees his shadow. Harry Caray’s Tavern will also offer food and beverages inspired by the film’s Tip Top Café.

Most people call January "the first month of the year" or "four weeks of taking my resolutions seriously," but Chicago blues fans know that it's actually "Buddy Guy month." Throughout the month, the legendary bluesman picks up his polka-dot guitar and takes the stage during a residency at the South Loop blues clubs that bears his name. Guy performs every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, with a different supporting act joining him each evening. This year, you'll see Guy paired with folks like Wayne Baker Brooks, Bobby Rush and Laretha Weathersby. Tickets to Guy's January residency aren't exactly cheap, but witnessing a bonafide blues icon perform in his hometown is the kind of experience that's worth the dough.

Every year, in the coldest depths of the winter, Chicago Theatre Week gives us a great reason to venture outside. The annual event runs from February 6 to 16, taking over stages throughout the city—from major regional hubs like the Goodman Theatre and Steppenwolf Theatre to intimate spaces such as Raven Theatre. During Chicago Theatre Week, companies offer tickets priced at $15 or $30 (or sometimes less!). You can browse a complete list of participating shows here, and see our top picks here.

Enjoy delicious bites from Bayan Ko, Spacca Napoli, Rojo Gusano and other Ravenswood restaurants, bars and brewers at this event, which returns for the first time since 2019. Tickets include samples throughout the evening and access to drinks from Dovetail Brewery, Half Acre, KOVAL Distillery and more. Grab tickets to cocktail hour for concoctions by Long Room and a performance by guitarist Bill MacKay.

Bingo Loco, an interactive rave show that takes place in cities around the world, comes to West Loop’s Morgan MFG this winter. The traditional game of bingo gets reimagined as a three-hour long immersive experience, complete with epic dance offs, rave rounds, lip sync battles, confetti showers, CO2 cannons, conga lines and prizes ranging from international trips to lawnmowers. One thing’s for sure—this ain’t bingo night at the senior center.

The Chicago Auto Show—the largest car show in North America—is headed back to McCormick Place for 10 days this February to showcase the latest and greatest developments in the world of cars, trucks, electric cars and concept cars. Manufacturers trot out their newest models in elaborate exhibitions, often accompanied by interactive installations that allow you to get behind the wheel (whether physically via indoor/outdoor test track or virtually).

Uptown's annual Lunar New Year Celebration kicks off the Chinese New Year with dazzling dragons, dancers, drummers and more. The parade starts at 1pm at Argyle Street and Sheridan Road. More than 20 local community groups will be marching and there will be performances as well as family-friendly activities to enjoy between 10am-4pm.

The 65th annual University of Chicago Folk Festival brings two nights of concerts to Mandel Hall, plus free workshops and dance instruction on February 8. Attendees will enjoy performances spanning a variety of genres, including electric blues, bluegrass, Cajun music and more. Tickets are $30 for general admission, $20 for seniors and $5 for students.

In a city that hosts countless beer festivals, the annual Cider Summit caters to fans of the crisp, apple-y alternative. The region’s largest cider tasting is back for another go-round at Navy Pier and will feature over 125 ciders, cider cocktails and fruit spirits from more than 40 producers. You can also opt for an optional cider-cheese-charcuterie tasting, which takes place before the summit kicks off. VIP includes four extra tastings and early entry.

Need a break from the monotonous sights of winter in Chicago? Head to the North Shore for the Chicago Botanic Garden's annual orchid show, where there are more than 10,000 vibrant blooms on display to brighten your day. This year's show is inspired by the beauty of India—you'll marvel at a floor-to-ceiling peacock and a towering banyan tree with cascading roots. Swing by on Saturdays and Sundays to shop for orchids of your own in a pop-up marketplace, or stay late on select Thursday and Friday nights to have a cocktail and fried goat cheese during Orchids After Hours.

Celebrate the Year of the Snake in Chinatown at the neighborhood's official Lunar New Year parade, which falls after the arrival of Chinese New Year (January 29). Attendees line Wentworth Avenue to see marching bands, decorated floats and traditional lion dancers. The colorful procession begins at 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue at 1pm, traveling north to Cermak Road.

Chicago Black Restaurant Week returns for its 10th year February 9-23. Created by Lauren Smith as a way to highlight and support local Black-owned businesses, the annual event sees participating eateries offer special menus and discounts to diners.

Check out all sorts of cool trinkets, wares and eats at this indoor market highlighting artisan makers from Chicago’s South Side. Taking place on the second floor of the Promontory, the family-friendly event features new and returning vendors, a cocktail bar, lounge areas and tunes by DJ Sean Alvarez of We Love Soul.

This annual tradition challenges participants to jog a chilly mile through Wrigleyville in their skivvies—all in the name of raising money for neurofibromatosis research—before retiring to Slugger's for some scantily-clad drinking. Those who don’t want to run can donate to the cause instead. Cheers to that!

Enjoy a free journey through Chicago's natural winter wonderland during the Chicago Park District's Polar Adventure Day at Big Marsh Park. Visitors will be able to see husky teams sled around the park, make nature-inspired winter crafts, watch as ice carvings are made, meet live animals and more. You can also stay warm with a cup of hot chocolate while taking in live music or a puppet show.

Hosted by Chicago young professional board Junior Council, this annual black tie gala takes over the Palmer House hotel for a night of celebration. Guests will enjoy an open bar, tastings from Chicago restaurants, silent auctions and live musical performances from Radio Gaga and DJ Strategy. All proceeds will directly benefit the Pediatric & Adolescent HIV/AIDS Program at Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Asians and Friends Chicago brings together members of the LGBTQ community to celebrate the Lunar New Year with dinner and a show at Furama. The evening will include a multi-course meal, raffle and a special performance based on the slithery, scaly, cold-blooded  characteristics of the world’s most infamous reptile—the snake. Tickets are $35 in advance and $50 at the door.

The North Side is bringing back its own Restaurant Week, offering exclusive deals during lunch and dinner. Enjoy three-course menus at places throughout Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Albany Park, Edgewater, Irving Park, Northcenter, North Park, Rogers Park and Uptown. Participating spots include Maman Zari, Bistro Campagne, Khmai, Boonie's, Luella's, the Warbler and more. Find the full list of restaurants and menus here.

This annual fundraiser that supports those affected by cancer takes over Sarabande for an evening of fun and entertainment. Enjoy an exciting blend of food and beverages, interactive experiences like flash tattoos and tarot readings, and live entertainment. This year’s event benefits the Chicago Foundation for Women, which empowers women, girls and gender-expansive individuals in the Chicago region.

The northwestern suburbs of Roselle, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Itasca, Rolling Meadows, Streamwood and Wood Dale will showcase their culinary scenes with 10 days of dining specials. Dozens of restaurants—from steakhouses to quick-service spots—will offer set menus or deals during lunch and dinner. Participants include Chicago Prime Italian, Tokio Pub, Shaw's Crab House, Capital Grille and more. Check out the full list here.

The classic whodunit board game comes to life with this new stage play based on the 1985 cult favorite film. Six strangers gather at Boddy Manor for an evening filled with twists, turns and a murder mystery. You'll be laughing and guessing until the very end.

On the last night of Frida Kahlo’s life, viewers of Frida…A Self Portrait are transported to La Casa Azul, the famous Mexican artist’s home. The one-woman production is written and performed by Vanessa Severo, and sees the artist reminisce about her life. Throughout the 75-minute play, Severo connects her own life’s experience to the famed artist’s, and explores Kahlo’s works, addiction, physical limitations and romances. The play is running at Writers Theatre, a non-profit theatre company, in suburban Glencoe.

At a motel in the Mojave Desert, two lovers, or fools as the play would suggest, meet up and clash. With just three main cast members, Fool for Love is a haunting drama that explores the deeply complex relationship between the trio. The play was written in 1983 by noted playwright Sam Shepard, whose works also include A Lie of the Mind and Buried Child, for which he won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1979.

Betrayal isn’t structured like a traditional play. The events move in reverse chronological order, showcasing the demise of an affair and going back in time as it occurred and ultimately to the beginning. The play stars Academy Award- and Emmy Award-winner Helen Hunt as Emma, who is having an affair with Jerry, her husband’s friend and coworker. Betrayal, which is playing at the Goodman Theatre, was first written by British playwright Harold Pinter in 1978.

A musical based on the 2007 film of the same name, Waitress follows Jenna, a waitress at a cafe who’s in an abusive relationship with her husband, Earl. After becoming pregnant, Jenna starts an affair with her doctor and enters a pie-baking contest, hoping to win the grand prize in order to fund her escape.

You’ve probably seen Hamlet. Now it’s time to see Fat Ham, a reimagining of the Shakespeare tale. The Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony-nominated play by James Ijames tells the story of Juicy, a queer Black man whose widowed mother has married his uncle. When his father’s spirit shows up for revenge during a backyard cookout, Juicy must grapple with his identity. Fat Ham is showing at the Owen Theatre, part of the Goodman Theatre in the Loop.

There’s a good chance that you’ve heard of A Raisin in the Sun. If you’re a fan of theatre, maybe you’ve even seen it or read it. The play, written by Lorraine Hansberry, depicts the experience of a black family on Chicago’s South Side as they try to improve their financial circumstances after the death of the family’s patriarch. The plot deals with still-relevant issues, like housing discrimination and racism. A Raisin in the Sun is being performed at Court Theatre in Hyde Park, the professional theatre of the University of Chicago.

Sam Shepard is one of the most highly-regarded American playwrights for good reason—his works are a masterclass in writing about bleak situations and infusing them with black comedy, like in A Lie of the Mind. The play, which is also a part of Chicago Theatre Week at the Raven Theatre, is centered around spousal abuse and how it impacted two families.

Chicago Theatre Week isn’t just about plays and musicals. There are numerous types of performances highlighted in the discounted shows, including dance. During the week-long celebration, Hubbard Street Dance offers an opportunity to see its winter series, which features four performances—Into Being by FLOCK, Within the Frame by James Gregg, Black Milk by Ohad Naharin and IMPASSE by Johan Inger.

Some of the Chicago Theatre Week offerings are only available to see for a short time, but that’s not the case for The Infinite Wrench—the longest-running late-night show in Chicago. The performance is actually 30 different brief plays, all packed into one hour. Even if you’ve seen The Infinite Wrench before, you’re still in for a treat as the plays change weekly.

During its original Broadway run in 2015, Fun Home won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Leading Actor in a Musical. Now, the award-winning musical has moved on from New York and is playing in Chicago during Chicago Theatre Week. Fun Home was based off of the graphic novel memoir of the same name written by Alison Bechdel. Both the novel and musical follow Bechdel as the writer comes of age: Bechdel’s experience of coming out as a lesbian and her relationship with her father, who was a closeted gay man.

You’ve probably seen a Shakespeare play before, but never like this. Five professional actors come together for each performance of Drunk Shakespeare. The twist? One of them has had five shots before the show and is trying to stay on track while the other four actors do their best to hold the performance together.

The song “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley and the Wailers is almost 50 years old but its enduring message lives on, most recently in the children’s musical Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds, which is playing at The Greenhouse Theatre Center. The reggae classic is just one of many Bob Marley hits featured in the production, which centers around Ziggy and his three avian friends. The musical is inspired by the children’s book Every Little Thing, written by Marley’s daughter Cedella.

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry has dedicated an exhibit to the science and technology behind the world’s longest-running film franchise, James Bond. Fans of the renowned secret agent can check out 13 vehicles and over 90 additional artifacts, including the prototype jetpack used in Thunderball, an MI6 Retina Scanner from GoldenEye and the Parahawk snowmobile hybrid from The World Is Not Enough. You’ll also be able to step into a lab space inspired by “Q” and test your skills developing the perfect vehicle for spy activities, designing stunts and more.

This new exhibition from Chicago Gamespace and the Cleve Carney Museum explores the history of legendary Chicago video game company Midway and its rise to prominence in the ‘90s. Take a look at behind-the-scenes videos, interviews with former game designers, and art, or try your hand at any of the 15 playable arcade games. Midway’s celebrated legacy includes hits like NARC, Smash TV, Terminator 2, Mortal Kombat, NBA Jam and Cruis’N USA.

Chicago farmers market season is well past its peak, but you can still get in on the fresh produce action during this winter edition of the Wicker Park market, which pops up inside The Robey on select Sundays from December through March. Browse goods from more than 15 local, rotating vendors like Donutistry, Hook Point Fisheries and The Love U Collective—and you can always grab a coffee from Cafe Robey to sip on while you stock up.

The South Loop Farmers Market heads indoors for the season, bringing more than 75 vendors each Sunday to the fourth level of Water Tower Place. Shop for fresh produce, preserved veggies, cheeses, meats and more while enjoying live entertainment. Guests can also check out a kids' play zone, capture special moments with family and pet photography, and play some virtual reality games.

Situated in the heart of downtown Chicago with the city's sweeping skyline as a backdrop, the Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is a winter attraction unlike any other. Skaters can lace up and wind around a winding ice-covered path that's twice the length of a lap around a traditional rink. Reservations for the popular ice rink should be made in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly.

Admission to the Skating Ribbon is free Monday through Thursday and for 11am sessions Friday through Sunday (and $5 for other time slots Friday through Sunday, as well as holidays) if you bring your own skates. No skates? Entry is $17–$23 if you need to rent a pair. The Ribbon stays open through March (weather permitting) and even offers hours on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Skate under the Chicago skyline and within eyeshot of the Chicago Christmas Tree at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. Plus, take advantage of free skating lessons on most Saturdays and Sundays, where you can learn both beginner- and intermediate-level skills. Note that you'll need to make a free online reservation for both regular skating and lessons, and if it seems too warm to skate, call ahead—this rink is open through February 2, weather permitting.

Located on the terrace of The Peninsula Chicago, the 2,100-square-foot Sky Rink offers ice skating in the shadows of the city's tallest buildings, all while overlooking Michigan Avenue. Show off your skills in a winter wonderland featuring snowflake lighting and festive music, and when you need to warm up, grab a hot drink and snack at the Chalet.

There’s plenty of cold weather fun to be had on the Art Deco-inspired terrace at the Gwen Hotel, which offers curling lanes plus fire pits and hot cocktails so you can warm up between rounds. Heat lamps are set up around the perimeter to keep things toasty and you can also hang out with a group around one of the fire tables.

The Godfrey’s rooftop becomes a winter wonderland when the temperatures plunge, featuring clear heated igloos decorated with festive lights that can be booked for groups of up to 10 people indulging in bottle service. Even if you’re not going all out, you can hang out at a booth under the retractable roof or gather around an outdoor fire pit for s’mores and a hot cocktail.

Look out over Lake Michigan and Millennium Park from the glass atrium on top of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel. The outdoor terrace is accessible year round and features fire pits to keep you toasty while you sip drinks. Cindy’s is running an après ski-inspired pop-up, with classic cold weather cocktails and themed decorations that transport guests to a snowy mountain getaway, daily through February 28.

Fairmont Chicago has brought back its seasonal experience, Fairmont Lodge, for another year of wintry fun. The hotel’s lobby is transformed into a wonderland featuring themed décor, festive programming and seasonal menus. Guests can reserve a Lodge experience and indulge in hand-crafted cocktails and sweet and savory fondue, capped off with some tabletop s'mores. There’s also live entertainment Thursday through Saturday.