Searching for what to do in Chicago this February? Here are the best things to do in Chicago in February (from a local) – from fun outdoor winter activities to the top events and attractions.
Ok I admit that February is not the best month to be in Chicago as it tends to be cold and snowy. However, if you are willing to brave winter in Chicago, there are still many fun things to do in Chicago during the month of February – both outdoors and indoors. There are also tons of romantic things to do for Valentine’s Day.
I suggest bookmarking this blog post as I will be updating it regularly with new events and activities.
Things to Do in Chicago in February
Below are the top things to do in Chicago in February including all of the best February events.
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Go Outdoor Ice Skating
Looking for a fun outdoor activity in Chicago? There are many places to go outdoor ice skating in the city for those willing to brave the cold temperatures.
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink right in front of The Bean (a must on any Chicago bucket list) is open through February 2.
Another picture perfect spot is the nearby skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park which has a path twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink.
Attend a Candlelight Concert
Chicago’s Candlelight Concerts is a series of special classical music concerts that take place in beautiful venues bathed in candlelight. Some of the concerts taking place this February include:
A Tribute to U2
The Best of Hans Zimmer
You can find the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago here.
Join a Food Tour
Winter is a great time try some of the food that Chicago is known for. If your time in Chicago is short or you want to try a variety of dishes, consider a food tour like this Chicago favorites tasting tour. If you have a sweet tooth, you might like this underground donut tour.
Celebrate Lunar New Year
Welcome the Year of the Snake and celebrate Lunar New Year with parades and other events.
The Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration takes place Saturday, February 8 in the Uptown neighborhood. The Lunar New Year Parade starts at 1:00pm at Argyle & Winthrop featuring local community groups, cultural institutions, dancers and performers. There will also be pop-ups with family-friendly activities between 10am-4pm.
The Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade takes place on Sunday, February 9 with traditional dragon and lion dancing teams, colorful floats, marching bands and marching groups. The parade starts at 1:00 p.m. at the intersection of 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue and travels north on Wentworth towards the viewing stand at Cermak and Wentworth.
Have Fun at Navy Pier
Navy Pier is a must if you are visiting Chicago with toddlers or kids. Fun attractions include a large Ferris wheel (click here to purchase a fast pass ticket and skip the long line), rides and games, restaurants, shops, Flyover Chicago and the Chicago Children’s Museum.
From February 1 – February 14, visitors can take a stroll through Navy Pier’s illuminated Tunnel of Love along the South Dock which is adorned with giant hearts and twinkling diamonds, making it a great photo-op for Instagram or popping the big question.
Every Saturday in February from 12pm-6pm in the Food Experience Corridor, Navy Pier will host the Black Makers Market showcasing the talents of over three dozen local African American artisans, designers, and entrepreneurs. Each weekend, a variety of original products will be available for sale, including home goods, fashion, jewelry, luxurious candles, hand-crocheted apparel, ceramics and more.
Enjoy Tropical Temperatures Inside the Garfield Park Conservatory
The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest and most stunning botanical conservatories in the US. Often referred to as “landscape art under glass,” the Garfield Park Conservatory showcases thousands of plant species from around the world throughout eight indoor display gardens. Visitors can enjoy the lush flora and tropical temperatures indoors on a cold February day.
Starting mid-February, visitors can also enjoy the annual Spring Flower Show.
Where: 300 N. Central Park Ave.
Hours: Wednesday 10am-8pm; Thursday – Sunday 10am-5pm; Closed Monday and Tuesday. Visitors are recommended to make a reservation online in advance.
Admire Famous Works at the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States and is frequently found on lists of the top museums in the world. In addition to its large permanent collection of art from around the world, you can see rotating exhibitions. (Click here to buy a skip the line ticket if you want to avoid long lines).
Where: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Hours: Thursday 11am–8pm; Friday to Monday from 11am– 5pm. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Cost: Price varies by age; members and children under 14 are always free. Illinois residents will have free admission every Monday, Thursday, and Friday the entire month of February.
Enjoy the Views from 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
360 CHICAGO is another must see attraction. The observatory on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Building has the best views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. The 360 Chicago observation deck is also home of TILT – Chicago’s highest thrill ride – an enclosed moving platform that literally tilts you out over Michigan Avenue from the 94th Floor.
(Click here to buy a skip the line ticket).
Where: 875 North Michigan Avenue, 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611
Visit the Field Museum
The Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. Inside the museum you will see Maximo, the Titanosaur, the largest dinosaur that ever lived. (Click here to purchase an Early Access VIP Tour if you want to avoid crowds).
Where: Chicago’s Museum Campus, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605 (detailed directions and parking information is available here)
Hours: Open daily 9am to 5pm (last admission at 4pm)
Tip: If you are visiting a few museums and indoor attractions, consider purchasing a Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card to save money on entrance fees.
Visit the Lincoln Park Conservatory
Although not as large as the Garfield Park Conservatory, the Lincoln Park Conservatory is worth a visit and is more conveniently located for visitors. Advance online reservations are strongly recommended.
Starting mid February, visitors can also enjoy the annual Spring Flower Show.
Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am-5pm.
Where: 2391 N Stockton Dr., Chicago, IL 60614
Cost: FREE
Go Outdoor Curling
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Curling is a winter sport in which players slide stones on a sheet of ice or a lane towards a target. Below is a list of places offering outdoor curling (along with drinks) in February:
Upstairs at The Gwen, 521 North Rush Street
Harry Caray’s Tavern – Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave
Kaiser Tiger, 1415 West Randolph St
Have Drinks in an Igloo
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Having dinner and drinks in an outdoor igloo has been trendy for a few years. Here are some of the best outdoor igloos in Chicago open this February (advance reservations are required).
Kennedy Rooftop, 1551 W North Ave
I|O at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago, 127 West Huron Street
Watch a Drunk Shakespeare Play
Join The Drunk Shakespeare Society for an unforgettable evening of Shakespearean revelry. Set within a speakeasy, five actors attempt to perform a Shakespearean play after one of them downs multiple shots of various alcohols. Every show is different depending on who is drinking and what they’re drinking. Must be 21+ with valid ID.
Where: The Lounge At The Lion, 182 North Wabash Avenue
Cost: Prices start at $29 per person. Click here to purchase tickets.
Chicago February Events
In addition to the activities mentioned above, other Chicago February events include: Architecture & Design Film Festival (January 29-February 2), Chicago Restaurant Week (January 24-February 9), Chicago Theatre Week (February 6-16), Taste of Ravenswood (February 7), University of Chicago Folk Festival (February 7-8), Cider Summit Chicago (February 8), Chicago Auto Show (February 8-17), Verizon Super Bowl Fanfest at Soldier Field (February 9), Chicago Black Restaurant Week (February 9-23), Valentine’s Day Fireworks at Navy Pier (February 14), Winter Tequila Tasting Festival (February 15), Cupid’s Undie Run (February 22), Polar Adventure Day at Big Marsh (February 22), Music Frozen Dancing (February 22), Hustle Chicago® Stair Climb (February 23), MagicCon: Chicago (February 21-23), Bingo Loco: The Ultimate Bingo Party (February 28), Chopin In The City (February 21 – March 1), Chicago Irish Film Festival (February 27-March 9) and North Side Restaurant Week (February 27-March 9).
For more February events, bookmark this post about the best weekend events which is updated every week.
As you can see there are many things to do in Chicago this February.
Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out my Chicago guides and itineraries:
