February 2017 Chicago Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Chicago is truly a city for all seasons. No matter when or where, there’s always something exciting happening around the corner. Never mind the chilly winter weather; even during our winter months, Chicago can’t be beat. Every week, there are a variety of events, festivals, and exhibits that have something for absolutely everyone to enjoy. Here’s just a preview of what you can expect to find around town this February:
Winter Activities, Events & Celebrations Around Chicago
Ice Skating
When: Open through the first week of March
Where: The Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
Admission: Free
Skate Rental Fee: $12/rental Monday – Thursday; $14/rental Friday – Sunday
In the heart of downtown Chicago, the Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon rink uniquely features a path that weaves through Maggie Daley Park and features incredible views of Chicago’s skyline.
Polar Adventure Days
When: February 25, 2017 from noon-4 pm
Where: Northerly Island
Admission: Free
Great fun for the whole family, Polar Adventure Days features exciting meet and greets with Siberian huskies, live music, ice sculptures, storytelling and so much more.
Chinese New Year Parade
When: February 5 at 1 p.m.
Where: S. Wentworth Avenue
Admission: Free
Ring in the Chinese New Year with the Lunar New Year Parade. Celebrations will feature lion and dragon dances, floats and marching bands.
Mardi Gras Party
When: February 25
Where: Chicago Cultural Center
Celebrate Mardi Gras at this New Orleans-style Mardi Gras Bash. Each year features a different theme. Tickets are sold in advance and include food and drink. Guests are required to wear costumes or masks.
Film, Theater & Entertainment
Documentary Film Festival
When: February 1 – 2
Where: Gene Siskel Film Center
Brand-new documentaries will be previewed during the Stranger Than Fiction series. Some will include post-viewing panel discussions with the directors for film enthusiasts.
Fringe Theater Festival
When: February 1 – 26
Where: Prop Theater
Admission: $12 per show
One of Chicago’s longest running fringe festivals, the Rhinoceros Theater Festival will be showcasing dozens of creative new shows.
Midwest Film Festival
When: February 7
Where: Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema
The Midwest Independent Film Festival shows films from eight Midwest states. February screenings may include a pre-show cocktail reception, a producer’s panel, and a post-screening reception.
Theater Week
When: February 9 – 19
Where: Various Chicago theater locations. Visit Chicago Theatre Week for a full list of participating venues.
Theater-goers can choose from more than 100 plays at affordable prices during Theater Week!
Culinary Delights & Tastings
Chicago Restaurant Week
When: February 1 – 9
Where: All around Chicago. Visit Chicago Restaurant Week for a full list of participating restaurants.
Chicago’s best-of-the-best dining experiences are part of Restaurant Week. With 350 participating restaurants, you can get special deals on fixed-price lunches or dinners for a taste of Chicago’s exceptional culinary scene.
Polar Beer festival
When: February 11 at Noon
Where: Rock Bottom Brewery
For those looking for a hearty warmth after being out in the chilling Chicago winds, bundle up in a warming area set on the rooftop of Rock Bottom Brewer to sample some strong winter ales.
Cider Tasting
When: February 11
Where: The Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier
At this year’s Cider Summit Chicago, you can stay warm with tastings of 150 artisanal ciders from all over the world.
Valentine’s Day In Chicago
Valentine’s Day for Families
When: February 10 – 14
Where: Various locations around the Chicago Park District
Families can come out and enjoy a Valentine’s party, dance and craft-making around the Chicago Park District.
Valentine’s Day at the Zoo
When: February 11 – 12
Where: The Discovery Center at Brookfield Zoo
Enjoy Valentine’s Dinner on Saturday with your zoo admission. Then, bring the family back for a nice Valentine’s Day Brunch at the Sunday buffet with everything from eggs Benedict, to omelets, to carving stations, seafood, salads, desserts and more.
These are just some of the exciting activities happening around Chicago this February, and we can’t wait to participate in them all! Hope to see you out there, neighbors! What are some of your favorite activities and events around town? Contact us, or tell us about it in the comments below!
