This post covers the best things to do in Chicago in February, including, free, family-friendly, as well as nighttime events and activities, all updated for 2022.
CHICAGO HOTEL DEALS ON TRIPADVISOR – If you haven’t already booked your accommodations.
TOP 10 EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO IN CHICAGO IN FEBRUARY
February in Chicago is a great time to visit because it is a slow season for tourism which means you won’t have to wait in lines or stand in crowds!
Check out the suggestions below for a variety of activities, including sports, theatre, music, and lots of indoor activities to stay warm!
For some of the more popular things to do in Chicago, read the following posts:
1) Go to a Sporting Event
Chicago loves sports so if you are visiting and want to feel like a local- be sure to catch a game.
In February, you can head west to the United Center for a Basketball or Hockey game.
For a list of all sporting events happening this month, check this list.
Hockey
Basketball
2) Go to a Concert
February is the perfect month to enjoy an indoor concert. There are many intimate music venues in Chicago to explore, especially downtown and in Lincoln Park.
Check out our Chicago Blues post for a few other suggestions.
Here are just a few of the larger-scale concerts happening in February of 2022.
- Elton John | Feb 4th, 5th
- Eddie Vedder | Feb 9th, 10th
- JoJo Siwa | Feb 10th
- Tyrese | Feb 11th
- Marshall Tucker Band | Feb 12th
- Ghost | Feb 18th
- Relient K | Feb 18th
- The Jacksons | Feb 18th
- Dream Theater | Feb 20th
- Tyler, The Creator | Feb 22nd
- Dropkick Murphy's | Feb 26th
- The Birthday Massacre | Feb 27th
Find all the concerts in Chicago here.
3) Take a Sightseeing Tour
Be sure to bundle up with many, many layers while roaming outside in Chicago during February.
Cold doesn’t stop our amazing history-loving storytelling guides though! We offer pay-what-you-like walking tours nearly every day of the week in the Windy City.
Try our seasonal Chicago Pedway tour to experience the indoor paths that run under the city or the seasonal Winter Loop Tour for a winterized Loop experience.
Want to learn about our amazing Architecture? Check out the Winter Architecture Tour.
If you’d prefer the heating on a bus tour, we have a great comparison of Chicago’s best. From hop-on-hop-off buses to dedicated tours, you’ll find one to suit you here.
4) Go to the Theater
Chicago is home to many many regional theatres, small black box spaces, and Broadway Tour houses. There is something for everyone!
To see a full calendar of all shows or to buy tickets for shows, click here.
Here are just a few of the many shows happening in February 2022:
- Hairspray | Feb 1st - 13th
- Blue Man Group | Feb 3rd - 27th
- Come From Away | Feb 22nd - 27th
- The Simon and Garfunkel Story | Feb 22nd - 27th
- Moulin Rouge | Feb 26th, 27th
If you're willing to travel a bit further outside of the Chicago area, the following options are also available within a 35 mile radius:
- West Side Story (Lincolnshire) | Feb 2nd - 27th
- Evita (Oakbrook Terrace) | Feb 2nd - 27th
Find all the theatrical productions in Chicago this month here.
Pro-tip: February 17th - 27th is Chicago Theatre Week! Be sure to look for discounted tickets! Also, Check out our self-guided theatre tour to admire the exterior of some of the oldest movie palaces in the downtown Loop.
5) See AEW Dynamite Live
If you're a wrestling fan, chances are you're very well aware of the rising popularity of this company. AEW has begun to give WWE a run for their money, and it's no surprise with names like Christ Jericho, Cody Rhodes, and CM Punk on their roster!
AEW Dynamite/Rampage will be making its way to the Wintrust Arena in Chicago on February 2nd, 2022. This is an excellent opportunity to see some of the best wrestlers alive performing live on stage.
Tickets start at just $48, and they're selling out quickly.
Purchase tickets or learn more.
6) Ice Skating in Downtown Chicago
Ice Skating is a great way to spend the day or evening hours, especially with numerous rinks around the city.
There is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. Right underneath Cloud Gate and on the edge of the downtown area makes this a perfect spot, and you can warm up with some hot chocolate served right next to the rink.
Across the bridge in Maggie Daley Park, you will find the Skating Ribbon. Surrounding the rock wall and with the skyline in the background, this is a “skating through the alpines” experience.
For both rinks, skating is free and rentals are $13 on weekdays, $15 on weekends.
7) See a Stand-Up Comedy Show
If you're in need of a good laugh, there will be several notable comedians performing in the Chicago area during the month of February.
Here are a few of the best professional stand-up comics you can see this month:
- Trevor Wallace | Feb 5th
- Ronny Chieng | Feb 12th
- Rob Schneider | Feb 19th
- Mike Epps | Feb 25th
For even more options, make sure to check this list of stand-up comedy shows in Chicago.
8) Celebrate Valentine’s Day
There are a few American Holidays in February including Groundhog’s Day on February 2nd, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on February 12th, and President’s Day on February 17 (bank holiday).
The one that Chicago really celebrates is Valentine’s Day on February 14th! You can find live music, romantic walks, and special menus at local restaurants.
Since this holiday lands on a Monday in 2022, you might want to consider making plans during the weekend instead.
One of the most popular activities will be the Valentine's Love Jam on February 12th. Artists performing that night will include Ja Rule, Tank, Blackstreet, and many others.
Another option is to see the classic romantic film Casablanca in concert with music provided by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This event will take place on February 11th and 13th.
Don't forget that Hairspray will also be ending its run in Chicago during this weekend, and that might be another great idea for a night out with your loved one.
We have more details and suggestions on how to spend your day on our blog.
9) Go to a Ballet or Symphony
There will be several opportunities to see a live ballet or symphony perform in Chicago this month.
The Joffrey Ballet will be producing the tale of Don Quixote at the Lyric Opera House from February 16th - 27th, 2022.
The Chicago Symphony will also have a handful of performances this month, including Casablanca in Concert on February 11th and 13th.
Alternatively, gamers will be happy to hear that the music of the Final Fantasy VII Remake will be performed live at the Chicago Symphony Hall on February 6th.
10) See More for Less with a Chicago City Pass
Many of Chicago’s biggest attractions have entry fees.
While you do pay for a tourist discount pass, it can give you a bulk discount and free admission into some interesting tours and museums, saving you up to 55%.
They can also save you time with skip-the-ticket-line privileges.
Each Chicago tourist discount pass includes a variety of fun activities and attractions.
Here are a few examples of what you can visit with a tourist pass, for a discount or for free.
- Shedd Aquarium
- Skydeck Chicago
- Adler Planetarium
- Art Institute of Chicago
- The Field Museum
- Museum of Science and Industry
- 360 Chicago Observation Deck
For more details, make sure to read our full post covering Chicago tourist passes.
RESCHEDULED: Go to C2E2 - Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo
From August 5th - 7th, a huge event for comic lovers and gamers is in town. It is located at the Mccormick Place near downtown Chicago. This event usually takes place during February or March, but was rescheduled for 2022.
There will be panel discussions, activities, shopping, and plenty of cosplay!
The vendors in attendance will be filling the main floor to keep you occupied between events with some of the bigger names in comics and sci-fi media.
If you are interested, be sure to get your tickets soon!
RESCHEDULED: Chicago Restaurant Week
Traveling through your taste buds is always a fun thing to do when it is cold out!
Chicago Restaurant Week (March 25th – April 10th) is the perfect opportunity to try some of the best Chicago restaurants. Unfortunately, although it usually takes place in January and February, it has been pushed back a few months for 2022.
Hundreds of restaurants participate during Restaurant Week, providing multiple course meals with fixed-price menus.
If nothing else, make sure you try some of the famous Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza or enjoy a romantic fondue dinner.
But if you’re still hungry, sample your way with these self-guided food tours of Chicago neighborhoods.
On a budget? You can still get a taste of Chicago with some of the best cheap eats in the city. Or if you want to get a background with your brunch, take one of the best Chicago food tours.
And when you’ve finished sampling, relax with something from a local coffee shop.
FREE THINGS TO DO
Chicago offers many free activities throughout the year. Some of the events mentioned above are free too! Here are a few suggestions during February 2022.
For more ideas, check out our post about the top free things to do in Chicago.
Celebrate Groundhog’s Day
On February 2nd there is a little holiday based on a Pennsylvania Dutch superstition called Groundhog’s Day.
The tradition is that a groundhog is brought out and if they are scared of their shadow and retreat back - that predicates that winter will continue for 6 more weeks.
Later, a popular Bill Murry movie was filmed in Woodstock, IL, based on Groundhog’s Day. Ever since, Woodstock, IL has a great event.
While Woodstock isn’t really close to Chicago, if you are nearby, it could be worth a visit!
Maxwell Street Market
Bundle up to enjoy the international flare at this market on Sunday mornings between 7:00 am – 3:00 pm which has been a Chicago tradition for over 100 years.
Take in the bargains and culture at this year-round market. The market has free admission. For more details, click here.
Attend a Free or Donation Museum
There are many wonderful museums in the Windy City that are actually free!
The Jane Addams Hull House is an incredible museum that is located in one of the original Hull House homes.
The National Museum of Mexican Art is a donation-based museum for art lovers.
Another option is to go into the bottom of the Watertower for a small but mighty free art museum! If you are joining us on our Pay-What-You-Like Magnificent Mile walking tour- you will enter this museum with your tour guide.
During the winter months, locals will find that many of the museums offer free days to Illinois residents, teachers, veterans, etc.
Art on the Mart
Even with the cold, the Art on the Mart will persist!
Head the Riverwalk at sunset to see an amazing art projection on the Merchandise Mart Building (a building so large, it has its own zip code!)
NOTE: The art for February 2022 has yet to be announced.
The Bridgeport Art Center
Located in the Bridgeport building which is a creative home for local artists and designers, there is an outdoor sculpture garden and three curated art galleries.
On the 3rd Friday of each month between 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm, people are invited to see the painters, sculptors, photographers work.
Check out the Chicago Cultural Center
A great place to warm up while appreciating architecture is the Cultural Center. This beautiful and historic building is free and open for the public to explore.
Beyond the art that lines the walls, you will find free traveling films, lectures, and performances here.
This is also a great place for children’s programming. They offer their own free tours every Wednesday – Saturday at 1:15 pm
Check out their calendar of events to see what is going on during your visit.
Go to the Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory
The Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory are both free and open 365 days out of the year! Head up to this beautiful park to visit some of the animals, especially the polar bears!
If it starts to get a little chilly you can stop into the Conservatory to warm up and see the beautiful plant life there.
Explore Navy Pier
It is free to visit Navy Pier and there are plenty of things to enjoy without spending a dime. You can take our free self-guided tour to really take in the sites.
If you want to beat the chill, head to the Crystal Gardens to appreciate an indoor tropical garden with jumping fountains! If you don’t mind the blustering wind, head to the end of the pier for an amazing view of Chicago.
For more ideas, check out our post about the Top Free Things to Do in Chicago.
NIGHTTIME ACTIVITIES
Many of our top ten activities are perfect for the evening hours, such as seeing a sporting event, going to the theater, or attending a concert.
Below are some more ideas. Be sure to read our post about the top things to do in Chicago at night for even more suggestions.
Laugh at a Comedy or Sketch Show
Chicago is known for its food and its comedy! Some of the best comedians came out of the Windy City. Amy Pohler, Tina Fey, Chris Farley- to name a few.
In the cold nights of February, a good laugh will be sure to warm you up. Check out Second City for sketch comedy, stand up and improv.
Another local favorite is i.O. which is improv and sketch. Head to the Laugh Factory for stand-up. There are shows for everyone’s budget.
Check out a Drag Show
Head to the South Loop to attend Lips Drag show which has been around for 25 years.
It has performances on Wednesdays - Sundays; including a Sunday brunch!
MSI After Dark
The MSI After Hours is an Adults Only experience to explore the museum after the day time guests have left.
Each After Hours event lets you enjoy cocktails, beer, snacks and new programs each month.
Adler After Dark
On the third Thursday of each month, Adler Planetarium opens up for a fun night-time event for adults.
There will be drinks, music, and entertainment while enjoying looking at the stars. Escape the cold and enjoy this monthly event.
Go Out for a Cocktail
Keep your layers on and head out for a cocktail! Chicago is known for locally brewed craft beers and a unique liquor called Malort. Taking a shot of Malort will definitely warm you up!
Another fun option is to check out one of our famous speakeasies – fitting for the mobster history of the Windy City. The Office is a unique cocktail experience that is indulgent with completely personalized beverages.
Mixing music with cocktails always fun! Check out Kingston Mines to enjoy the blues or Davenport’s Piano bar for a unique experience.
Be sure to check out our post on top things to do in Chicago at night for even more suggestions.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO
Below you will find several great options to keep your children entertained this month, including parks, museums, and theater!
Be sure to check out our post about family-friendly activities in Chicago for a more complete guide.
Northerly Island Adventure
Head to Northerly Island to explore with the kids. See birds of prey and wolves, make nature-inspired winter crafts, walk on snowshoes and drink cocoa at Polar Adventure Days.
This event is free to attend.
Orchid Show at the Botanical Gardens
From February 12th - March 27th, you can visit the Chicago Botanical Garden to see the Orchid Show. There will be over 10,000 orchids in bloom and many lovely tropical plants.
Doze with Dinos
Families with kids ages 6 to 12 can pack their sleeping bags and spend the night at the Field Museum!
You can stay up late with the scientists and tour the exhibits with your flashlight. When it's time for lights out, you’ll have a spot in the Genius Hall of Dinosaurs.
Find out more about the Field Museum on our post and if you want to stay the night, get tickets soon here.
Dates: February 18th and 19th, 2022.
Family Science Day
On February 9th - 13th, Fermi lab out in Batavia is hosting a family day! There will be tours, hands-on exhibits, and lessons on physics for kiddos third grade and up.
Juice Box Concerts at Garfield Park Conservatory
Head to the Garfield Park Conservatory with your family of little ones on February 12th and 13th for an engaging musical event!
While this will be enjoyable for the whole family, it is geared to kids between the ages of 1-6. See their website for more.
Go to a Family-Friendly Improv Show
ComedySportz is known for being family-friendly! It is a game inspired improv show- similar to Who’s Line is it Anyway? If anyone on the team uses a curse word- they actually lose points!
This means that this show is really made for all ages.
Go to a Museum
Chicago has a lot of museums that are very interactive and ideal for kids. Some of our favorites include:
- The Field Museum- There is a giant T-Rex skeleton!
- Museum of Science and Industry - Watch baby chicks hatch!
- Children’s Museum - Loads of interactive and positive play!
Be sure to check out our post about family-friendly activities in Chicago for a more complete guide.
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