28 Best Things to Do in Chicago and the Suburbs in February 2025

February in Chicago may be chilly, but the city and its suburbs offer plenty of ways to warm up with vibrant cultural celebrations, romantic outings, and winter fun. From honoring Black History Month with museum exhibits and performances to planning the perfect Valentine’s Day, this month is packed with reasons to get out and make the most of winter. Here are the best things to do in Chicago and the suburbs this month.

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All Month

Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica

The first major exhibition to survey Pan-Africanism’s cultural manifestations gathers together some 350 objects, spanning 1920s to present, made by artists on four continents. Panafrica is presented as a conceptual place where arguments about decolonization, solidarity, and freedom are advanced and negotiated with the aim of an emancipatory future.

The Orchid Show: India Blooms

“Through the harmony of tradition and modern design, the Orchid Show immerses you in the beauty of India.” This year at the Chicago Botanic Garden show, visitors will witness a floor-to-ceiling peacock, its tail crafted from hundreds of orchid blooms — as well as many other designs, from February 8-March 23. The Garden allows guests to “discover bursts of pigmented powders reflecting the vivid hues of Holi, the festival of colors.” Check out the Chicago Botanic Garden online for more information.

Black Makers Market

Head over to Navy Pier every Saturday in February to catch 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.” Find more details on Black Makers Market online.

Sustenance & Land: Five Artists Consider Our Relationship with the Earth

This exhibit explores “human connection to the land and the many ways the earth sustains us. Participating artists Lydia Cheshewalla, Barbara Ciurej and Lindsay Lochman, Tomiko Jones, Claire Pentecost, and Chunbo Zhang work in a variety of methodologies to explore a broad spectrum of themes including nutrition, cultural relationship to food, scientific investigation, spirit, history, and the future. Humor and creativity are woven throughout the exhibition, guiding viewers through a rich tapestry of ideas about how we interact with the earth.” Running through April, find more info on the Elmhurst Art Museum site.

Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition

Photo courtesy of Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Since 1970, Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition has made an annual appearance at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry — making it the longest-running exhibitions of Black art. The exhibit features paintings, drawings, fine art prints, sculpture, mixed-media, ceramics, and photography from artists both professional and amateur, including youth artists between the ages of 14 and 17. The show is open now through April 27, secure your tickets at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry online.

5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive

February 1: Lunar New Year at Navy Pier

To celebrate Lunar New Year, The Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier will be transformed into a festive, interactive, and family-friendly celebration marking the Year of the Wood Snake. Save the date — schedule to be announced soon! All other details on the Lunar New Year at Navy Pier site.

800 E. Grand Ave.

February 1: Once Upon a Symphony: The Little Red Hen

A cow, horse and pig all turn down the Little Red Hen’s requests for help planting wheat, grinding flour, and baking bread — and are disappointed when the hen eats the delicious bread all by herself. Featuring delightful musical numbers, costumes, and ensemble performances this classic children’s tale explores the importance of working together as a community. Visit the Chicago Symphony Orchestra online for tickets and details.

February 1-2: JaJa’s African Hair Braiding

Welcome to Jaja’s, a bustling Harlem hotspot where West African immigrant braiders work their magic on locals’ locs. On a scorching summer day, love blossoms, dreams flourish, and secrets are revealed. This laugh-out-loud gem is written by Tony-nominated playwright Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Chicago’s own award-winning Whitney White. Running until February 2.

February 1-2: Woodstock Groundhog Days

What other minor holiday has a cult classic film such as Bill Murray’s Groundhog Day? For all you fans, the tradition is still alive and well in the filming location of the movie, Woodstock, Illinois. Just outside of Chicago, the quaint, historic downtown has everything from men in suits and top hats to their very own weather predictor, Woodstock Willie. And stick around for several days worth of activities such as Groundhog Day Dinner, dancing, drinking and watching the movie in the historic Harold Ramis theater. More information is available on the Groundhog Days website.

February 1-2: Fika Fest

Always celebrating its roots, the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce returns with their annual Fika Fest — a play on Swedish tradition, coming from the phrase “a coffee and cake break.” But it’s more than that, too. It’s meant to connect neighbors and friends and is considered “an essential part of the day” for many Swedish folks. Visit the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce website for more information about fest events as they becomes available.

February 1-9: Chicago Restaurant Week

Once again, it is a foodies’ favorite time of year: Chicago Restaurant Week — a 17-day celebration of the city’s best culinary feats and finds. In its 18th year, and running until February 9, CRW welcomes diners to enjoy delicacies from over 470 local restaurants — each a part of Chicago’s rich, award-winning culinary scene. Join other Chicagoans as you sample some of the unique and rare treats featured from a range of participating restaurants — prices and entry vary. Want to nosh during Chicago’s tastiest time of year? Find more details on the Chicago Restaurant Week website.

February 2: Galentines Bash & Makers Market

Celebrate the season of love with Galentines Bash & Makers Market. This event brings together a curated selection of talented artisans, small businesses, and makers showcasing their unique creations. From handcrafted jewelry to natural skincare and more, you’re sure to find the perfect gift, or treat yourself. Visit Galentines Bash & Makers Market for details.

February 6-16: Chicago Theatre Week

Chicago Theatre Week returns this year with its annual celebration of the rich tradition of theatre-going in Chicago. During this time, audiences can grab value-priced tickets to incredible shows all over town — with some shows costing $30 or even $15. Chicago Theatre Week 2023 hit a record with over 20,000 ticket sales — let’s keep it going. Don’t be left out of the fun, visit Chicago Theatre Week 2025 for a full lineup and tickets.

February 8: Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration

Join the Uptown community on Argyle Street as we continue the annual tradition going back 40+ years of celebrating the Lunar New Year along the Argyle commercial corridor in Uptown! To welcome the Year of the Snake, we’ll be hosting the Lunar New Year Parade, kick-off at 1:00pm sharp at Argyle & Sheridan — featuring 20+ local community groups, cultural institutions, dancers, and performers. More info on the Uptown community website.

February 8: Cider Summit Chicago

Hard cider has made a resurgence as a beloved beverage, and now fans of the drink can taste to their heart’s content at the Cider Summit Chicago. Try samples of more than 150 cider selections from over 50 local and international producers of cider-like cocktails, mead, spirits and more. This 21+ event will be hosted at Navy Pier — grab your tickets at Cider Summit Chicago.

800 E. Grand Ave.

February 8: Roxanne Stevenson’s Chicago State University Community Jazz Band with Saxophone Soloist Tia Fuller

For over 20 years, the Evanston Township High School Jazz Festival has hosted nearly 50 student jazz groups from around the region. At this year’s event, enjoy a variety of performances culminating in the Roxanne Stevenson’s Chicago State University Community Jazz Band performance, accompanied by Saxophone Soloist Tia Fuller. Tickets and details are on the ETHS Jazz Festival site.

February 8-17: 2025 Chicago Auto Show

At the Chicago Auto Show, you can enjoy a fun-filled day browsing unique and beautiful cars while connecting with enthusiasts. This year marks the 117th edition of this show — talk about Chicago history! For more information visit the Chicago Auto Show online.

McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive

February 9-23: Chicago Black Restaurant Week

Photo courtesy of Chicago Black Restaurant Week

As community members and neighbors, we should be supporting Black-owned businesses all year long, not just during Black History Month. But if you’re looking for a good place to start this February, look to Chicago Black Restaurant Week — which pulls together a long list of Black-owned eateries, vendors, and businesses in order to both celebrate and support them. Check out the Chicago Black Restaurant Week website for a lineup of spots and how to support.

February 10: A Conversation with NBC5’s Mary Ann Ahern

Mary Ann Ahern’s award-winning television news career spans four decades, notably as Chicago’s NBC5 Political Reporter. On February 10, she will use this expertise to offer a unique perspective on the last election cycle’s media coverage in a conversation moderated by Julie Peterson at Kenilworth Union Church.

February 12: Spring Flower Show: Rooted in Mystery

This year’s Spring Flower Show, “Rooted in Mystery,” explores the critical parts of plants that we don’t usually see – the roots!  In addition to finding and delivering water and nutrition to the leaves and stems, roots perform many lesser known but important functions in the lives of plants. Visitors will learn about the cool stuff roots do while enjoying a display of spring plants, including azaleas, pansies, 26 different varieties of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths and so much more. Details at Spring Flower Show: Rooted in Mystery.

February 14: Valentine’s Day Cake Decorating Experience

This Valentine’s Day bring your partner, friend, or anyone special to this unique cake decorating class. Each guest will be able to decorate their own heart-shaped cake, in addition to other fun bonuses. This event is BYOB-friendly, and sets the mood for an enjoyable Valentine’s Day evening. Find all the details and tickets on Valentine’s Day Cake Decorating Experience online.

February 14: Valentine’s Day at NoMI Kitchen

A night to remember for you and yours, indulge in NoMI’s 4-course prix-fixe menu curated by Executive Chef Terence Zubieta, and monogrammed menus and personalized letters delivered to your table.

February 19: Slowing Down With Amy Tan

The Book Stall is pleased to partner with Illinois Libraries Present for a virtual discussion featuring bestselling author Amy Tan, renowned for her poignant explorations of family and cultural identity. Tan will discuss her body of work, share insights into the inspirations behind her unforgettable characters, and reflect on the wonder of slowing down and savoring the quiet moments. Find details at The Book Stall online.

February 22: “I and You” at Citadel Theatre

“I and You” is an ode to youth, life, love, and the strange beauty of human connectedness. This captivating play by Lauren Gunderson, acclaimed playwright of last season’s Jeff-nominated “Silent Sky,” is an unexpected love story with a mind-blowing twist ending.

February 22: The Terminator In Concert

The Auditorium Theatre’s in-concert film series continues this month with the hit Arnold Schwarzenegger film, The Terminator. The film is accompanied by Brad Fiedel’s signature synthesizer-led, percussive score is performed live with the Chicago Philharmonic for the first time in-sync with the 1984 motion picture. You can get tickets to this incredible show now on the Auditorium Theatre website.

50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr.

February 22: Polar Adventure Days

Enjoy the outdoors this winter with the Chicago Park District, as they host Polar Adventure Day. This event is perfect for kids looking to burn off a little winter steam or families looking to spend more time outdoors. This year’s event is held at Big Marsh Park. More information on how to register and what to expect can be found on the Chicago Park District website.

11559 S. Stony Island Ave.

February 22: Junior Council’s 36th Annual Snowball Gala 

Snowball Gala 2025 will feature live music from Radio Gaga and DJ Strategy, a robust silent auction, a premium open bar, tastings from your favorite Chicago restaurants, and an after party to follow at Hubbard Inn!

February 21: Composer Jake Runestad | Chicago Master Singers

Chicago Master Singers is excited to host Grammy-nominated composer Jake Runestad for the ensemble’s second-annual NextGen concert. Meet the renowned composer at a pre-concert conversation and post-concert reception. Experience an engaging, inspiring evening of choral music sung by 160 singers from CMS, Conant High School, and Glenbard West High School.


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Margaret Smith is a Chicago-based writer and editor with a passion for socio-political storytelling about their community. They are a graduate of Columbia College Chicago Chicago.

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