Chicago events / February 2019
We recommend the best events, festivals, and fun things to do in Chicago, Illinois.
Groundhog Day
February 1 – 3, 2019
(begins Jan. 31)
Much of the movie “Groundhog Day” was filmed in Woodstock, which is no surprise because their events on Groundhog Days are picture perfect, including the groundhog’s prognostication (weather forecast) on Saturday at 7 a.m.
Motorcycle show
February 2 – 3, 2019
Chicago Motorcycle Show & Swap Meet features bikes, parts, demonstrations, food, beer, and live music at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles.
Free science museum
February 4 – 28, 2019
Show Illinois ID to enter the Museum of Science and Industry free during Free February Days:
| 4–7, 11–14, 19–21, 25–28. |
The museum is not free on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, or Feb. 18.
Salsa festival
February 7 – 10, 2019
Chicago International Salsa Congress has workshops, performances, live music, and vendors celebrating Latin and Afro-Caribbean dance at The Westin O’Hare.
RV and camping show
February 7 – 10, 2019
Check out 400 recreational vehicles and shop from 20 dealers at the Chicago RV & Camping Show at the Rosemont convention center.
Murder mystery
February 7 – March 16, 2019
Based on a book by Agatha Christie, The Mousetrap is a whodunit involving strangers trapped in a quaint boarding house during a snowstorm, at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights.
Ticket deal $20
Beer festival
February 9, 2019
(12 to 4 p.m.)
Bundle up to sample strong winter ales on the rooftop of Rock Bottom Brewery with appetizers at Polar Beer Festival for age 21+. A warming area will be available.
Cider tasting
February 9, 2019
Taste 150 artisanal ciders from throughout the world with food samples during Cider Summit Chicago in the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier for age 21+.
Pizza party
February 9, 2019
(1 & 6 p.m.)
Chicago Pizza Party has a $20 cover charge, $2 pizza from 20 restaurants, beer, wine, fun games, and DJ music at Ravenswood Event Center. The evening session is for age 21+.
Anime festival
February 9, 2019
Uchi-Con features gaming, cinema, Asian culture, vendors, speakers, panels, and workshops in the Ida Noyes Hall at University of Chicago. Free.
Valentine’s dinner at the zoo
February 9, 2019
Valentine’s Dinner includes a cocktail reception at Habitat Africa and then a four-course meal in Bocaditos dining room for $230 per couple at Brookfield Zoo, with zoo admission included.
Auto show
February 9 – 18, 2019
Admire nearly 1,000 new vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show, billed as the nation’s largest at McCormick Place convention center.
Orchid Show
February 9 – March 24, 2019
See 10,000 blooms at the Orchid Show, which has a photographer hour, orchid sales, and an Evening with Orchids cocktail tasting at Chicago Botanic Garden.
Chinese New Year parade
February 10, 2019
Lunar New Year Parade features lion and dragon dances, marching bands, and floats on S. Wentworth Avenue (from 24th Street to Cermak Road). Free.
Valentine’s Day Cruise
February 14 – 16, 2019
Enjoy a dinner or brunch Valentine’s Day Cruise on Lake Michigan with plenty of views and a dance floor, departing from Navy Pier.
Underground art show
February 15 – 16, 2019
The Chicago Pancakes & Booze Art Show is a traveling exhibition by 100 artists, with free pancakes, DJ music, live body painting, and a bar at Reggie’s Chicago for age 21+. Pay cash at the door or buy a line-jumper ticket online.
Motorcycle racing
February 15 – 16, 2019
(7:30 p.m.)
Watch racers compete at Arenacross on a huge man-made dirt race course in Sears Centre Arena.
Motorcycle show
February 15 – 17, 2019
Find sport bikes, dirt bikes, scooters, ATVs, expert advice, live entertainment, and family activities at the International Motorcycle Show in the Rosemont convention center.
Beer tasting
February 16, 2019
(12 to 5 p.m.)
Try 100 strong ales, barrel-aged brews, sour and live beers from 50 breweries at the Vintage Beer Festival at Delilah’s. Pay $20 at the door for 20 samples.
Run in your underwear
February 16, 2019
Cupid’s Undie Run includes a half-naked run through the streets and a party at Sluggers to support charity. The 15-minute run starts at 2 p.m. Must be age 21+.
Diving expo
February 16 – 17, 2019
Our World Underwater offers workshops for divers, films, diving equipment, travel services, and a kids’ area at the Chicago Marriott O’Hare.
Opera
February 16 – March 22, 2019
Set in romantic Paris, La Traviata is a bittersweet love story by Verdi, sung in Italian with projected English translations at Lyric Opera House.
Whiskey tasting
February 21, 2019
Taste 20 brands of whiskey and spirits, meet the distillers, taste gourmet bites, and hear DJ music during Barrel Night at Lacuna Artist Lofts for age 21+.
1950s party
February 23, 2019
(7 p.m.)
For the Love of Chocolate Gala promises “gourmet food, dancing to rock & rockabilly, a pin-up fashion show, and tiki bar cocktails at The Palmer House Hilton for $195.
Northerly Island adventure
February 23, 2019
(12 to 4 p.m.)
See birds of prey and wolves, make “nature-inspired winter crafts,” walk on snowshoes (if there’s snow), and drink cocoa (while it lasts) at Polar Adventure Days on three dates in December, January, and February. Free except parking.
Tasting at the zoo
February 23, 2019
Enjoy wine and whiskey samples, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and animal visits during Winter Wine and Whiskey Fest at Brookfield Zoo for age 21+.
