Secret Chicago wants to help you make the most of your free time and keep you informed! We’ll be putting out “Don’t miss” and “ICYMI” plans and news for you each week, so you’ll always catch an incredible event or story. Here are some of them that you may have missed over the last week.
1. The Salt Shed will host a 3-day ‘Crying At The Shed’ film festival this week
Recently named New Concert Venue of the Year with under 5k capacity, the Salt Shed has teamed up with Music Box Theatre and the Chicago International Film Festival to launch an inaugural film fest starting on Wednesday, February 14th, 2024.
Taking place across three days, “Crying at the Shed” will feature 7 sad movies in the venue’s interior event space along with musical performances including Jon Brion doing a live score of “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and Douglas McCombs of Chicago band “Tortoise” performing the same night as a screening of “Paris, Texas”.
Read more about the new ‘Crying At The Shed’ film fest.
2. Field Museum is hosting a series of museum sleepover experiences
The Field Museum’s event series Dozin’ with the Dinos invites families and groups with kids ages 6 to 12 to spend a night at the museum staying up late with scientists, enjoying immersive activities, and exploring exhibitions in the dark.
Taking place on 7 dates this year, the evenings begin with snacks and a science showcase in the Stanley Field Hall followed by late-night activities like dissecting owl pellets and learning the steps of Egyptian mummification before guests are then invited to explore the numerous exhibitions with a flashlight.
Read more about the Dozin’ with the Dinos events.
3. The best spots for Valentine’s Day dinner in Chicago
With Valentine’s Day creeping up on us it is time to start planning something special for the most romantic night of the year. Whether you’re hoping to impress your partner with a lavish meal, looking to book a spot at one of the prettiest restaurants in Chicago or even just treat yourself to a solo date, there are splendid ways to celebrate and luckily we’ve rounded up some of Chicago’s best Valentine’s Day restaurants.
View our list of the best places for a Valentine’s Day dinner in Chicago.
4. A Chicago restaurant has been crowned the most romantic in The United States
There is certainly no shortage of romantic restaurants in Chicago for couples looking to enjoy a special Valentine’s Day in the Windy City this week.
One specific place, however, can now claim a certain romantic distinction after Yelp recently ranked Penumbra Restaurant & Wine Bar in Logan Square as not just the most romantic restaurant in Chicago but rather the most romantic in the United States.
The Latin-inspired steakhouse was one of 4 Chicago joints to make the annual list of the “top 100 most romantic restaurants in the country.”
Read more about the Chicago restaurants to make the list.
5. Chicago’s Museum of Science & Industry announces new James Bond exhibit coming next month
Chicago’s beloved Museum of Science and Industry has dropped news of a temporary new exhibit opening next month adding to the wonderful array of exhibitions already taking place across the city.
The new exhibit spotlights the world of none other than history’s most famous fictional spy. When it opens on Thursday, March 7th, 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond will be the first-ever official exhibition to focus on the science and technology behind the world’s longest-running movie franchise.
Read more about the 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond exhibit.
6. Chicago will finally get public restrooms this year
Chicago’s long-awaited pilot program for public restrooms finally has lift-off. After years of pushing an initiative to trial public restrooms in the city and finally brokering a deal with JCDecaux last year, Alds. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33rd) and Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st) recently announced that bathrooms were “ready for installation” and locations are now in the process of being finalized.
Read more about the incoming public restrooms.
7. A total solar eclipse happening this spring will be the longest and most visible in the US in over 100 years
On Monday, April 8th, 2024, a total solar eclipse will occur which is being dubbed “the Great North American Solar Eclipse” due to its expected exceptional length and visibility.
Lasting up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds in some parts of North America and boasting a path of totality stretching over 125 miles, this upcoming total eclipse will far outperform the last significant total eclipse in 2017 and likely be the most impressive for the last 100 years.
Read more about the Great North American Solar Eclipse.
8. Introducing you to the city’s newest attraction: “The Chicago Rat Hole”
With Chicago recently labeled the rattiest city in the United States and residents having to resort to taking it upon themselves to tackle the city’s neglected pothole problem, neither the unsightly craters nor copious critters show any signs of abating.
In fact, thanks to the abundance of the two we now have a new creation that has recently come to light thanks to a social media phenomenon initiated by a local Chicago artist.
Introducing you to… the Chicago Rat Hole.
The rat hole has quickly garnered the city’s attention over the last week after local artist and comedian, Winslow Dumaine, posted a photo to X, formerly Twitter, with the caption “Had to make a pilgrimage to the Chicago rat hole.”
Read more about the Chicago Rat Hole.
9. Chicago Electric Boat Company is now offering rentable Hot Tub Boats
This season a new unforgettable winter activity has been added to the mix courtesy of The Chicago Electric Boat Company.
Since opening in early 2012 the company has offered a unique, environmentally friendly way to see the city of Chicago all the while expanding and improving the variety of boats it has to offer.
Today the fleet includes such options as 22ft long luxury Duffy boats for 12 passengers and unique donut boats with circular seating designs and round tables that were introduced in 2020.
Now an incredible new addition has joined the Chicago Electric Boat Company fleet, this time in the form of Hot Tub Boat Cruises.
Yes, you read that correctly. Launching out of the docks at Marina City, the new zero-emissions vessels takes up to six people at a time floating along the main branch of the Chicago River in a boat equipped with a fully functioning hot tub.
Read more about the new hot tub boats.
10. 10 important dates and unique annual events that can’t be missed in Chicago
Our great metropolis has a remarkable range of landmarks and public art, an eclectic and esteemed collection of museums, and an array of internationally-renowned bars and restaurants amongst many other things.
Something else that makes Chicago so incredible is its unique events and activities that take place throughout the year. With a beautifully diverse and dynamic population, the city celebrates its identity with all manner of parades, parties, and celebrations that range from raising money for charity and honoring heritage to enjoying triumphant traditions that trace back decades.
We’ve rounded up 10 of the most important annual dates and unique Chicago events that should not be missed over the year.
View the full list of essential Chicago events.
[Featured image from Shutterstock]