Though the shortest month of the year, February can feel like the longest due to its frigid weather. It is, however, a month packed with events.
Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, Lunar New Year, and Mardi Gras – with so much going on this month, you’d think it’d be longer than 29 days!
Here is a list of things to do in Chicago in February to keep your spirits high and souls happy.
1. Experience “alpine in the city” at Maggie Daley Park
There’s no better way to combat the doom and gloom of winter than with some iconic ice skating experiences. Though Chicagoland has a wide range of ice rinks offering wonderful skating experiences during the winter months, there are none quite like the Maggie Daley Park ice rink.
One of Chicago’s best winter-time activities, the Maggie Daley ice rink offers an “alpine in the city” experience, skating down a quarter-mile rink in the heart of Chicago. The winding ribbon of ice curves up and down around a 40-foot climbing wall with the city’s stunning skyline in the backdrop.
Read more about the Maggie Daley Park ice rink..
2. Cruise down the Chicago River in a hot tub boat
This season, a new unforgettable winter activity has been added to the mix courtesy of The Chicago Electric Boat Company.
For over a decade, The Chicago Electric Boat Company has offered a unique, environmentally friendly way to see the city of Chicago thanks to their fleet of rentable 100% electric boats, but now a winter addition will join the 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 will take 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.
3. Get romantic for Valentine’s Day
Of course, two weeks into this month is also the year’s most romantic day. It’s a good idea to lock down plans for the perfect night of romance so the pressure doesn’t build.
Luckily, Chicago is teeming with heart-fluttering activities, and there are many ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Chicago.
Read our roundup of the best things to do for Valentine’s Day in Chicago.
4. Score big at this epic Bingo Loco party
An epic bingo party with confetti showers, lip-sync battles, dance-offs, and CO2 cannons is coming to Chicago for two nights only, on February 7 and 28. One thing is certain…this isn’t your grandma’s bingo night! You could win incredible prizes like cruise package, a piano, a giant inflatable flamingo, a microwave, a lawnmower, a trip to Vegas, and so much more! Grab your tickets now!
5. Watch the Super Bowl at Soldier Field’s Free Fan Fest
Chicago football enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate despite the Bears’ disappointing season. Verizon is hosting a Super Bowl fan fest at Soldier Field on Sunday, February 9, at 3pm.
The event offers an interactive way to watch the game broadcast, featuring meet-and-greets with Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze and other NFL heroes, tailgating games, football challenges, live music, and local food options.
Oh, and tickets are free!
6. Send your senses soaring with a Dining in the Dark sushi experience
If you’re looking to take your date nights to new levels this year or embark on a memorable adventure with friends, a blindfolded meal could be the perfect new experience.
Dining in the Dark invites guests to engage their taste buds to their maximum in circumstances you’ve like never done before and now for the first time they’ve released a new sushi version of the iconic experience.
Omakase, as defined by Michelin Guide, is a form of Japanese dining in which guests leave themselves in the hands of a chef and receive a meal that is seasonal, elegant, artistic, and uses the finest ingredients available.
This special 12-course menu will surprise you with its burst of flavors encompassing the highest standard of Japanese cuisine all the while focusing on taste and smell alone.
Grab tickets to Dining in the Dark: Sushi “Omakase” Edition.
7. Be captivated by a Candlelight Concert
Candlelight concerts offer another incredible spectacle that can be enjoyed this month. Step into Chicago’s most exquisite spaces to experience some unforgettable performances. The beloved Candlelight series has organized an array of talented musicians performing at the city’s best venues illuminated with hundreds of candles, and extra dates have been added due to popular demand.
See the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago.
In fact, if you’re struggling to think of a present for someone, you can do far worse than a ticket to an exclusive concert illuminated with thousands of candles.
Candlelight gift cards are valid for any Candlelight concert, making them a unique and exciting gift for friends or family!
8. Drop your pants for charity at Cupid’s Undie Run
Cupid’s Undie Run is coming back to Chicago! Start the day with drinking and dancing, jog about a mile in your undies, and then finish the day with a wild dance party.
Join the fun and help raise money to find a cure for neurofibromatosis (NF), a rare genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerve tissue.
Read more about Cupid’s Undie Run.
9. Enjoy a day at the Shedd Aquarium for free
It is no secret that Chicago has a remarkable range of world-class museums and attractions, but visiting them all can become costly. Luckily for us, winter is often a time when they love to announce free admission for Illinois residents.
Chicago’s beloved aquarium is one such attraction that has announced it will offer a plethora of free days throughout winter before kicking off spring with weekly free evenings through to summer.
This month, Shedd Aquarium will be free to enter on 13 different days starting Thursday, February 1st.
Read more about Shedd Aquarium’s free days.
10. Get free entry to the Field Museum on a Wednesday
Field Museum is another one of Chicago’s incredible museums offering free admission this month but unlike the others who are offering sporadic dates over the next few weeks, the Field Museum has announced that it will now be free every Wednesday of 2024.
Illinois residents will be able to enter the popular natural history museum completely free of charge between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, provided they bring proof of residency.
Read more about Field Museum’s free days.11. Gaze at the stars at the Adler Planetarium for free
Another place you’ll find a fantastic free experience on a Wednesday is at Chicago’s Adler Planetarium. Illinois residents can enter for free every Wednesday evening from 4-10 pm provided they bring proof of residency and enjoy access to the largest public telescope in the Midwest as well as a range of exciting astronomy events and activities.
More information and tickets can be found at adlerplanetarium.org.
12. Drink in a personal snow globe
Talking of gazing up at the stars, there are some wonderful winterized rooftops around Chicago offering cozy winter hideouts this month.
Of all the rooftops going the extra mile to reinvent themselves with igloos, fire pits, and much more, the Godfrey Hotel in River North is one of the most unique.
Boasting Chicago’s largest indoor-outdoor rooftop with a retractable roof, the hotel’s annual whimsical winter wonderland is the perfect place to frequent during the doom and gloom of winter.
Signature heated igloos cover the rooftop’s portico and offer the perfect place to shelter from the winter elements in style, cozying up with a cocktail, s’mores, and sweeping skyline views—it remains one of the best things to do in Chicago in winter.
Read more about Godfrey Hotel’s Winter Wonderland.
13. Enjoy curling and cocktails at Gwen Hotel
Another unique thing to do in Chicago this month can be found on The Gwen Hotel’s luxury rooftop. While you won’t find lavish igloos here, you’ll instead be able to enjoy the hotel’s annual Curling and Cocktails experience. Each winter the hotel kits out its rooftop with no igloos, no ice skating, but an outdoor curling rink high in the sky.
Curling sessions come with small bites and a complimentary round of cocktails, meaning you can sip away on your favorite tipple while battling your buddies on the state-of-the-art curling rink.
Read more about the Gwen Hotel’s Curling and Cocktails experience.
14. Play pickleball at Chicago’s brand-new indoor pickleball center
If those kinds of competitive leisurely activities are up your alley you might want to drop into Chicago’s largest indoor pickleball center which just opened towards the end of last month.
Set up by four friends from Lincoln Park, Social Pickleball Fun now offers a 40,000-square-foot facility with an indoor turf field, a restaurant, a coffee shop, nine indoor pickleball courts, and luxurious locker rooms complete with saunas and showers.
In addition to providing official-sized indoor courts to those wishing to swing their paddles through winter, players can enjoy instant replay technology ensuring big points between competitors are called correctly but also providing the opportunity to share clips on social media.
Read more about Chicago’s new indoor pickleball center.
15. Sample Some Sweets at Stan’s Donut Fest
Stan’s Donuts is bringing back its annual Donut Fest, promising a delightful escape from the winter chill.
This year’s sweet celebration at Moe’s Cantina in River North offers an array of treats for donut enthusiasts.
The event features 12 unique donut tastings, including creative confections like the “Cannoli Bombolini” and a red velvet Oreo donut, alongside coffee and alcoholic drink pairings.
Guests will also enjoy a live DJ set, giveaways, and plenty of Instagram-worthy photo ops.
16. Check out Chicago’s extravagant mini golf cocktail bar
Another indoor experience for those looking to shelter from the winter elements while enjoying some competitive socializing can be found at Chicago’s quirky mini-golf concept bar, Puttery.
The exciting mini-golf and cocktail experience transports guests to wholly unexpected locations fusing high-tech gameplay with craft cocktails and curated cuisine!
The 23,000-square-foot venue in the heart of Fulton Market District features “uniquely themed putting courses, stunning bars, and swanky lounge spaces within a lively atmosphere to provide an unmatched immersive experience.”
Read more about Chicago’s Puttery.
17. Sip a Guinness at the new Guinness Taproom
For anybody who loves Chicago beer and has a thirst for that smooth, creamy, world-famous Irish dry stout, you’re in luck! Chicago’s long-awaited Guinness Taproom opened in late 2023 and offers the perfect place to grab a drink this winter.
The Ireland-based brewer finally opened the 15,000-square-foot Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago in West Loop providing a unique new experience in one of Chicago’s most exciting neighborhoods.
Read more about the Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago.
18. Kick back at a revered brewery
Talking of which, frequently recognized as one of the best beer cities in the country, our seasoned and inventive beer scene has produced so many fantastic breweries and taprooms in Chicago that we’re spoilt for choice.
There are now over 200 breweries, big and small, across Chicagoland, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a finely crafted beer in a range of different environments, whatever the weather.
To make sure you’re checking out the best of the best, we’ve here rounded up the 10 best breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms in Chicago. Cheers!
19. Stay warm with a glass of wine at an incredible Chicago wine spot
If beer isn’t your drink of choice, there are of course, also many amazing spaces around the city where you can grab a glass of wine with friends.
From Pompette to Park Manor 75, to Chicago Winery in River North, Chicago is home to some brilliant wineries and well-stacked bars.
Read more about Chicago’s best wine bars.
20. Sample the best cocktails in Chicago
If a fruity cocktail is more up your street than craft beer, worry not, for Chicago has an abundance of acclaimed watering holes making sensational cocktails.
Whether you’re treating yourself to brunch in Chicago, kicking back on a Chicago patio, or enjoying drinks out at one of Chicago’s many bars and restaurants, you can be sure a finely-crafted cocktail is only seconds away.
From top-notch margaritas to more innovative cocktail concoctions and everything in between, the Windy City and its abundance of revered mixologists have the answers to whatever it is you’re after.
We’ve recently filtered through the noise to round up the best cocktail bars in Chicago based on our experiences at Secret Chicago, our reader’s most popular choices, and a scrupulous assessment of settings and drink quality.
Read our full list of the best places to buy cocktails in Chicago.
21. Drink cocktails at the new 360 CHICAGO bar up in the clouds
Sitting 1,000 feet above Chicago on the 94th floor, European design meets Chicago’s neighborhoods at 360 CHICAGO’s CloudBar. If you’re looking for things to do in Chicago in winter to impress friends that include cocktails, head here.
The 18-seat lounge bar celebrates the 77 boroughs with a locally inspired menu and illustrations from renowned Chicago street artist— Lauren Asta. Sip on an Orange Line or opt for the Gold Coast Manhattan and take in the breathtaking views at the $2 million lounge this month.
Read more about the 360 Chicago Cloud Bar.
22. Revel in one of Chicago’s best speakeasies
Another sky-high retreat can be found perched high above the Magnificent Mile at the Four Seasons Hotel. This exclusive cocktail destination is one to remember, filled with vibrancy, style, and immersive drinks. The experience starts before you even take off.
When you check-in you’ll be given a glass of champagne and a room key to the hidden speakeasy lounge on the 46th floor. There, you’ll embark on a gilded journey through inventive cocktails inspired by the most exquisite and spectacular sunsets from around the globe.
Read more about Chicago’s best speakeasies.
23. Try an escape room in Chicago
While at speakeasies the challenge can be getting in, at Chicago’s escape rooms the challenge is getting out. A great plan for families, friends, or work events, escape rooms put your problem-solving skills to the test with puzzles, clues, and tasks designed for groups or all ages to enjoy.
Luckily Chicago has an array of exciting escape rooms to choose from!
24. Buckel up for a Drunk Shakespeare show
Another brilliant Chicago experience comes in the form of a live Drunk Shakespeare show.
On a stage in a hidden speakeasy behind the Chicago Theater, guests will find a glam cocktail bar and library with over 10,000 books. Five classically-trained actors meet as members of “The Drunk Shakespeare Society.” One of them has had at least five shots of a strong spirit, and then they (quite over-confidently) attempt to perform a major role in a Shakespearean play!
Hilarity and mayhem ensue while the four sober actors try and keep the script on track. Every show is different depending on who is drinking… and what they’re drinking!
Grab tickets to a Drunk Shakespeare show.
25. Chuckle away at Chicago comedy show
If you’re looking for more laughs, there’s no place better for that than at a Chicago comedy show. Famous for its production of funny guys and girls, Chicago has some of the best places to see a comedy show in the country.
At Laugh Factory Chicago, some of today’s biggest names and local comedians are delivering something for every taste and style throughout the year.
Grab tickets to a show at Laugh Factory Chicago.
26. Check out the new Ramova Theatre
Chicago is home to an array of unique movie theaters and while it is with a heavy heart we occasionally see some bite the dust, such as Rogers Park’s New 400 Theaters earlier this year, it is with reciprocal relief that we others live to see another day.
On the last day of 2023, Ramove Theatre in Bridgeport — one of Chicago’s long-standing vintage movie theaters — was reborn offering a multi-faceted revamped, and reimagined entertainment venue.
The landmark theater at 3520 South Halsted Street is now a live music venue complete with a brewery, beer garden, and grill in partnership with Other Half Brewing.
Read more about the reborn Ramova Theatre.
27. Taste one of the best burgers in the world
With an array of acclaimed hotels, bars and restaurants across the city, Chicago’s hospitality scene is no far friend from flattering accolades.
Already boasting a pizzeria ranked one the best in the world, a Windy City diner has now been awarded one of the best burgers in the world.
In the inaugural World’s 25 Best Burgers list by Burger Dudes Chicago’s Au Cheval was ranked inside the top 5 being named the fourth-best burger on the planet!
28. Warm-up and revitalize at Chicago’s most unique spas
With the turn of the year following the chaos of Christmas, there’s never been a better time to relax and reset. Add to that Chicago’s unforgiving frostiness, and you’ve got to consider your well-being during these hostile months. Luckily, Chicago is full of answers to combat the Christmas chaos and the numbing chill that settles into your bones.
There is simply no better place in Chicago for some rest than AIRE’s Ancient Baths located inside a restored historic River West factory. Inspired by the traditional Roman, Greek, and Ottoman bathing experience, this preserved structure has been restored to its original splendor. You can now find optimum relaxation within the building’s exposed brick, wooden beams, and industrial columns.
There are, however, an array of idyllic spas and bathhouses in Chicago all offering medicine for mind, body, and soul.
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Ok, we know this one isn’t strictly in Chicago but with so much going on in the city, it can be nice to escape to the quiet of Illinois’ natural beauty.
Though our state may not boast wonders with the universal magnitude of the Grand Canyon nor the grandiose reputation of Niagra Falls, Illinois is teeming with diverse ecological landscapes that transform into incredible winter wonderlands this time of the year.
From monolithic marvels covered in snow to cascading waterfalls frozen in time, we’ve selected seven natural wonders of Illinois that you can visit while they’re a different beast in winter.
30. Head out to Lake Geneva’s revamped “Winter Realms” experience
The wildly popular Lake Geneva Ice Castles have attracted tens of thousands to Wisconsin’s Geneva National Resort for years offering guests an astounding array of ice-carved activities and attractions in a life-size frozen playground created from over 10,000 icicles.
Due to an unfavorably short winter season last time around organizers have rung the changes and launched a new look experience under the new name “Winter Realms”.
Taking place a short journey from Chicago at the Geneva National Resort, Winter Relams has now opened offering a more weather-resistant experience that should guarantee more time to explore the reimagined “one-of-a-kind winter dreamscape”.
Attractions will include a Polar Pub ice bar, the Mystic Light Walk, and horse-drawn wagon rides as well as ice slides and a tubing hill.