What to Do in Chicago in February

The shortest month of the year has plenty to do in Chicago. That’s why the City Cast Chicago team rounded up celebrations we’re excited about.

Black History Month Was Born in Chicago

• 🤎 Tour the Wabash YMCA in Bronzeville, the birthplace of Black History Month, all month.
• 🍽️ Dine out at dozens of Black-owned eateries during Black Restaurant Week starting Sunday.
• ➡️ Don’t miss out on programming at parks, library branches, and the DuSable Museum.

How to Get a Taste of Mardi Gras

• 💜 It’s never too early to get your preorders in for paczkis for Fat Tuesday, Feb. 13. Check out Delightful Pastries in Jefferson Park or Weber’s Bakery in Garfield Ridge. (And stay tuned for our paczki taste test!)
• 💚 Eat jambalaya and sip on themed drinks at the free Mardi Gras variety show at the Cauldron in Wicker Park on the holiday.

Welcome to the Year of the Dragon

• 🎶 Kick off Lunar New Year celebrations with a free concert in the Loop Sunday.
• 🍸 Nine Bar is hosting a night market in McKinley Park Feb. 12 and a party in Chinatown Feb. 13.
• 🥟 Learn to make dumplings in Chinatown Feb. 17–18.
• 🐉 Ring in the Lunar New Year with parades on Argyle, Feb. 17, and in Chinatown, Feb. 18.

Valentine’s Day Fun for Lovers … And Haters

• 😍 Now is the time to book Valentine’s Day dinners for every budget!
• 🌸 See thousands of orchids at the Chicago Botanic Garden starting Saturday.
• 🪳 It’s the last day to name a cockroach after your ex as part of the Brookfield Zoo’s annual Valentine’s Day tradition.
• 🩲 End the month with Cupid’s Undie Run in Wrigleyville! Talk about hot and cold …

And in Entertainment News …

• 🎭 Chicago Theatre Week will have more than 100 performances around town for cheap starting Thursday.
• 📽️ Cozy up inside to catch film fests at the Salt Shed and Gene Siskel Film Center.
• 🥪 “The Bear” will start filming its third season Feb. 26.
• 🏈 And we’ll be back later this week with Super Bowl watch parties!