Documentary film festival
February 1 – 2, 2017 (begins Jan. 6)
0.5 miles SW
See brand-new documentaries, some of which are followed by discussions with the directors, during Stranger Than Fiction at Gene Siskel Film Center.
Groundhog Day
February 1 – 5, 2017
61.2 miles NW
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) at 7:07 a.m. on Feb. 2.
Chicago Restaurant Week
February 1 – 9, 2017 (begins Jan. 27)
Chicago locations
Get a special deal on a fixed-price lunch or dinner at 350 restaurants during Chicago Restaurant Week.
Fringe theater festival
February 1 – 26, 2017 (begins Jan. 21)
6.5 miles NW
Rhinoceros Theater Festival is billed as Chicago’s longest-running fringe festival at Prop Thtr. Choose from dozens of creative new shows for only $12.
Free science museum
February 1 – 28, 2017
8 miles south
Show Illinois ID to enter the Museum of Science and Industry free during Free Days on February 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 21-21, 28, 2017.
Music of Tony Bennett
February 1 – March 5, 2017 (begins Jan. 27)
4.8 miles north
I Left My Heart is a salute to the music of Tony Bennett, including “Because of You” and “The Best Is Yet To Come” plus of course “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” at Mercury Theater. Discount tickets $23 to $65.
Magic show
February 1 – April 5, 2017 (8 p.m. Wednesdays)
3.3 miles north
The Magic Cabaret entertains with mind-boggling sleight of hand and audience participation in small Greenhouse Theater Center. Discount tickets $13.
Attractions
February 1 – June 30, 2017 (also Jan.)
multiple locations
These discount ticket prices include all taxes and fees.
- Aquarium + SkyDeck + Museums CityPass $99
- Chocolate Crawl (weekends) discount tickets $25
- Funhouse Maze at Navy Pier two tickets for $10
Romantic play
February 2 – 4, 2017
3.4 miles north
Based on a film with Alec Baldwin and Meg Ryan, Prelude to a Kisstests the love of newlyweds when a mysterious man comes between them at Greenhouse Theater Center. Discount tickets $10.
Game of Thrones parody
February 2 – 5, 2017 (also Jan.)
3.8 miles north
Described as “darkly humorous and beautifully vulgar,” Thrones! The Musical features hilarious songs about six seasons of the HBO show at Apollo Theater for age 16+. Discount tickets $23.
Magic show
February 2 – 12, 2017 (also Jan.)
3.1 miles NW
The Rosenkranz Mysteries is a “truly unusual and immensely likable magic show” [Chicago Tribune] by a local medical doctor who performs tricks and illusions at Royal George Theatre. Discount tickets $25.
Blue Man show
February 2 – 20, 2017 (8 p.m.)
4.5 miles north
The exciting show by Blue Man Group combines comedy, theater, music, and special effects at Briar Street Theatre. Discount weekday tickets $39.
Shakespeare romance
February 2 – 25, 2017 (also Jan.)
11 miles north
Cymbeline is the story of a brave princess: full of comedy, drama, action, and romance, at The Factory Theater on Howard St. Discount tickets $15.
If walls could talk
February 2 – 26, 2017 (also Jan.)
20.1 miles north
The Dining Room is a dramatic comedy that paints a vivid portrait of upper-class life in 18 overlapping vignettes set in a dining room at Oil Lamp Theater in Glenview. Discount tickets $18 (student price is less).
Magic lounge
February 2 – March 30, 2017
7 miles north
Chicago Magic Lounge is an old-school magic show with close-up magic, bar magic, table-hopping magicians, and main stage acts at Uptown Underground for age 21+. Discount tickets $10 – $14.
Country music – Martina McBride
February 3, 2017 (7:30 p.m.)
0.4 miles SW
Martina McBride (This One’s For the Girls) performs at The Chicago Theatre. Discount tickets $33 to $43.
Cowboy show
February 3 – 4, 2017 (7:30 p.m.)
35 miles NW
Professional Championship Bull Riders take on bucking bulls at Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates.
Classic comedy in Skokie
February 3 – 19, 2017
14 miles north
Based on the film starring Marilyn Monroe, The Seven Year Itch is a play about a young married man tempted by a pretty woman next door at Skokie Theatre. Discount tickets $17.
Dating comedy
February 3 – 24, 2017 (10 p.m. Fridays)
2.1 miles north
Based on actual online-dating conversations, #DateMe: An OKCupid Experiment is a comic mix of original music, improvisation, and multimedia elements at Up Comedy Club. Discount tickets $16.
Sci-fi adventure
February 3 – March 5, 2017
2.8 miles NW
Diamond Dogs follows a human team (with futurized body modifications) investigating a mysterious alien tower bent on brutally punishing intruders at Chopin Theatre for age 14+. Discount tickets $13 to $18.
Adult variety show
February 3 – March 31, 2017 (10 p.m.)
7 miles north
Kiss Kiss Cabaret is a fun mix of burlesque, off-color comedy, music, magic, and variety acts at Uptown Underground. Reviews.
Kung Fu dance
February 4, 2017 (7:30 p.m.)
1 mile south
11 Warriors is a mesmerizing program that combines elements of traditional kung fu, ballet, and modern dance at Auditorium Theatre.Discount tickets $40.
Bar crawl
February 4, 2017
1.3 miles north
Retro Ski Lodge Block Party promises “crazy costumes, liquor luges, shot skis, and yeti sightings” at nine Gold Coast bars for age 21+.
Bicycle swap
February 4, 2017 (11 a.m.)
2 miles SW
Buy, sell, or trade a bike at the Winter Bike Swap, which also offers bike parts, clothing, gear, and representatives from bike groups at Jaks Tap.
Comedy dinner show
February 4, 2017 (4 and 8:30 p.m.)
5.8 miles north
You’re invited to fictitious Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding at Resurrection Church, followed by a real Italian dinner at Chicago Theater Works, with plenty of comedy improv and audience interaction. Discount tickets $54 to $75.
Anime festival
February 4, 2017
9 miles south
Uchi-Con features gaming, cinema, Asian culture, vendors, speakers, panels, and workshops in the Ida Noyes Hall at University of Chicago. Free.
Jazz dance
February 4, 2017 (7:30 p.m.)
27 miles west
Watch jazz dance company Giordano Dance Chicago, known for exhilarating and emotional performances, at McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn. Discount tickets $20.
Molly Ringwald sings jazz
February 4, 2017 (7:30 p.m.)
46 miles west
Actress Molly Ringwald (Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles) performs a sultry concert of jazz standards and songs from her jazz album at Batavia Fine Arts Centre. Discount tickets $10.
Improvised comedy
February 4 – 18, 2017 (begins Jan. 28)
2.3 miles north
See top contestants in the Improv Classic during the semi-finals (Jan. 28, Feb. 4 & 11) and the finals (Feb. 18) at The Second City.
Kids’ comedy
February 4 – 19, 2017 (also Jan.)
10.2 miles north
Fable-ous is a modern version of the “Tortoise and the Hare” with surprises around each turn in the footrace and a fortune in merchandise endorsements for the winner at Lifeline Theatre.Discount tickets $9 to $11.
Family musical
February 4 – 20, 2017
10 miles NW
Comic book characters Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy, Sally, and Schroeder come to life in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown at Windy City Music Theatre.
Valentine’s Day improv
February 4 – 25, 2017 (9 p.m. Saturdays)
5.9 miles north
Love Stories is an improvised comedy show based on true stories about love at Under The Gun Theater. Discount tickets $9.
Chinese New Year parade
February 5, 2017 (1 p.m.)
3 miles south
Lunar New Year Parade features lion and dragon dances, marching bands, and floats on S. Wentworth Avenue. Free.
Midwest film festival
February 7, 2017
4 miles north
Midwest Independent Film Festival shows films from eight Midwest states the first Tuesday of most months at Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema. February may include a pre-show cocktail reception, a producer’s panel, and a post-screening reception.
Chinese New Year dinner
February 9, 2017 (6 p.m.)
3 miles south
Wear red to the $75 Lunar New Year Dinner featuring traditional new year’s dishes, a lion dance, and Chinese singers at the Phoenix Restaurant.
Theater week
February 9 – 19, 2017
Chicago locations
Choose from more than 100 plays at affordable prices during Chicago Theatre Week.
Folk music festival
February 10 – 11, 2017
9 miles south
Celebrate traditional music from around the world in concerts and workshops at University of Chicago Folk Festival at Mandel Hall, 1131 E 57th St.
Motorcycle show
February 10 – 12, 2017
17 mile NW
Find sport bikes, dirt bikes, scooters, ATVs, expert advice, live entertainment, and family activities at the International Motorcycle Show in the Rosemont convention center.
Valentine’s Day for families
February 10 – 14, 2017
Chicago locations
Enjoy a Valentine’s dance, party, or craft-making project thanks to the Chicago Park District.
Valentine’s Day dance class
February 10 – 14, 2017
6.4 miles NW
Take your sweetie to Valentine’s Day Dirty Dancing Party for a beginner’s class followed by open dancing, hors d’oeuvres, and BYOB at Duet Dance Studio for age 21+. Only one ticket is required per couple.
Sherlock Holmes
February 10 – 25, 2017
11.4 miles SW
The Game’s Afoot is about a Broadway actor who plays Sherlock Holmes on stage and must prove he can solve a real crime when his Christmas dinner guest is murdered, in Cicero. Discount tickets $11.
Beer festival
February 11, 2017 (noon)
0.6 miles NW
Bundle up to sample strong winter ales on the rooftop of Rock Bottom Brewery during Polar Beer Festival for age 21+. A warming area will be available.
Valentine’s Day dinner dance
February 11, 2017 (6:30 to 9 p.m.)
0.7 miles south
Valentine’s in Chicago is a formal affair with a three-course dinner, a quartet playing music, and dancing in the Empire Room at the Palmer House Hotel.
Cider tasting
February 11, 2017
1 mile east
Try 150 artisanal ciders from throughout the world during Cider Summit Chicago in the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier. Bring age 21 ID.
Run in your underwear
February 11, 2017
1.7 miles north
Cupid’s Undie Run includes a half-naked run through the streets and a party at John Barleycorn on N. Clark Street to support charity. Must be age 21+.
Valentine’s Day pub crawl
February 11, 2017 (8 to 11 p.m.)
4 miles north
Your ticket to Screw Cupid Pub Crawl includes drinks and food buffets at five bars, plus a transportation trolley in Lincoln Park for age 21+.
Pizza party
February 11, 2017 (2 to 9 p.m.)
7.5 miles north
Chicago Pizza Party has a $20 cover charge, $2 pizza from 20 restaurants, $6 beer, $8 wine, fun games, and DJ music at Ravenswood Event Center for age 21+.
Best of Elvis
February 11, 2017 (7:30 p.m.)
16 miles NW
Elvis Lives features contest-winning performers as Elvis Presley at four points in his career, backed by a live orchestra, singers, and dancers at Rosemont Theatre. Discount tickets $49.
Valentine’s Day at the zoo
February 11 – 12, 2017
14 miles SW
Valentine’s Day Brunch is a Sun. buffet with eggs Benedict, omelettes, a carving station, seafood, salad, and desserts in Discovery Center at Brookfield Zoo. Valentine’s Dinner is Sat. Includes zoo admission.
Valentine’s burlesque
February 11 & 14, 2017
1.3 miles north
Naughty Little Valentine’s Day Show has cabaret singers, burlesque performers, pole artists, and striptease at the Original Mother’s.
Valentine’s Day dance show
February 11 & 14, 2017 (8 p.m.)
5 miles north
Dances from the Heart has 13 acts (aerial, tap, jazz, urban fusion, contemporary, Mexican folkloric, and hip-hop) at Athenaeum Theatre.
Valentine’s Day dance class
February 11 – 14, 2017
7.5 miles north
Hot Miami Nights includes hors d’oeuvres, sparkling wine, a “romantic rumba & sexy salsa class” and dance time at Ballroom Dance Chicago on North Ravenswood Avenue. Beginners are welcome.
Auto show
February 11 – 20, 2017
3 miles south
Admire nearly 1,000 new vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show, billed as the nation’s largest at McCormick Place convention center. Discount tickets $7 to $10.
Orchid Show
February 11 – March 26, 2017
24 miles north
See 10,000 blooming orchids on display at the Orchid Show, which has weekend classes, Tuesday morning music, and an Evening with Orchids cocktail tasting on March 16 at Chicago Botanic Garden.
Adult art tour
February 12, 2017 (1 p.m.)
1 mile south
Take an unblushing look at nudity in art on the Naked at the Art Museum Scavenger Hunt at the Art Institute of Chicago. No knowledge of art is required.
Culture of China
February 12, 2017 (12 to 4 p.m.)
1 mile east
Enjoy the folk music, traditional dance, food, and crafts of China atNeighborhoods of the World in the Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier. Free.
Pirate show
February 12, 2017 (3 p.m.)
5 miles north
The Greatest Pirate Story Never Told is a musical comedy about misfit pirates, with audience input at Athenaeum Theatre for all ages.Discount tickets $14.
Chamber music
February 12, 2017 (3 p.m.)
12.7 miles north
Romantic Duos by Rembrandt Chamber Players features works by Strauss, Debussy, Hindemith, and Wilson in Evanston.
Classical music
February 12, 2017 (3 p.m.)
16.8 miles north
Chicago Philharmonic plays music with the theme of “faithful friends and lovers” by Beethoven, Vivaldi, Mendelssohn, and Gluck at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Discount tickets $25.
Valentine’s Day restaurants
February 14, 2017
Chicago area
OpenTable lists restaurants in greater Chicago that offer special menus for Valentine’s Day. Also see recommendations by the Chicago Tribune.
RV and camping show
February 16 – 19, 2017
17 mile NW
Check out 400 recreational vehicles and shop from 20 dealers at theChicago RV & Camping Show at the Rosemont convention center.
Science fiction convention
February 16 – 19, 2017
30 miles NW
Capricorn celebrates fantasy and science fiction in art, music, games, theater, and film at the Westin Chicago North Shore in Wheeling.
Monster trucks
February 17 – 20, 2017
18 mile NW
Big trucks with big wheels create big noise and excitement at Monster Jam in Rosemont’s Allstate Arena.
Tasting event
February 18, 2017 (2 p.m., VIP 1)
3 miles NW
Whiskey & Wine Festival (formerly Whiskey Wine and Moonshine) is a whiskey and wine tasting event at Joe’s Bar for age 21+.
Mardi gras pub crawl
February 18, 2017 (12:30 p.m.)
6 miles north
You get a T-shirt to wear and collect Mardi gras beads from bars at the annual BeadQuest in Wrigleyville.
Midnight comedy
February 18 & 25, 2017 (11:59 p.m.)
2.1 miles north
Second City’s Improv All-Stars delivers an hour of hilarious improvised comedy with plenty of audience interaction at Up Comedy Club. The show begins at 15 minutes after midnight. Discount tickets $10.
Culture of Poland
February 19, 2017 (12 to 4 p.m.)
1 mile east
Enjoy the folk music, traditional dance, food, and crafts of Poland atNeighborhoods of the World in the Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier.
World explorer
February 20 – 21, 2017
0.5 miles SW
Hear National Geographic “explorer of the year” Dr. Kenny Broad talk about the science of exploration, including diving in Cuban underwater caves and chasing venomous snakes in Vietnamese jungles, at Goodman Theatre. Discount Tuesday tickets $18.
Spectacular magic show
February 21 – 26, 2017
0.5 miles SW
The Illusionists: Live from Broadway features master magicians performing acts of grand illusion, levitation, mind-reading, and full-view water torture escape at Oriental Theatre. Discount tickets $29.
Carmen opera
February 22 & 28, 2017 (7:30 p.m.)
1 mile SW
Carmen is Bizet’s classic opera about a hot-tempered Spanish gypsy woman who seduces a corporal, at the Civic Opera House. Discount tickets $78 to $153.
Jazz festival
February 23 – 26, 2017
19 miles west
Hear the best college jazz bands and jazz greats at Elmhurst College Jazz Festival.
Free entertainment
February 23 – March 25, 2017
multiple locations
OnEdge is a series of experimental theater, modern dance, and performance art. Arrive early. Free.
Dance show
February 24, 2017 (7:30 p.m.)
0.5 miles south
Some of a Thousand Words features Wendy Whelan of New York City Ballet and choreographer Brian Brooks, dancing solos and duets full of elegance and electricity with music by a string quartet at Harris Theater in Millennium Park. Discount tickets $14.
Museum party
February 24, 2017 (talk 8 p.m., party 9)
1 mile south
Mix and mingle, visit the bar, eat appetizers, and dance to a Brazilian band at After Dark in the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago for age 21+.
Party for a cause
February 24, 2017 (8 p.m.)
1.7 miles west
Tickled Pink for Bright Pink feature chef stations from 50 restaurants, live music, dancing, and an open bar at Morgan MFG to help women with cancer.
Diving expo
February 24 – 26, 2017
17 mile NW
Our World Underwater offers workshops for divers, films, diving equipment, travel services, and a kids’ area at the Rosemont convention center.
Golf show
February 24 – 26, 2017
17 mile NW
Hit balls with this year’s new clubs, take one-on-one full swing and putting lessons from pros, hear presentations, and shop for gear at the Chicago Golf Show at the Rosemont convention center.
Mardi gras party
February 25, 2017
0.4 miles south
The New Orleans style Mardi Gras Bash at Chicago Cultural Center for age 21+ has a different theme every year. Requires advance ticket and costume or mask. Food and drink included.
Mardi Gras cruise
February 25, 2017 (8:30 p.m.)
0.7 miles east
Mardi Gras Booze Cruise aboard the Anita Dee II offers amazing views from the open top deck, dancing, and a cash bar, departing from 200 N Breakwater Access for age 21+. Discount tickets $25.
Mardi gras bar crawl
February 25, 2017 (2 to 8 p.m.)
1.3 miles north
Your ticket to the World’s Largest Mardi Gras Bar Crawl includes drink specials and entertainment in the Rush & Division bar district.
Northerly Island adventure
February 25, 2017 (12 to 4 p.m.)
3 miles south
See birds of prey and wolves, hear folk music and a storyteller, walk on snowshoes (if there’s snow), make a craft, and have cocoa (while it lasts) at Polar Adventure Days. Free except parking.
Beer festival
February 25, 2017 (1 and 6 p.m.)
5.9 miles north
A ticket to Frost Fest Craft Beer Festival includes 15 samples of 3 ounces from 41 local brewers in a heated tent, plus live music, dancing, and food trucks at Halsted and Waveland. Discount tickets $49 for two.
Brazilian mardi gras
February 25, 2017 (10 p.m.)
6.5 miles NW
Dance until 2:30 a.m. to Brazilian music and watch dancers in colorful costumes perform at Carnaval by Chicago Samba at Logan Square Auditorium.
Ale festival
February 25, 2017 (12 to 4 p.m.)
41 miles SW
Don a heavy winter parka to enjoy 150 craft beers and food-truck fare outdoors on the frozen tundra of Frontier Park at Naperville Ale Fest – Winter Edition.
Culture of Brazil
February 26, 2017 (12 to 4 p.m.)
1 mile east
Enjoy the folk music, traditional dance, food, and crafts of Brazil atNeighborhoods of the World in the Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier. Free.
Volunteer expo
February 26, 2017 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
3 miles north
Connect with 75 organizations that need your help at Chicago Volunteer Expo in the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Free.
Dark beer festival
February 26, 2017 (12 to 5 p.m.)
3.5 miles NW
Your ticket to Darkside includes 40 ounces of dark beer from a dozen breweries, with BBQ for sale at Emporium Arcade Bar.
Soccer lunch
February 27, 2017 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
0.2 miles SE
The pricey Season Kickoff Luncheon “connects supporters, first team players and coaches, and club partners to celebrate a new season and support the award-winning youth development initi
