From a family friendly flower show to a boozy bar crawl; from couple activities on Valentine’s Day to a spectacular auto show…here are the biggest events and activities in Chicago.
Making February 2022 plans, and not sure what the best things to do in Chicago in February are?
Image by Parker Johnson on Unsplash.
While it does tend to be chilly, with snowfall, that doesn’t mean there’s any dearth of awesome events and activities in Chicago this month.
Things to do in Chicago in February 2022
From outdoor activities like ice skating, open air markets and walking tours to indoor experiences like popup attractions, art exhibitions, and escape rooms…
And special events in February, like the Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day…
There’s a world of exciting, offbeat, and quirky activities, both indoors and outdoors for you to check out in Chicago this February!
Ice skating in Maggie Daley Park
Image by Matthew Fournier on Unsplash.
Ice skating in Maggie Daley Park has consistently been chosen as one of the best outdoor activities in Chicago in winter.
The skating ribbon is especially known for its twists and turns, and gentle ups and downs. If you have your own skates, fine; if you don’t, avail of their rentals. By the way, if you're curious and a first-timer in our city, there ARE certain dont's to avoid in front of a Chicagoan.
If you have your own skates, fine; if you don’t, avail of their rentals.
Gogh Skating
This year, the ribbon has been decorated with the paintings Sunflowers and Starry Night Brushstrokes by Vincent Van Gogh.
This is a joint project between the Park District and Immersive Van Gogh Chicago (more on this later).
The Rink Cafe
Need a place to recharge the batteries after all that skating (and occasional tumble downs)?
Drop into the Rink Cafe that’s located right next to the skating rink.
They have a well-stocked menu featuring various kinds of hot dogs, sides (pretzels, chips, nachos and so on), and beverages (coffee, hot chocolate, soda and fruit drinks).
Tip: Don’t be daunted by the talk of twists and turns on the skating ribbon. This is a great place for outdoor ice skating in Chicago, for both beginners and more experienced skiers.
Tip: If you’re looking for family friendly things to do in Chicago in February, skating in Maggie Daley Park should be on your list!
Dates: Open all through February (weather permitting, of course).
Website: Go to website
Experiencing Winterland at Gallagher Way
Are you still pining for the Holidays?
Well, you could wait for them to arrive in December…OR…you could trek down to Gallagher Way!
They have an 8000 ft rink where you can roll up your sleeves for curling lessons…or lace up and go skiing.
And of course there are the shops and businesses all around the rink, that you can spend hours exploring.
Billed as “Chicago's northside sports and entertainment district”, Gallagher Way is indeed an awesome place to be in, especially in a Chicago winter.
Fact: Gallagher Way is host to a much-loved Chicago Christmas tradition - the Christkindlmarket.
Dates: The skating and curling lessons go on till February 20th. To know about other events, you can check their Twitter feed.
Website: Go to website
Going on a Polar Adventure Day at Northerly Island
Image by Alexander Dimitrov on Unsplash.
A one-of-a-kind outdoor event in Chicago that’ll see you suit and boot up and go on an adventure around Northerly Island.
Participants will be able to take part in all kinds of exciting activities, from seeing birds of prey up close to building a shelter, watching Siberian huskies in action and roasting marshmallows over a campfire.
They have an Adventure Day planned on Saturday, February 26th. You better jump to their website and register if you want to participate!
Pro tip: Polar Adventure Day is a great thing to do in Chicago with children, ESPECIALLY if you’re one of those parents that are looking to get their children excited about the great outdoors and the camping lifestyle.
Dates: Saturday, February 26th.
Website: Go to website
If you're curious about activities in the upcoming months, explore the top things to do in Chicago in April 2022.
Immersive Van Gogh
Image by Redd on Unsplash.
Attention, art (especially Van Gogh) lovers!
Remember I told you about a collaboration between the Park District and Immersive Van Gogh Chicago at Maggie Daley Park?
Well, here’s the lowdown on Immersive Van Gogh Chicago…
It’s part of a global Immersive Van Gogh experience/exhibition, aimed at making people familiar with the work of the great artist.
Being held at the Germania Club Building in Old Town.
Inside, you’ll find walls lit up with animations of the Dutch painter’s works, accompanied by classical music.
Plus, there are all sorts of mini-events, like yoga classes. You should check out their website for details.
Pro tip: The erudite atmosphere, the calming music, and the presence of a bar makes this an awesome date night idea in Chicago.
Dates: Currently it’s expected to end on Monday, February 14th.
Looking for more immersive experiences in Chicago? Explore some unique favorites in the city, including the Museum of Illusions.
Website: Go to website
Checking out The Office Experience
Gif via giphy.
Are you a fan of the show The Office?
If you are, have I got news for you!
The Office Experience, a popup attraction in Chicago, is open all through February.
Head over to 540 N Michigan Avenue and feel your jaw drop as you…
Visit Schrute Farms, walk through the Dunder Mifflin set, and relive Jim and Pam’s iconic romance.
They’ve really put together a stunner, with accurate set recreations, original costumes and props from the show, and devising innovative ways for fans to engage with the show.
If you're looking for more activities, explore the top 10 things to do in Chicago this March 2022.
Dates: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday all through February.
Website: Go to website
Escape rooms at Fox in a Box Escape Room Chicago
An indoors Chicago activity…with a twist!
Find yourself thrown into a thrilling situation, with one objective and one objective only - find your way out of (depending on which escape room game you choose)...
A well-guarded bank vault.
A maximum-security prison.
A secret bunker.
A serial killer’s lair.
Sounds like a great idea for a night out in Chicago with family and friends, doesn’t it? If you're new to this, here are some strategies to beat escape rooms.
Tip: If you’ve never done an escape room before, starting at the escape room that was voted the #1 escape room in Chicago would be a great way to start, wouldn’t it?
Pro tip: If you’re looking for gift ideas for your loved ones, you can’t go wrong with an escape room experience gift card.
Dates: All through February.
Website: Go to website
Marveling at the Chicago Auto Show
That car can go distances, from the Auto Show to a Transformers movie, don't you think? Representational image.
Automobile lovers, rejoice…America’s largest and longest-running auto show is back!
The 2022 Chicago Auto Show takes place at McCormick Place from Saturday, February 12th to Monday, February 21st.
Feast your eyes on some of the hottest and most cutting-edge cars in the world, and sample a palate that includes Goose Island beer, Trinchero wines, Chicago Chop House steaks and a whole lot more…
…all for a good cause (you’ll be contributing funds to the First Look For Charity)!
Dates: Saturday, February 12th to Monday, February 21st.
Website: Go to website
While the Auto Show is a highlight, the city also hosts events like the Chicago Hospitality and Tourism Summit that provide insights into the city's vibrant tourism industry.
Visiting the Art Institute
Image by Liza Rusalskaya on Unsplash.
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the largest, and oldest art museums in the United States. It’s a perennial choice for things to do in Chicago.
That being said, they ARE holding some unique exhibitions, ranging from one on Kabuki prints (a Japanese art form) to ancient Egyptian art in February.
Drop in, for an illuminating experience!
Dates: All through February.
Website: Go to website
Gazing at plants in the Garfield Park Conservatory
One of the largest conservatories in the world, Garfield Park Conservatory is home to over 120,000 plants of over 600 plant species from around the world…
…spread out across eight indoor display gardens. It’s often described as “landscape art under glass”.
The temperature is set to varying degrees of tropical/humid, within the different gardens.
Catch glimpses of plants and trees as varied as azaleas, orchids, ferns, cacti, bonsai trees, palm trees, and on and on.
The decor is fantastic, with pools, fountains, living walls, and brick pathways, among other things.
Spring flower show
Beginning Saturday February 26th, and running into March, the Conservatory will be hosting a flower show called Knock Knock.
It’ll feature “blooming flowers”, like tulips, hydrangeas, daffodils, and hyacinth. For more details, visit the webpage.
Dates: All month (it’s open all the year round, in fact).
Website: Go to website
For those interested in exploring more activities in the city during the winter months, you might find the best things to do in Chicago this January quite intriguing.
Dropping in at the Shedd Aquarium
Image by Lance Anderson on Unsplash.
Complement your visit to Garfield Park Conservatory with a visit to the Shedd Aquarium.
Get a chance to interact with penguins and belugas, and join the Aquarium’s staff as they feed sharks and rays.
Dates: All through February.
Website: Go to website
Shopping at the Maxwell Street Market
If you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in Chicago, you can’t beat Maxwell Street Market.
A Chicago fixture for over a hundred years, Maxwell Street Market is considered by many to be the first flea market in Chicago.
It’s a great way to experience Chicago, and shop for offbeat merchandise and memorabilia.
Website: Go to website
Events, special occasions, and holidays in Chicago in February 2022
Image by Olivia Colacicco on Unsplash.
Apart from the top 11 things to do in Chicago in February 2022, here are events, special occasions, and holidays to look forward to this month, and some tips on how you can celebrate them.
Valentine’s Day 2022 in Chicago
It’s the event you’ve been waiting for, isn’t it?
And there’s no dearth of options for celebrating Valentine’s Day in Chicago…
Visiting Maxwell Street Market, and selecting a gift to mark the day.
Skating your heart out at Maggie Daley Park.
Dropping by The Bean, for an awesome Chicago selfie as a couple.
Teaming up to take on an escape room challenge at Fox in a Box escape room.
Experiencing the magic of Immersive Van Gogh.
Rounding the day off with a memorable Chicago dinner.
Chinese New Year in Chicago
2022 is Chinese New Year 4072.
On Tuesday, 1st February, the Year of the Tiger, 4720 begins.
And the best way to take part in the festivities and experience Chinese culture in Chicago is to join the Chinatown Parade on Sunday, February 13th.
Please visit the Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation website for more information.
Mardi Gras 2022 in Chicago
Mardi Gras 2022 is on March 1st…BUT…
Chicago has not one but TWO awesome Mardi Gras bar crawls planned in February…
The BeadQuest Pub Crawl by TBOX Bar Crawls, and
The Official Mardi Gras Bar Crawl by Bar Crawl Live
Both on Saturday, February 26th.
Mardi Gras bar crawls when it isn’t Mardi Gras yet…how much more Chicagoan can it get?
Chicago February 2022 weather forecast
As of January 24th, Chicago is forecast to have very cold and rainy weather.
And, you CAN expect snow in Chicago in February 2022.
What does that mean for me, as far as planning for February in Chicago is concerned?
One, you need to have a waterproof jacket or two, to keep the rain at bay.
Two, it means that you can expect to be able to enjoy all those Chicago activities that depend on snow, like snowball fights, building snowmen, outdoors ice skating, and so on!
Finally, we know that weather forecasts do change, so do run your own checks before finalizing your February plans.
Things to do in Chicago this February - a final word
Image by Austin Henckel on Unsplash.
I think by this point, questions like…
What are some things to do in Chicago in February that are actually cool?
Is it worth visiting Chicago in February?
What are some non-touristy things I can do in Chicago this February?
Have been answered.
Now, we’d like to hear from you.
How are you planning to spend February 2022 in Chicago?
What are you putting in your calendar?
Tweet it out, tag us (we’re @foxinaboxCHI), and attach the hashtags #Chicago, #January, and #FoxinaBox.
Or, tell us on Facebook.
Also, here are some great things to do in Chicago in March. AND a few April things to do in our city.
Finally, if you found this post useful, bookmark our blog, as we often blog on various things Chicago!
Banner image by Mike Cox on Unsplash.
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