Things to Do in Chicago in February

February can be a pretty bleak month in Chicago. The holidays have long since passed, and it’s cold outside. Really cold. Though spring is a long way off still, luckily February in Chicago offers plenty of ways to warm up your spirits. Here are some of the best events happening in the city this month.

All month – Free ice-skating in Millennium Park

February 1, 8, 14, 15, 22 – Free admission at the Museum of Science and Industry

February 1, 8, 15, 22– Free admission at the Museum of Contemporary Art

February 5, 12, 29, 26 – DuSable Museum of African American History from noon – 5pm

February 5, 12, 29, 26 – Free for All. Free improv comedy shows at the Playground. Best of all, shows are BYOB.

February 3, 10, 17, 24  – Free admission at the Art Institute from 5pm to 8pm and free admission at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum all day

February 4 – First Friday at the MCA – Enjoy music, art and wine (cash bar) from 6pm to 10 for $13.

February 15 – Free admission at the Field Museum

February 11 – Pilsen 2nd Friday Artwalk. One of my favorite monthly events, the Artwalk is held at galleries in Pilsen, around 18th and Halsted. Free wine and cheese and great art make this is an excellent (and low-cost) night out. 6pm-10pm

February 11-14 – Valentine’s Day weekend

February 18 – 27 – Chicago Restaurant Week – special menus and discounts at hundreds of restaurants around the city.

Photo by Catching Flies