The best February 2026 events in Chicago

The Chicago Auto Show—the largest car show in North America—is headed back to McCormick Place for 10 days this February to showcase the latest and greatest developments in the world of cars, trucks, electric cars and concept cars. Manufacturers trot out their newest models in elaborate exhibitions, often accompanied by interactive installations that allow you to get behind the wheel (whether physically via indoor/outdoor test track or virtually).

Every year, in the coldest depths of the winter, Chicago Theatre Week gives us a great reason to venture outside. The annual event runs from February 5 to 15, taking over stages throughout the city—from major regional hubs like the Goodman Theatre and Steppenwolf Theatre to intimate spaces such as Raven Theatre. During Chicago Theatre Week, companies offer tickets priced at $15 or $30 (or sometimes less!). 

Uptown's annual Lunar New Year Celebration kicks off the Chinese New Year with dazzling dragons, dancers, drummers and more. The parade starts at 1pm at Argyle Street and Sheridan Road. More than 20 local community groups will be marching and there will be performances as well as family-friendly activities to enjoy between 10:30am–4pm.

February is the last month to catch this expansive retrospective celebrating key moments of Yoko Ono’s illustrious career. Tracing Ono’s career back to the 1950s, “Music of the Mind” presents over 200 works across a variety of media including performance footage, music and sound recordings, scores, film, photography, installation and archival materials. The exhibition also features participatory works—a key component of Ono’s creative practice—where visitors are encouraged to interact with instruction-based artworks.

Chicago's notorious frigid winter temperatures and the possibility of snow don't stop the Empty Bottle from throwing an outdoor concert in February. The Music Frozen Dancing block party sets up a stage outside of the Ukrainian Village rock club, fires up some heat lamps, stocks the coolers wil Goose Island beer and presents an afternoon of live music that you can take in while bundled up in your warmest winter coat. As usual, admission to Music Frozen Dancing is free, but the Empty Bottle will collect donations for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless at the gate.

The weekend-long celebration will take over the 28,000-square-foot Gangnam Market, an expansive Asian-American hybrid supermarket and food hall. Throughout the event, guests can enjoy complimentary food, beer and wine samples from a variety of market vendors. Those who spend $16 or more will receive a traditional Lucky Red Envelope, each containing a special prize. The festivities also include twice-daily performances by lion dancers and drummers, photo ops with three roaming Pokémon characters and exclusive discounts throughout the store.

With soundstage-sized pieces like horned sculptures emitting soap bubbles, inflated spheres bedecked in abstract squiggles and surreal faceless figures hovering in space, “EmotionAir” reimagines the humble balloon as any other artistic medium—a conduit for creativity and emotion. 

This annual tradition challenges participants to jog a chilly mile through Wrigleyville in their skivvies—all in the name of raising money for neurofibromatosis research—before retiring to Slugger's for some scantily clad drinking and dancing. Those who don’t want to run can donate to the cause instead. Cheers to that!

Feel the love amidst the waves at the Shedd Aquarium! The Chicago landmark is throwing its first-ever Heartbeat House Party to celebrate Valentine's Day. Don your boldest red and pink fits and groove to sets from Chicago legends Boolu Master and Dee Jay Alicia. The night will be complete with themed bites, signature drinks and some special surprises sure to make a splash. 

Chicago Black Restaurant Week returns for its 10th year February 8–22. Created by Lauren Smith as a way to highlight and support local Black-owned businesses, the annual event sees participating eateries offer special menus and discounts to diners.