Okay, so January was brutally cold. Onwards and upwards! Not even freezing temps can keep us inside this February because there’s just so much to do across Chicago.
Groundhog Day Festivities
Groundhog Day is a Pennsylvania holiday but IMO Chicago can claim anything related to a long winter. Plus: “Groundhog Day” writer and director Harold Ramis was a Chicago native. Today is Harold Ramis Day at Navy Pier, and you can learn more about him at The American Writers Museum.
There’s also a big Groundhog Day celebration happening in Woodstock — that’s where "Groundhog Day” was actually filmed! But if you don’t want to venture so far, there’s a screening today in Dunning.
Black History Month
We celebrate Black culture and history all year long. But this February, there are some extra special exhibits to check out.
“Paris in Black,” highlighting Black artists and thinkers in 20th-century Paris, is currently on at the DuSable Museum. At Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the “Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition” and "Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell" both continue.
The Chicago History Museum is hosting a Commemorative Day Feb. 22. Meanwhile, the Chicago Public Library and Field Museum are hosting events all month long. Plus, Chicago’s museums have plenty of free days to take advantage of.
The event we’re most excited for is local historian Shermann Dilla Thomas’ talk at Austin Town Hall Feb. 26. (Dilla knows everything about Chicago.) The UMOJA Black History Celebration at Homan Square Feb. 21 also looks fun.
Don’t forget to check the events section throughout February to stay in the know 👇
Valentine’s Day
We all do Valentine’s Day a little differently. (As a terminally single gal, I’ll probably watch “Bridget Jones” then hit the bars.) So we’ve got you with varied date options:
- If it’s your first date …
- If you’re waiting till the last minute …
- If the two of you are foodies …
- If you want to impress with your behind-the-back pool shot …
- And finally, if you want to keep the night going …
Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year kicks off Feb. 17. It’s the Year of the Horse. But hold your horses: Chinatown’s parade isn’t till March 1. In the meantime, there’s plenty of celebrations to attend:
- Feb. 21: The Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration in Uptown
- Feb. 22: A traditional lion dance at The Peninsula in River North
- Feb. 23: A Lunar New Year Celebration Dinner at Phoenix Restaurant in Chinatown
- On multiple dates: Dumpling-making at Hing Kee Restaurant in Chinatown
- And here’s where to eat the best dumplings all month (and year) long!
Mardi Gras — and Paczki Day!
You can get into the southern Mardi Gras spirit anytime at bars like Ina Mae in Wicker Park or Lulu’s Speakeasy in River North. But here in Chicago, Fat Tuesday means one thing: paczki. Mark your calendars for Feb 17. Luckily, we know where to find the best deep-fried doughnuts.
Then of course, comes lent, or as I think of it, pepper-and-egg sandwich season. (I recommend D’Amatos.) That’s one thing I’ll never give up.
