Arts & Entertainment
10 Can't-Miss Events This February In Illinois
From heart-shaped ravioli-making classes to a charity chili cook-off, there's a lot to do around Illinois this month.
For only having 28 days, February can seem like an excruciatingly long month as winter in Illinois enters the final stretch and the promise of spring is in sight.
To ease the boredom and get Illinoisans out of the house, we’ve rounded up 10 can’t-miss events, including candlelight concerts, Black History Month celebrations and heart-shaped ravioli classes.
Are you planning an event this winter? Feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!
Find out what's happening in Across Illinoisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Here are our picks:
Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings
Feb. 7 at Stan Mansion, 2408 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago at 6:30 p.m.
Find out what's happening in Across Illinoisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
After captivating millions of Bridgerton fans worldwide, Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings is making its grand return to Chicago! Dearest reader, Lady Whistledown extends an exclusive invitation to a most enchanting affair. Surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight, listen to your favorite melodies from Shondaland’s hit series on Netflix, reimagined by a talented string ensemble. Will you be among society’s most fortunate to attend?
Sober Super Bowl Party
Feb. 8 at 3581 Hennepin Dr, Joliet at 4:30 p.m.
Join AllenForce for a Super Bowl Party filled with game day fun, connection, and good food. Enjoy a chili potluck with appetizers provided. Bring your favorite chili to share if you’d like. Wear your favorite jersey and come cheer, eat, and hang out together!
Heart Shaped Ravioli Making
Feb. 9-11 at 535 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s season with an interactive, hands-on dining experience centered around one of Italy’s most romantic pastas: heart-shaped ravioli.
Love Local Chocolate Crawl
Feb. 12 922 Davis St, Evanston at 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate the season of love at our Love Local Chocolate Crawl. Bundle up and gather your friends, coworkers and family (yes, this is kid-friendly!) for an evening stroll stopping in local shops to enjoy a variety of chocolate treats and special offers. Find the perfect gifts for your loved ones or perhaps a little something special for yourself! Free event but registration required.
Valentine's Comedy Show
Feb. 13 Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N Williams St, Crystal Lake at 8 p.m.
Valentine’s weekend, skip the clichés and spend the night laughing with two powerhouse comics who know a thing or two about love, relationships, and raising kids. Maggie Hughes DePalo and Vince Carone bring their unfiltered, laugh-out-loud perspectives to the stage, with veteran comic John DaCosse as your host. From the chaos of parenting to the quirks ofmarriage and everything in between, it’s a stand-up show that’s equal parts sweet and a little spicy.
Lunar New Year Celebration 2026
Feb. 15 at 1243 Chicago Ave., Evanston from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join the City of Evanston in celebrating Lunar New Year, organized by Main-Dempster Mile and Evanston ASPA. The free community event will celebrate the Year of the Horse with activities, speakers and a traditional Lion Dance performed by the Chinese Mutual Aid Association.
Lodge Tavern Mardi Gras 69th Anniversary Party
Feb. 17 The Lodge Tavern, 21 W Division St, Chicago at 5 p.m.
The Lodge Tavern is celebrating its anniversary this year by bringing Bourbon Street to Division. Dress up in your most festive outfits and join us for hurricanes, festive bites, and so much more on Tuesday, February 17 from 5pm to 8pm!
Spotlight Arts Collective Presents Seussical the Musical
Feb. 20 at 521701 Gougar Rd., New Lenox at 7 p.m.
Spotlight Arts Collective brings the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss comes alive in Seussical the Musical, featuring a talented cast of performers from the surrounding communities of Frankfort, Homer Glen, Joliet, Lockport, Manhattan, Mokena, New Lenox, and Tinley Park.
.jpeg)
Glen Ellyn Restaurants Chili Cook-Off for Charity 2026
On Feb. 22 Reserve 22, 485 Winchell Way, Glen Ellyn from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The Glen Ellyn Restaurants Chili Cook-Off for Charity is back on February 22, 2026, bringing together the village’s best restaurants for a chili showdown. Sample mouthwatering chili, local brewery samples and vote for your favorites, and enjoy a fun, community-driven event—all while supporting a great cause.
Black History Month Closeout Celebration
Feb. 28 at 740 East 56th Place Chicago from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
To conclude The DuSable’s 2026 Black History Month programming, the museum will be hosting several performances on the final day of February. From musical productions and film screenings to community discussions and choir performances, the Closeout Celebration will recognize the incredible, enduring power of Black History and cultural heritage.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
