10 Can’t-Miss Events In IL Before Winter Ends

The 2026 events calendar in Illinois is springing to life as winter makes its final push.

If you've ever wanted to take a dip in icy Lake Michigan, now's your chance to register for Polar Plunge Chicago's March 1 event, benefiting Special Olympics Illinois.

The 40-day Lenten season began with Ash Wednesday, and fish fry feeds fill the calendar on Fridays for the rest of February through March. Several groups are serving up fried fish every Friday, including St. Mary's Immaculate Parish in Plainfield.

Are you planning an event for late winter or early spring? Feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

Here are our event picks for the next couple of weeks:

The International Gem & Jewelry Show

Feb. 21 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center 5555 N. River Rd., Rosemont

Forget retail, shop directly from designers, wholesalers and manufacturers for the largest selection at the lowest prices! Shop from rows and rows of quality jewelry, gemstone, bead, jewelry supply and accessory dealers in a unique marketplace setting.

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Rebel Music: Women of Color Who Changed the Beat

Feb. 21 at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, 204 N Ottawa St, Joliet

REBEL MUSIC! is a sonic and visual journey through the artistry, resilience, and genius of women and femmes of color who shifted the beat and rewrote the score. From protest chants to punk riffs, from soul anthems to experimental soundscapes, their work is both resistance and revelation.

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Flavor Without Limits: Battle of the Bartenders

Feb. 26 at Beatnik West Town 1604 W Chicago Ave., Chicago

Compass Box Scotch Whisky is offering Chicago’s cocktail enthusiasts a unique opportunity to pass judgment on Chicago’s top bartenders at the upcoming Flavor Without Limits: Battle of the Bartenders final heat on Wednesday, February 26. Free to attend, the event invites guests to join three expert judges as they sample and assess five finalists’ original cocktails featuring Compass Box’s award-winning Orchard House Blended Malt Scotch Whisky.

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Chicago Master Singers - Composer Michael John Trotta

Feb. 27 at the Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm St, Glenview

Experience Chicago Master Singers’ most inspirational concert of the season, featuring Campanella Children's Choir of Northbrook and Vernon Hills High School Choir. You’ll hear nearly 200 singers raise their voices together in a remarkable testament to the power of music and community.

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Chicago Beer Fest

Feb. 28 at the Chicago Field Museum 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago

The event will feature over 65 breweries, sampling their fall seasonal beers, with attendees having access to a select number of the museum’s exhibits open to attendees. Early admission is $75 and general admission is $60.

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The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America presented by Capital One

March 10 at Bar Sótano 433 N. Clark St, Chicago

Presented by Capital One, the James Beard Foundation's Taste America® series celebrates culinary excellence and the local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities—bringing together chefs and food lovers for unique dining experiences across 20 U.S. cities.

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Chicago River Dyeing

March 14 at the Chicago River between State and Columbus

The annual Chicago River dyeing is one of the most unique St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world. Typically held the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day (the same day as the downtown parade), this bucket-list event is a beloved tradition that dates back over half a century.

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Glow Wild: A Lantern Festival of Hope

Starts March 19 at Brookfield Zoo Chicago 31st Street and Golfview Avenue Brookfield

From March 19 through May 10, experience Glow Wild: A Lantern Festival of Hope — a breathtaking journey of light, art, and conservation. Wander paths under the moonlight, illuminated by handcrafted lanterns representing wildlife and mythology from around the world.

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