Go ahead and admit it: by the time Feb. 1 rolls around, you’re officially over winter. Fortunately, Chicago’s got four fun fests this month that are all about heading indoors.
Wintry weather got you down? Head inside to one of these fabulous festivals, happening this month around Chicagoland.
Your kids can go hog wild at this celebration of all
things two-wheeled, which features the Strider Adventure Zone and
stunt shows. Mom and dad can test-drive motorcycles, meet celebs or
daydream about life on the open road.
- -; free kids 5 and under
- Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555 N. River Road, Rosemont - (800) 331-5706
- motorcycleshows.com
Progressive International Motorcycle Show
See sport bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, and more. The show features stunt shows, seminars, and family activities.
Lake Michigan usually is thought of as a warm-weather
spot, but you can get a taste of its history this month. Kids can
try out knot-tying, build a model ship to take home and sing some
sailing tunes. Everyone together: “Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life
for me.”
- , free kids 12 and under; concert, kids 10-15
- Chicago History Museum
1601 N. Clark St., Chicago - (773) 575-7244
- chicagomaritimefestival.org
The festival features a taste of almost every aspect of life on or near the water in Chicago through seminars, workshops, and concerts on topics including maritime history, shipwreck diving, battles at sea, water safety, weather forecasting, model ships, commercial shipping, canoes and kayaks, maritime music, marine art, and much more. Activities for younger sailors include model boat building, songs for younger sailors, and “How to be an Underwater Detective.”
We’ve got the tallest building in the U.S., why not the biggest
auto show, too? While the nearly 1,000 cars definitely are the
stars, there are family-friendly activities and appearances
throughout the week, like mascot faves Tommy Hawk, and Benny the
Bull.
- , seniors and kids 7-12, free kids 6 and under with
adult - McCormick Place
2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago - chicagoautoshow.com
The nation’s largest and longest-running auto exposition showcases over 1,000 domestic and imported vehicles, auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles and project, antique and collector cars
Dog lovers come together at this show to learn just who
will be this year’s top dog. Kids will love the unique
events-doggie fashion show, anyone?-and the chance to pet some of
the dogs. We can’t wait for the “Best Puppy” competition on
Saturday. The cuteness alone will chase away those winter
blues.
- , seniors, free kids under 12
- McCormick Place Lakeside Building
2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago - (773) 237-5100
- ikcdogshow.com
International Kennel Club Cluster of Dog Shows
One of the largest all-breed benched dog shows in the country that draws the top dogs from across the United States and Canada to compete for prizes and the coveted title of “Best in Show.” Plus dog fashion shows, meet the breeds, pet the dogs and Kid Zone.
Our Picks: Top 9 February events
February may be the shortest month, but it’s full of things todo, from a groundhog weather prediction to celebrations to BlackHistory Month and Valentine’s Day. Without further ado, our 9not-to-miss February events.
See more Februarycalendar events
