Whatever the forecast brings — rain, shine, or even snow — these weekend events are the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy it. See what's happening near you.
Taste the best of the west at Elmhurst Restaurant Week.
Whether you're looking for something completely new or finally visit that restaurant you've always wanted to try, Elmhurst Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to mix up your date night reservations. See the Restaurant Week website for all available offers, from prix-fixe menus to special offers and more.
Date: Feb. 20 - Mar. 1
Time: Varies
Cost: Varies
Location: Various locations
More Info: elmhurstcitycentre.com
Have a day of family fun at Lunar New Year.
The Oak Park Conservatory and Brookfield Zoo's Conservation Science Adventures are collaborating for a fun and showstopping Lunar New Year celebration. This activity —which combines cultural traditions of Lunar New Year with hands-on wildlife activities, scavenger hunts, and more — is open to all ages and perfect for families.
Date: Feb. 21
Time: 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Oak Park Conservatory
More Info: pdop.org
Enjoy an 8-course meal at the Chefs' Culinary Celebration.
Support a good cause and enjoy an outstanding meal at the 14th annual Chef's Culinary Celebration. This event features eight courses of wine, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, entrées, and desserts, all prepared by chefs from the best local restaurants in the western suburbs. Participants are also invited to participate in a silent auction — proceeds from the auction and event benefit the West Suburban Community Pantry.
Date: Feb. 22
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Contact for details
Location: Abbington Banquets
More Info: aesbid.com
Shake things up at Speed Rack Chicago.
The world's first and only international, all-women and femme bartending competition is back in Chicago at Thalia Hall! Whether you're going to cheer on your favorite bartender or just a cocktail connoisseur, you're doing it for a good cause. All proceeds from Speed Rack events go towards breast cancer education, prevention, and research. This event is 21+.
Date: Feb. 23
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $33.52
Location: Thalia Hall
More Info: ticketweb.com
Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse at Navy Pier.
This free Global Connections: Lunar New Year celebration features festive music, dance, cultural traditions, and more. The packed performance schedule starts at 1:00 p.m. and goes until 5:00 — come to support local groups from across the city and ring in the Lunar New Year!
Date: Feb. 21
Time: 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Navy Pier
More Info: navypier.org
Architecture & Design Film Festival.
With 10 screenings in two downtown venues, the Architecture and Design Film Festival is an epic collaboration between the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) and the Gene Siskel Film Center. Check out the lineup on the festival website — several of the screenings also include Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Date: Feb 19-22
Time: 1:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Cost: $15-$30
Location: Gene Siskel Film Center & Chicago Cultural Center
More Info: architecture.org
Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration.
If you've never attended the annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Argyle, make this your year. This tradition goes back 40+ years and is a true celebration of what makes the Uptown community special. Come for the parade, pop-ups, performances, and more. You can even RSVP for a free chance to win prizes from Argyle businesses.
Date: Feb. 21
Time: 10:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: 1100 W. Argyle Street
More Info: partners.exploreuptown.org
Ring in National Margarita Day at the Chicago Margarita Crawl.
It's the margarita party of the year, and you don't want to miss it! Bring some of your best buds and crawl through the city's best spots to enjoy margaritas, tacos, and tequila. You can even enter to win prizes like tickets to other bar crawls, party cruises on Lake Michigan, wine tastings, and more when you submit your photos to the #ChicagoMargaritaCrawl contest.
Date: Feb. 21
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $10-$28.03
Location: Moe's Cantina River North
More Info: eventbrite.com