Featured Events in Chicago in February, 2025 (May Updated)

Renowned multimedia artist Dieter Roth’s preferred form, and the one he spent his lifetime pursuing, was the Gesamtkunstwerk, a German term for “total work of art.” Working across a diverse range of media, disciplines, and creative activities, Roth developed an artistic practice that dissolved the boundaries between art and life, upending traditional categories, hierarchies, and even timeworn notions of singular authorship. Often collaborating with other artists, including his son Björn, Roth produced an ever-expanding body of work that gestured toward the cumulative effects of a life spent making and remaking.

Jitish Kallat’s site-specific installation, Public Notice 3, returns to the Art Institute of Chicago’s Grand Staircase this fall after a 14-year hiatus. Initially unveiled on September 11, 2010, the work connects two significant historical events separated by 108 years: the First World’s Parliament of Religions which began on September 11, 1893, and the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. At the earlier event, the World Parliament of Religions, held in an auditorium that encompassed the area that today includes both the museum’s Fullerton Hall and Woman’s Board Grand Staircase, a young Hindu monk, Swami Vivekananda electrified audiences with a powerful speech calling for an end to religious fundamentalism, intolerance, and bigotry.

Descending the Staircase considers novel artistic approaches to representing the human body. Spread across two floors of the museum, the exhibition presents figures of all kinds, from the fragmented, absurd, and surreal to the curated, self-aware, and media savvy. Puppets, masks, and automatons merge bodies with objects, juxtaposing the animate and inanimate, while abstract sculptures evoke the human form through soft and fleshy materials such as nylon, wax, hair, and latex. Elsewhere, artists deploy the living body as a medium, setting it in motion with performance and gesture. Together, these artworks delve into fundamental questions about the human body in the contemporary world, including its relationship to labor and machines, its presentation in advertising and social media, and its role within the everyday domestic sphere.

Wafaa Bilal: Indulge Me is the first major survey of internationally renowned artist Wafaa Bilal (b. 1966, Najaf, Iraq; lives in New York, NY). Working in performance, sculpture, and with online and interactive technologies, Bilal’s interdisciplinary practice investigates the dynamic between international and interpersonal politics while highlighting the tension between his home in the United States, which he has deemed the “comfort zone,” and the “conflict zone” of Iraq. The exhibition covers the breadth of Bilal’s versatile career by exploring his performance practice, the use of power in Saddam Hussein’s regime, and Iraqi history and antiquity. It will feature archival displays of his iconic month-long performance Domestic Tension (2007) and year-long performance 3rdi (2010–11), as well as two new works including a sculptural commission for the MCA.

This exhibition focuses on a single artwork by Pipilotti Rist (b. 1962, Grabs, Switzerland; lives and works in Zürich), the 2001 video installation Supersubjektiv. Rist filmed the video footage featured in Supersubjektiv using a handheld digital camera during a month-long trip to Japan in December 2000. The hallucinatory video, presented in the Turner Gallery as a multichannel installation accompanied by sheepskin seating and an artist-made pillow, offers viewers a dream-like space for contemplation and curiosity. Paired with an ambient electronic soundtrack with lyrics sung in English and Japanese, the artwork examines nature, the built environment, and technology with wide-eyed wonder. Visitors are encouraged to relax and lose track of time as they take in Rist’s audiovisual meditation on longing for connection in our vast, globalized society.

Experience Africa Fashion, a one-of-a-kind exhibition celebrating the dynamic voices transforming African style. With over 180 works, including haute couture, ready-to-wear, and multimedia displays, discover how African designers are shaping global fashion. From pioneering icons like Shade Thomas-Fahm to contemporary artists like Thebe Magugu, see bold designs that connect tradition with innovation.

From wild carnivores to domestic companions, cats have their paws in science and culture alike. Learn about the characteristics of cats, big and small; walk through dynamic dioramas with dozens of felines frozen in time; and spot your own furry friends in a fan submission photo gallery. This interactive exhibition is the purr-fect blend of science, history, and pop culture.

Access the adventure where science and imagination meet. Explore the iconic cars, gadgets and props of the James Bond film series. 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond is the first-ever official exhibition to focus on the science and technology behind the world’s longest-running movie franchise. Go behind the scenes to learn how the Bond production teams harness real-world science to craft 007’s on-screen adventures. See fantastical gadgets created for the Bond films alongside the real-life inventions they prefigured—see a prototype jetpack from “Thunderball” and the modern Gravity Industries Jet Suit.

In the early 1970s, Nancy Holt (American, 1938–2014) created her first sculpture, a viewing device that she called a Locator. Made from two pieces of welded steel pipe, with a viewing aperture set at the height of her own eyes, the Locator became a powerful means for Holt to ground her viewer in the conscious process of perception. The first Locators were installed in Holt’s New York studio in 1971. From here she could train a viewer’s eye on overlooked aspects of the urban landscape, focusing attention on found elements, such as ventilators on nearby rooftops or windows on neighboring buildings. She then created site-responsive installations, using the Locator as an apparatus to frame surprising passages in the built environment, which she selected and marked with paint. In this installation, conceived in collaboration with the Holt/Smithson Foundation, two historical works—Dual Locators (1972) and Locator (PS1) (1980)—are presented for the first time out-of-doors on a sculpture terrace, where the interior and exterior architecture of the museum are in constant dialogue with each other and the surrounding city. Drawing awareness to the act of looking, these devices ask us to attend to our individual experience of vision, while challenging the presumption that how we see is in any way self-evident.

What meanings has Earth held for people of African descent, and what can an environmental consciousness grounded in Pan-Africanist perspectives teach all of humanity today? Conceived to accompany the major survey exhibition Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica (on view at the Art Institute December 15, 2024–March 30, 2025), this exhibition, drawn from the museum’s collection, addresses the planet itself. Works by 17 artists in film, photography, and book arts draw attention to three vital and intertwined interactions with the land: as a path to freedom, as a means of spiritual and bodily sustenance, and as a source of enlightenment. Works by artists such as Carrie Mae Weems and Dawoud Bey retrace nocturnal paths to freedom. For example, Weems’s North Star stems from the experience of her grandfather, labor organizer Frank Weems, who made a path from rural Arkansas to Chicago in 1936 by traveling at night and following Polaris, the North Star. Like many others who found their way to freedom, Weems saved his life but lost his family and never could return to his birthplace. Foregrounding the interrelation of food and spiritual wisdom are works by Radcliffe Bailey and Luis Medina as well as the room-filling photo installation Bori (Feed the Head) by Candomblé priest and visual artist Ayrson Heráclito. Bori memorializes a ritual performance in which Heráclito encircled the heads of one dozen initiated participants with mounded ingredients to nourish individual Yoruba deities.

Pan-Africanism, first named and theorized around 1900, is commonly regarded as an umbrella term for political movements that have advanced the call for both individual self-determination and global solidarity among peoples of African descent. It has yet to be fully examined as a worldview that takes its force from art and culture.As the first major exhibition to survey Pan-Africanism’s cultural manifestations, Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica gathers together some 350 objects, spanning the 1920s to the present, made by artists on four continents: Africa, North and South America, and Europe. Panafrica, the promised land named in the exhibition title, is presented as a conceptual place where arguments about decolonization, solidarity, and freedom are advanced and negotiated with the aim of an emancipatory future.

Welcome to the Ultimate Showdown at SPF Chicago! Join us for an electrifying evening at our first-ever Fight Club Pickleball Tournament! This isn’t your average pickleball event—it’s a high-energy competition where 12 top-tier teams will battle for glory, and the audience gets in on the action by choosing a winning team for a chance to win cash prizes! We’re offering three exciting ways to participate: 🏆 Free General Admission – Come cheer, vibe, and enjoy the high-energy atmosphere! 🏆 Pick the Winning Team Experience / Buy-In – Predict the champion, and if your chosen team wins, you win a cash prize! 🏆 Team Sign-Up / Buy-In – Compete for the title, bragging rights, and a $500 cash prize! Event Itinerary: 6:00 PM – Check-In & Social Hour Welcome by Ashley & Izzy: Guests who purchased the Winning Team Experience ticket will check in during the first hour and draw a number from a bowl to match with a competing team.Enjoy drinks and snacks from our sponsors. 6:30 PM – Team Introductions & Bracket SetupIzzy will introduce the teams and assign numbers to each one.Bracket will be displayed on an easel for easy viewing. 7:00 PM – Tournament BeginsMatches will be played on two courts, with games to 11 points (rally scoring in case of a tie).Each match is best of 3 games, leading into a bracket-style competition. 8:00–8:30 PM – Championship GameThe final match will take place on a single court for an epic showdown. 9:00 PM – Awards CeremonyCelebrate the champions, honor the winning audience members, and thank everyone for an incredible evening! Want to compete? We’re looking for teams with a 3.6+ DUPR rating. Whether you’re a competitive player or just love the game, this is your chance to showcase your skills in a fun, exciting atmosphere! Each team is guaranteed a minimum of 3 games. What to Expect: 🎵 Live DJ spinning energetic beats to keep the excitement going 🎉 A hyped-up crowd cheering and supporting their teams 🏆 $500 cash prize for the winning team and cash prizes for winning audience participants 📍 Venue: SPF Chicago, Lincoln Park Spots are limited, so sign up now and secure your place on the court!Ready to join the fun? Whether you’re here to play, cheer, or win, Fight Club Pickleball promises an unforgettable night! Information Source: eventbrite

Experience the magic of R&B at the highly anticipated Ladies R&B Kickback Concert - Part 2 in Chicago. Taking place at the prestigious The Chicago Theatre on February 1, 2025, this event promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with soulful melodies and electrifying performances. Located at 175 N State St, Chicago, IL, 60601, the venue offers the perfect setting for an evening of musical excellence. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to witness some of the industry's top female R&B artists in action. Get your tickets now and immerse yourself in a night of pure musical bliss.

Experience an unforgettable evening with Taylor Tomlinson at The Chicago Theatre on February 12, 2025, as part of her "Save Me Tour". Known for her sharp wit and relatable humor, Taylor Tomlinson is sure to leave you laughing throughout the night. The Chicago Theatre, located at 175 N State St, Chicago, IL, 60601, provides the perfect backdrop for this comedic event. Don't miss out on this opportunity to see one of the rising stars in the stand-up comedy scene. Secure your tickets now for Taylor Tomlinson: The Save Me Tour in Chicago.

We're very excited to have you at INK Fest this year! The Illustration and Krafts (INK) Fest is an annual artist festival run by the Illustration Student Group in collaboration with several support systems. Our artist alley features over 90 artists who are either current students and recent alumni. We celebrate new illustrators, make connections throughout the Columbia community, and encourage up-and-coming college visual artists to showcase their work. This is, first and foremost, a networking opportunity for said artists to gain experience in their illustration career paths. INK Fest will take place in the college's Student Center in the 5th floor exhibition space. Information Source: Illustration Student Group at Columbia College Chicago | eventbrite

Experience the mesmerizing music of Phantogram at the Running THROUGH Colors Tour in Chicago. The event will take place at the iconic Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom on February 14, 2025. Located at 1106 W Lawrence, Chicago, IL, 60640, this venue promises an unforgettable evening filled with electrifying performances. Don't miss this opportunity to witness Phantogram live in action at this one-of-a-kind event.

Valentine's Day Events in Chicago 2025Our Valentine's Dirty Dancing Party sells out every year. So, get your tickets early! This Valentine's day, have the time of your life at our Dirty Dancing inspired dance class. Bring your darling in and learn how to dance like Johnny and Baby in the movie! Each session includes a 50-minute dance class and open dancing. In a fun and casual setting, you will learn: Basic salsa dance stepsBasic leading and followingA simplified Dirty Dancing routineThis class is designed for beginners. So, don't worry if you have two-left-feet. What's more? It's BYOB. Feel free to bring wine or beer to help you get in the dancing mood! Remember, nobody puts Baby in the corner. *Guests must be 21 or older. *Gift certificates and coupons are not accepted for this event. *Tickets are non-refundable. Cost: $110 per couple Information Source: Duet Dance Studio | eventbrite

Alan Walker is set to perform at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom in Chicago on February 15, 2025. The venue is located at 1106 W Lawrence, Chicago, IL, 60640. Fans can expect an unforgettable experience as the talented DJ and producer showcases his chart-topping hits and electrifying stage presence. Don't miss this opportunity to see Alan Walker live in one of the city's premier concert venues. Get your tickets now and be part of an incredible night of music and entertainment.

Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated Beverage, Winter Session 2025, taking place from February 16th to 18th in the Windy City. The Sheraton Grand Chicago will play host to this premier event, providing a stunning backdrop for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. With a focus on the latest trends and innovations in the beverage industry, this gathering promises to be the toast of the town. Attendees can expect a jam-packed schedule of tastings, seminars, and networking opportunities, all while rubbing elbows with the crème de la crème of the beverage world. So, whether you're a sommelier, brewmaster, or simply have a thirst for knowledge, don't let this event pass you by. The Beverage, Winter Session 2025 is the place to be for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of drinks.

Join us for a thrilling performance of Carmen !Experience the passion and drama of Bizet's beloved opera, Carmen, at Nichols Concert Hall on Sunday, February 16th, 2025 at 6:00 PM. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Seville, Spain, where the fiery and free-spirited Carmen captivates the soldier Don José with her charm. Be swept away by Bizet's iconic score, featuring unforgettable melodies like the Habanera and the Toreador Song. This timeless tale of love will leave you breathless. The opera is semi-staged and performed with cuts. Don't miss this opportunity to witness a powerful performance filled with passion, unforgettable music performed by a chamber orchestra, and stunning singing! Nichols Concert Hall offers an intimate and acoustically superb setting to experience this operatic masterpiece. Tickets are on sale now! Secure your seats and prepare to be captivated by the unforgettable story of Carmen. CAST: CARMEN Anastasia Antropova DON JOSE Ryan Daly ESCAMILLO Jonathan Wilson MICHAELA Tiana Dubal FRASQUITA Camden McLean MERCEDES Emily Gehman REMENDADO Peter Lorenzo DANCAIRO Kevin Wheatle MUSIC & PRODUCTION CREW: CONDUCTOR Nyela Basney ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Anastasia Antropova ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR Diego Hernandez CHAMBER ORCHESTRA PIANO PART Irina Feoktistova CHILDREN'S CHOIR MEISTER Diana Monacelli CHILDREN’S CHOIR Information Source: Chicago Opera Productions | eventbrite

Experience the magic of 2024-25 TAEMIN WORLD TOUR [Ephemeral Gaze] in Chicago at The Chicago Theatre on February 16, 2025. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing performance by Taemin at 175 N State St, Chicago, IL, 60601. Get ready to witness a once-in-a-lifetime show that will leave you spellbound. Don't miss this unforgettable event that promises to captivate audiences with its unique blend of music, dance, and artistry. Mark your calendar for an evening full of excitement and artistry with Taemin in the heart of Chicago.

The Windy City welcomes dental professionals from far and wide to the highly anticipated Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting 2025. This premier event, taking place at the renowned McCormick Place in Illinois, promises to be an exceptional gathering, running from February 20th to the 22nd. Attendees can expect to sink their teeth into cutting-edge research, innovative techniques, and the latest in dental technology. With a lineup of esteemed speakers and a bustling exhibit hall, the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting 2025 serves as the perfect platform for networking, learning, and advancing the field of dentistry. Mark your calendars and brace yourselves for an event that's sure to leave a lasting impression.

Don't miss the chance to witness Joe Bonamassa live in concert at The Chicago Theatre in Chicago on February 21, 2025. Known for his exceptional guitar skills and soulful voice, Joe Bonamassa is a renowned blues rock musician who never fails to deliver a captivating performance. The Chicago Theatre, located at 175 N State St, Chicago, IL, 60601, provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable night of music. Secure your tickets now to experience the magic of Joe Bonamassa in person.

Level up your sensual bachata by attending this second edition of Sensual Weekender Chicago! Once again, we are bringing artists from the Bachata Sensual organization to provide guest with high quality instruction from artists mentored by Bachata Sensual creators, Korke y Judith. Join us at Latin Street Music & Dance for this unforgettable weekend! What to expect: Instruction by Bachata Sensual Ambassadors with International teaching experience(4) hours of day workshops(1) Pre-Party Class w/ Jorelle & Monica(2) nights of social dancing w/ Bachata Sensual Ambassador DJ TimMost importantly, GOOD VIBES!See below for the schedule! Information Source: B-mac | eventbrite

Artist Panel Discussion: The Artist's Life Join us for an inspiring afternoon of artistic exploration and dialogue at an artist panel discussion hosted by acclaimed photographer Mark Ballogg. This engaging event will take place on Sunday, February 23, and will bring together a diverse group of visual artists to discuss their creative processes, artistic challenges, and the stories behind their work. The discussion will delve into themes such as artistic identity, the evolution of mediums, and the intersection of personal experiences with creative expression. Guests will have the opportunity to hear from Mark Ballogg and his fellow panelists, ask questions, and gain fresh perspectives on the ever-evolving art world. Whether you're an artist, collector, or art enthusiast, this panel promises to spark ideas and foster meaningful connections. Don't miss this unique opportunity to engage with the minds shaping today’s art scene. Event Details: Date: Sunday, February 23Time: 2:30p — 4pLocation: ALMA GalleryAdmission: FreeReserve your spot now and be part of this inspiring conversation! Information Source: Alma Art Gallery | eventbrite