This month in Chicago, explore lush indoor gardens, admire iconic works in one of the world’s top art museums, and watch sled dog teams run in the snow — all without spending a dime.
Chicago is bursting with free things to do this February 2026, including plenty of free museum days, festivals and parades, cultural happenings, Lunar New Year celebrations, and so much more.
Start planning your budget trip to Chicago with this round-up of the free things to do and see all month long.
1. Catch the Lunar New Year parade
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026
Welcome the Year of the Horse with the Lunar New Year celebrations in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, home to the vibrant “Asia on Argyle” cultural corridor.
View this post on Instagram
The festivities will include the annual Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration, featuring a colorful procession of community groups, cultural institutions, dancers, and performers. There will also be family-friendly activities, including a story time and craft hour.
Check out more Lunar New Year celebrations in Chicago for the Year of the Horse.
2. Take advantage of free museum days
Select dates in February
There’s no better way to spend a winter afternoon than wandering through one of Chicago’s world-class museums. And every month brings opportunities for free admission for Chicago and Illinois residents.
Here are the upcoming free museum days for Illinois residents this month:
- Adler Planetarium is free on Feb. 2, 4, 9, 11, 18, and 23
- Field Museum is free on Wednesdays throughout February
- Art Institute of Chicago is free every weekday in February
- Shedd Aquarium is free on Feb. 3 – 5, 10 – 12, 17 – 19, and 24 – 26
- Chicago History Museum is free on Feb. 16
- Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is free on Feb. 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, and 26
You can also check out one of the city’s always-free museums, like the Museum of Contemporary Photography, the National Museum of Mexican Art, and the Hyde Park Art Center. And check out more free museum days throughout the year.
3. Honor Black History Month
Through February
February is the perfect time to experience Chicago’s rich Black history. Mark your calendar for free events throughout the month at some of the city’s most storied cultural institutions.
Black History Celebration: Rooted in Resilience
Feb. 4, 2026
This free community event at the Logan Center for the Arts explores the connection between food, art, and culture with a film screening, panel discussion, and a cookbook signing.
Playlab Playdate: Black History Month Story Time
Feb. 18, 2026
The Field Museum gathers kids and families for a free story time session that honors Black history, culture, and communities.
Black History Concert Series by Uniting Voices
Feb. 24 and 25, 2026
This free concert series at the Auditorium Theatre celebrates the impact of Africana music on Chicago and the world.
Free admission at the DuSable Black History Museum
Wednesdays in February
Explore the latest exhibits at the nation’s oldest independent Black history museum, which offers free admission to the public every Wednesday throughout the year.
Explore more Black History Month events in Chicago.
4. See the Valentine’s Day fireworks
Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a free fireworks show at Navy Pier. The family-friendly lakefront attraction will be hosting a spectacular display that will light up the night sky starting at 9 p.m along the Pier’s South Dock. It’s the perfect way to end the biggest date night of the year.
Explore our guide to Valentine’s Day in Chicago for more romantic ideas.
5.Get outdoors at Polar Adventure Days
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026
Experience the beauty of the winter season during Polar Adventure Days, a Chicago tradition since 2005.
Bundle up and head to lakefront Big Marsh Park for a full day of family-friendly fun. Check out husky sled dog demonstrations, take part in arts and crafts activities, admire the beauty of the snowy skyline, and warm up with hot cocoa by the bonfire.
6. Explore an indoor flower garden
Through February
The historic Lincoln Park Conservatory features a lush glass-enclosed wonderland of natural beauty, with plants and flowers from all over the world.
Escape the cold and wander through this balmy oasis, with rooms dedicated to ferns, towering palm trees, delicate orchids, and more. Admission is free, timed tickets are available.
7. Visit the Poetry Foundation
Through February
Come explore a Chicago hidden gem, the Poetry Foundation, which houses a massive library, an exhibition gallery, a tree-lined courtyard, and a performance space.
Visitors will find an array of events that are free and open to the public, from readings and lectures to workshops and exhibits like art exhibits and poetry readings.
8. Wander a historic zoo
Through February
Lincoln Park Zoo is Chicago’s free zoo and one of the oldest in the country. It’s open all year long, including throughout the winter. Stroll through the snowy grounds, where you can watch polar bears and snow monkeys play outside. And warm up inside the animal houses, where you can meet penguins, gorillas, lions, and more.
As a bonus, many of the zoo’s cold-weather species are more active in the winter, including macaques, snow leopards, lynx, polar bears, penguins, and red wolves.
9. Visit the Chicago Architecture Biennial
Through Feb. 28, 2026
It’s your last chance to experience the largest architecture and design exhibition in North America, featuring projects created by contributors from around the globe at free exhibits and events throughout the city.
The Chicago Architecture Biennial is centered around the Chicago Cultural Center, plus a variety of neighborhood sites with related exhibitions and programming all across the city.
10. Take a free neighborhood tour
Through February
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, there’s always something new to discover in Chicago. The free Chicago Greeter program, which runs all year long, is always the perfect way to explore the city.
Get to know a new neighborhood on a free Chicago Greeter tour, led by a friendly local who will show you the area’s landmarks, hot spots, and hidden gems.
Looking for more? Check out our guide on free things to do in Chicago all year long.
