Take a look at some of the fun, February events happening across the state.

Shawnee Hills Wine Trail wine glass with snowy tree branch in background
Photo credit: Facebook/Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

Winter Passport on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

Jan. 2-Feb. 29, 2024, Pomona

Explore Illinois wine country this winter with the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail passport program. With a purchase of a winery passport for $15, you’ll receive discounts on wine, food and merchandise at member wineries on the trail throughout January and February. Collect stamps at each winery along the way and leave your completed passport at the last winery you visit by Feb. 28 to be entered for the chance to win prizes like overnight stays, event tickets, wine trail merchandise and more. In addition, those who visit all the wineries will receive a souvenir Shawnee Hills Wine Trail corkscrew. To learn more about the wine trail passport program, visit shawneewinetrail.com/passport-program or call (800) 248-4373.


A family walking with snow shoes at Polar Adventure Days
Photo credit: Chicago Park District

Polar Adventure Days

Jan. 20-Feb. 17, 2024, Chicago

Celebrate winter in Chicago with a variety of exciting outdoor activities for the whole family at the annual Polar Adventure Days at Northerly Island. This free event takes place from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25. Activities include touring the Northerly Island Natural Area, watching husky teams sled around the peninsula, exploring the island on snowshoes (weather permitting), making nature-inspired winter crafts, roasting marshmallows over a campfire and much more. For more details, visit chicagoparkdistrict.com/polar-adventure-days.


Illinois Reads Book Festival
Facebook/Illinois Reads

Illinois Reads Book Festival

Feb. 3, 2024, Waukegan

Step into the world of reading at the Illinois Reads Book Festival. Waukegan High School hosts the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 16, where authors will be present to sign books and Anderson’s Bookshops will have a variety of books available for purchase. Illinois Reads is a statewide project that promotes reading at home and in the classroom.

The project of the Illinois Reading Council features 36 books in six age groups each year and also highlights the work of Illinois authors. For more information about the 2019 Illinois Reads Book Festival, visit illinoisreads.org or call (309) 454-1341.


chocolates from the Chocolate Factory in Golconda, Illinois
Photo by Nathan Lambrecht

Taste of Chocolate

Feb. 23, 2024, Carbondale

The Survivor Empowerment Center in Carbondale hosts its annual Taste of Chocolate fundraiser this February, featuring live and silent auctions, hors d’oeuvres, and, of course, plenty of delicious chocolate treats. All proceeds from the event go to the center to assist survivors of domestic violence and assault. The fundraiser takes place at Garden Grove Event Center. The date will be announced closer to the event. For the latest updates, visit empoweringsurvivors.org/chocolate or call (618) 549-4807.


Argenta IceFest

Feb. 10, 2024, Argenta 

Discover a winter wonderland of stunning ice sculptures this February at the annual Argenta IceFest throughout Prairie Park and downtown Argenta. In addition to dozens of impressive sculptures carved by talented artists – including Olympic gold medalist ice carver and Argenta native Aaric Kendall – the event features carving demonstrations, a chili cook-off, a vendor fair and more. To learn more or view the full lineup of activities, visit argentafest.org/argenta-icefest.


man playing the piano
Photo credit: Facebook/Sounds and Notes

Chopin in the City Festival

Feb. 22-25, 2024, Chicago

The 6th annual Chopin in the City Festival returns to Chicago for its sixth year this winter. Founded by jazz singer, composer, arranger and producer Grazyna Auguscik, the weeklong festival features a wide range of multicultural performances by musicians and vocalists. Attendees will enjoy performances by jazz, classical, world music and other artists as they offer their renditions of works by Frederic Chopin and other musicians. To learn more about the Chopin in the City Festival or browse the complete festival lineup, visit chopininthecity.com.

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