Winter in Chicago: Festivals, RV Show & Special Events

Author's note: This is the fifth in a series of posts about enjoying Chicago in the winter. The first post was an introduction to this series, the second post talked about Live Theater, the third was on Dance Performances, the fourth was about Music Concerts and the fifth was about Museums & Exhibitions.

Whether indoors or out, the list of things to do and see in Chicago this winter is endless! For additional event and attraction details, visit the city’s official tourism website www.ExploreChicago.org.

Festivals & Special Events
Glide over to John Hancock Observatory to experience Skating in the Sky, featuring a synthetic 900-square foot ice skating rink on the building’s 94th floor. Skate high above the Magnificent Mile and enjoy views of the city’s lakefront skyline and bustling Lake Shore Drive, Jan. 1- April 8.

The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, the largest of its kind in the nation, celebrates its 11th year with local performers and more than 120 groups from around the globe, Jan. 5-15.

The Midwest’s largest sports show brings summer outdoor fun to McCormick Place for the Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show Jan. 12-16.

The Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival celebrates Chicago’s unprecedented appreciation of roots music and culture Jan. 21 and 28 with over 50 bands on multiple stages.

Held Jan. 27-29 at Navy Pier’s Gateway Park, Snow Days Chicago is a FREE three-day winter festival that features a snow sculpting competition, as well as dog sled demonstrations and a snowboard rail jam.

Help keep the living tradition of folk music alive at the University of Chicago Folk Festival, a three-day celebration of music and dance from the United States and around the world Feb. 10-12.

The Chicago Auto Show returns to McCormick Place Feb. 10-19 showcasing over 1,000 domestic and imported vehicles, including experimental and concept cars, antiques and collector cars, and numerous accessories and production debuts. Now in its 104th year, North America’s longest running auto exposition features fun for all ages with giveaways, interactive exhibits and live entertainment.

Please your palate and your pocketbook during Chicago Restaurant Week Feb. 17-26. Enjoy culinary delights from over 200 restaurants citywide with special offerings and exclusive savings for three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus.

Old fashioned big top circus excitement comes to Navy Pier Feb. 17-26 with Windy City Circus, featuring fascinating vignettes that present the exciting history of Chicago.