6 Fun Things To See & Do In Chicago This February

These award-winning shows, engaging exhibitions and more should all be on your calendar this month.

As seen in the MCA’s Descending the Staircase, Francesca Woodman (American, 1958-1981), “House #4, Providence, Rhode Island, 1975-1976” (1975/76), gelatin silver print, sheet: 8 inches by 10 inches

ONGOING

THE MAGIC PARLOUR

After wowing Chicagoans for 15 years, third-generation magician and mentalist Dennis Watkins brings his award-winning prestidigitation skills to the Theater District with The Magic Parlour. In partnership with Goodman Theatre and Petterino’s, six shows per week offer plenty of opportunities to experience the wonder of the city’s longest-running magic show. 50 W. Randolph St.

THROUGH 4/28

A LOVE SUPREME

Inspired by legendary jazz saxophonist John Coltrane’s 1965 album A Love Supreme, Chicago artist and designer Norman Teague’s solo exhibition at the Elmhurst Art Museum explores the power of bold jazz and unapologetic Black aesthetics. Works such as furniture, blown glass and custom leather pieces evoke answers to Teague’s question to viewers through this exhibit: “What is your Coltrane story? Who awakened you personally and artistically?” 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst

THROUGH 8/25

DESCENDING THE STAIRCASE

Centered around the MCA’s iconic helix staircase, works drawn from the museum’s collection invite viewers to explore new artistic approaches to representing the human body. Throughout the third and fourth floors, four sections—mind, object, form and action—present a contemporary expression of the body from artists such as Marcel Duchamp, Laurie Simmons and Cindy Sherman. 220 E. Chicago Ave.

2/3

CIDER SUMMIT CHICAGO

The Midwest’s largest cider tasting returns to the Windy City for its 10th annual iteration. Hosted at Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom, the event features more than 150 ciders, cocktails and spirits from local, regional and international artisanal makers. Cheers to that! 840 E. Grand Ave.

2/7 - 3/2

A HOME WHAT HOWLS

Playwright Matthew Paul Olmos’ world premiere tells the story of a young woman fighting for her family, their land and their community. Presented at Steppenwolf ’s Ensemble Theater, the show, directed by Laura Alcalá Baker, draws from real-world struggles and traces a solemn and difficult quest of youth activism standing against the world’s forces of injustice. 1650 N. Halsted St.

2/13 - 25

GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY

Conor McPherson’s Tony Award-winning musical hits the CIBC Theatre stage this month. Featuring reimagined songs by Bob Dylan and orchestrations and arrangements by Simon Hale and Conor McPherson, the show, set in 1934, follows the story of wayward travelers in Duluth, Minn. and how their lives intersect in a guesthouse filled with lively music and inspiration. 18 W. Monroe St.