Chicago Star presents the absolute BEST list of things to do in the Windy City

Feb. 1

Museum Days

Now there’s no excuse for not catching Chicago’s amazing new exhibits and inter-active experiences. Illinois residents can take advantage of free days at museums across the city throughout February. Free days vary depending on the museum. Check your favorite museum’s website or find a complete listing of museums and free days on choosechicago.com.

Feb. 4

The Peninsula Sky Rink

Ever want to ice skate in the sky? You have just a few more days this winter to do it. Enjoy a hot beverage and snacks at Chicago’s only rooftop skating rink surrounded by skyscrapers, twinkling lights, festive music and snowflake lighting. The synthetic surface means skaters must use special Sky Rink skates. Reservations not required but call first to confirm. $20 for adult skate rentals, $10 for children’s skate rentals. Also Feb. 18, 19 and 20, The Peninsula Hotel, 108 E. Superior St., (312) 337-2888, peninsula.com

Alice in Wonderland

Experience a new take on the classic, Alice in Wonderland, as a one-hour musical based on the original story. Presented by Chicago Kids Company, the production features a hilarious script adapted by Jesus Perez, with original songs composed by Paige Coffman. You’ll frolic along with Alice and your favorite menagerie of fanciful characters including the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts and many more. Single tickets are $14-$18, children 2 and under are free and groups 30 and up are $8 each. Select dates through Feb. 25, Stahl Family Theatre, 5900 W. Belmont Ave., (773) 282-8844, choosechicago.com

Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour

Elton John, pop-music legend, is stopping into Chicago for two nights as part of his sold out Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour. The performances were originally scheduled for June 19 and 20, 2020. The tour marks the superstar’s last-ever tour, the end of half a century on the road for one of pop culture’s most enduring performers. Tickets start at $127, 8 p.m. Feb. 4 and 5, United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., (312) 455-4500, unitedcenter.com

Feb. 5

Trinity Irish Dance Company

Supporting your hometown arts community has never been more exhilarating. Trinity Irish Dance Company will take you on a head-spinning ride that blends traditional and modern Irish dance and music. The company’s powerful female dancers take center-stage in a production that will take your breath away. Tickets start at $38, Auditorium Theater, 50 E. Ida B Wells Drive, (312) 341-2300, auditoriumtheatre.org

Feb. 6

Dancing with the Stars

ABC’s multi-Emmy award winning, “Dancing with the Stars,” is coming to Chicago for one night only. Featuring some of the show’s most popular competitors, fans will rave over the dances they remember and be surprised by never-before-seen routines. The night will feature a cast of famous names as well as favorites from the show. Tickets start at $100, 8 p.m. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont, (847) 671-5100, rosemont.com

Feb. 7

Hunt for the Golden Treasure

Captain Brickbeard needs you! His precious treasure is missing - and time is running out. Enjoy pirate-y fun, prizes and adventures on LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago Island this February. Activities include searching LDC Island for the golden treasure in a scavenger hunt, building your own pirate ship, making your own pirate adventure using stop motion tables and more. Through March 14, $24.99, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago, 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg, (847) 592-9700, legolanddiscoverycenter.com

Feb. 11

Valentine’s Day Festival

Celebrate love and family fun with a Valentine’s Day night out at the park. Festivities will include music, candy and cards. It’s the perfect February distraction for kids 6 and over. Free admission, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Anderson (Louis) Park, 3748 S. Prairie Ave., (312) 747-6007, chicagoparkdistrict.com

Feb. 12

Chicago Auto Show

Check out the largest auto show in North America, still going strong after 114 years. You’ll be dazzled by the nearly 1,000 different vehicles on display, plus a huge assortment of accessories and auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles and project, antique and collector cars. $15 for adults, children and senior pricing available, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Feb. 12-20, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 21, South Exhibit Hall, McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive, (630) 495-2282, chicagoautoshow.com

Valentine’s Love Jam

Be ready to jam for Valentine’s Day with chart-toppers Tank, Ja Rule, Donell Jones and Blackstreet, each a show- stopper in their own right. All told, the clutch of headlining R&B, rap and soul artists have been recognized with MTV, VMA and BET Awards, Grammys ana certified platinum album. Tickets start at $59, 7-11 p.m., Arie Crown Theater, 2301 S. Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, S. Lake Shore Drive, (312) 791-6900, ariecrown.com

Feb. 14

Robot Date Night

Love got you feeling like your wires are crossed? Call in the robots. You read it right - there’s nothing artificial about this intelligence! The Newport Theater is hosting a date night like no other. You’ll get to choose from over 15 different DIY robot kits and build your very own robot with a friend or loved one in a swanky speakeasy with actual robot servers, all while watching a robot-themed movie. 7-10 p.m. The Newport Theater, 956 W. Newport Ave. (773) 270-3440, newporttheater.com

Feb. 17

Singles Mingle at The Mid-America Club

The Mid-America Club invites Chicago Star readers to attend the first “Singles Mingle!” Enjoy a fun evening of icebreaker games, cocktails and making new connections at your new neighborhood hangout in the sky. Registrations are required and space is limited. RSVP to the membership director at (312) 856-9484 or email melissa.czyz@clubcorp.com, Business-casual attire. 6-7:30 p.m., Mid-America Club, 80th floor of the Aon Center, 200 E. Randolph St., clubcorp.com

Feb. 22

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

Their songs, intimate, powerful and penetrating, reflect the turbulence and great change of an era that shaped a generation. Selling out London’s West End, “The Simon & Garfunkel Story” is a must-see for anyone hoping to discover, or rediscover, the legendary singer/songwriter duo. Tickets start at $25, through Feb. 27, CIBC Theater, 18 W. Monroe St., (800) 775-2000, broadwayinchicago.com

Feb. 26

Candlelight Gospel Series

Stunning architecture, intimate ambiance, warm candlelight and inspiring music. It’s a gospel music-lover’s delight. February’s performers, Gospel Touch Choir, will delight with all-time classics from artists including Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin. Get ready to sway to the music and lift your soul. Performances run for 65 minutes, and seating is assigned on a first-come, first- served basis. Tickets start at $40, 7-9:15 p.m., Wicker Park Lutheran Church, 1500 N. Hoyne Ave., (773) 276-0263, feverup.com.

March 6

The Chicago Polar Plunge for Special Olympics

The Chicago Polar Plunge is headed back to the beach! Make a splash at the 22nd annual Plunge which will take place on North Avenue Beach Sunday, March 6, beginning at 8 am. The event will support the 7,500 special Olympians who compete year-round in Chicago. All funds raised will benefit the Special Olympics Chicago athletes, covering program costs such as transportation, sports equipment, team uniforms, and meals. People with intellectual disabilities will have the opportunity to discover new strengths, abilities, and accomplishments. (For more details and to register, click here: https://www.chicagopolarbearclub.com/take-the-plunge/2022-plunge-registration

March 11

PAWS Chicago's Animal Magnetism

PAWS Chicago, the Midwest's largest No Kill animal shelter, will host Animal Magnetism, a furry fun-filled fundraiser for you and your pets to support PAWS' life-saving work. Walk the red carpet with your pet, sip cocktails, and enjoy a photo booth. Canine guests will have the chance to visit the Dog Spa and be treated to a special doggie buffet. The event will be held on Friday, March 11, 7 p.m. at Morgan Manufacturing, 401 N. Morgan St., Chicago. (pawschicago.org)

March 12

Houndstooth Ball, a pet-friendly gala for homeless pets

The 13th annual Houndstooth Ball will return on Saturday, March 12, to Morgan Manufacturing, Shake out the sequins and bust out the (doggie) bow ties to raise funds for homeless dogs, cats and bunnies. (onetail.org)

Now through March

The Museum of Illusions, are you ready to bend reality?

The Museum of Illusions Chicago, 25 E. Washington, will delight your senses with over 80 mind-bending exhibits. They include The Vortex Tunnel, Beuchet Chair Illusion, Tricky Stick, Rubin's Vase, Head on the Platter and more. There are holograms and optical illusions all designed to bend reality and puzzle your perceptions. Are you ready? (All details here: moichicago.com, now through March)