Some people wait all year for Christmas. Some Halloween. Some the first day of summer. Me?
Just when the New Year's celebrations have come to a close, and the rest of the winter may look a little bleak, my favorite time of year rolls around. Between Chicago Theatre Week and various neighborhood restaurant weeks, its easy to forget about the low temperatures and revel in all the incredible dining and live performances this city has to offer.
Chefs and theatre groups alike take the opportunity to showcase their specialties at reduced prices. It's the perfect chance to sample new food and new places. Take the kids out to eat "fancy", particularly if you have tweens and teens that can no longer eat off the kids menu (or don't want to), or introduce them to live theatre.
This year, Chicago Theatre Week returns for its fourteenth year from February 5th-15th, 2026.
Countless theaters will welcome audiences at value-priced tickets of $30, $15, or less. There is something for everyone throughout the entire city. Some of the many shows that are included are Bernadette, the Musical at The Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture, The Dance of Death at Steppenwolf Theatre, and Roald Dahl's The Enormous Crocodile the Musical at The Studebaker Theater. The list goes on and on. There are so many small theaters around the city with talent that would surprise you, and at these prices, what do you have to lose? A night off the couch? That alone is worth every penny. Tickets are on sale now.
Better yet, Chicago Restaurant Week overlaps with Chicago Theatre Week on February 5th-8th. Explore 470+ participating restaurants and enjoy dinner and a show!
Chicago Restaurant Week is a "17-day celebration of the city's award-winning culinary scene" running from January 23rd to February 8th, 2026. The best restaurants across the city offer special prix fixe, multi-course meals. Brunch/Lunch costs only $30, and Dinner can be either $45 or $60 (excluding beverages, tax, and gratuity), depending on the restaurant and menu.
Other Restaurant Weeks
Chicago Black Restaurant Week (CBRW) from February 8th - February 26th, 2026
Dozens of black-owned restaurants across the city will be offering special discounts. This year's list is TBD.
North Side Restaurant Week from February 26th - March 8th, 2026
Restaurants in Northcenter, Albany Park, Edgewater, Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Rogers Park, and Uptown will show off their wide range of dining options, with special prix fixe menus, to create one GIGANTIC combined North Side Restaurant Week!
Chicago Northwest Restaurant Week from February 27th - March 8th, 2026
Indulge in delicious flavors that celebrate the vibrant and diverse food scene within Chicago’s Northwest suburbs. Diners can expect featured menus at special prices!
Rosemont Restaurant Week March 1st - March 7th, 2026
Diners can indulge in specially curated prix fixe, three-course lunch and/or dinner menus at a variety of participating Rosemont restaurants
All these local restaurant weeks are such great chances to explore a different part of the North side. Grab a date, gather your girls, or treat your kids, and make the most of winter in Chicago! We'll see you out there.
Pro tip: Take advantage of where a restaurant week overlaps with Chicago Theatre Week and make a whole day/night of it! Book a hotel room and make it a staycation even.
