Valentine’s Day events are underway in Chicago, with a variety of markets and activities taking place across the city. This weekend offers options for all interests, including a Feline & Valentines event at Harmony House For Cats, where attendees can meet adoptable cats and enjoy wine and chocolate pairings.
For those interested in Black History Month, the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic is holding a two-day celebration at the Kehrein Center For The Arts in Austin. Friday features an open rehearsal and conversation with the jazz ensemble, while Saturday includes a screening of “When The West Side Burned” followed by discussions with community leaders and a performance of music from the 1960s.
The Windy City Market is hosting its third annual Cupid’s Vintage & Artisan Fest at Artifact Events in Ravenswood on Saturday and Sunday. Shoppers can find vintage clothing, collectibles, artisan goods, jewelry, and food vendors. The market is dog-friendly.
Other events this weekend include We Free Three Jazz Concert at Austin Town Hall Park on Thursday evening; Faithful Friday Gathering at DuSable Museum Roundhouse on Friday morning; an Afghan Dinner Series installment at Nabala Cafe in Uptown Friday night; “The Dear Road” art exhibit opening at Ukrainian National Museum; Indiepop Fest at Underground Lounge; Taste Of Ravenswood food event; African American Network’s Black History Month concert featuring Lizz Wright and José James; and Noche De Kumbia music night at Ramova Loft.
On Saturday, Ridge Park hosts the Community Health Expo with fitness studios, holistic practitioners, mental health professionals, healthy snacks, and free classes. Andersonville’s Fika Fest starts with a Coffee & Cocoa Crawl celebrating Swedish culture. Mariano’s locations offer both a Black History Month Community Celebration in Bronzeville with samples from local vendors and live music as well as an early Lunar New Year celebration in South Loop featuring treats from local vendors and a lion dance performance by the Chicago Chinese Cultural Center.
Harmony House For Cats will also hold its Valentine’s party Saturday afternoon to support their shelter operations. Sabbath Tattoo shop hosts a Valentine’s Art Market pop-up offering original art pieces by tattoo artists alongside vegan treats.
Sunday events include the Great Andersonville Puzzle Exchange as part of Fika Fest activities at Swedish American Museum. A Bad Bunny Bowl Dance Class takes place in Ukrainian Village ahead of Super Bowl festivities. Cody’s Public House will host its fifth annual Puppy Bowl viewing party benefiting Chicago Canine Rescue.
Other Sunday highlights are Chicago’s Sweetheart Market at Chicago Northside Kung Fu for shoppers looking for trinkets or gifts from more than 25 vendors, as well as Another Vegan Lover’s Market at Emporium Arcade Bar featuring plant-based bites from various local creators.
