Top 10 Things To Do in February 2021
By: Jonathan Jones 01/27/2021
February 2021 brought us a lot of good news, specifically the dissemination of the COVID-19 vaccines to more people and the entrance to Phase 4 Tier 1 mitigation.
This means indoor dining is open to a lesser of 25% or 25 persons per room, outdoor activities are more available, museums can reopen and a slew of other lifted coronavirus restrictions was listed.
February 2021 is also the celebration of Black History Month, the Superbowl, Valentine's Day and other holidays that include the convention and visitor bureau's favorite holiday: National Drink Wine Day.
Speaking of wine, take a walk on the Lake County Libation Trail and taste all of the rich grapey tastes our makers offer. Check out the vino from Glunz Family Winery and Cellars in Grayslake and Lynfred Winery in Wheeling. Valentino Vineyards in Long Grove and Vigneto del Bino and Winery in Antioch are closed for the season. However, they’ll reopen once the weather warms up.
And speaking of wine and eats, don’t forget to mark your calendars from February 26-March 7 as Visit Lake County throws its second edition of Lake County Restaurant Rally. This delectable event enables foodies and libationers to support their local cuisine and spirit makers, find new favorites, sample local cuisine and share their social media experiences via indoor, alfresco and/or take-out dining.
So without further adieu, stay warm and peruse your top 10 things to do in February 2020!
1. Black History Month Programming in Lake County (All February)
The Black Community has deep roots in Lake County. The influence of African American culture is vibrant and resonates in all facets of tourism throughout the land of lakes. In February, we look at Black pioneers, minds, art and movement. Here's a list of Black History Month programming happening in the land of lakes.
- Black History Month - Arts at Dark at Jack Benny for the Arts (All Month) INFO»
- Virtual Soul Food Demonstration by Volunteer Cook Sylvia England in Waukegan (Feb. 1)
- Virtual Poetry Slam in Waukegan (Feb. 5) INFO»
- Virtual Profiles in Excellence at Lake County Forest Preserves INFO»
- African American Music Appreciation Family Art Workshop in Waukegan (Feb. 6) INFO»
- Banner Craft in Waukegan (Feb. 10)
- Historical Figures Collection Cards in Waukegan (Feb. 19)
- College of Lake County's Salute to Gospel INFO»
Cheers to the Lake County Libation Trail for helping us through the entire stay-at-home order and beyond. From beer and wine to vodka and whiskey, our locally grown, crafted and distilled adult beverages are designed to dazzle and educate the most discerning tastes. More than 20+ stops to enjoy tours, tastings and specialty cocktails. Experience a land of lakes winter with a cold, hot or room temperature adult beverage via indoor, outdoor or from your own dwelling. Whatever environment you're comfortable with, recline and relax with a Lake Country Libation.
You can’t be the only one having a blast in the snow. Once the snow hits the ground, kids (and children at heart) gravitate towards any hill with a slight incline to race their friends and family. It’s that time of year to inflate that inner tube or dust off that sled and zip through the snow. From park districts to the Lake County Forest Preserves to Wilmot Mountain, the slopes bring an exhilarating experience over the dog days of winter. Never forget to “Feel the Rhythm! Feel the Rhyme! Get on up; it’s bobsled time! Cool Runnings!”
Many of our museums have been closed throughout the pandemic. However, as the numbers have dropped with infection, more have reopened their doors. From nuggets about the Greentown griot, learn Grayslake's history, view the men and women who sing anchors aweigh and more. Here are the museums that are open in the land of lakes.
- Grayslake Heritage Museum INFO»
- Wildlife Discovery Center in Lake Forest INFO»
- Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County in Libertyville INFO»
- Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe INFO»
National Museum of the American Sailor, Ray Bradbury Experience Museum, Waukegan History Museum and Volo Auto Museum remain closed.
5. February 2021 Festivals in Lake County (February 5-14)
From exploring a Lake County winter wonderland to playdates with cold-blooded creatures to escaping reality gazing at stunning snowy murals to hunting underwater dwellers and a slew of celebrations, Lake County is the place to indulge in frosty festivities. Here are your land of lakes winter festivals.
- Wauconda WinterFest (Feb. 5-7) INFO»
- Long Grove Semi-Virtual Cocoa Crawl (Feb. 6-7) INFO»
- Girl's Night Out in Antioch (Feb. 11) INFO»
- Jack Benny's 88th "39th) Birthday and Valentine's Day in Waukegan (Feb. 12-14) INFO»
- 60th Annual Chain O'Lakes Fishing Derby and Winter Festival (Feb. 13-14) INFO»
- Galentine's Day - Heart's and Heart Breaker's Edition in Historic Downtown Long Grove (Feb. 13) INFO»
6. Valentine's Day Events in Lake County
Tremendously lousy love songs can always bring a smile to your significant other’s face (or they’ll provide you with the perpetual eye roll). Start your day off with a crescendoing “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston. After you’ve showered your beau in flowers, recite a passage from “Achy Breaky Heart.” After you two have finished lunch, exclaim the words from the genius Rick Astley because you are “Never Gonna Give You Up.” As night falls, you head to an eatery of their choice while humming “Can You Feel The Love Tonight.” by Elton John. Here's a list of the lover's holiday events in the land of lakes.
- Sent a Valentine to a Farmyard Friend at Lambs Farm (Now-Feb. 14) INFO»
- Valentine's Weekender Box in a Bag at Curt's Cafe (Feb. 10-11) INFO»
- Sweetheart Skate in Mundelein (Feb. 12) INFO»
- Valentine's Weekend Craft Show at Gurnee Mills (Feb. 12-14) INFO»
- Valentine's Day Beef Wellington Dinner Kit with Wildfire Steaks Chops and Seafood in Lincolnshire (Feb. 12-14) INFO»
- Jack Benny's 88th "39th" Birthday and Valentine's Day in Waukegan INFO»
- Galentine's Day Heart's and Heart Breaker's Edition in Long Grove (Feb. 13) INFO»
- Valentine's Day Cocktails at North Shore Distillery (Feb. 13) INFO»
- Virtual Valentine Date Night with Gale Gand and Vladimir Kulenovic at the Brushwood Center (Feb. 14) INFO»
Get your ice fishing on Lake County. The dual angler event and winter party have a ton of longevity and history to fulfill your snow fishing expeditions. Pack up your lines, hooks and spears, and go for the gold trying to nab some fresh pike, crappie, perch and bluegill at the Land of Lincoln state park. With the pandemic going on, there won't be a bucket raffle or live auction.
Show your support for local restaurants by savoring some of Lake County's best dining this winter. Help boost business and discover a wide range of new flavors in nearby communities. Visit Lake County is working with communities, hosting this promotion to help our hospitality industry partners and keep the local economy strong. So whether it's indoor dining, alfresco eats or take out orders, eat and drink Lake County local as we get this public health crisis together.
It may be a tiny bit breezy, but the view of Lake County’s most precious treasures will warm your soul. Trade neighs during a meet-and-greet inside the dancing stallions’ humble abode. The performance is in the flesh, as you visit the farm with plenty of room to social distance and a warm peanut gallery from the stands' heat lamps. The famous white stallions of Old Mill Creek have entertained audiences for six decades with their flying horse movements, four-horse ballet and other historical nuggets. The Lipizzaner Stallions have been an enchanting fixture in Lake County for 60 years. Each of the equine routines is set to music, displaying classical horsemanship that has been practiced in Europe since the 16th century.
The African American celebration is a staple in the City of Waukegan annual. Since 1986, phenomenal gospel performers like the Winans, Shirley Caes, Bishop Hezekiah Walker and more have graced the Genesee Theatre stage hosted by College of Lake County. Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this will be the first year the Salute to Gospel Music Program goes virtual. The cultural heritage event for Black History Month is a two-day program via CLC's Zoom page. Register online.
For more things to do in February 2021, continue here. To learn more about all of our dining options, click here.
