Looking for something fun to do in Chicago this week? From WWE at the United Center to a stunning art exhibit at the Art Institute, here are 7 things worth your time between February 27 and March 8, 2026. I update this page every Thursday — bookmark it and check back for fresh picks.
1. 🤼 WWE Elimination Chamber at United Center
Saturday, February 28 | United Center
WWE returns to the United Center for the first time since 1994 — and it’s a big deal. The Elimination Chamber is one of the most anticipated events on the wrestling calendar, with six competitors locked inside a massive steel structure. Even if you’re not a lifelong wrestling fan, the energy inside the United Center for a WWE event is absolutely electric. Expect pyrotechnics, surprise appearances, and 20,000+ fans losing their minds.
📍 1901 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60612
🎟️ Get tickets on Ticketmaster
💡 Insider Tip: Take the CTA Blue Line to the Medical District station — it’s a 10-minute walk and you’ll skip the parking nightmare.
2. 🎵 Miguel at Aragon Ballroom
Saturday, February 28 | Aragon Ballroom
R&B star Miguel brings his CAOS tour to one of Chicago’s most gorgeous concert venues. The Aragon Ballroom in Uptown is a stunner — the Moorish-style architecture and twinkling ceiling make every show feel more special. Miguel’s live performances are known for being intimate and high-energy at the same time. If you haven’t been to the Aragon before, this is a great reason to go.
📍 1106 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
🎟️ Get tickets on Ticketmaster
💡 Insider Tip: Grab dinner beforehand at Tweet, a beloved Uptown brunch spot that also does a great dinner. It’s a 5-minute walk from the venue.
3. 🎬 Chicago Irish Film Festival
February 26 – March 8 | AMC Newcity (Lincoln Park)
Now in its third decade, the Chicago Irish Film Festival is one of the city’s best-kept secret cultural events. This year’s lineup features feature films, documentaries, and shorts capturing the evolving voice of Irish storytelling. The opening night film is Ruan Magan’s Báite, a mystery about a Dublin detective investigating a murder in a rural Irish town. You can watch in-person at AMC Newcity in Lincoln Park, or stream select films online from home.
📍 AMC Newcity, 1500 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60610
🎟️ Festival info and tickets | Individual tickets $14, online $8
💡 Insider Tip: This is a great rainy-day plan, and the Lincoln Park location puts you right next to amazing restaurants for dinner after.
4. 🎨 Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color at the Art Institute
Opens March 7 | Art Institute of Chicago
One of the most anticipated art exhibits of 2026 lands at the Art Institute on March 7. Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color showcases Henri Matisse’s iconic cut-paper works — the vibrant, joyful pieces he created late in his career that became some of modern art’s most recognizable images. The Art Institute is always worth a visit, but a special exhibition like this one is an extra reason to plan a trip to the museum this week.
📍 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
🎟️ Art Institute tickets and info
💡 Insider Tip: Illinois residents get free admission on select days — check the Art Institute website for the current schedule. Visit on a weekday morning for the smallest crowds.
5. 🎭 Hamnet at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Now through March 8 | Navy Pier
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s US premiere of Hamnet is running at Chicago Shakespeare Theater through March 8 — and this is your last chance to see it. Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel, the play reimagines the life of Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet, and his often-overlooked mother Agnes. It’s a powerful, beautifully staged production, and getting to see a Royal Shakespeare Company show at Navy Pier is a truly special Chicago theater experience.
📍 Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E Grand Ave (Navy Pier), Chicago, IL 60611
🎟️ Tickets and showtimes
💡 Insider Tip: Pair this with a walk along Navy Pier — the winter crowds are thin, and the lake views on a clear evening are stunning.
6. 🧒 Splish Splash: A Day on the Lake at Goodman Theatre
February 28 – March 22 | Goodman Theatre (The Loop)
Looking for something fun with the kids? Splish Splash: A Day on the Lake is a brand-new family show at Goodman Theatre featuring songs, puppets, and an adventure about a brave crew of young sailors who have to put the moon back together after it falls into a lake and shatters. It’s designed for young children and runs about an hour. Tickets start at just $13, and kids 12 months and under are free.
📍 Goodman Theatre, 170 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60601
🎟️ Tickets and info | Tickets from $13
💡 Insider Tip: Combine this with a visit to Millennium Park (a 5-minute walk) and let the kids run around Cloud Gate after the show. Check out our Millennium Park guide for the full lowdown.
7. 🍽️ Chicago Northwest Restaurant Week
February 27 – March 8 | Northwest Suburbs
If you’re willing to venture just outside the city, Chicago Northwest Restaurant Week runs the exact same dates — February 27 through March 8. For ten days, restaurants across the northwest suburbs offer specially curated menus at discounted prices. It’s a great way to discover dining spots in areas like Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, and Rosemont that you might not normally try. Perfect for a date night that feels like a mini getaway from the city.
🎟️ See participating restaurants and menus
💡 Insider Tip: If you’re heading to Rosemont, combine dinner with a visit to the Improv or Zanies for comedy — both have locations in the area.
This week (February 27 – March 8, 2026), highlights include WWE Elimination Chamber at the United Center, Miguel’s CAOS tour at the Aragon Ballroom, the Chicago Irish Film Festival at AMC Newcity, and the opening of Matisse’s Jazz exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago.
This weekend (February 28 – March 1, 2026), Miguel performs at the Aragon Ballroom and WWE Elimination Chamber takes place at the United Center. The Chicago Irish Film Festival is also running at AMC Newcity in Lincoln Park.
Splish Splash: A Day on the Lake opens at Goodman Theatre on February 28, with tickets starting at $13 and free admission for children 12 months and under. The Art Institute also has family-friendly programming.
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