Presidents Day Weekend Chicago: 3-Day Activities
Looking for something to do over Presidents Day weekend? Chicago serves up a solid three-day lineup that'll keep you busy without breaking the bank.
Presidents Day 2027 falls on Monday, February 15. Banks and federal offices close, but the city stays wide awake. Between world-class museums offering free admission for residents, the Chicago Auto Show and tours at Wrigley Field, you've got options all weekend long.
Friday: Wrigley Field and the Auto Show
Tour Wrigley Field
Start your weekend at one of baseball's most legendary ballparks. Wrigley Field Tours run year-round, taking you through the seating bowl, bleachers, press box, visiting clubhouse, dugout and onto the field.
Stand where Ernie Banks stood. See the iconic ivy during winter dormancy. Tours cost $30 for adults, free for kids under 2. The 75 to 90-minute tours meet at Gallagher Way Gate. Book ahead and dress warm.
Grab Lunch in Lakeview
After your tour, hit one of the many restaurants along Clark Street. You'll find everything from Chicago hot dogs to sit-down spots serving pizza and more.
Chicago Auto Show
Head to McCormick Place for the Chicago Auto Show, running February 7 through 16. The show opens daily at 10 a.m. and features nearly 1,000 vehicles from more than 20 manufacturers.
Walk through indoor test tracks, check out electric vehicles and see concept cars. Adult tickets cost $20, seniors pay $15, kids 4 to 12 are $15, and children 3 and younger get in free. Friday hours run until 9 p.m.
Saturday: Museums and Ice Skating
Chicago History Museum
Start Saturday at the Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark St.). The museum showcases Chicago's past through permanent and rotating exhibits covering everything from the Great Chicago Fire to presidential history.
Abraham Lincoln practiced law in Chicago. Barack Obama lived on the South Side for two decades before his presidency. The museum houses artifacts, photographs and documents related to these presidents and more.
Lunch in Lincoln Park
The museum sits in Lincoln Park, one of Chicago's best neighborhoods for food. Walk over to Armitage Avenue or Halsted Street for lunch options ranging from casual to upscale.
Maggie Daley Park
Head to Maggie Daley Park (337 E. Randolph St.) for the Skating Ribbon, a quarter-mile path with gentle curves and slight inclines. Skating costs $18 for adults and $15 for children, with rentals included.
The park also features climbing walls and play structures, plus views of the downtown skyline.
Evening Downtown
Stay downtown for dinner. Grab deep-dish pizza, Italian beef or other Chicago classics. Check what shows are playing at the Chicago Theatre or catch live music.
Sunday: More Auto Show and Art
Return to McCormick Place
Head back to the Chicago Auto Show if you missed exhibits on Friday. Sunday hours usually run 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, February 8 features the Miles Per Hour Run, a 2.4-mile race inside McCormick Place before the show opens. Runners can register for the unique indoor race through the convention center.
Art Institute of Chicago
Spend Sunday afternoon at the Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan Ave.), one of the world's great art museums. The collection includes works by Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh. General admission costs $32 for adults. Arriving at 11 a.m. when doors open means smaller crowds.
Dinner in Greektown or Little Italy
Cap off your weekend in one of Chicago's ethnic neighborhoods. Greektown lines Halsted Street west of the Loop, serving saganaki, gyros and traditional Greek dishes. Little Italy, centered on Taylor Street, offers family-run Italian restaurants.
Monday: Presidents Day
Chicago History Museum (Free for IL Residents)
Monday brings free admission to Illinois residents at the Chicago History Museum. Arrive early since word gets out fast. Special Presidents Day programming includes hands-on activities where kids write letters to the president, crafts, gallery tours and interactive stations.
The museum's portrait collection shows presidents from Abraham Lincoln through modern times, many with direct Chicago ties.
Wrigley Field Tour
If you skipped the ballpark tour on Friday, Monday gives you another shot. Wrigley Field tours run throughout the weekend and on Presidents Day.
Walking through the dugout, standing on the field and seeing the manual scoreboard hits different when you're not fighting summer crowds. Tour guides share stories about the ballpark's 110-plus years that you won't find anywhere else.
Neighborhood Exploration
Spend Monday afternoon exploring Chicago neighborhoods. Andersonville offers Swedish bakeries and independent shops. Hyde Park features the University of Chicago campus and bookstores. Pilsen showcases Mexican culture with murals and galleries.
Most retail shops stay open on Presidents Day, though banks and post offices close.
Getting Around
The CTA runs buses and trains throughout the city. The Red Line stops at Addison for Wrigley Field. For McCormick Place, take the Green Line to Cermak-McCormick Place.
Parking downtown runs $20 to $40 at garages. Ride-sharing works well, though prices spike during peak hours.
Before You Go
February in Chicago means cold. Average highs hover around 35 degrees, lows in the low 20s. Bundle up in layers, wear winter boots and bring gloves and a hat.
Schools close for Presidents Day, so expect family crowds at museums and attractions. The Auto Show draws huge weekend numbers. Arriving early gives you shorter lines.
Many restaurants accept reservations, especially for Saturday and Sunday dinners. Book ahead for popular spots.
Presidents Day weekend in Chicago gives you three solid days to explore without summer crowds. Between touring the home of the Cubs, checking out cars at the Auto Show and soaking up history at museums, you'll pack plenty into your long weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Presidents Day 2026?
Presidents Day 2026 falls on Monday, February 16. The holiday occurs on the third Monday in February, creating a three-day weekend.
Are Wrigley Field tours available during Presidents Day weekend?
Yes. Wrigley Field tours run year-round, including Presidents Day weekend. Tours last 75 to 90 minutes and cost $30 for adults. Book tickets online in advance or at the ballpark.
What are the Chicago Auto Show hours?
The Chicago Auto Show runs February 7 through 16 at McCormick Place. The show opens daily at 10 a.m. Most days run until 9 p.m. Check ChicagoAutoShow.com for specific hours. Adult tickets cost $20.
Is the Chicago History Museum free on Presidents Day?
The Chicago History Museum offers free admission to Illinois residents on Presidents Day (Monday, February 16). Out-of-state visitors pay regular admission. The museum hosts special Presidents Day activities.
What's the weather like?
February brings cold weather to Chicago. Average highs sit around 35 degrees, lows in the low 20s. Wind off Lake Michigan makes it feel colder. Dress in warm layers and wear winter boots.
What else is happening during Presidents Day weekend?
Beyond the Auto Show and museum programming, Chicago offers year-round theater, live music, restaurants and shopping. Check local event calendars closer to the date for specific concerts and shows.