Winter to Spring A Guide to Chicago’s Unmissable Events at Columbia College Chicago and Beyond
Don't let the weather keep you from enjoying everything Chicago has to offer.
Columbia's School of Theatre and Dance puts on many productions, including the musical "Rent" in May. 
GRAMMY winner and alum Jonathan McReynolds will perform at Columbia in February.With the winter chill settling in, it’s the perfect time to embrace all the activities that Chicago and the Columbia College Chicago South Loop campus have to offer. As we spring forward into the new term, there’s no better way to beat the cold than by diving into a variety of indoor and outdoor events. Whether you're into art, theater, music, or cultural festivals, there’s something to enjoy throughout the coming months. Below you’ll find cultural events that reflect the passions and professional pursuits of our students as well as activities the whole family can enjoy Visit our Columbia Spotlight page to see more fun events.
January
End the month with a visual extravaganza courtesy of Columbia and the Chicago Puppet Theatre.
MARAÑA’S Organismo
January 23-25, 7:30 p.m.; January 25, 4 p.m.
Location: The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, 1306 S. Michigan Ave.
Price: Ticket information
This kaleidoscopic aerial arts piece combines contemporary circus, object theater, textile arts, live music, and lots of wool. The performance explores trust, connectedness, and the magic of organic forms, blending the lines between body and object. A visually stunning experience!
February
Things heat up in February with these events.
Lunar New Year Celebrations
Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday, Feb. 8, 1 p.m.
Location: Argyle St. and Sheridan Rd.
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with vibrant parades featuring performances, floats, and a colorful procession along Argyle St. to mark this cultural milestone.
Lunar New Year Parade
Sunday, Feb. 9, 1 p.m.
Location: 24th Street and Wentworth Ave., Chicago
Join the festivities at Chicago’s Chinatown for a lively parade that travels along Cermak Road. Expect dragon dances, firecrackers, and more to ring in the Lunar New Year.
Columbia’s 135th Anniversary Kick-off!
Tuesday, February 11, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Conaway Center 1104 S Wabash Ave, 1st Floor, Chicago
Our anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on our history, our community past and present, and the founding principles that continue to guide our direction in the future. Join us as we kick off our anniversary year on Tuesday, February 11 at the Conaway Center. We will unveil a special mural, created by a ColumAlum, as a dedication to our milestone anniversary year. Stick around for games, music, fun prizes, and light refreshments.
“Meanwhile” Film Screening and Director Q&A
February 24, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Film Row Cinema, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago
Price: Free
Catch the first Chicago-area screening of “Meanwhile,” a thought-provoking documentary by Catherine Gund. The film weaves together dance, music, and visual art to reflect on collective action and resilience in uncertain times.
Jonathan McReynolds Residency Concert
Friday, February 28, 7 p.m.
Location: Columbia College Chicago Music Center Concert Hall, 1014 S. Michigan Ave.
Price: $20 public; $5 Columbia students; Ticket information
Join Chicago-born Christian artist Jonathan McReynolds for an inspiring concert filled with soulful music and motivational messages. McReynolds has collaborated with artists like Stevie Wonder and Justin Bieber.
March
Yes, there is more to March than college basketball madness: Check it out.
The 97th Academy Awards
Sunday, March 2, 6 p.m. CST
Availability: ABC or Hulu
Sit back and enjoy the Oscars from the comfort of your home, as Hollywood comes together to celebrate cinematic achievements. A perfect event for movie lovers and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Efroymson Creative Writing Reading Series
March 12, 5:30-7 p.m.
Location: Columbia College Chicago Conaway Center, 1104 S. Wabash, 1st floor, Chicago
Price: Free; Registration required
Join in-person or virtually for a reading featuring Columbia alum and poet Lor Clincy and author Jeff Hoffmann. Hear poignant poetry and prose about identity, grief, and human experience from these talented writers.
St. Patrick’s Day Festivities
Saturday, March 15: River Dyeing (Morning); Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade (12:15 p.m.)
Sunday, March 16: South Side Irish Parade (Noon); Northwest Side Irish Parade (Noon)
Locations: River Dyeing (Chicago River Between Columbus Dr. and State St); Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Begins in Grant Park, heads North on Columbus Ave. to Monroe); South Side Irish Parade (begins at 103rd St. and Western Ave, heads south to 115th St.); Northwest Side Irish Parde (begins at N. Neola Ave. and Raven St., heads northwest on Northwest Hwy.)
In Chicago, you can easily make a weekend out of St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Rise and shine early on March 15 to catch the annual dyeing of the Chicago River as it turns green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Then head toward Grant Park to watch the kick-off of the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The fun continues on March 16 with the South Side Irish Parade and the Northwest Side Irish Parade.
April
Put a spring in your step with these activities.
Body/Matter Exhibition
April 5 to May 5, 2025
Location: International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Price: Free; Additional information
Explore wearable artworks created by Columbia students that reflect the intersection of fashion design and surgical science. This exhibition delves into themes like body normalcy, fashion as prosthetics, and the role of the body in medical inquiry.
One of a Kind Spring Show
April 26-28
Location: The MART, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago
The One of a Kind Spring Show features over 350 artists and makers showcasing unique, handmade goods. Enjoy live music, immersive art activities, and an opportunity to interact with the creators behind the pieces.
May
As Columbia’s spring term ends, students hit the stage in a fan-favorite musical.
'Rent'
May 1-10, 2025
Location: Columbia College Chicago Getz Theatre Center, 72 E. 11th St.
Price: TBA; Ticket information
"Rent" tells the powerful story of a group of artists struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This musical at Columbia will bring together themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of dreams.