Blue Skies Ahead: Lunar New Year, Black History Month and Y2K Bops

The beautiful spring weather was too good to be true — cloudy skies are ahead, but opportunities for indoor fun are shining bright. Make the most of the rainy week through local events.

Start the Lunar New Year on the right hoof at Argyle’s Lunar New Year parade. Gallop into new intentions while celebrating the beauty of the year of the horse through dancers, floats and more. Or head down to Loyola Park Fieldhouse to commemorate Black History Month and learn more about the achievements of Black Americans.

Take a break from midterm study sessions and walk down Sheridan Road to the Gunder open House at Berger Park to learn more about the rich history of manors near Loyola’s north side.

Feeling nostalgic for more than just nice weather? Throw it back to throwbacks at the Country Cub’s Y2K Disney Channel party. Escape from the 21st century through film at the Chicago Asian Pop-Up Cinema’s movie showing at the Cultural Center.

Lunar New Year Parade on Argyle: Feb. 21

Kick off the year of the horse at the Lunar New Year Parade at Argyle Street and Sheridan Road. Celebrate over 40 years of the Argyle tradition with over 20 local community groups, including dancers, performers, cultural centers and more. The parade begins at 1:00 p.m. Feb. 21, and local organizations will have interactive pop-ups from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m..

Black History Month Celebration: Feb. 23

Loyola Park is hosting their annual Black History month celebration, a continuing tradition for over 25 years. From 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can learn about the achievements of Black Americans throughout history, and remember the Pollards, one of the first Black families to reside in Rogers Park. The event will take place in the Loyola Park Fieldhouse and will welcome students from Chicago Public Schools to showcase art based on youth and teen entrepreneurship.

Gunder Open House at Berger: Feb. 21

Berger Park Advisory Council will host an open house at Gunder Mansion Friday from 6:30-8:30 p.m.. History buffs can tour the architectural time capsule of Chicago and learn about its rescue from demolition through a local historian. Food and beverages will be provided.

Free Lunar New Year Screening: Feb. 21

The Chicago Asian Pop-Up Cinema will be showing “Escape from the 21st Century” at the Chicago Cultural Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. The fantasy film follows three teenagers who discover they can time-travel with a single sneeze. Seating is first come, first serve  — get there early or be left in the past.

Bop to the Top: Y2K Disney Channel Dance Party: Feb. 21

Craving a blast from the past? The Country Club in Wrigleyville is hosting a Disney Channel theme night, where Y2K lovers can dance their worries away. From the Jonas Brothers to Hannah Montana, 21+ guests can reminisce on their favorite 2000s tunes while enjoying food and refreshments. There will be a live DJ, so come with song requests.