Experience the Midwest

Events and Festivals in the Midwest

NOW - JANUARY 18, 2026

Kansas City Restaurant Week

Kansas City, MO

 

Taste KC’s culinary scene with prix-fixe menus at hundreds of local spots—from chef-driven bistros to beloved neighborhood kitchens. Between meals, explore art-filled blocks, live music and the energy of the Power & Light District for a perfect winter city experience.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Kansas City, MO (KCY)

JANUARY 22 - 25, 2026

St. Louis Auto Show

St. Louis, MO

 

Bring the whole family to enjoy interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and thrilling attractions at the St. Louis Auto Show. There's something for everyone, from kids to car enthusiasts.

Nearest Amtrak Station: St. Louis, MO (STL)

JANUARY 22 - FEBRUARY 1, 2026

Saint Paul Winter Carnival

Saint Paul, MN

 

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is a ten-day festival that embraces the spirit of winter through an incredible lineup of free community events from ice & snow sculptures and puzzle competitions to live music performances and community cultural celebrations. There is something for everyone to partake in during this celebration.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Saint Paul, MN (MSP)

JANUARY 23 - FEBRUARY 8, 2026

Chicago Restaurant Week

Chicago, IL

 

Celebrate the 19th annual Chicago Restaurant Week. This 17-day celebration of Chicago’s award-winning dining scene is one of the most anticipated culinary events of the year.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Chicago, IL (CHI)

JANUARY 24, 2026

Polar Adventure Day at Northerly Island

Chicago, IL

 

Celebrate winter with husky-sled dog demos, nature walks or snowshoeing (weather permitting), arts & crafts, hot cocoa by the bonfire and a fun outdoor nature experience for all ages.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Chicago, IL (CHI)

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 1, 2026

Great Northern Festival

Minneapolis–Saint Paul, MN

 

The Great Northern is a multi-day winter festival that weaves together outdoor events, public art, performances, and culinary experiences across Minneapolis and Saint Paul. It’s designed to celebrate northern winters and encourages the Twin Cities to get outdoors, build connections, stay active and celebrate the perspectives, communities, cultures and ecosystems that make this region special.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Minneapolis–Saint Paul, MN (MSP)

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 2, 2026

Frozen Fest

Sun Prairie, WI

 

Frozen Fest is Sun Prairie’s multi-day winter celebration, featuring more than 14 free and low-cost events spread across the community. Visitors can enjoy ice skating, outdoor and indoor family activities, cozy gatherings and neighborhood traditions throughout the week. The festival culminates with the city’s signature Groundhog Day celebration, where Jimmy the Groundhog makes his weather prediction in front of a lively crowd.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Columbus, WI (CBS)

JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 1, 2026

City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival

Minneapolis, MN

 

The City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival is a two-day winter sports festival that includes a variety of cross-country ski, fat bike and snowshoe events, both competitive races and recreational touring events through Theodore Wirth Park, and a number of unique events, such as the Kubb Tournament.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Minneapolis, MN (MSP)

JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 16, 2026

Canstruction Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI

 

View colorful and creative sculptures—each made of at least 1,000 canned and non-perishable food items—designed and built by more than two dozen teams of local leaders in architecture, engineering and construction.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Milwaukee, WI (MKE)

FEBRUARY 5 - 15, 2026

Chicago Theatre Week

Chicago, IL

 

Chicago Theatre Week is a 10-day annual celebration of the city’s theatre scene brought to you by the League of Chicago Theatres in partnership with Choose Chicago. Chicago Theatre Week celebrates an expansive audience, with more than 50% of attendees visiting their chosen theater for the first time. The kick-off celebration will include sneak-peek performances, light bites and a cash bar. 

Nearest Amtrak Station: Chicago, IL (CHI)

FEBRUARY 7 - 16, 2026

Chicago Auto Show

Chicago, IL

 

The Chicago Auto Show is one of the largest and longest-running auto shows in North America. The event spans ten public days plus preview events. Attendees can explore the latest vehicles, including EVs, and experience indoor test tracks, outdoor ride & drives and interactive exhibits.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Chicago, IL (CHI)

Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more.

Guest Rewards