On nights when the temperature falls into single digits and icy sidewalks (clear that stuff, people!) make the public way treacherous, it’s easy to find reasons to stay home. 

A cozy pub makes a great place for a tale or two, and live lit performer-host Gina DeLuca turns the Duke of Perth (and other venues) into stages for vets and newbies to share their stories. Comedian Todd Barry calls Thalia Hall home for a night in February and talks about life on the road. And one of the Chicago area’s most beloved buildings, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple, is transformed by music and dance in February’s Light in Winter program.