With spring weather warming up more consistently and the lakefront thawing into lovely aquamarine waves, May is a favorite time to explore Chicago before the large summer tourist crowds arrive. Consider these free or low-cost activities for your Chicago May adventures. Besides the essential … [Read more...] about Things To Do In Chicago in May
festival
Mexico Fest at Navy Pier
The colors, music, dance and traditions of Mexico will light up Navy Pier during the exciting three-day events of Mexico Fest, scheduled for May 2-4, 2025. Dance along to noted dance troupes like Ballet Folklorico de Chicago and move to the rhythms of bands like Mariachi Estrellas de Chicago … [Read more...] about Mexico Fest at Navy Pier
Pullman Railroad Days
Explore the historic world of railcars and their glamorous history during Chicago's biggest rail-themed event, Pullman Railroad Days, on May 17 and 18, 2025, in the Pullman neighborhood. Step inside elegant Pullman railroad cars from the early 20th century and learn about passenger trains, … [Read more...] about Pullman Railroad Days
Chicago Mayfest in Lincoln Park
Beer, food and cover bands are the hallmarks of the city's first festival of the summer, Chicago Mayfest. This year's 28th annual edition continues the tradition from May 16-18, 2025, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. This year's fest will kick off at Armitage and Sheffield and … [Read more...] about Chicago Mayfest in Lincoln Park
Mole De Mayo Festival in Pilsen
Head to the historic Mexican neighborhood of Pilsen to explore the joys of the traditional chocolate-based dish of mole, at the 16th annual Mole De Mayo fest from May 24-26, 2025. Restaurants and chefs will offer their best recipes for the rich sauce served over enchiladas or meats … [Read more...] about Mole De Mayo Festival in Pilsen
Celebrate German Culture at Chicago Maifest
Welcome spring at the traditional German celebration of the season, Maifest Chicago. The 26th annual festival runs from May 29 to June 1, 2025, in the heart of Chicago's German community in Lincoln Square. Chow down on lots of German food and witness a traditional keg tapping, maypole … [Read more...] about Celebrate German Culture at Chicago Maifest
Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest
For many neighborhood festival fans, the Summer fest season officially kicks off with the cover band glory of the Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival, set for May 23-25, 2025. The 40th annual celebration of community and local musicians draws enthusiastic crowds to the streets near the … [Read more...] about Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest
Celebrate Spring with a Bonfire at Andersonville’s Valborg
Join the Swedish tradition of welcoming spring and banishing winter with a roaring bonfire, music, poetry, food and dance at the second annual Valborg in the Andersonville neighborhood on April 30, 2025. Sit around the bonfire and toss the worries you've written down into the flames to kick … [Read more...] about Celebrate Spring with a Bonfire at Andersonville’s Valborg
View Cherry Blossoms in Chicago
The delicate blooms of cherry blossoms trees are a beloved marker of the spring season but you don't have to travel to Japan to enjoy them. Chicago's cherry blossom season typically runs from late April to early May in Jackson Park. Head to Hyde Park and the Garden of the … [Read more...] about View Cherry Blossoms in Chicago
Chi-Village Kwanzaa Celebration
The exuberant seven-day African American tradition of Kwanzaa will be celebrated with eight hours of free music, dance, workshops and presentations by Chi-Village in the Roseland community on December 26, 2024. The second annual Chi-Village Kwanzaa Celebration weaves the past and … [Read more...] about Chi-Village Kwanzaa Celebration
St. Lucia Festival of Lights
Celebrate the beautiful Swedish tradition of St. Lucia Day at the Swedish American Museum in the Andersonville neighborhood. The annual candlelit procession down Clark Street will take place on December 13, 2024. Starting at sunset around 4:45 pm, specially selected St. Lucia girls" wearing long … [Read more...] about St. Lucia Festival of Lights
Andersonville Viking Pub Crawl
The Andersonville neighborhood's historic Swedish roots will be on full display during the sixth annual Viking Pub Crawl down Clark Street on November 17, 2024. Hundreds of revelers will don viking gear and grab a commemorative glass as they visit a dozen bars and restaurants offering specials … [Read more...] about Andersonville Viking Pub Crawl
