Chicago's official start of the summer season always coincides with the spectacular splash of the first drops of the iconic Buckingham Fountain. This year's Switch on Summer Kick Off at Buckingham Fountain is set for May 10, 2025. Head to the fountain at 331 E. Randolph from 11:30 … [Read more...] about Buckingham Fountain Opening Day Events
family friendly
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
Maxwell Street Market
There's no Chicago market more iconic than Maxwell Street Market. This year, the market runs on select Sundays, May 18 through October 5, 2025, 10 am -3 pm. Open since 1912, this bustling marketplace is much more than just a place to shop, it's a Chicago cultural mecca. Maxwell Street … [Read more...] about Maxwell Street Market
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
Free and Cheap Easter Events
Easter in Chicago always brings excitement and hope, not just for the holiday but for the warmer weather of the spring season. Easter falls on Sunday, April 20, 2025, this year and events include a variety of Easter egg hunts, photo opps, parties and food specials. Most … [Read more...] about Free and Cheap Easter Events
Timeout Market Chicago Easter Event
Hop over to Timeout Market Chicago for a family-friendly Easter at the Market event on April 20, 2025, in the West Loop neighborhood. Dress in your festive spring attire and join in the fun-filled activities. Hunt for eggs on the second floor of the market, sample tasty treats at … [Read more...] about Timeout Market Chicago Easter Event
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
Jarvis Square Egg Hunt and Live Music
Head to Rogers Park to celebrate the spring season with an egg hunt around Jarvis Square accompanied by high-energy live music with a fun-filled Jarvis alfresco event on April 19, 2026. Stroll around the lively block between Jarvis and Greenview and enjoy refreshments from local restaurants, … [Read more...] about Jarvis Square Egg Hunt and Live Music
Meet the Easter Bunny at Skydeck Chicago
There's nothing more iconic than viewing Chicago's legendary skyline from the 103rd floor of Willis (Sears) Tower. For a special springtime event, visitors can greet and take photos with the Easter Bunny at Skydeck Chicago from April 18-20, 2025. Soar to the 103rd floor of the city's … [Read more...] about Meet the Easter Bunny at Skydeck Chicago
Lithuanian Easter Egg Etching Workshop
Discover the beauty of traditional Lithuanian Easter egg etching at a workshop on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture. The workshop runs from 1:00-2:30 pm and each participant should bring six hardboiled and dyed eggs to the session. Learn the … [Read more...] about Lithuanian Easter Egg Etching Workshop
Free Hyde Park Art Center Days
The creative fun of art making, exhibit tours, workshops and artist talks returns with the free quarterly event, Hyde Park Art Center Days, on April 19, 2025. This family-friendly program offers art-centered activities for the whole family. This season's installment features an … [Read more...] about Free Hyde Park Art Center Days
