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
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Randolph Street Market
In honor of the spring season, Chicago's signature open-air market, the Randolph Street Market, is hosting its annual spring opening with vintage treasures, live bands, food and fun on May 24-25, 2025, in the West Loop. Celebrating 22 years, the Randolph Street Market Festival features an … [Read more...] about Randolph Street Market
Things To Do In Chicago in May
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
Discount Tickets for Saturday Night at the Zoo
Experience the sights and sounds of the zoo after dark, visiting animals and sipping cocktails at this adults-only evening event, Saturday Night at Lincoln Park Zoo on May 10, 2025. Stroll through the grounds of Lincoln Park Zoo at night and enjoy special after-hours viewing of the … [Read more...] about Discount Tickets for Saturday Night at the Zoo
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
Andersonville Farmers Market
Wander through one of the city's most colorful markets at Andersonville Farmers Market, running from May 14 to October 22, 2025. Featuring more than 50 vendors, everything sold at the Andersonville Farmers Market is grown or produced within a 200-mile radius, offering the community access to fresh, … [Read more...] about Andersonville Farmers Market
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
Howard Street Carnaval
Celebrate the colorful and joyful carnival traditions of Africa and the Caribbean at the second annual Howard Street Carnaval on April 26, 2025, in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Join the free festivities which include a parade of costumed dancers, music and a festival in Willye B. … [Read more...] about Howard Street Carnaval
Art on the Mart
Stroll through the Riverwalk for views of one of the world's largest digital art platforms. ART on THE MART displays contemporary art projections across the 2.5-acre facade of THE MART. The spring show opens on April 25, 2025, and runs through June 5, 2025. The spring projection … [Read more...] about Art on the Mart
St. Patrick’s Day at Gallagher Way
It's the green season again! Chicago's Irish pride runs deep and there's no better way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day than at the free St. Patrick's Day events at Gallagher Way on March 16.2025. The festivities include activities for ages during this family-friendly … [Read more...] about St. Patrick’s Day at Gallagher Way
Chicago Southside Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade
With a pedigree that reaches back over 46 years, the Southside Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of the largest community-focused St. Patrick's Day Parades outside of Dublin. This year's parade marches on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from noon to 3 p.m. The parade runs through the Beverly … [Read more...] about Chicago Southside Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Dyeing The Chicago River Green for St. Patrick’s Day
Chicago's signature and most unusual St. Patrick's Day event is the beloved tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green. Although the river already has a greenish hue, a secret formula of environmentally friendly dye transforms the waves into a vivid green, worthy of St. Patrick's … [Read more...] about Dyeing The Chicago River Green for St. Patrick’s Day
