One of the most beloved events of the early summer season is Chicago's signature open-air market, the Randolph Street Market Festival. Filled with vintage treasures, live bands, food and fun, the market opens on May 23-24, 2026, in the West Loop. Celebrating 23 years, the Randolph Street … [Read more...] about Randolph Street Market Festival
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Maxwell Street Market
There's no Chicago market more iconic than Maxwell Street Market. This year, the market runs on select Sundays, May 17 through October 4, 2026, 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
Early Bird Chicago Boat Cruises for $20
It's that time of year! The season to enjoy Chicago views of gorgeous Lake Michigan has officially arrived and there's no better way to take in all the watery beauty than with a boat cruise. Chicago Party Boat is offering discounted Friday Night Skyline Cruises every Friday in May, May 1- 29, … [Read more...] about Early Bird Chicago Boat Cruises for $20
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, 2026. 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
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 2, 2026. 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
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 features the work of Spanish Artist Luis Urculo and students from the School of the Art Institute, … [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 15.2026. The festivities include activities for all 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 15, 2026, from noon to 3 p.m. The parade runs through the Beverly … [Read more...] about Chicago Southside Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Chicago Northwest Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The 23rd annual Northwestside Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade gears up at noon on Sunday, March 15, 2026. The parade kicks off at Onahan School, at 6634 W. Raven St. and Neola Avenue south to Northwest Highway and north to Harlem in the Norwood Park neighborhood. This … [Read more...] about Chicago Northwest Side 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
Ice skating at Gallagher Way
Embrace the winter season with icy escapades at Gallagher Way. Glide around the ice skating rink, skid across the rink in ice bumper cars or learn how to play ice bocce through February 15, 2026. Whirl around in the frosty air with historic Wrigley Field in the backdrop. Admission to the rink … [Read more...] about Ice skating at Gallagher Way
Free Things To Do During the Chicago Winter
Chicago's winters boast a well-deserved reputation for being brutal. It's true that the wind chill can make a snowman cry but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the frozen beauty of the city. When the Chicago weather hits above 35, consider heading out into the icy magic and … [Read more...] about Free Things To Do During the Chicago Winter
