Photo: Deposit Photos
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 visits to Chicago museums, don’t miss the seasonal beauty of the spring flower shows at the Lincoln Park and Garfield Park Conservatories. Roam through the brightly-colored floral landscapes through May 12, 2024.
Stroll through the waterfront scenery, restaurants and shops on the Chicago Riverwalk and view the riveting art and music projections of Art on the Mart, every evening around 7:30 pm.
Photo courtesy of Deposit Photos
Head to Chicago’s iconic Daley Plaza and enjoy a free line-up of noontime events under the Picasso sculpture. Watch cultural presentations including music, dance and art displays.
If the weather is iffy, groove to free indoor concerts at the Old Town School of Music’s World Music Wednesday series. Musicians from all over the globe, including Peru, China and Ethiopia perform at 8 pm.
Navy Pier offers fun all year round, including art exhibits, live music and the new Flyover experiential attraction but Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the beloved fireworks show, which light up the sky at 9 pm.
On Sundays, browse through handmade goods, vintage finds, housewares and everything you can think of at the vibrant Maxwell Street Market. A beloved Chicago institution, the market features live blues performances and lots of famous Chicago eats.
May is the month that street fests officially kick off and Mayfest in the Lincoln Park neighborhood is the first of the season. Dance to live local bands while sampling street food, art and cocktails at this free fest.
Another popular neighborhood festival is the Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest in the Lakeview community. Enjoy cover bands, karaoke, drag performers and good eats at this lively event.
Photo courtesy of Mayfest
For a different kind of festival experience, head to the Randolph Street Market Festival, the largest urban antique market in the country. This indoor/outdoor market features vintage and contemporary finds as well as live music, food and cocktails.
One of the most unexpected Chicago spring activity is viewing cherry blossoms in the Garden of the Phoenix Japanese garden in the Hyde Park neighborhood. The blossoms are usually in bloom from late April through early May. Don’t miss the Hanami Festival on May 5.
Close out the month at the annual Chicago Memorial Day Parade in the Loop. One of the largest Memorial Day parades in the U.S, you’ll see marching bands, floats and military troops. A moving wreath laying ceremony precedes the parade.
