The winter months can often be pretty brutal in Chicago. Many days are spent hibernating rather than enjoying everything that the city has to offer. When April and May finally make their way around again, everyone is surprised that they did not freeze to death and they turn to the outdoors to celebrate. April is filled with outdoor activities, but May is when they truly begin to go full-bloom. Look into these Chicago events to welcome in the warm weather.
Cellular Field
The dead space between football ending and baseball beginning can seem like eternity for some. Although March 31st is the bare minimum to consider it spring time, that is the first day that the White Sox will be playing at home.
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field will be opening its door on April 4th when the Chicago Cubs will be facing off against the Philadelphia Phillies. Wrigley Field was built in 1914.
Lincoln Park Zoo
This zoo may be open year-round, but April’s weather is the first time of the year that you can comfortably walk around all of the outdoor attractions comfortably [no parka required]. April also brings extended hours over their winter schedule. This zoo is great for the entire family; from massive exhibits to family and even adult fun centers, everyone will leave with a smile on their face.
Baconfest
Late April brings Baconfest: a combination of all things great: bacon, beer, bacon, wine, bacon, liquor, bacon, bacon, and bacon. It’s not only good for your taste buds but a portion of the proceeds go to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Baconfest is a nationally renowned festival to celebrate the great meat. Top-chefs are united to create some of the best bacon creations that your eyes and mouth will ever experience. Many passionate bacon lovers would say that this is the ultimate of all Chicago events, but that could just be the bacon speaking.
Farmers Market
May kicks off Chicago’s Farmers Market. Escape the supermarkets to spend your morning enjoying the weather outdoors and purchasing the freshest produce around. Supporting your local farmers is a great way to support your community in general.
Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican culture that is enjoyed worldwide. It originated as a celebration in honor of the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Cinco de Mayo is always a very festive celebration with events going on throughout the city.
Randolph Street Market’s Summer Season Grand Opener
This event kicks off the season of the market can extending outdoors. This market is famous for its European style market way of doing things. With 200 select purveyors offering furnishings, vintage clothing, jewelry, collectibles and more, it is a unique way of spending the day; you never know what treasures you will find. Food, drinks, and music accompany the browsing to make this an all day event. [Late May]
Riverside Arts Weekend
This is a weekend full of culture and juried arts fair, theater, music, architecture, as well as other arts-related events. The diversity that is contained inside Guthrie Park this weekend is quite astonishing.
Beaches Reopen
The sandy shoreline of Lake Michigan is one of the best places to spend warm days in Chicago. Leave the city to your back and nothing but open-water ahead of you. May 23rd marks the day that the beaches will reopen for swimming.
Bike the Drive
In a city congested with vehicle traffic, this event [May 25th] is one that is not to miss. In a spectacular fashion, Lake Shore Drive is shut-off to vehicles for nearly five-hours allowing bicycles of all forms to reign over the roadway. If you decide to make the entire round-trip route, it encompasses thirty-miles along the shoreline. With pit-stops along the way, and a post-party to celebrate a successful day of biking, there is no better time to break our your bicycle.
If spring for you means outdoor recreation, from biking the beaches to kayaking and stand-up-paddleboarding, then this list is perfect for you:
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