Top May 2019 Events in Chicago
Most of us have spent the last several months bundled up indoors waiting out the long winter months. But now, May has finally arrived, and the sun is shining once again as we inch our way towards those welcome summer months. And you know what that means – it’s time to celebrate, and shake off the winter blues by heading outside into the open-air restaurants, bars, festivals, markets, parks and more to soak up the sun! But first, be sure to mark your calendars for some of the exciting events coming our way:
Movie Night at Gallagher Way
When: May 15th – September 25th
Where: Gallagher Way, Wrigleyville
Music Box Theatre is teaming up with Gallagher Way to bring Chicagoans free outdoor movies every Wednesday evening when the Cubs are out of town. Setting up in the green space next to Wrigley Field, films of all genres (and ratings) will be screened under the stars now through September. Moviegoers can claim their spots on the lawn when the gates open at 6 p.m., and settle in for a 7:30 p.m. showtime.
Lincoln Park Wine Fest
When: May 17th – 19th
Where: Jonquil Park, Sheffield & DePaul
If you’re looking for a chance to unwind and enjoy the warm spring air with a glass of wine in your hand, you won’t want to miss the Lincoln Park Wine Fest. The festival features four sessions to choose from where attendees will receive 12 tasting tickets and can enjoy selections of whites, reds, roses, and sparkling wines. Food will also be available as well as a lineup of live music.
Chicago Zine Fest
When: May 17th – 18th
Where: Plumbers Union Hall, West Loop
Come out and celebrate the 10th annual Chicago Zine Fest, where makers of DIY magazine and comic publications gather to share and create. At the main Plumbers Union Hall location, creators from across the country will gather to sell homemade comics, magazines, books, posters, and more. Attendees will even be treated to special readings, panels, and zine quiz shows at various locations, so be sure to check out the event website for a full schedule and list of details.
Mayfest
When: May 17th – 19th
Where: 3100 N Ashland Ave, Lake View
This month kicks off street festival season, so don’t miss Mayfest in Lakeview. Their famous big-top tent will be stocked with plenty of good eats and drink while you enjoy a fantastic music lineup. This year’s Mayfest will feature all of the cover acts you can expect to see all summer long on the festival circuit, including Too White Crew, Sixteen Candles, and Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press.
Night Nation Run Chicago
When: May 18th
Where: Soldier Field, Museum Campus
This one-of-a-kind event is a 5K road race meets EDM concert complete with live DJ performances, lights, fog, glow sticks, and confetti. Participants of this unique race will encounter multiple DJ stages, laser light shows, selfie stations, and a “bubble world” as they set out along the Night Nation Run. While you’re not likely to set any record pace times during this 5K, you sure will have a blast just showing up!
Hamilton: The Exhibition
When: Through September 8th
Where: 1535 S Linn White Dr., Museum Campus
Fans of the hit musical Hamilton will love this exhibit! This unique stand-alone exhibition, created by the team behind the Broadway phenomenon, allows viewers to experience the life of Alexander Hamilton up close and personal. Visitors will be taken on a journey from a trading post in St. Croix to the New Jersey hilltop where the founding father’s short life came to an end. His world is brought to life through the narration of Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton, and imaginative environments that immerse guests into the historical story. Highlights of the massive exhibit include a moving sculpture of the hurricane that brought Hamilton to America, a 70-foot parchment map of 1772 Manhattan complete with scale models, and of course, it’s all accompanied by musical arrangements from the Broadway show.
Join us in ringing in the summer season by exploring all that Chicago has to offer. We look forward to seeing you out on the town!
