Spring 2018 Events in Chicago
If you’ve had enough of the cold winter weather, worry not! Spring is on its way and with it some of Chicago’s most anticipated events and gatherings of the year. As the sun peaks through the dreary skies and our beloved city creeps back to life, Chicagoans will be headed back outdoors to enjoy the beginning of street festival season and so much more. From gorgeous blooms to crafting, to craft tastings, Chicago is ready to welcome everyone back with open arms!
Here are just some of the awesome things we’re looking forward to doing in and around Chicago in the coming weeks:
Baconfest
When: Friday, April 6th and Saturday, April 7th
Where: UIC Forum
This is a festival all about bacon! Need we say more? Baconfest is coming back to Chicago with more bacon than ever, so loosen that belt, and prepare to be in bacon heaven! Guests can expect to see Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Ada St., Margeaux Brasserie, Kimski and a whole lot more come out, plus each participating restaurant and brewery will be offering a bacon dish or drink.
C2E2
When: Friday, April 6th – Sunday April, 8th
Where: South Building at McCormick, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive
McCormick Place will once again host the annual Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo. This event highlights the best in graphic novels, gaming, cosplay and pop culture. Event-goers will enjoy appearances by big industry names like Aaron Lopresti and Alan Davis, so get your tickets early!
Chicago Humanities Festival
When: Friday, April 27th – Sunday, April 29th
Where: Various venues, Loop
A fantastic lineup of artists, activists and thinkers are headed to the city for the third annual spring edition of the Chicago Humanities Festival to celebrate The Year of Graphic! This season’s lecture series will feature installationist Ai Weiwei, Gone Girl author Gillian Flynn and artist Molly Crabapple.
Cinco De Mayo Parade
When: Saturday, May 5th
Where: Cermak Rd. from Damen to Marshall, Lower West Side
No Cinco de Mayo celebration is more authentic than the parade in Little Village. The big event memorializes the victory of Mexican forces over the French during the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862. After you watch the parade, head to one of Chicago’s many authentic Mexican restaurants for some tacos and margaritas!
Chicago Critics Film Festival
When: Friday, May 4th – Thursday, May 10th
Where: Music Box Theater
The Chicago Critics Film Association returns for its sixth annual film fest. This festival is every film lover’s dream, as the public gets a chance to see some of the hottest unreleased films. So, don’t miss this year’s most anticipated, buzz-worthy flicks before they’re out on wide release.
Renegade Craft Fair
When: Saturday, May 12th – Sunday May 13th
Where: Halsted St and 18th St., Lower West Side
Calling all serious crafters! This huge craft fair is an opportunity for crafters from around the country to gather and sell their handmade arts and wares. It’s the perfect place to find an extra special gift for the loved ones in your life or to simply treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind item you can’t find in just any shopping center.
Mayfest
When: Friday, May 18th – Sunday, May 20th
Where: 3100 N Ashland Ave., Lake View
Kick off street festival season by celebrating this Lakeview neighborhood’s 22nd annual tradition with food and music in a giant heated tent. Festival-goers can enjoy a pretzel while grabbing a brew from the outdoor beer garden and more.
Chicago Craft Beer Week
When: Friday, May 18th – Friday, May 25th
Where: Various venues, The Loop
This annual event hosted by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild brings the Chicago beer community together for more than a week of tastings, tappings, dinners and other beer-focused events with locations all across the city. So, grab your friends, and get to tasting!
Lincoln Park Wine Fest
When: Saturday, May 19th – Sunday, May 20th
Where: Jonquil Park, Sheffield & DePaul
The second annual Lincoln Park Wine Fest invites you to come out and sample more than 100 wines from all over the world. Enjoy your vino while listening to the sounds of classical music for a truly sophisticated experience you won’t soon forget!
Bark in the Park
When: Sunday, May 20th
Where: Soldier Field, Museum Campus
Head outdoors for some fun in the sun with your favorite K9 companion for this annual event hosted by the Anti-Cruelty Society. The big event includes a 5K walk followed by agility training courses (for those up for a workout!) as well as an open-air marketplace with all kinds of fun goodies for both you and your pet to enjoy. There will even be a spa with doggie massages and “pawdicures” available and so much more! All event proceeds will help the Anti-Cruelty Society care for thousands of animals.
With so many ways to celebrate the spring season in Chicago, we just can’t wait to get out and experience it all! How will you be celebrating?
