April 2019 Events in Chicago
Spring is in the air! Well, sort of. It’s well on its way, though, and we can’t wait for all of the exciting events that will be ushering in the winter thaw. So, if you’re ready to celebrate the change of seasons and the warmer air, there’s lots going on in and around Chicago. From food festivals, to entertainment conventions, to celebrations of the arts, it’s time to shake of the winter blues and welcome back the sun! Here’s a look at some events we’re most looking forward to in April:
Baconfest
When: Friday, April 5th – Saturday, April 6th
Where: UIC Forum, Little Italy
Bacon lovers unite! It’s time for the annual Baconfest to take over the UIC Forum, with lots of savory treats, drinks, and so much more. With three sessions spread out over two days, guests will find creations from Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Split-Rail, the Ruin Daily, the Duck Inn, and more delightful creations from local chefs and restaurants. All proceeds will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Chicago’s Best WingFest
When: Saturday, April 13th
Where: UIC Forum, Little Italy
If you’re into wings, you won’t want to miss Chicago’s Best WingFest. With more than 30 restaurants gathered from all around Chicagoland, hungry guests will be treated to the best of the best! Plus, you won’t want to miss an intense wing-eating contest and the crowning of festival favorites in categories like BBQ, Hot, Mild, Mild, and, of course, the Best of the Fest.
Walker Stalker Con
When: Friday, April 19th – Sunday, April 21st
Where: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Fans of AMC’s The Walking Dead will gather for the annual Walker Stalker Con to celebrate the series and its beloved characters. This year’s festival-goers will also have access to the concurrent Heroes and Villains Fan Fest. Jon Bernthal (Shane) and Lennie James (Morgan) will be making special appearances, but fans can also expect to see more zombie slayers join the guest list as the convention nears.
Chicago Humanities Festival Spring Fest
When: April 25th – May 4th
Where: Various locations throughout Chicago
As the Chicago Humanities Festival celebrates 30 years, the organization’s Spring Fest will bring together an exciting lineup of artists, thinkers, and activists to spark conversations around this year’s theme, “power.” This year’s lecture series will feature philanthropist Melinda Gates, Georgia House of Representatives Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, author of The Friend Sigrid Nunez, and Atlantic staff writer George Packer.
Chicago Rum Festival
When: Saturday, April 27th
Where: Logan Square Auditorium, Logan Square
Producers from all across the world will gather for the Chicago Rum Festival. Guests can mingle and sample more than 50 different rum expressions. There will also be complimentary snacks and live music, and all guests will leave with their own souvenir snifter cup.
Chicago Wine Fest
When: Saturday, April 27th
Where: Lincoln Park Zoo
Everyone gather for a toast to the warm Spring air, and celebrate at the Chicago Wine Fest. In addition to selections from more than 15 wineries and vineyards, guests will also be treated to live music and, of course, the exotic sights and scenery of the Lincoln Park Zoo.
As the sun begins to show, it’s time to shake off hibernation, and head outdoors for some new and exciting cultural experiences. We look forward to celebrating the change of seasons with you and all of Chicagoland!
