The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and Chicagoans are coming out of hibernation. With summer on the horizon, it’s finally time to trade in those parkas and winter boots for t-shirts and sunglasses. From art exhibits, street festivals, sporting events, and more, here is a list of activities for you to enjoy this spring.
1. Check Out Some Festivals
Spring and summertime in Chicago mean that festival season is officially underway. To name a few, Mayfest in Lincoln Park is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a variety of live music, entertainment, and food from all over the city. Mole de Mayo is a battle of Chicago’s best mole, with attractions like a Mercado market and a lucha libre wrestling exhibition. Chicago Craft Beer Fest brings together the city’s oldest, newest, and best breweries and brewpubs, attracting hop-heads near and far.
2. Support Local Chicago Sports Teams 
Whether you visit one of the many sports bars in the city or buy tickets to a game, Chicago has a plethora of local sports teams to support. The Cubs, White Sox, Fire, and Red Stars seasons are all underway, so make sure to check out their schedules so you can show your support.
3. Tune In To Chicago’s Music Scene
With live music venues finally opening back up, you can take your pick of the litter for which venue to visit. The Blue Man Group experience at Briar Street Theatre is a classic in Chicago. You can never go wrong with popular venues such as Martyr’s, Uncommon Ground, Rosa’s, Fitzgerald’s, and House of Blues. If you want to check out some of the new kids on the block The Bassment and Howl at the Moon are great options to dance the night away in.
4. Immerse Yourself In Local Culture
Well known for having incredible art, museums, and architecture. There is no shortage of exhibits and art pieces to admire throughout the city.
An ever-evolving cultural and artistic hub, WNDR’s 20 new installations are a high sensory and immersive experience that is a must in the city.
One of the largest contemporary art museums in the world, Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art showcases the works and ideas of living artists that will help you appreciate and understand the historical, social, and cultural context of modern art. With 6 current exhibits and a variety of programs including dance performances, live workshops, screenings, and more, there is something for everyone at MCA.
As the world’s largest permanent digital art projection, Art on theMART is an iconic digital presentation that attracts both locals and tourists alike. For their Spring 2022 programming, they have partnered with Shedd Aquarium to present climate-change-themed presentations.
21c’s Pop Stars! Popular Culture and Contemporary Art exhibit has officially launched. The multi-media exhibition illuminates the intersection of celebrity, commerce, technology, and the media, including notable works by Nick Cave, Titus Kaphar, Hank Willis Thomas, Kehinde Wiley, and Brendan Fernandes, among others. Pop Stars! features over 90 works of art by 55 artists from around the world.
With over 27 gardens and 4 natural areas, there is an abundance of foliage for you to admire in the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Additionally, you can take an assortment of classes to engage your senses and expand your environmental knowledge.
From the producers behind Immersive Van Gogh, experience the colorful and visual art of Frida Kahlo and learn about her life experiences through this immersive 360-degree showcase.
As one of the most popular zoos in the whole country, use this experience to learn about the diverse species and ecosystems our world has to offer.
If you’re ready to experience the city, and fully immerse yourself into art, culture, music, and events, check out our offers page to be able to stay in our museum hotel while you explore all Chicago has to offer!
