If there’s one thing Chicagoans are ready for its sunny skies, lakefront walks, and rooftop patios. Spring has sprung, and sunny days and warmer temps are just ahead. If you’ve already worked your way through our winter picks and are looking for some fresh ideas for spring, we’ve got you covered. Here are nine of our favorite things to do in Chicago this spring!
Spring Flower Show at Lincoln Park Conservatory
Dates: February 11-May 14
Location: Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N Stockton Dr.
Cost: Free!
Details: This year’s Spring Show evokes the uplifting nature of a spring day in Chicago by featuring kites and sculptures by Chicago artist Michael F. Thompson. Plants in the show include azaleas, daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, hydrangeas, and many more. You can find more details here.
Maifest Chicago
Dates: Maifest is held annually on the first weekend of June, details to be announced.
Location: Lincoln Square, 4700 N. Lincoln Ave.
Cost: Food is à la carte
Details: Maifest is the traditional German celebration of the arrival of spring. This 24th annual German festival features German foods, live music, maypole dance, and other traditional German presentations. Learn more here.
Walk, Bike, or Run the 606
Date: Every day, 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Location: Bloomingdale Trail. The are several access points. You can view them on the interactive map here.
Cost: Free
Details: The 606 is an elevated trail connecting several Chicago neighborhoods. It stretches along the Bloomingdale Trail for 2.7 miles between Ashland Ave. and Ridgeway Ave. There are 12 access points, approximately every quarter-mile, and a total of 17 access ramps. Bike, run or walk the trail and then stop by Small Cheval for a burger afterward.
Montrose Dog Beach
Date: The Dog Beach is open during all regular Chicago Park District hours— roughly from sun-up till 9 p.m. Morning hours are the most popular with dog beach users.
Location: The dog beach is located on the northwest corner of Montrose Beach (the point closest to the city). Just follow Wilson Avenue until it curves to the left at the lake. If you see the big corrugated steel walls of the old boat launch, you made it.
Cost: The dog beach is free, but Chicago Park District’s DFA tags ($5) are required for all dogs.
Details: It may be a little too cold to swim in the spring, but it’s not too early for your dog to run some laps along the shore of Lake Michigan. The Montrose Dog Beach is Chicago’s first legal off-leash beach.
Cheer on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field
Date: The Cubs home opener is Thursday, March 30. You can view the entire regular season schedule here.
Location: Wrigley Field, 1060 W Addison St.
Cost: Ticket price varies based on opponent
Details: The Chicago Cubs home opener kicks off against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 30.
Cheer on the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field
Date: The White Sox home opener is Monday, April 3. You can view the entire regular season schedule here.
Location: Guaranteed Rate Field, 333 W 35th St.
Cost: Ticket price varies based on opponent
Details: Nothing says spring like a day at the ballpark. When the weather is nice, grab your friends and head down to Guaranteed Rate Field to catch the White Sox in action.
Green City Market – Outdoor Market in Lincoln Park
Date: The outdoor season operates rain or shine April—October, every Wednesday and Saturday, from 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Lincoln Park, 1817 N Clark St.
Cost: Free
Details: The Green City Market in Lincoln Park is Chicago’s largest and first year-round farmers market. It offers sustainably grown food and connects farmers and local producers with chefs and the greater Chicago community. Crowds form quickly so get there early for the best selection!
Logan Square Farmers Market
Date: Every Sunday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Logan Blvd between Milwaukee Ave. & Whipple St. (May-October), 2537 N. Pulaski St. (November-April)
Cost: Free!
Details: The Logan Square Farmers Market sprawls for several blocks with dozens of stalls offering seasonal produce, flowers, and freshly baked goods. It gets busy in the afternoon, so make sure to get there early if you’re looking for something specific. You can find more details here.
Set your sights on spring break
If you have your sights set on warmer weather, we wouldn’t hold it against you. If you’re flying out of town for spring break, just remember to reserve your airport parking spot in advance:
O’Hare Airport
Midway Airport
Happy spring, Chicago!