Best Chicago Events in Spring 2025

After a chilly winter, Chicago spring events welcome residents and visitors with a burst of energy. From Irish-themed celebrations and bustling street festivals to sports home openers and cutting-edge art fairs, the Windy City truly comes alive in March, April, and May. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Chicago in spring with the family, hoping to cheer on your favorite teams, or craving vibrant music and cultural events, this season’s lineup has plenty to offer. Below, we highlight must-see events and activities that capture the spirit of spring in Chicago.

Chicago Polar Plunge

• Date: Sunday, March 2, 2025 (10:00 AM)
• Location: North Avenue Beach (1601 N. DuSable Lake Shore Dr.)
• Tickets & Website: Free to watch/participate; registration at Special Olympics Chicago – Polar Plunge

Kick off March by witnessing (or joining!) brave souls plunging into the icy waters of Lake Michigan for this charitable tradition benefiting Special Olympics Chicago. Hundreds don whimsical costumes, while spectators gather for music, hot cocoa, and a chilly sense of camaraderie. It’s a spirited way to welcome spring and support a great cause in the heart of the city.

South Side Irish Parade

• Date: Sunday, March 16, 2025 (12:00 PM)
• Location: Western Ave. (103rd St. to 115th St.) in Beverly
• Tickets & Website: Free community event; South Side Irish Parade

Keep the St. Paddy’s fun rolling at Beverly’s neighborhood-based parade. Families, marching bands, and local organizations fill Western Avenue with a friendly, homegrown vibe. The South Side Irish Parade offers a more laid-back, community-focused alternative to the downtown festivities, showcasing a proud local tradition that generations of Chicagoans love.

Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K

• Date: Sunday, March 23, 2025 (8:30 AM race start)
• Location: Grant Park (start/finish)
• Tickets & Website: $45–$55 entry; Shamrock Shuffle Event Info

Continue celebrating Irish spirit with a green-infused dash through Chicago’s streets. Thousands of runners, many decked out in shamrock gear, race past iconic downtown landmarks in this energizing 8K. Whether you’re running or cheering on the sidelines, the Shamrock Shuffle brings post-St. Patrick’s cheer and ushers in Chicago’s spring running season.

Chicago Cubs Home Opener

• Date: Friday, April 4, 2025 (1:20 PM)
• Location: Wrigley Field (1060 W. Addison St.)
• Tickets & Website: Cubs Home Opener Info

The Friendly Confines come back to life each spring as the Cubs host their home opener against the San Diego Padres. Wrigleyville bars buzz with day-game excitement, fans break out their blue and red gear, and peanuts-and-cracker-jack nostalgia fills the air. For many, the Cubs at Wrigley Field signals spring’s true arrival—an afternoon of camaraderie and classic baseball fun.

Chicago Latino Film Festival (41st Annual)

• Date: April 3 – 14, 2025
• Location: Various venues (main screenings at AMC River East 21)
• Tickets & Website: Chicago Latino Film Festival

North America’s longest-running Latino film festival showcases dozens of new films from Latin America, Spain, and the U.S., covering drama, documentary, comedy, and more. Engage with filmmakers at Q&A sessions, discover fresh perspectives, and celebrate the diversity of Latino culture. This cinematic event fosters cross-cultural dialogue and offers a vibrant exploration of the Latino experience.

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)

• Date: April 11 – 13, 2025
• Location: McCormick Place (South Building)
• Tickets & Website: C2E2 Official Site

Pop culture fans unite at this massive convention, where comic books, sci-fi, anime, gaming, and cosplay collide. Celebrity guests, acclaimed comic artists, and panels revealing upcoming movies and TV shows are all part of the excitement. From autograph sessions to costume contests, C2E2 transforms McCormick Place into a paradise for geeks of every fandom.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Broadway In Chicago)

• Date: April 2 – 20, 2025
• Location: Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.)
• Tickets & Website: Moulin Rouge! – BIC

Step into the glamour of Paris at this Tony-winning stage adaptation bursting with pop-song mashups, lavish sets, and dazzling costumes. Moulin Rouge! The Musical rewrites the classic love story in a high-energy spectacle that fuses 1890s cabaret with today’s biggest chart hits. For Broadway fans or curious newcomers, it’s an unmissable swirl of music and romance in downtown Chicago.

EXPO Chicago – International Art Fair

• Date: April 24 – 27, 2025
• Location: Navy Pier’s Festival Hall (600 E. Grand Ave.)
• Tickets & Website: EXPO Chicago

Discover the cutting edge of contemporary art at one of the year’s most influential fairs. EXPO Chicago hosts 170+ galleries from around the world, displaying avant-garde works in painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. Visitors can attend panel discussions with curators and stroll citywide art events. It’s a prime opportunity for art collectors, enthusiasts, and casual onlookers to immerse themselves in global creative trends.

One of a Kind Spring Show & Sale

• Date: April 25 – 27, 2025
• Location: The MART (7th Floor, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza)
• Tickets & Website: One of a Kind Show Chicago

Creators and craftspeople gather to showcase unique, handcrafted goods at this bustling market. Peruse art, jewelry, home décor, gourmet treats, and more—each item distinctly one-of-a-kind. Chat with artisans, watch live demonstrations, and pick up gifts that can’t be found in mainstream stores. The atmosphere brims with creativity, making it a fun spring outing for shoppers of all ages.

Polish Constitution Day Parade

• Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025 (11:30 AM)
• Location: Columbus Dr. (Balbo to Monroe)
• Tickets & Website: Free public event; Polish Parade

Commemorate Europe’s first constitution (May 3, 1791) with Chicago’s Polish community in a jubilant parade of red-and-white flags, folk dancers, and marching bands. As one of the largest Polish gatherings outside Poland, it highlights pride in cultural roots, complete with polka tunes and friendly cheers. Join the celebration and get a glimpse of authentic Polish heritage in the heart of downtown.

Cinco de Mayo Parade

• Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025 (12:00 PM)
• Location: Little Village – W. Cermak Rd. (Damen Ave. to Marshall Blvd.)
• Tickets & Website: Free event (City of Chicago info)

Bring the family to Little Village for a lively Mexican fiesta. Floats adorned with bright colors, mariachis, folklórico dancers, and charros on horseback bring the spirit of Mexico’s history and pride to Chicago streets. This upbeat parade is a wonderful way to experience cultural unity and taste the flavors of the neighborhood’s authentic cuisine.

Beer Under Glass (Illinois Craft Beer Week Kickoff)

• Date: Friday, May 9, 2025 (5:30 – 8:30 PM)
• Location: Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace (Millennium Park)
• Tickets & Website: Illinois Brewers Guild – Beer Under Glass (21)

Celebrate spring’s craft beer scene at this outdoor tasting event high above Millennium Park. Sample specialty brews from 80+ Illinois breweries, all while enjoying skyline views and live music. Your ticket includes unlimited pours, and proceeds benefit the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild—so you can raise a pint to local brewing innovation while relishing a scenic downtown setting.

Beyoncé: Cowboy Carter Tour (4 Shows)

• Date: May 15 – 18, 2025
• Location: Soldier Field (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.)
• Tickets & Website: Soldier Field – Beyoncé Info

Queen Bey graces Chicago with four explosive stadium concerts featuring brand-new choreography, costumes, and chart-topping anthems. Expect a spectacle that melds dance, visuals, and vocal power into one awe-inspiring show. Fans from across the Midwest descend upon Soldier Field, transforming it into a sea of sequins, denim, and unbridled energy. If you crave a blockbuster concert experience, look no further.

Sueños Music Festival

• Date: May 24 – 25, 2025 (Memorial Day Weekend)
• Location: Grant Park (Butler Field)
• Tickets & Website: Sueños Festival

Get ready to party at Chicago’s top Latin music festival. Over two days, reggaetón, Latin pop, and trap superstars take the stage, drawing fans from across the nation. This cultural celebration includes art installations, authentic Latin American food vendors, and an electric atmosphere that keeps attendees dancing into the night. If you’re a fan of global hits and lively festival vibes, Sueños in Grant Park delivers nonstop excitement.

Chicago Memorial Day Parade

• Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025 (12:00 PM)
• Location: State Street (Lake St. to Van Buren St.)
• Tickets & Website: Free public event (City of Chicago DCASE)

Honor America’s fallen heroes with one of the country’s largest Memorial Day parades. Military units, ROTC bands, and veterans’ organizations march through downtown to reflect on sacrifices made for our nation’s freedoms. Moving tributes, flag waving, and community solidarity combine to make this annual observance a can’t-miss civic gathering that underscores the holiday’s true significance.

Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival (40th Anniversary)

• Date: May 23 – 25, 2025
• Location: 3200 N. Sheffield Ave. (Lakeview)
• Tickets & Website: $10 suggested donation; Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest

Launch Chicago’s street fest season at this beloved Lakeview neighborhood party. Multiple stages showcase cover bands, DJs, and local acts, while food vendors serve up summertime staples. With its 40-year legacy, the Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest remains a laid-back place to enjoy warm evenings, artisan booths, and a friendly crowd ready to groove. Catching live music on a Lakeview street is an ideal way to usher in summer’s approach.

AC/DC – Power Up Tour

• Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025 (evening)
• Location: Soldier Field
• Tickets & Website: Ticketmaster / Soldier Field Events

Turn the volume up for a night of classic rock at Soldier Field. AC/DC’s Power Up Tour promises a high-voltage experience, complete with iconic riffs, raging pyrotechnics, and thousands of fans belting out “Thunderstruck.” If you crave old-school rock ’n’ roll energy, AC/DC’s electrifying performance is the perfect crescendo to Memorial Weekend in Chicago.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best spring events in Chicago?

It depends on your interests! Sports fans might love MLB openers at Wrigley and Guaranteed Rate Field, while music lovers may opt for Beyoncé’s stadium shows or the Sueños Music Festival. Art aficionados shouldn’t miss EXPO Chicago, and families often enjoy parades like the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or Cinco de Mayo in Little Village.

When do Chicago spring festivals start?

Many events begin in early March (like the Chicago Polar Plunge and St. Patrick’s festivities), then continue through Memorial Day weekend. Some spring fairs and parades, such as the Polish Constitution Day Parade, take place in late April or early May.

Where can I find a comprehensive Chicago spring events calendar?

City resources like Chicago.gov or tourism sites (e.g., Choose Chicago) offer robust listings. Cultural institutions and event organizers also publish full schedules on their websites, so it’s a good idea to check official sites for updates.

What outdoor activities are popular in Chicago during the spring?

Outdoor runs (Shamrock Shuffle), street fairs (Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest), and parades (South Side Irish, Cinco de Mayo) draw large crowds. Additionally, events at Grant Park (Sueños Music Festival, Memorial Day Parade) and Millennium Park (Beer Under Glass) take advantage of the warming weather.

Are there family-friendly spring events in Chicago?

Absolutely. St. Patrick’s Day parades, the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle (as spectators), the Chicago Memorial Day Parade, and cultural festivals like the Polish Constitution Day Parade or Cinco de Mayo Parade provide a fun environment for kids and adults alike.

Enjoy the Spring in Chicago

From traditional celebrations of Irish heritage and local community parades to star-studded concerts and vibrant cultural festivals, Chicago spring events offer endless ways to soak up the new season. Whether you’re sipping craft beer with city skylines in view, cheering on your favorite sports teams, or dancing the night away at a Latin music fest, Chicago’s springtime spirit is infectious. Mark your calendars, grab your friends or family, and immerse yourself in the bustling energy that defines the Windy City each spring. Embrace the warmer days ahead and make the most of everything Chicago has to offer—there’s never been a better time to step outside and celebrate.

‍