Get ready to embrace the vibrant pulse of Chicago this May, as the city comes alive with a plethora of exciting events to kick off the summer season! From celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Chicago with a burst of color and flavor; taking in the Best Farmer’s Markets with the fresh off the vine fruits and vegetables to immersing yourself in the Kentucky Derby festivities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
On Friday, May 3rd, join the Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Punch Bowl Social Chicago, where the fiesta begins at 7 pm and continues all weekend long. Meanwhile, gear up for the Derby Day Hat Party at River Shannon on Saturday, May 4th, starting at 11 am, or embark on a cultural journey with Cinco de Mayo tours of Pilsen & Little Village led by Dilla, starting at 1 pm.
As the weekend unfolds, don’t miss the Paws and Piñatas Cinco de Mayo Event at Big Wig Tacos & Burritos on Sunday, May 5th, from noon to 4 pm. And for those craving more festivities, head to Carnival at 702 W Fulton Market, where the celebration kicks off at 2 pm and lasts until 9:30 pm.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Throughout the month, immerse yourself in an array of engaging activities, from craft beer tastings to storytelling workshops and early morning bird walks. And mark your calendars for Memorial Day weekend, where Chicago commemorates with wreath-laying ceremonies, parades, and special markets like the SummerSalt Market at The Salt Shed.
So whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for some weekend fun, Chicago’s lineup of events promises to ignite your senses and make this May one to remember!
Click on each event for more information and pricing and check with the venue for any changes or cancellations.
Thursday, May 2nd
Storytelling 101 Workshop by DePaul professor Willa J.Taylor
10 am – 2 pm
Lincoln Park Cultural Center
2045 N Lincoln Park West
Chicago, IL 60610
Friday, May 3rd
In the Kitchen with Bloomingdale’s: Bloom into Spring
2 pm – 4 pm
Bloomingdale’s
900 Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
Illinois Craft Beer Week: Beer Under Glass
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Chicago Union Station
225 S Canal St
Chicago, IL 60606
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
7 pm – through Sunday
Punch Bowl Social Chicago
310 N Green St
Chicago, IL 60607
Rocco DiSpirito “Everyday Delicious” Cookbook Launch hosted by the Book Cellar
7 pm – 9 pm
Everybody’s Coffee (Wilson Abbey)
935 W Wilson Ave
Chicago, IL 60640
Saturday, May 4th
Early Bird Walks at NPV Co-sponsored with Chicago Bird Alliance
8 am – 10 am
North Park Village Nature Center Park
5801 N Pulaski Rd
Chicago, IL 60646
Nettlehorst French Market
8 am – 2 pm * recurring through 11/2/24 (No Market 9/4)
3252 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60657
Go Run Chicago: Humboldt, sponsored by Chicago Area Runners Association
9 am – 11 am
Humboldt (Alexander von) Park
1440 N Humboldt Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60622
River Shannon Derby Day Hat Party
Doors, 11 am
425 W Armitage Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
Cinco de Mayo tours of Pilsen & Little Village led by Dilla
Sat 1 pm, Sun 2 pm
Chicago Women’s Park & Garden
1801 S Indiana Ave
Chicago, IL 60616
Celebrating Erwin Helfer
7 pm
The Myron R. Szold Music & Dance Hall
4545 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
Sunday, May 5th
Paws and Piñatas Cinco de Mayo Event
Noon – 4 pm
Big Wig Tacos & Burritos
2490 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Carnival
2 pm – 9:30 pm
702 W Fulton Market
Chicago IL 60661
Friday, May 10th
Tea Party at Union Park
4 pm – 6 pm
Union Park
1501 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60607
Saturday, May 11th
Friends of the Chicago River- River Day Clean-up
9 am – Noon
Eleanor Boathouse at Park 571
2828 S Eleanor St
Chicago, IL 60608
Wicker Park Plant Sale Fundraiser, featuring: Chicago Tomato Man, With Love Chicago and Rose Pest Solutions
10 am – 6 pm
Wicker Park
1425 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
Wine Walk – Andersonville
3 pm – 6 pm
5340 N Clark
Chicago, IL 60640
Sunday, May 12th
Logan Square Farmer’s Market Opening Day
9 am – 3 pm
3107 W Logan Blvd
Chicago, IL 60647
Rock and Roll Playhouse: Taylor Swift Tribute
11 am – 2 pm
Gallagher Way Chicago
3635 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60613
Chicago Humanities Festival: Amy Tan: The Backyard Bird Chronicles
4 pm
Chop Shop
2033 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
Wednesday, May 15th
Outdoor Movie Gallagher Way
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
6 pm, 7:30 pm show
Gallagher Way Chicago
3635 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60613
Provence Wine Dinner
6:30 pm
avec west loop
615 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60661
Malt Row Hoppy Hour
6:30 pm – 8 pm
Dovetail Brewery
1800 W Belle Plaine Ave
Chicago, IL 60613
Friday, May 17th
Pink Party at the Zoo
6:30 pm – 10 pm
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614
NoMI Garden Spring Soirée
7 pm- 10 pm
NoMI
800 Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
Saturday, May 18th
Spring Lincoln, Roscoe Art + Craft Fair
Sat 10 am – 7 pm
Sun 10 am – 5 pm
Lincoln Ave, Roscoe to School
Once Upon a Symphony: Goldilocks and the Three Bears
10 am, 11:45 am
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60604
Celebrate World Whiskey Day with The Key In The Lake Podcast
1 pm – 4 pm
Slightly Toasted
22 N Clinton St
Chicago, IL 60661
90’s Night at the Zoo
6:30 pm – 10 pm
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614
Tuesday, May 21st
A Bouquet of French Wines
Doors 6 pm, Tasting 6:30 pm
Alliance Française de Chicago
54 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60610
Saturday, May 25th
Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony & Parade
11 am Wreath Laying Ceremony, Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St
Noon Parade, State Street from Lake St. to Van Buren St
Sunday, May 26th
SummerSalt Market: A Special Memorial Day Weekend Edition
Noon – 5 pm
The Salt Shed
1357 N Elston Ave
Chicago, IL 60642
Reception and Tour of Chicago’s Iconic Chess Records
3 pm – 5 pm
Chess Records
2120 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60616
“As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, Chicago’s calendar is packed with an abundance of events to make the most of the season. Whether you’re sipping mint juleps at the Derby, indulging in authentic Mexican cuisine at Cinco de Mayo celebrations, or immersing yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the city, there’s no shortage of experiences to cherish. So, gather your friends and family, and dive into the vibrant tapestry of festivities that await you in the Windy City this May. Let’s make memories together as we embrace the warmth and excitement of summer’s arrival!”
If you would like to have an event featured, email Maureen at [email protected]
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