The Best Things To Do In Chicago This Week

Gallagher WayPhotograph: Courtesy Gallagher Way

Find the very best things to do in Chicago this week, including cultural events, festivals and shows.

Jeffy Mai

Looking for fun activities to do this week? You’ve come to the right place! Spring is here, which means it’s time to get outside and go hiking or plan an exciting day trip. Here in Chicago, catch a movie outside at Gallagher Way, learn how to play pickleball at a free academy or celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a host of events. There’s even more on our list below, so scroll through the roundup of the best things to do in Chicago this week and start planning your calendar.

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago this weekend

Best events and things to do in Chicago this week

1. Movies at Gallagher Way

Wrigley Field-adjacent plaza Gallagher Way is once again showing free outdoor movie screenings this summer. Admission is free and attendees are welcome to bring their own food, enjoy on-site concessions or snag a meal from nearby restaurants like Big Star and Smoke Daddy. VIP seating is also available for $33—check out the Gallagher Way website for more details. Gates open at 6pm for each screening and the movies start at 7:30pm.

  • May 15: The Super Mario Bros Movie
  • May 29: High School Musical 2
  • June 12: Wonka
  • June 26: Barbie
  • July 10: School of Rock
  • July 17: Angels in the Outfield
  • July 31: Soul
  • August 14: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
  • August 28: TBA
  • September 11: Twilight

2. Asian American Showcase

Documentaries, dramas and shorts make up the 27th edition of the Asian American Showcase, which highlights new works by established and emerging Asian American filmmakers. This year’s lineup includes Sean Wang’s Sundance Award winner DìdiAshima by director Kenji Tsukamoto, Smoking Tigers by So Young Shelly Yo and many others.

3. AANHPI Dinner at BiXi Beer

Join BiXi Beer in celebrating Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month with a chef’s charity dinner benefitting Advancing Justice Chicago.

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The Best Things To Do In Chicago Right Now

LondonhousePhotograph: Neal O’BryanThe 57 best things to do in Chicago right now

Discover the best things to do in Chicago, from iconic venues and views to cultural musts and late-night shenanigans.

Jeffy Mai

May 2024: Spring is here and it’s time to head outside! Walk through a beautiful park, take a hike on a trail or go on an stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk. Plus, summer street fests and alfreso dining season are back. There are plenty of other options, too, so stay satisfied and busy with these fun activities in May.

No matter where your interests lie, you can always find something to get excited about in this no-nonsense Midwestern metropolis. The best things to do in Chicago run the gamut—from seriously fun to awesomely educational. Looking for culture? Spend a day exploring Chicago museums. Hungry? You’ve come to the right place, because Chicago is famous for its delicious cuisine. There are tons of amazing restaurants in Chicago that highlight the city’s rich and diverse culinary landscape. (And plenty of uniquely Chicago bars that do the trick, too.) We’ve searched all across the city to assemble this list of the best things to do in Chicago. Follow it and never get bored here again.

You can also find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world, or take a look at our list of the best things to do in the world right now.

Time Out Market Chicago

Time Out Market Chicago

We’ve rounded up the best chefs in the city to join us at Time Out Market Chicago, a culinary and cultural destination in the heart of Fulton Market featuring 18 kitchens, three bars and one drop-dead gorgeous rooftop terrace—all spread across three floors.

1. Find a summer street fest near your neighborhood

What is it? The annual slate of summer festivals that take over Chicago streets and parks every year. 

Why go? Shop artisan goods made by local vendors, enjoy delicious bites and watch live performances at beloved neighborhood bashes like Wicker Park Fest and Taste of Randolph from May through September.

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Things To Do And See On Memorial Day Weekend | Enjoy Illinois

It’s Memorial Day Weekend in Illinois

May 01, 2024 • Activities

Looking for local parades and memorial services to show your support and honor the men and women who served our country? Since Illinois is the Middle of Everything, our fair state has you covered. Discover Memorial Day 2024 services near you below. 

Chicago

Beyond Chicago 

  • Memorial Day Parade: The City of Aurora will continue its annual Memorial Day Parade on May 27 to honor our fallen heroes. The parade route will begin at the intersection of Benton and River. 

Great Rivers 

  • Mound City Memorial Day Service: The Mound City National Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony is one of the oldest in the region, dating to the years right after the Civil War. 

Land of Lincoln

  • Effingham County Veterans Memorial: Dedicated to the men and women who served from all five branches of the armed forces, the Effingham County Veterans Memorial is an ongoing memorial that honors names from both past and present. 

Trails to Adventure

  • Fallen Soldier Veterans Memorial: This statue and memorial wall, adorned with the names of local fallen heroes, reminds us of the sacrifice made by many soldiers during times of war. A Memorial Day celebration is held at Fallen Soldier Veterans Memorial in Johnston City every year.

The recent Illinois summer warmth has also paved the way for the unofficial start of the season on Memorial Day Weekend (May 25-27).

This upcoming Memorial Day Weekend, Illinois truly can put you in the Middle of Everything. From events and activities like festivals and fireworks to water parks and outdoor activities, residents and visitors from all across the state have plenty of choices when it comes to celebrating the long weekend ahead.

Here are the top events and activities happening Memorial Day Weekend 2024 across Illinois:

Fireworks at Navy Pier

Chicago

  • Mayfestiversary: Ravenswood Corridor neighbors Dovetail and Begyle breweries return for the annual Memorial Day weekend street fest on Malt Row.

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Chicago Events Calendar For 2024

chicago, skyline, chicago skyline, city, downtown, park, drone, shutterstockPhotograph: Shutterstock

Find the best things to do all year long with our Chicago events calendar of 2024’s biggest festivals, concerts, parades and exhibits.

Jeffy Mai

Looking for something to do in Chicago today, this weekend or in the coming months? You’ve come to the right place! Spring is here, so go hiking, plan an exciting weekend getaway or stroll through the city’s most beautiful parks. Alfreso dining season has also arrived and you can live your best life on a gorgeous rooftop bar or intimate outdoor patio. Experience the best of the city with our year-round guide to top-tier events and things to do in Chicago.

Full Chicago events calendar

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Things to do in Chicago

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Chicago Summer Festivals 2024: Music, Food, Street Festivals Happening Across The City | See List

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago summers are perfect for outdoor activities, whether it is exploring a street festival in a new community, or a free concert in Millennium Park.

Dozens of festivals happen every year in the city to celebrate culture, communities and genres of music.

The list below contains a variety of free and paid festivities happening across the city through September.

This list will continue to be updated as events are announced.

APRIL

Ravinia Festival

Dates from April 20 through Sept. 15

Ravinia Festival is a series of over 100 summer concerts from artists like The Beach Boys with John Stamos and TLC. The outdoor venue has concert seating as well as a lawn area, where you can bring your own food and drinks for a concert picnic.

MAY

Summer at Gallagher Way

Dates from May through September

3635 N. Clark St., Chicago

Gallagher Way, located next to Wrigley Field, has a variety of family activities planned throughout the summer. Events like free movie nights, markets, concerts and more will be free and open to the public. View the schedule here.

SEE ALSO: Gallagher Way announces summer events lineup for lawn area outside Wrigley Field

Solar Tide

May 10-11

The Patio Theater, Chicago

Solar Tide is a bass music and arts festival in Portage Park. Featuring 19 artists over two days, tickets start at $50.

Chicago Mayfest

May 17-19

West Armitage Avenue from Sheffield Avenue to Racine Avenue, Chicago

Mayfest returns for the 27th year in Lincoln Park. The street festival will have a variety of music performances, artisan and food vendors. A pet parade and a glassblowing workshop will also take place over the weekend.

Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest

May 24-26

3200 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago

This annual street festival will kick off summer in Lakeview with music, food and artisan vendors. The festivities are conveniently located steps away from the Belmont “L” station.

Randolph Street Market Festival

May 25-26

1341 W. Randolph St., Chicago

Randolph Street Market brands itself as a “fancy,

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Top Things To Do In Chicago This Month | Events & Activities | Choose Chicago

May is a jam-packed month in Chicago — summer is on the horizon, tulips are blooming all over the city, and weekends fill up with endless food, drink, cultural, and musical events. From the start of festival season to spring flower shows to major art fairs and cultural celebrations, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in the city this month.

Check out these top picks for things to do in Chicago throughout the month of May, including theatre and film festivals, Memorial Day weekend events, Cinco de Mayo festivities, AAPI Heritage Month events, and more.

Top events in Chicago this MaySuenos Music FestivalSuenos Music Festival

Celebrate Mexican culture at Navy Pier (May 3 – 5): Head to Navy Pier for a free celebration of Mexican culture, bringing together music and dance performances, workshops, and over 30 vendors.

Take a tour of the historic Pullman neighborhood (May 5): Walk through history on this guided tour of the Pullman National Historical Park and surrounding area.

Attend the Asian American Film Showcase (May 17 – 23): This 27th annual film showcase provides a platform for new works by established and emerging Asian American filmmakers at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

Try a variety of cuisines during AAPI Restaurant Week (May 17 – 26): Discover a multitude of AAPI-owned restaurants across the city and suburbs, all offering special deals and discounts throughout the week.

Feast on Mexican cuisine at Mole de Mayo (May 24 – 26): Pilsen will be home to its annual outdoor mole cook-off, featuring an open-air mercado with local shops, music, dancing, and more.

Navy Pier fireworks

See fringe theatre at Rhino Festival (Starting May 25): This year is the 35th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival, Chicago’s longest-running fringe theater festival, when 50 artists showcase their plays, music, and art throughout six venues across the city.

Feel the beat at Suenos Music Festival (May 25 – 26): Head to Grant Park for a two-day Latin music festival that features a variety of Reggaeton and Latin performers, as well as art, activities, a Ferris wheel, and more.

Be dazzled by the Navy Pier fireworks (starts May 25): Kick off the summer with the first fireworks display of the season at Navy Pier over Memorial Day weekend.

 » Read More

10 Free Things To Do In Chicago This May | Choose Chicago

You don’t need to reach for your wallet to get your fill of fun things to do all around the city. Here are 10 of our favorite free events and activities this month in Chicago, including exciting new art events, outdoor adventures, iconic Chicago attractions, and so much more. Start planning your budget-friendly Chicago adventures for May 2024.

1. Watch the first summer fireworks show

NYE Fireworks at Navy Pier

The Navy Pier summer fireworks display is one of the most iconic parts of a Chicago summer. These twice-weekly shows take place on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 p.m. all summer long. The breathtaking display is accompanied by a soundtrack of popular music, with special themed nights for holidays.

The summer fireworks series kicks off for the season on Saturday, May 25, 2024 during Memorial Day weekend. The best places to watch the show include the Navy Pier Beer Garden, Offshore Rooftop, or along the nearby lakefront.

2. Honor AAPI Heritage MonthIrene Hsiao, photo by GlitterGutsIrene Hsiao performance, photo by GlitterGuts

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a time to honor and explore the rich cultures and contributions of the city’s diverse Asian community. Check out some of the free celebrations happening this month.

  • Music of Cambodia (May 4): This free performance will showcase the tradition and history of ancient Cambodian music at the Harold Washington Library Center.
  • Free Admission Night at Heritage Asian Art Museum (May 17): Enjoy free admission to this fascinating museum showcasing Asian art, with complimentary tours, wine, and appetizers.
  • Asia on Argyle Block Park (May 18) This free block party will showcase the vibrant Argyle corridor, cultural performances, live music, youth activities, and more.

Explore more: Find more things to do during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

3. Catch a new season of Art on theMARTArt on theMARTArt on theMART

A brand new season of Art on theMART is now showing along the Chicago Riverwalk. The spring edition of the massive waterfront display kicks off with a new commission by internationally acclaimed artist Nora Turato, in conjunction with EXPO CHICAGO. The spring program is on view nightly from 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. from now through June 5.

 » Read More

Chicago Summer Festivals 2024: Music, Food, Street Festivals Happening Across The City | See List

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago summers are perfect for outdoor activities, whether it is exploring a street festival in a new community, or a free concert in Millennium Park.

Dozens of festivals happen every year in the city to celebrate culture, communities and genres of music.

The list below contains a variety of free and paid festivities happening across the city through September.

This list will continue to be updated as events are announced.

APRIL

Ravinia Festival

Dates from April 20 through Sept. 15

Ravinia Festival is a series of over 100 summer concerts from artists like The Beach Boys with John Stamos and TLC. The outdoor venue has concert seating as well as a lawn area, where you can bring your own food and drinks for a concert picnic.

MAY

Summer at Gallagher Way

Dates from May through September

3635 N. Clark St., Chicago

Gallagher Way, located next to Wrigley Field, has a variety of family activities planned throughout the summer. Events like free movie nights, markets, concerts and more will be free and open to the public. View the schedule here.

SEE ALSO: Gallagher Way announces summer events lineup for lawn area outside Wrigley Field

Solar Tide

May 10-11

The Patio Theater, Chicago

Solar Tide is a bass music and arts festival in Portage Park. Featuring 19 artists over two days, tickets start at $50.

Chicago Mayfest

May 17-19

West Armitage Avenue from Sheffield Avenue to Racine Avenue, Chicago

Mayfest returns for the 27th year in Lincoln Park. The street festival will have a variety of music performances, artisan and food vendors. A pet parade and a glassblowing workshop will also take place over the weekend.

Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest

May 24-26

3200 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago

This annual street festival will kick off summer in Lakeview with music, food and artisan vendors. The festivities are conveniently located steps away from the Belmont “L” station.

Randolph Street Market Festival

May 25-26

1341 W. Randolph St., Chicago

Randolph Street Market brands itself as a “fancy,

 » Read More