As Old Man Winter starts to release Chicago from his icy grip, the city slowly starts to spring back to life. Springtime in Chicago is a time for renewal and outdoor enjoyment. If you’re like most people, you’re tired of the cold and being cooped up in your home for the past few months.
We’ve compiled 5 amazing things that should be on your “must do” list for springtime in 2018. Even if you get outside the house for just a few hours, it can help get rid of the last remnants of the winter blues and make you feel alive and renewed as the weather starts to warm up.
Ride the 606
Grab your bike or hit up one of the conveniently located Divvy stations to get a rental in order to experience one of the newest outdoor attractions that Chicago has to offer: The 606. In its former life, the 606 was an abandoned elevated train track that ran through Chicago. Several local visionaries saw potential and together with city officials they completely rebuilt and turned the train tracks into an eco-friendly bike path that meanders throughout the city as well as the park and trail system.
As the green grass and flowers start to bloom in the warm spring weather, there’s no better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon than slowly cruising the 606 and maybe even stopping off at a local park for an impromptu game of frisbee or picnic.
When: Open year-round
Where: Northwest Chicago (Bloomingdale Ave.)
Price: Free!
2018 Chicago Spring Wine Festival
The place to be for wine aficionados this spring is the Chicago Spring Wine Festival. Various wine reps from different wineries will be on hand to showcase several of their most popular brands. You’ll be socializing with hundreds of other wine lovers in this 21-and-over event held at the Old Town Social. Food and drinks are available and standard admission will get you 15 tasting tickets – and if that’s not enough, more are available for purchase with 100% of proceeds going to charity.
When: Saturday, April 21st 2018
Where: Old Town Social (455 W North Ave) Chicago 60654
Price: $20 - $100
Chicago Food Truck Festival (Spring Festival)
The Chicago Food Truck Festival is the premier event for foodies of all ages. Treat your taste buds to foods and dishes from all across the world. There will be a sangria garden, games, and live music. The event will have a dance party feel to it that features Steppers Sets and much more!
There will be anywhere from 10 to 20 gourmet food trucks on hand and the best part is that it’s 100% free! Kick back and enjoy some Sangria, a tall cold one, or a glass of wine in the shaded park. While the beer and Sangria garden are 21-and-over, the Food Truck Festival is opened to everyone and is a great way to spend a spring day with the family!
When: Saturday, April 21st 2018 11am – 7pm
Where: Sabbona Woods, Calumet City, IL 60409
Price: Free (you have to pay for the food/drink). VIP admission tickets available.
Beer Under Glass 2018
One of the best things about being a resident of Chicago is that we have so many museums and other public places of interest to visit. You could go 10 years and still not have done everything there is to do in this city. The Beer Under Glass fundraiser/event is a must-visit annual celebration of the return of spring and warmer weather.
This 9th annual event is about socializing, raising awareness of the craft beer industry in Illinois, and drinking delicious beer! The event is held at the Garfield Park Conservatory underneath – you guessed it – a glass ceiling in a botanical display house. Ticket sales support the GPCA and their mission to change the lives of people through the power of nature.
When: Friday, May 18th 2018
Where: Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance
Price: $60 general admission and $80 for VIP tickets.
Navy Pier
Without a doubt, the Navy Pier is the most iconic springtime attraction in Chicago. As soon as there’s the slightest hint of the warming of the weather, people flock in droves to this destination. If you haven’t been here in a while, you owe it to yourself to spend at least ½ a day reliving old memories and making new ones.
If you’re new to town and looking for a family-friendly place to take the youngsters, there’s no better place than the Navy pier. From the amusement park rides, to bike rentals, to a children’s museum that will provide hours of entertainment, there’s a little something for everyone at the Navy Pier. Best of all, it’s 100% free to enter this historic Chicago landmark.
When: Year round
Where: 600 E. Grand Avenue
Price: Free admission – the cost of various rides and other attractions varies
Chicago in the Spring
There’s a little something for everyone in Chicago in the springtime. From beer festivals to a lazy day spent hanging out at the Navy Pier, springtime offers the perfect excuse to get out of the house and go have some fun. Be sure to check the weather beforehand, as April showers tend to bring May flowers and an extra umbrella or raincoat is always welcome when Mother Nature decides it’s time for an unannounced spring shower!
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