40 Fun Things to Do in Chicago in April from a Local

By April, Chicagoans are ready to be outside whatever the weather. It’s worth visiting Chicago in April because the city is lively and full of fun activities but not yet packed with summer visitors.

I’ve lived in Chicago for nearly two decades, and I’ve written two books about Chicago. I find that April is a great time to score great restaurant reservations and take advantage of fun events without fighting big crowds. The weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for anything.  Whether you’re visiting Chicago in April or you live in Chicagoland, here are 40 fun things to do in Chicago in spring.

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Fun Things to Do in Chicago in April

1. Admire the Tulips Lining Michigan Avenue

One of the signs of spring in Chicago is seeing  Michigan Avenue come to life bursting with color as thousands of tulips bloom. The vibrant tulips bobbing in the breeze along the Magnificent Mile is one of the surest signs that spring has arrived in Chicago. Walk along Michigan Avenue from the Loop to the Near North Side and admire the planters of brilliant blooms. Chicago even has its own tulip variety. In 2024, the Magnificent Mile Tulip was unveiled. You can find it with yellow petals, delicate red edges, and a tangerine blush.

2. Chicago White Sox Opening Day – April 2, 2026

Baseball is back in Bridgeport as the White Sox celebrate their home opener against the Milwaukee Brewers. Kick off the season at Rate Field, complete with post-game fireworks.

3. Chicago Latino Film Festival – April 16-27, 2026

Grab some popcorn and catch a flick at the Chicago Latino Film Festival, featuring 82 films from Spain, Portugal, the Caribbean, and the Americas. The 42nd edition of the festival honors pan-Latino culture at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema in Lakeview.

4. Take a Free World Tour at the Tribune Tower

You don’t need to leave Michigan Avenue to pieces of some of the world’s most famous places. The Tribune Tower features 150 fragments of stones from famous sites around the world embedded in its facade. Touch a piece of the Great Wall of China and Taj Mahal while never leaving Chicago. Step inside the tower’s lobby for more beautiful views and read more about the Tribune Tower and other historic spots in my book Secret Chicago!

5. The Other Art Fair – April 9-12, 2026

Whether you’re in the market for some new art or just want to be inspired, browse more than 115 independent artists and buy directly from them at this event. The Other Art Fair returns to Artifact Events in Ravenswood and features mediums from portraiture to ceramics to wood art.

6. Taste Chicago’s Signature Dishes on a Food Tour

Take a guided tour through some of the Windy City’s favorite dishes while you burn it off on a Chicago Food and Walking Tour. You’ll taste about five classic dishes including pizza, and hot dogs while learning about Chicago landmarks like Millennium Park and the Palmer House in this three-hour tour. Don’t worry, sweet treats are on the menu.

7. See the Cherry Blossoms Around Chicago

Part of what makes cherry blossom season so magical is that it’s elusive and fleeting. In Chicago, the peak bloom period is late April. The best place to welcome spring with these beautiful blossoms is at the Garden of the Phoenix in Jackson Park. You can also spot some cherry blossoms at Graceland Cemetery, near Lake Michigan at Navy Pier, and Lincoln Park. If you really want to be wowed, head to the suburbs to visit Morton Arboretum or the Chicago Botanic Garden.

8. Arab American Heritage Celebration – April 11, 2026

Honor Arab American Heritage Month at the Chicago Public Library in Beverly. Enjoy art, storytelling, music, dance, crafts, and more at the Arab American Heritage Celebration.

Need more information on what to do while you’re in Chicago? Check out all of my Chicago articles and don’t miss my Chicago books Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure and Chicago Scavenger!

9. Sound of Silent Film Festival 2026 – April 8, 2026

Celebrate silent film at ACM’s Sound of Silent Film Festival at the Music Box Theatre in Lakeview. The 21st edition of the festival features ten short silent films screened with newly composed musical scores performed live.

10. Catch a Jazz Show

Chicago’s jazz scene is iconic, and there’s no shortage of venues around town to catch a show. Your first stop should be the Green Mill in Uptown, a legendary club frequented by Hollywood actors, music legends, and mobsters. In Printer’s Row, the Jazz Showcase has been booking national and local acts since 1947. In Streeterville, Andy’s Jazz Club offers dinner and a show or just a cocktail. Chicago is the official host city for UNESCO’s International Jazz Day 2026 on April 30.

11. Forever Deaf Fest – April 10–11, 2026

Forever Deaf Fest returns to Chicago for its seventh year. The metal festival brings heavy-hitting acts to Sleeping Village, Avondale Music Hall, and Live Wire Lounge, including Atomic Rule, Pig Destroyer, Speedfreak, and more.

12. Family Day at MCA – April 11, 2026

Every second Saturday of the month, the Museumof Contemporary Art Chicago invites young visitors for Family Days. Kids 12 and under can get creative, think deeply, and work together as artists. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Chicago with kids.

13. Chicago Palestine Film Festival – April 11-28, 2026

The 25th Chicago Palestine Film Festival seeks to foster understanding of the Palestinian experience. A dozen films, documentaries, and shorts will screen at the Gene Siskel Film Center at the longest-running Palestine Film Festival in the world.

14. Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color at the Art Institute – Through June 1, 2026

Explore the iconic artist Henri Matisse’s transition to creating art with cut paper at this exhibit. He created a series of 20 cut-paper maquettes inspired by his memories of Parisian music halls, the circus, travel, and mythology. Short on time? Skip the line and take a private tour of the Art Institute to see its highlights with a guide.

15. Chicago Tea Festival – April 11-12, 2026

Come together with tea lovers, experts, and enthusiasts to celebrate tea from around the world. Immerse yourself in the world of tea during the two-day Chicago Tea Festival at the Copernicus Center.

16. Explore Architectural History at InterContinental Chicago

With its gold dome, InterContinental Chicago is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. But have you ever wandered its historic halls? Learn more about InterContinental Chicago’s historic building from 1929 and where to look for architectural history inside.

17. Wicker Park Green Fest – April 11, 2026

Celebrate sustainability at the family-friendly Wicker Park Green Fest. Meet sustainability-focused vendors, listen to live music, enjoy hands-on activities, and eat delicious food in Wicker Park.

18. Spring Flower Show at Lincoln Park Conservatory – Through May 10, 2026

Lincoln Park Conservatory wows visitors with its “Jewels of Spring” flower show this spring showcasing the amazing flowers of the Tower of Jewels, also known as Echium or Pride of Madeira. Visit the free conservatory for this dramatic, colorful plant and many others.

19. Athenaeum Center’s Film and Culture Festival – April 11-13, 2026

This invitation-only competition at the Athenaeum Center in Lakeview for Thought & Culture features emerging filmmakers from five of Chicago’s leading film programs. Expect film screenings, a short film competition, discussions, and more Chicago filmmaking magic at Team Deakins: Athenaeum Center’s Film and Culture Festival.

20. Chicago Humanities Festival Bridgeport Day – April 18, 2026

Chicago Humanities Festival celebrates the arts at events throughout the city. Its Bridgeport Day event programming centers on social justice with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi and Mayor Brandon Johnson in conversation, Life of Pi’s Yann Martel discussing his new novel, and more.

21. Get Artsy at EXPO Chicago – April 9-12, 2026

Chicago’s biggest art show EXPO Chicago returns to Navy Pier, featuring around 170 contemporary galleries from around the world. Visit the International Exposition of Contemporary and Modern Art for a dose of creativity, and don’t miss the EXPO’s artist talks, installations, and more.

22. Glow Wild at Brookfield Zoo – Through May 10, 2026

Light up the night at Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s new lantern festival, Glow Wild: A Lantern Festival of Hope. Explore the zoo’s glowing paths under the moonlight and admire handcrafted lanterns inspired by wildlife, global traditions, and mythical worlds.

23. Buy Handcrafted Art at One of a Kind Show – April 24-26, 2026

Shop ’til you drop at the One of a Kind Show. Around 350 artists will fill an entire floor of the Merchandise Mart with their handcrafted works during this three-day market, complete with food and fashion shows.

24. Book It to Independent Bookstore Day – April 25, 2026

Book lovers unite across Chicagoland for a literary crawl inspired by Independent Bookstore Day. Get your passport stamped at more than 80 independent bookstores—visits to 10 or 15 bookstores earn you a discount for the entire year!

25. Raise a Glass at the Chicago Rum Festival – April 25, 2026

Whether you’re a rum connoisseur or casual rum drinker, you won’t want to miss the 10th Chicago Rum Festival at the Logan Square Auditorium. Taste more than 40 rum brands (not in one sitting) and learn more about the spirit from industry professionals. 

26. Time Travel at Chicago Speakeasy Dinner Theatre

Imagine stepping back into Chicago’s Prohibition era at Vito’s Vault Chicago Speakeasy Dinner Theatre. You’ll be treated to dinner, Roaring Twenties entertainment, and lots of laughs at this unique night out—after you give the password at the door.

27. Devil in the White City Tour

You’ve read the book, now take the Devil in the White City Tour to see the historic sites behind this fascinating Chicago story. History buffs and true crime lovers alike will be compelled by the saga of serial murderer Dr. Henry H. Holmes amid the backdrop of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.

28. Free Days at the Field Museum

Looking for things to do in Chicago in April with kids? Take your spring break to the Field Museum to explore dinosaurs, gemstones, and ancient Egypt. The museum is free for Illinois residents every Wednesday. If you’re visiting during busy times like weekends or spring break you may want to book your ticket in advance.

29. Crack the Case on a Chicago Murder Mystery Tour

Take your love of mysteries to the next level as you explore Chicago with a murder mystery tour. Play detective with your friends on this two-hour walking tour complete with a souvenir mugshot photo.

30. Have a Laugh at Improvised Shakespeare

Who said the classics can’t be funny? For nearly two decades, Improvised Shakespeare has been delivering tales inspired by the Bard and audience suggestion in an improvised, hilarious evening of mistaken identities, star-crossed lovers, and lots of drama. You’ll find the troupe performing Friday and Saturday night at iO in Lincoln Park. It’s so fun that I took my friends and family as part of my engagement party!

31. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day

Recharge after a long winter at one of the many spas Chicago has to offer. One of my favorite places to unwind in the Windy City is Aire Ancient Baths in River West, which is inspired by the bathing traditions of ancient Rome and Greece. In Wicker Park, Chicago Bath House incorporates Russian spa traditions as well as a restaurant. Unsurprisingly, the Kohler Waters Spa in Lincoln Park specializes in hydrotherapy treatments. 

32. Be Dazzled by ART on the MART – Starting April 9

Chicago’s biggest canvas is back as ART on the MART returns to the side of the Merchandise Mart for a 2.5-acre nightly art display. Colorful works are projected on the building along the Chicago River in one of the world’s largest digital art platforms. You can see ART on the MART during the evening on Thursday through Sunday from April 9 to December 27.

33. Cheer on the Chicago Cubs and White Sox

Baseball is back in Chicago. Maybe you’re a die-hard fan or maybe you like the historic atmosphere of Wrigley Field or the affordable tickets at Guaranteed Rate Field. Either way, you’ll enjoy a Chicago-style hot dog while you cheer on America’s pastime.

34. Connect with Nature at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

If you’re looking for things to do in Chicago with kids, a visit to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a guaranteed day of fun. Located along a lagoon in Lincoln Park, the museum encourages you to interact with your surroundings and answers all your kids’ questions about animals. The butterfly haven is a magical experience at any age.

35. Trivia for Cheaters – April 29, 2026

Compete for trivia glory with creative cheating at Trivia for Cheaters at the Den Theatre in Wicker Park. You and your friends will show off your trivia skills while delighting in sabotaging other teams. Proceeds benefit 826CHI, a nonprofit that supports Chicago’s students in their creative writing.

36. Make Your Mark at Spray Paint ‘n’ Sip

If you find yourself stopping to admire street art, why not learn to create your own? Guest artists and instructors at Studio W.I.P. Chicago in Uptown will teach you graffiti styles and techniques including stenciling and spray painting. Bring your own beverage to enjoy while you create.

37. Try Your Skills at Whirlyball

Imagine basketball with bumper cars but using a lacrosse stick. That’s Whirlyball, a unique sport located in Bucktown. Grab your friends and try your luck or hit up laser tag and bowling alleys all in the same building.

38. The Moth GrandSLAM Championship – April 17, 2026

The Moth GrandSLAM invites winners from the open-mic StorySLAMs back for the Chicago storytelling championship. The competition kicks off at the Athenaeum Center in Lakeview at 7p.m.

39. Chow Down on Italian Beef

The cast of The Bear is filming around Chicago again, so there’s no better time to try an Italian beef. Start at the original location in Little Italy, Al’s #1 Italian Beef, which has been serving soggy sandwiches since 1938. You can’t go wrong with a classic dipped beef from a Portillo’s location. The Bear may have made Mr. Beef famous, but don’t expect any frills at this River North standby. Now, will you have that sweet or hot?

40. Go Wild at the Lincoln Park Zoo

Whether you’re looking for a nature walk, a cute date idea, or something fun to do with kids, Lincoln Park Zoo is one of Chicago’s top activities and is always free. Don’t miss the lion house, monkeys, reptiles, and more than a thousand other animals in every season.

Visiting Chicago in April FAQ

Is April good time to visit Chicago?

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Chicago. April brings blooming flowers, spring breakers, and the return of baseball to Chicago. You should still bundle up for the breezy spring weather, but there’s plenty to culture, sports, and restaurants to enjoy across Chicago without the summer and holiday crowds. While milder spring temperatures bring Chicagoans out of hibernation, the city is still quiet enough to score cheaper flights and hotel deals than other times of year. Book that buzzy restaurant reservation and visit one of Chicago’s top attractions like the Field Museum, 360 Chicago Observation Deck, or the Art Institute without the crowds.

How cold is Chicago in April?

April in Chicago is a mix warm, sunny days and late season snow flurries (known as “third winter). However, the worst of winter is behind us. According to the National Weather Service, the average temperatures in Chicago in April range from a high of 60 degrees to a low of 40 degrees. Expect showers and breezy weather with touch of blue skies and sunshine. The weather can shift rapidly, so be sure to check the forecast before you visit Chicago in the spring so you can pack accordingly.

What should I wear to Chicago in April?

If you’re wondering what clothes to wear to Chicago in April, the answer is to be ready for anything. While winter’s wrath is over, you might encounter some snow flurries. I recommend wearing layers to be prepared for the chilly spring breeze off Lake Michigan one minute and sunshine the next. Check the weather before you visit Chicago in April so you can pack appropriately.

After nearly two decades of living in Chicago, here are my recommendations for what to wear in Chicago in the spring.

• Chicago is a walking town, so pack comfortable shoes like sneakers or boots.
• Dress in layers so you can adjust to the different temperatures indoors and outdoors. Merino wool makes a great base layer for men and women. You may want to layer with a women’s flannel or men’s flannel.
• A classic button-down Oxford or chambray shirt is great for traveling, and I’ve never met a striped Breton shirt that I didn’t like.
• In spring, I typically layer a lighter trench coat, leather jacket, or bomber jacket over my outfit.
• It doesn’t hurt to pack a beanie and scarf in case it gets chilly at night.

Where to Stay in Chicago in April

Wondering where to stay overnight in Chicago in the spring? I love the views of Grant Park from the Blackstone Hotel and the iconic pool at the InterContinental. The Chicago Athletic Association has great views of Millennium Park and a rooftop fire pit while the LondonHouse boasts beautiful views of the Chicago River from its rooftop bar.

Click here for a full list of Chicago hotels!

If you want to research hotels and vacation rentals for your Chicago visit, this map can help you compare the available options. It’s set to show hotels and rentals in downtown Chicago, but you can view any neighborhood where you’d like to stay.

I hope this helps you prepare to visit Chicago in April!

Find out what to do in Chicago throughout the year:

• Fun Things to Do in Chicago in January
• Fun Things Do in Chicago in February
• What to Do in Chicago in March
• Fun Things to Do in Chicago in May
• What to Do in Chicago in June
• Fun Things to Do in Chicago in July
• What to Do in Chicago in August
• Fun Things to Do in Chicago in September
• What to Do in Chicago in October
• Fun Things to Do in Chicago in November
• What to do in Chicago in December

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