Top Experiences in Chicago and Suburbs for April–May 2025
As spring unfolds across the Chicago region, April and May 2025 offer a dynamic array of cultural festivals, outdoor adventures, and community-driven events. From world-class art fairs to suburban botanical wonders, this guide curates the essential experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Cultural Festivals and Art Events
EXPO Chicago: International Art Fair (April 24–27)
Held at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, EXPO Chicago remains the Midwest’s premier platform for contemporary and modern art, featuring 170+ galleries from 36 countries8. This year’s collaboration with the Galleries Association of Korea highlights avant-garde installations and interactive exhibits. Attendees can extend their exploration through public art projects along the Chicago Riverwalk, blending creative expression with the city’s architectural legacy8.
Chicago Latino Film Festival (April 1–30)
Celebrating its 42nd edition, this festival screens over 100 films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and the U.S. at AMC River East 21. Post-screening Q&A sessions with filmmakers provide deeper insights into themes of identity and diaspora6.
Randolph Street Market (April 26–27 | May 24–25)
This European-inspired market in the West Loop transforms into a treasure trove of vintage furniture, rare vinyl records, and artisan crafts. Live jazz performances and gourmet food trucks enhance the shopping experience, making it a must-visit for collectors and casual browsers6.
Mexico Fest at Navy Pier (May 2–4)
A free celebration of Mexican culture, Mexico Fest features traditional dance performances, mariachi bands, and craft workshops. Highlights include a mercado offering Oaxacan textiles and Day of the Dead-inspired art8.
Outdoor Activities and Nature Exploration
Hanami Cherry Blossom Festival (Weekends in April)
The Garden of the Phoenix in Jackson Park becomes a floral sanctuary during this annual celebration. Visitors stroll beneath blooming sakura trees while participating in tea ceremonies and ikebana workshops. Early mornings offer serene photo opportunities as sunlight filters through pink blossoms6.
Chicago Riverwalk and Lakefront Trail
April’s mild temperatures (50–65°F) create ideal conditions for kayaking the Chicago River or cycling the 18-mile Lakefront Trail. Rental services like Urban Kayaks provide guided tours past architectural icons such as the Willis Tower and Marina City6.
Garfield Park Conservatory’s Spring Flower Show (April 21–May 11)
Titled Rooted in Mystery, this exhibit explores plant root systems through sculptural displays and educational installations. The conservatory’s evening hours allow visitors to wander tropical landscapes under dramatic lighting6.
Morton Arboretum (Lisle, IL)
The Earth Day Festival (April 22) features tree-planting workshops and guided wildflower hikes across 1,700 acres. In May, the Magnolia Collection peaks with fragrant blooms, while the 4-mile Meadow Lake Trail offers panoramic views of spring foliage4.
Food and Market Experiences
Green City Market (Lincoln Park | Saturdays from April 5)
Chicago’s largest sustainable farmers market debuts with seasonal ramps, morel mushrooms, and heirloom radishes. Local chefs host live cooking demos, while vendors like Klug Farm offer pasture-raised lamb and goat cheeses7.
Maxwell Street Market (Sundays from May 18)
This historic open-air market along S. Halsted Street bursts with Mexican street food staples: huitlacoche quesadillas, churros dusted with cinnamon, and aguas frescas. Antique vendors juxtapose lucha libre masks with vintage jazz records3.
Suburban Culinary Tours
- Glencoe’s Chicago Botanic Garden: The Edible Garden showcases herb-growing workshops and honey tastings from on-site apiaries7.
- Oak Park’s Craft Brew Trail: Self-guided tours include Kinslahger Brewing’s smoked porter and Oak Park Brewing Co.’s seasonal rhubarb ale6.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
The Judy Istock Butterfly Haven hosts 1,000+ free-flying species, with May workshops on monarch migration. Interactive exhibits like Sensing Chicago let kids “ride” a 19th-century high-wheel bicycle5.
Lincoln Park Zoo
April’s ZooLights: Spring Edition illuminates pathways with floral-themed LED installations. Daily animal encounters feature zookeeper talks about the zoo’s new red panda cubs6.
Brookfield Zoo (Brookfield, IL)
Spring Fest (weekends in April–May) includes egg hunts, baby animal meet-and-greets, and a butterfly tent. The Habitat Africa! exhibit offers giraffe feeding sessions at 11 a.m. daily6.
Suburban Highlights
Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe, IL)
April’s Bulb Festival showcases 500,000 tulips across 27 gardens. May brings the World Bonsai Day Celebration, featuring rare Japanese white pine displays and pruning demonstrations7.
Swap-O-Rama Flea Market (Alsip, IL | Through April 30)
This sprawling market at 4350 W. 129th Street offers vintage Midcentury Modern furniture, vinyl records, and automotive parts. Early birds arrive by 7 a.m. to negotiate deals on antique signage and retro clothing2.
Frankfort Spring Volunteer Fair (April 23)
Local organizations like the Frankfort Environmental Task Force recruit volunteers for prairie restoration projects. Families can sign up for summer community garden plots2.
Special Events and Performances
C2E2: Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (April 26–28)
McCormick Place hosts celebrity panels (Tom Hiddleston confirmed), 300+ exhibitors, and the Crown Championships of Cosplay. Limited-edition anime figurines and indie graphic novels dominate the vendor floor6.
Broadway in Chicago Productions
- TITANIQUE (March 25–May 18): A hilarious Titanic-inspired parody with drag queen Celine Dion impersonators at the Broadway Playhouse2.
- RIVERDANCE 30th Anniversary Tour (April 22–27): The Irish dance phenomenon returns with a new ensemble and 4K projection mapping at the Cadillac Palace Theatre2.
Sueños Music Festival (May 24–25)
Grant Park’s Sueños brings reggaeton stars like Bad Bunny and Karol G to the lakefront. The Cantina Zone offers VIP experiences with mezcal tastings and artist meet-and-greets6.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Transportation: Use the Ventra app for CTA trains/buses. Metra’s UP-N Line connects downtown to suburban gardens and festivals.
- Discounts: Purchase CityPASS ($129) for 40% off Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck, and Field Museum5.
- Weather: Layer clothing for April’s 40–65°F range; May averages 50–75°F with occasional showers.
From avant-garde art to serene cherry blossoms, Chicago’s April–May 2025 calendar promises a season of discovery. Whether kayaking the urban riverfront or savoring tacos al pastor at a bustling mercado, the region invites exploration at every turn.