Looking for what to do in Chicago this spring? Here are the best things to do in Chicago in the spring of 2026 (from a local). From beautiful gardens and parks to flower shows to the best spring events, there is no shortage of things to do in Chicago in March, April and May.
Chicago in the Spring
Spring is a good time to visit Chicago. The weather is getting warmer and locals and visitors start spending more time outdoors enjoying the rising temperatures and blooming flowers.
For out of town visitors, please note that the weather in Chicago in the spring is very unpredictable and changes from day to day and even hour to hour. Temperatures have started rising after the cold winter, the river and lake are no longer frozen. However, you might still encounter days with cold temperatures (and even snow) so be prepared for a wide range of temperatures. Make sure to check weather forecasts right before your trip to know what to expect. Make sure to pack a travel umbrella and wear layers.
Things to Do in Chicago in the Spring
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission if you make a booking using my links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Below are the best things to do in Chicago in this spring including the best Chicago spring events and attractions.
Take an Architecture River Cruise
Taking an architecture river cruise is a must when visiting Chicago. If you want to see more skyline views, you might enjoy a combination river and lake cruise
Titanic: A Voyage Through Time
Step into history at Titanic: A Voyage Through Time an extraordinary virtual reality (VR) journey into history’s most famous ship. Dive to the wreckage as it rests today, then travel back to 1912 to experience the Titanic as a passenger. Walk the Grand Staircase, meet the people who shaped its story, and witness history firsthand in this immersive adventure.
When: April 9 – May 31, 2026
Where: 108 West Germania Place, Chicago, IL 60610
Cost: Prices vary. Click here to purchase tickets.
Attend a Candlelight Concert
Candlelight Concerts is a series of special classical music concerts that take place in beautiful indoor venues bathed in candlelight. Some of the concerts taking place during this spring include:
Tribute to Taylor Swift
Tribute to Adele
A Tribute to Queen
Best of Bridgerton on Strings
Tribute to Fleetwood Mac on Strings
You can find the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago here.
See the Tulips on Michigan Avenue
Every year thousands of tulip bulbs are planted in Michigan Avenue medians from Oak Street to Roosevelt Road. You can enjoy the tulips while shopping (or window shopping) on The Magnificent Mile (or The Mag Mile), an upscale section of Michigan Avenue, running from Oak Street to the Chicago River. Although a few stores on Michigan Avenue are pricey, it is totally free to window shop. Landmarks on the Mag Mile include the 360 Observation Deck, the historic Chicago Water Tower and the Tribune Tower. South of the Magnificent Mile you will find Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago.
When: Tulips are in bloom from mid-April to mid-May but exact dates vary annually
Where: Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Roosevelt Road.
Cost: Free.
Look for Street Art
Spring is a good time to walk around Chicago looking for street art while enjoying flowers and pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds.
One of the most well known Chicago murals is “Moose Bubblegum Bubble” by Jacob Watts which located at 33 E. Congress (South Wall). This famous mural is part of the Wabash Arts Corridor and is walking distance to Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago and other well known tourist attractions.
Another famous mural is the Greetings From Chicago Mural at 2226 N Milwaukee Ave. You can see this mural and other street art on this street art tour.
Have Fun at Navy Pier
Navy Pier is a must do if you are visiting Chicago with toddlers or kids with rides and games, restaurants, shops and the Chicago Children’s Museum.
Make sure to ride the large Ferris wheel for great skyline views. Click here to purchase a fast pass ticket and skip the long line.
Don’t miss Flyover Chicago ride, an immersive flyover experience.
Enjoy Garfield Park Conservatory’s Spring Flower Show
The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest and most stunning botanical conservatories in the US. Often referred to as “landscape art under glass,” the Garfield Park Conservatory showcases thousands of plant species from around the world throughout eight indoor display gardens. Visitors can enjoy the lush flora and tropical temperatures indoors even if it is cold or rainy outside.
Through May 10, 2026, you can also see the Spring Flower Show: “Showers of Flowers”.
Where: 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60624
Hours: Wednesday 10am-8pm; Thursday – Sunday 10am-5pm; Closed Monday and Tuesday. Reservations are required.
Enjoy Lincoln Park Conservatory’s Spring Flower Show
Although not as large as the Garfield Park Conservatory, the Lincoln Park Conservatory is worth a visit and is more conveniently located for visitors. Advance online reservations are required.
Through May 10, 2026, you can also see the “Jewels of Spring” Spring Flower Show.
Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am-5pm.
Where: 2391 N Stockton Dr., Chicago, IL 60614
Cost: FREE
Admire Famous Works at The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. In addition to its large permanent collection of art from around the world, you can see the rotating exhibits. (Click here to buy a skip the line ticket if you want to avoid long lines).
Where: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Hours: Thursday 11am–8pm; Friday to Monday from 11am– 5pm. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Cost: Price varies; members and children under 14 are always free.
Visit the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere with 14 acres of hands-on exhibits including a 40-foot tornado, a World War II German submarine and a human-sized hamster wheel.
Through April 26, 2026, you can also see the Marvel’s Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing — The Exhibition to see rare comic books, view props and costumes from your favorite Spider-Man movies, explore cutting-edge interactive installations and take photos with life-size statues of your favorite characters, like Miles Morales, Ghost-Spider and, of course, Spider-Man.
Click here to purchase a skip the line ticket.
Where: 5700 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL
Enjoy the Views from 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
360 CHICAGO, the observatory on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Building, has the best views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.
Where: 875 North Michigan Avenue, 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611
Cost: Price varies. Click here to buy a skip the line ticket.
Tip: If you are visiting a few museums and indoor attractions, consider purchasing a Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card to save money on entrance fees.
Watch a Baseball Game
Baseball season starts in the spring. The Chicago Cubs home opener is March 26, 2026 and the Chicago White Sox home opener is April 2, 2026.
Admire Spring Flowers Outside
There are many places in and near Chicago to admire beautiful spring flowers. Some of the best spots to see flowers in the city and suburbs outside include:
• Although not as many as tulips as Michigan Avenue, you can also find some tulips on State Street in the Loop. There are some tulips on State Street between W Wacker Drive and Monroe – including right across the Chicago Theatre (a popular Chicago photo spot). RELATED: Best Places to See Tulips in and near Chicago
• Lurie Garden – a 2.5-acre garden located at the southern end of Millennium Park. The garden is a combination of perennials, bulbs, grasses, shrubs and trees and offers great skyline views.
• The area surrounding the Columbian Basin in Jackson Park, located just south of the Museum of Science and Industry, is home to about 160 cherry blossom trees that typically bloom in April.
• Morton Arboretum (in Lisle about 26 miles west of downtown) is home to more than 4,000 different types of trees among 1,700 acres. You can check their spring bloom chart here.
• The Chicago Botanic Garden (in suburban Glencoe about 24 miles north of downtown) is one of the world’s great living museums and conservation science centers with 27 gardens and four natural areas, situated on 385 acres on and around nine islands, with six miles of lake shoreline. You can check their seasonal bloom chart here to see what’s in bloom at the Chicago Botanic Garden during your visit.
Chicago Spring 2026 Events
In addition to the activities mentioned above, other major spring events in Chicago include: C2E2: Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (March 27-29, 2026), The Dungeon Cocktail Experience (April 3-4, 2026), EXPO CHICAGO Contemporary Art Fair (April 9–12, 2026), Luminous Party Run (April 10 & 11, 2026), Under The Dome Concert at the Chicago Cultural Center (April 23, 2026), One of a Kind Spring Show (April 24-26, 2026), Chicago Rum Fest (April 25, 2026), Mayfest (May 15-17, 2026), Spring Lincoln Roscoe Art & Craft Fair (May 16-17, 2026), Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival (May 22-24, 2026), Forever Mine Music Festival (May 23-24, 2026), Sueños Music Festival (May 23-24, 2026), Mayfestiversary (May 23-24, 2026) and Windy City Hot Dog Fest (May 29-31, 2026).
For more spring 2026 events, bookmark this post about the best weekend events which is updated every week.
As you can see there are many things to do in #Chicago in the #spring.
Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out my Chicago guides and itineraries:
