Wondering what there is to do in Chicago this April? Here are the best things to do in Chicago in April 2026 (from a local) from the top attractions to the best April events.
I suggest bookmarking this blog post as I will be updating it regularly with new events and activities.
Chicago in April
April is usually a popular month to visit Chicago due to spring break and warming temperatures.
For out of town visitors, please note that the weather in Chicago in April is very unpredictable and temperatures can vary greatly. Be prepared for both cooler and spring temperatures as well as rain. Make sure to pack a travel umbrella, layers and check the weather right before your visit to know what to expect.
Things to Do in Chicago in April 2026
Below are the top things to do in Chicago in April including all of the best April 2026 festivals and events.
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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.
Balloon Museum’s EmotionAir Exhibition
Balloon Museum’s EmotionAir Exhibition is a limited time unique exhibition that explores the profound relationship between art and emotions through the captivating medium of inflatable art. This exhibition, first presented in London in December 2023, is committed to the work of emotions, transforming artworks into mirrors to explore the profound relationship between art and emotions, action, and reaction. This is manifested tangibly through Inflatable Art, which offers itself as a medium to express the most intimate nuances of human feelings. Through a mix of interactive installations, emotional projections, and performance art, EmotionAir aims to transport visitors on an unprecedented sensory journey.
When: Though April 6, 2026
Where: The Fields Studios – Gate 1, 2828 N. Pulaski, Chicago, IL 60641
Cost: Timed-entry tickets are required. Click here to purchase tickets.
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: Opens April 9, 2026
Where: 108 West Germania Place, Chicago, IL 60610
Cost: Prices vary. Click here to purchase tickets.
Balloon Museum’s EmotionAir Exhibition
Balloon Museum’s EmotionAir Exhibition is a limited time unique exhibition that explores the profound relationship between art and emotions through the captivating medium of inflatable art. This exhibition, first presented in London in December 2023, is committed to the work of emotions, transforming artworks into mirrors to explore the profound relationship between art and emotions, action, and reaction. This is manifested tangibly through Inflatable Art, which offers itself as a medium to express the most intimate nuances of human feelings. Through a mix of interactive installations, emotional projections, and performance art, EmotionAir aims to transport visitors on an unprecedented sensory journey.
When: Extended through September 7, 2026
Where: The Fields Studios – Gate 1, 2828 N. Pulaski, Chicago, IL 60641
Cost: Timed-entry tickets are required. Click here to purchase tickets.
Attend a Candlelight Concert
Chicago’s Candlelight Concerts is a series of special classical music concerts that take place in beautiful venues bathed in candlelight. Some of the concerts taking place this April include:
Tribute to The Beatles
A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Tribute to Adele
A Tribute to Queen
Tribute to Fleetwood Mac on Strings
You can find the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago here.
See the Tulips on Michigan Avenue
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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.
See Digital Art Projections at Art on the Mart
Art on theMART, projecting contemporary artwork across the 2.5-acre river-façade of theMART, will resume in April after a four month winter hiatus.
When: 8:30-9:00pm on Thursdays through Sundays starting April 9, 2026.
Where: The Merchandise Mart, 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654. Spectators can watch the show from the jetty section of the Chicago Riverwalk on Wacker Drive between Wells Street and Franklin Street.
Visit 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, there are rotating exhibitions.
When: Thursday 11am–8pm; Friday to Monday from 11am– 5pm. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Where: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Cost: Price varies. There are discounts for Chicago and Illinois residents. Click here to buy a skip the line ticket if you want to avoid long lines.
Enjoy the Views from 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
360 CHICAGO, the observatory on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Building, has one of the best views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. (Click here to buy a skip the line ticket).
Where: 875 North Michigan Avenue, 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611
See the Spring Flower Show at the Garfield Park Conservatory
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 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.
During the entire month of April, visitors can also enjoy the annual Spring Flower Show.
Where: 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60624
Hours: Wednesday 10am-8pm; Thursday – Sunday 10am-5pm; Closed Monday and Tuesday
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.
During the entire month of April, visitors can also enjoy the annual Spring Flower Show.
Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am-5pm. Advance online reservations are required for entry.
Where: 2391 N Stockton Dr., Chicago, IL 60614
Cost: 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
See the Cherry Blossoms in Jackson Park
Did you know that Chicago has its own cherry blossoms? The area surrounding the Columbian Basin in Jackson Park, is home to about 160 cherry blossom trees that typically bloom each spring.
While you are at Jackson Park, stop at the Garden of the Phoenix, one of my favorite Chicago hidden gems. This small and peaceful Japanese garden has bridges and a koi pond.
Jackson Park is located just south of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry so you can combine your cherry blossom viewing with a visit to the museum.
When: The timing of the cherry blossoms varies annually but peak bloom usually occurs sometime from early April to early May. The peak bloom period for these trees typically lasts for about 6 to 10 days but can be shorter depending on the weather. You can track their progress on this page.
Where: Jackson Park, 6401 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
Cost: Free.
Have Fun at Navy Pier
Ride the large Ferris wheel (click here to purchase a fast pass ticket and skip the long line) for panoramic views of Chicago.
Other fun attractions at Navy Pier include Flyover in Chicago, rides and games and several restaurants, bars and shops.
Navy Pier is also home to the Chicago Children’s Museum which is perfect for toddlers and younger kids.
Watch a Baseball Game
Baseball season is here. The Chicago Cubs home opener is March 26, 2026 and the Chicago White Sox home opener is April 3, 2026.
Look for Street Art
Chicago is full of street art and there are always new murals popping up.
One of the most famous Chicago murals is “Moose Bubblegum Bubble” (pictured above) by Jacob Watts located at 33 E. Ida B. Wells Drive (formerly 33 E. Congress Parkway). It is part of the Wabash Arts Corridor and is walking distance to Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago and other 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.
Visit the Field Museum
The Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. Inside the museum you will see Maximo, the Titanosaur, the largest dinosaur that ever lived.
(Click here to purchase an Early Access VIP Tour if you want to avoid crowds).
When: Open daily 9am to 5pm (last admission at 4pm)
Where: Chicago’s Museum Campus, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605 (detailed directions and parking information is available here)
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.
Hold and Feed a Bunny
Looking for a unique thing to do in Chicago? Visit the Cuddle Bunny in Chicago, where visitors can pet and feed bunnies. Cuddle Bunny also hosts special events like yoga and story time.
Where: Cuddle Bunny, 2901 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
When: Open daily from 10am–8pm. Reservations are required.
Cost: Price varies.
Admire Spring Flowers Outdoors
There are many places in and near Chicago to admire beautiful spring flowers which usually bloom around mid to late April. 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
• 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.
• 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.
Chicago April 2026 Events
In addition to the activities mentioned above, other April 2026 events in Chicago include: The Dungeon Cocktail Experience (April 3-4, 2026), Neighbors Art Fair (April 8-12, 2026), EXPO CHICAGO Contemporary Art Fair (April 9–12, 2026), The Other Art Fair (April 9–12, 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), Hanami – Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival at Jackson Park (April 25, 2026), CineYouth Film Festival (April 24-26, 2026) and Chicago Latino Film Festival (April 16-27, 2026).
For more April 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 this April.
Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out my Chicago guides and itineraries:
- 3 Days in Chicago Itinerary + Travel Tips From a Local
- The Perfect Itinerary for One Day in Chicago (According to a Local)
- Free Things to Do in Chicago
- Most Instagrammable Places in Chicago
