Searching for what to do this weekend in Chicago? Below are the top things to do in Chicago this weekend (April 26-28, 2024). You can find the best things to do next weekend here.
I suggest bookmarking this blog post as I will be updating it regularly with new events and activities.
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.
Best This Weekend Events in Chicago
Below are the best weekend events in Chicago:
One of a Kind Spring Show – April 26-28, 2024
The One of a Kind Spring Show One of a Kind Spring Show is returning to THE MART from Friday, April 26 through Sunday, April 28. The One of a Kind Spring Show is the premier shopping event in Chicago featuring over 350 talented artists and makers with one-of-a-kind treasures made for any individual. While exploring the wide array goods, savor gourmet eats, live music and immersive activities. Tickets are $15 and provide entry for all 3 days of the show and can be purchased on their website.
Howard Street Carnaval – Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM
The inaugural Howard Street Carnaval is a celebration of African and Caribbean diaspora culture that will take place in Rogers Park on Howard Street in Chicago. The free event will feature a vibrant parade, live music, delicious food, colorful dancing, unique vendors, and an amazing concert to conclude the festivities. The Carnaval will kick off with a grand parade featuring an array of dazzling costumes, intricate floats, and mesmerizing dance performances that pay homage to both African and Caribbean folklore and contemporary arts. The rhythmic drum beats and soulful melodies from live bands will set the tempo for a day filled with dance, music, and joy. There will bea wide array of food vendors serving authentic culinary delights. Savor the flavors of spicy jerk chicken, tender goat curry, aromatic jollof rice, and sweet plantain dishes, each bite transporting you to the streets of Kingston, Lagos, and beyond.
More This Weekend Events in Chicago
Below are more events taking place this weekend in Chicago:
Arbor Day Tour at Lincoln Park Zoo – Friday, April 26, 2024 | Free
Chalo Haso Desi Comedy Showcase – Friday, April 26, 2024
Magic VS Science hosted by Thom Britton and Jacob Mayfield – Friday, April 26, 2024
Sofar Sounds West Town – Friday, April 26, 2024
Zoo-ologie, hosted by the Auxiliary Board of Lincoln Park Zoo – Friday, April 26, 2024
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift – Saturday, April 27, 2024
Trashy Earth Market – Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 11 am- 4 pm
Spring Open Studio & Gallery Exhibition at Greenleaf Art Center – Saturday, April 27, 2024
Flower Arrangement Class at Oaken Bistro + Bar – Saturday, April 27, 2024
28th Annual Ravenswood Run – Sunday, April 28, 2024
AirOtic Soirée: A Sensual Cirque Cabaret! – April 26-27, 2024
C2E2: Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo – April 26-28, 2024
Chicago Palestine Film Festival – Through May 4, 2024
The Unfair Advantage – Through May 5, 2024
More Things to Do in Chicago This Weekend
In addition to the weekend events listed above, below are more of the best things to do in Chicago this weekend:
Check Out the New Flyover Chicago at Navy Pier
Flyover Chicago, an immersive flyover experience, is Chicago’s newest attraction.
Other fun attractions at Navy Pier include a large Ferris wheel (click here to purchase a fast pass ticket and skip the long line) and other rides and games.
Navy Pier is also home to the Chicago Children’s Museum which is perfect for toddlers and younger kids.
See Digital Art Projections at Art on the Mart
Art on theMART, projecting contemporary artwork across the 2.5-acre river-façade of theMART, recently resumed its nightly shows with a new commission by internationally acclaimed artist Nora Turato.
When: 30-minute program of projections are shown twice nightly.
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.
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 see this year’s Spring Flower Show, What’s in a Name?, which explains the history and science of botanical nomenclature alongside a beautiful flower show full of blooms.
Where: 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60624
Hours: Wednesday 10am-8pm; Thursday – Sunday 10am-5pm; Closed Monday and Tuesday
Cost: FREE (suggested donation)
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 for entry.
During the entire month of April, visitors can see this year’s “Sweet Gnome Chicago” Spring Flower Show.
Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am-5pm.
Where: 2391 N Stockton Dr., Chicago, IL 60614
Cost: FREE
Titanic: The Exhibition
Titanic: The Exhibition is ending its limited time run in the Chicago area soon. This interactive experience allows you to step inside recreations of the Titanic’s interior. Immerse yourself in the stories of its passengers, see hundreds of artifacts, and discover the tale of the design, creation, launch, maiden voyage, and tragedy of the historic ship.
Where: 4963 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, IL 60077 (about 17 miles from downtown Chicago)
Cost: Price varies. Click here for full prices and to purchase tickets in advance.
Go to a Tulip Festival
Tulips are in full bloom in the Chicago area. You can see tulips on Michigan Avenue medians from Oak Street to Roosevelt Road.
If you want to head to the suburbs, there are two (2) local tulip festivals taking place on this weekend:
- Midwest Tulip Fest at Kuipers Family Farm (Maple Park)
- Tulip Festival at Richardson Farm (Spring Grove)
You can see see more places to to see tulips in and near Chicago here.
As you can see there are many things to do in Chicago this weekend. If you are looking for things to do during the week, here are more things to do in Chicago in April.
