Spring is officially here, and we’re rounding up our favorite things to do in Chicago in April. Marked by Chicago’s breathtaking Chicagohenge spring equinox spectacle, from here on out, things start to look up each year.
The notorious Midwest winter has passed us by, and Chicago is gearing up for bloom, growth, and warmer days ahead. At the same time, events and activities across the city offer countless possibilities for having fun.
There’s so much to do regardless of whether we’re treated to sunshine or April showers, so here are the best things to do in Chicago in April and how to fully embrace the spring cheer.
1. Gaze up at the Great North American Solar Eclipse
One of the first things to have in your diary this month is not necessarily Chicago-specific, but a potentially once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
On Monday, April 8th, 2024, a total solar eclipse will occur which is being dubbed “the Great North American Solar Eclipse” due to its expected exceptional length and visibility.
North America will by far experience the best of the total solar eclipse with the moon blocking the sun’s face along a path crossing Mexico, the United States, near Chicago and up into East Canada hence the name “Great North American Solar Eclipse”.
Achieving a maximum duration of 4 minutes and 28.2 seconds in some parts and spanning a path of totality that will stretch over 125 mile, April 8’s solar eclipse is expected to be an exceptional experience.
Read more about the Great North American Solar Eclipse.
2. Take in the tulips of Michigan Avenue
Every fall, the City of Chicago plants tens of thousands of tulip bulbs in the Michigan Avenue medians from Oak Street to Roosevelt Road. In April, these bulbs then begin opening up and filling Michigan Avenue with a kaleidoscopic sea of tulips. They have become synonymous with the arrival of spring in Chicago and immediately fill the air and city with spring cheer.
Perusing the stunning spectacle is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Chicago in April.
3. Catch the cherry blossoms bloom
If you can’t get enough of that floral fun, one of the best things to do in Chicago in April is to see the cherry blossoms. Another impressive spectacle is provided by the cherry blossom trees in full bloom.
Typically, the sakura blooms start within the first two weeks of April in Chicago. Though it can be a guessing game, they could flourish at their peak towards the end of April.
The soft, delicate blossoms only bloom for a week or two, making it a rare sight, especially when options for where to see them in Chicago are somewhat limited.
If you want to behold the blooming season this year, head to our article on where to view the cherry blossoms in Chicago this spring and take a look at our map with all the hot cherry blossom viewing spots.
4. Check out a Chicago spring flower show
Not to go over-the-top on floral fun, but of the spring activities that begin announcing themselves in March and April, the flower shows at Chicago’s fantastic conservatories are some of the most eagerly anticipated.
Spring flower shows have already begun at both Garfield Park Conservatory and Lincoln Park Conservatory.
The latter, one of Chicago’s oldest public gardens, ‘Sweet Gnome Chicago’ features nearly 300 gnomes of varying sizes and materials that have taken up residence in all of the Lincoln Park Conservatory display houses “with particular focus on the Show House”.
Vignettes of the whimsical creatures are set amongst vibrant and gorgeous spring flowering shrubs, perennials, annuals, and bulbs including Foxy Foxtrot Tulips, Garden Party Lilies, Blueberry Thrill Violas, and hundreds of other blooming beauties.
Read more about Lincoln Park Conservatory’s ‘Sweet Gnome Chicago’.
5. Welcome back the ART on THE MART projections
One of the lights at the end of the tunnel comes as artistic projections on the 2.5-acre river façade of the Merchandise Mart every year. It has been several months since Chicago has been treated to stunning art spectacles, but now, after some spellbinding displays last year, ART on The MART is about to return for its 2024 run.
One of the best things to do in Chicago in April, on Friday, April 12, at 8:30 pm, ART on The MART will fire up all 34 digital projectors for its Spring 2024 Program and once again breathe life into the 25-story-tall face of the Merchandise Mart every night through June 5.
This spring, the program features a commission by internationally acclaimed artist Nora Turato alongside the Chicago Public Schools projections “made in conjunction with the All-City Visual Arts program and featuring artwork by CPS seniors.”
Read more about the ART on The MART’s 2024 spring program.
6. Watch a series of films at the Chicago Latino Film Festival
The Chicago Latino Film Fest is going on its 40th year, showcasing films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and the United States.
Screenings will take place April 11th to 22nd at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema and AMC River East with a dazzling lineup that includes Love & Mathematics, Mamacruz, and many more big films.
Check out the full Chicago Latino Film Festival schedule.
7. Sip and Paint fluro colors at the ‘Neon Brush’ experience
If you’re feeling artistic, the one-of-a-kind art experience inspires you to get creative and brush up on your painting skills, but it’s way more than your typical art workshop.
Having challenged thousands in cities around the world to paint outside the box (and paint in the dark), Neon Brush is taking place in Chicago this April. Using fluorescent neon paints that illuminate under UV lights, you’ll paint to your own tune as you create your dazzling masterpiece.
Hosted at Artifact Events, these fun-filled masterclasses are the perfect way to unwind after work or feed innovation on the weekend and discover where your creative flare can take you.
Grab tickets and enjoy an exciting art adventure in Chicago this month.
8-11. Be captivated by a Candlelight Concert
Step into Chicago’s most exquisite spaces to experience some unforgettable performances. The beloved Candlelight series has organized an array of talented musicians performing at the city’s best venues illuminated with hundreds of candles, and there are some extra special candlelight concerts in Chicago this spring.
Here are some of our favorite Candlelight concerts taking place this month:
- Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More at Theater on the Lake on April 11
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Arctic Monkeys at Stan Mansion on April 13
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift at Arts Center of Oak Park on April 27
See the full list of candlelight concerts taking place in Chicago this spring.
In fact, if you’re struggling to think of a present for someone, you can do far worse than a ticket to an exclusive concert illuminated with thousands of candles.
Candlelight gift cards are valid for any Candlelight concert, making them a unique and exciting gift for friends or family!
12. Send your senses soaring with a Dining in the Dark experience
Engage your taste buds at a unique night out as you indulge in a delicious three-course meal at the exclusive ‘Dining in The Dark’ dinner parties.
Take your date night to the next level or enjoy a surreal experience with friends, tempting your senses with dark surroundings to focus on more important things like the exquisite food and wine pairing you’re about to try.
Diners can choose vegan, seafood, or red meat options, enjoying a starter, main entree, and dessert.
Grab tickets to a Dining in the Dark experience.
13. Sail into the past at this fascinating Titanic exhibit
The acclaimed Titanic exhibition has docked in Skokie offering guests the chance to learn more about this iconic vessel’s moving story.
Titanic: The Exhibition goes deep into the history of the world’s most famous ship.
With over 300 real artifacts, a virtual reality experience, and recreations of parts of the Titanic, you can explore everything about the vessel’s inspiring creation, tragic voyage, and stunning recovery.
14. Go treasure hunting at an iconic antique emporium
Architectural Artifacts owner Stuart Grannen, who is incidentally also the nation’s leading treasurologist, announced in February that the expansive antique emporium will close its doors on Monday, April 15th bringing a 37-year Chicago legacy to an end.
Though it will be sadly closing this month, it also means there are two weeks to go and bag yourself some treasure at Antique Artifacts before it moves across the country!
Read more about Architectural Artifacts.
15. Ride Chicago’s brand-new ‘FlyOver’ experience
For those who may have missed it, Chicago’s much anticipated new attraction, the FlyOver experience, opened at Navy Pier last month after more than $40 million and years of work. It remains one of our favorite things to do in Chicago in April.
Situated directly across from the Chicago Children’s Museum where the IMAX theater once stood, the exciting 48,000-square-foot immersive experience suspends riders above the city’s incredible skyline courtesy of a massive 65-foot spherical screen that surrounds riders as flight motion seats take them soaring from location to location.
Read more about the immersive ‘FlyOver’ experience.
16. Dive deep beneath the waves at Field Museum’s new interactive ‘Unseen Oceans’ exhibition
From the sky to the sea, another exciting new exhibition launched last month can be found at Chicago’s Field Museum. “Unseen Oceans” takes guests to “a whole world hidden beneath the waves of the ocean” inviting them to marvel at life-sized projections of bizarre and bewildering deep sea creatures very rarely seen by the human eye.
From exploring an immersive underwater cavern to jumping inside an interactive deep-sea submersible and piloting through the depths alongside ocean creatures, guests can experience the unworldly realms of the ocean’s darkest corners from the comfort of inside the Field Museum’s walls.
Read more about the Field Museum’s Unseen Oceans exhibit.
17. Enjoy free admission to the Field Museum on a Wednesday
On the topic of the Field Museum, at the start of the year the museum announced a new regular free admission day for all of 2024.
The most popular museums and attractions in Chicago have nearly always announced random free days throughout the year, especially during the months that are quiet for Chicago’s tourism industry.
This year, however, the Field Museum is doing things a little differently and the iconic museum invites Illinois Residents to enjoy free admission every Wednesday of 2024.
Read more about Field Museum’s free Wednesdays.
18. Spend an evening at Shedd Aquarium for free
Another place that has recently announced a schedule of free admission slots is none other than Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium.
Following in Field Museum’s footsteps, the beloved aquarium is offering free entry every Tuesday evening of spring through to the end of June.
Illinois Residents can enter the beloved aquarium from 5 p.m. through to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays this April.
Read more about free Tuesday evenings at the Shedd Aquarium.
19. Check out the Museum of Science and Industry’s new James Bond exhibit
Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, which holds the title of the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere and one of the largest science museums in the world, also launched a brand new exhibition in March.
Titled 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond, the new exhibit spotlights the world of none other than history’s most famous fictional spy and is the first-ever official exhibition to focus on the science and technology behind the world’s longest-running movie franchise.
Read more about the 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond exhibit.
20. Drink cocktails at the new 360 CHICAGO bar up in the clouds
Sitting 1,000 feet above Chicago on the 94th floor, European design meets Chicago’s neighborhoods at 360 CHICAGO’s CloudBar. If you’re looking for things to do in Chicago in spring to impress friends that include cocktails, head here.
The 18-seat lounge bar celebrates the 77 boroughs with a locally inspired menu and illustrations from renowned Chicago street artist— Lauren Asta. Sip on an Orange Line or opt for the Gold Coast Manhattan and take in the breathtaking views at the $2 million lounge this month.
Read more about the 360 Chicago Cloud Bar.
21. Revel in one of Chicago’s best speakeasies
One of the best things to do in Chicago in April is heading to this electric speakeasy is near Fulton Market. Upstairs at Nisos, The Lounge is an alluring, hidden cocktail lounge (hint: look for the bookshelf) tucked away on the second floor of Nisos Prime. The 2,000-square-foot room offers a wondrous, carefree late-night experience full of energy and music and transports guests to the nightlife of the Mediterranean.
Read more about Chicago’s best speakeasies.
22. Try an escape room in Chicago
While at speakeasies the challenge can be getting in, at Chicago’s escape rooms the challenge is getting out. A great plan for families, friends, or work events, escape rooms put your problem-solving skills to the test with puzzles, clues, and tasks designed for groups or all ages to enjoy.
Luckily, Chicago has an array of exciting escape rooms from which to choose!
23. Buckel up for a Drunk Shakespeare show
Another brilliant Chicago experience comes in the form of a live Drunk Shakespeare show.
On a stage in a hidden speakeasy behind the Chicago Theater, guests will find a glam cocktail bar and library with over 10,000 books. Five classically-trained actors meet as members of “The Drunk Shakespeare Society.” One of them has had at least five shots of a strong spirit, and then they (quite over-confidently) attempt to perform a major role in a Shakespearean play!
Hilarity and mayhem ensue while the four sober actors try to keep the script on track. Every show is different depending on who is drinking… and what they’re drinking!
Grab tickets to a Drunk Shakespeare show.
24. Chuckle away at Chicago comedy show
If you’re looking for more laughs, there’s no place better for that than at a Chicago comedy show. Famous for its production of funny guys and girls, Chicago has some of the best places to see a comedy show in the country.
At Laugh Factory Chicago, some of today’s biggest names and local comedians are delivering something for every taste and style throughout the year.
Grab tickets to a show at Laugh Factory Chicago.
25. Gaze at the stars at the Adler Planetarium for free
Talking of theatrical experiences, Chicago’s Adler Planetarium is currently offering a new Afrofuturistic multiverse experience in its Grainger Sky Theater titled Niyah and the Multiverse.
Perfect for those with kids, it takes guests on a visually stunning journey as a curious Chicago pre-teen travels through the multiverse.
Adler Planetarium is always worth a visit and makes for a great April activity before sunset gets later and later. Illinois residents can enter for free every Wednesday evening from 4-10 pm provided they bring proof of residency and enjoy access to the largest public telescope in the Midwest as well as a range of exciting astronomy events and activities.
More information and tickets can be found at adlerplanetarium.org.
26. Try an indoor skydiving experience
For dare devils and fun seekers, you might be interested in testing your skydiving skills in one of Chicago’s state-of-the-art indoor skydiving centers this April.
One of the best things you can do in Chicago this month is head to iFly Indoor Skydiving Center in Lincoln Park or iFly Indoor Skydiving Center in Rosemont..
Kids and adults can experience the same sensation you’d get 12,000 feet up in the sky. If you feel you have what it takes, you can test your vertigo above Chicago’s iconic skyline at Skydive Chicago, one of the world’s largest skydiving resorts.
Read more about the indoor skydiving experience.
27. Head out of the city and see Illinois’ natural spectacles
Ok, we know this one isn’t strictly in Chicago but with so much going on in the city, one of the best things to do in Chicago in April is escape to the quiet of Illinois’ natural beauty and explore the natural spectacles a short journey from the city.
Though our state may not boast wonders with the universal magnitude of the Grand Canyon nor the grandiose reputation of Niagra Falls, Illinois is teeming with diverse ecological landscapes that transform into incredible natural paradises this time of the year.
From monolithic marvels to cascading waterfalls, we’ve selected seven natural wonders of Illinois that you can visit during their spring transformation:
Read the full article to discover our seven natural wonders of Illinois.
28. Stay in a Starved Rock Getaway cabin
For an even more prolonged experience in nature, Getaway House is a chain of tiny cabin hideaways that helps people in big, bustling cities like Chicago, DC, LA and NYC disconnect from their busy city lives with restorative stays in the middle of nature.
One of the aforementioned spots, Starved Rock State Park, has a selection of minimalistic cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing guests to wake up fully immersed in the wilderness.
Located in lush landscapes and with minimalist yet comfortable designs, they offer the perfect escape for those wanting to disconnect from busy city lives with restorative stays in the middle of nature.
Read more about Getaway experiences.
29. Discover the Windy City’s small pockets of Eden
Of course, you don’t have to leave the Windy City to find natural escapes. One of the best things to do in Chicago in April is taking in the nature all around you; there are many places you can get back in touch with Mother Nature right here in the city, and there is no better time than the start of spring.
The Lakefront, lush parks, and incredible hiking trails offer great natural experiences, but Chicago also has numerous secret gardens hidden across the city.
Read our full article on 10 of the best spots around the city to stop and smell the roses.
30. Warm up and revitalize at Chicago’s most unique spas
After battling through the bleak of winter, one of the best things to do in Chicago in April is head to a spa. You’ve got to consider your well-being after these hostile months, especially if you’re spending time outdoors exploring nature or doing extreme sports.
Luckily Chicago is full of answers and there’s no better place to relax and unwind than at Chicago’s many serene spas and bathhouses.
From places like River North’s lavish AIRE Ancient Baths inspired by the traditional Roman, Greek, and Ottoman ancient experience of bathing to the unique PIVA Beer Spa offering huge larch wooden tubs filled with near 100-degree beer, herbs, and hops there are so many options in Chicago.
Head to our Secret Chicago list of Chicago’s best spas for an informative guide.
31. Head to The Other Art Fair In Chicago
One of the best things to do in Chicago in April is heading to one of the most artistic and vibrant Chicago festivals. The Other Art Fair returns for its 6th Chicago edition at Artifact Events from April 11-14, 2024, featuring original works of art from independent artists. Over 110 talented artists will be showcased, all of whom have been specially selected by an expert-led selection committee.