This April in Chicago Has Pickle Fests, Rum Fests, and Tea Fests
These are the must-hit festivals, food and drink events, art and entertainment events, and generally fun things to do in Chicago this month.
Fool’s Spring has come and gone, and now we’re finally, thankfully, starting to see hints of Actual Spring popping up. Leaves are budding on the trees, flowers are poking up from the ground, and migratory herds of joggers, skaters, and cyclists have returned to their natural habitat on Lakefront Trail. Nature is healing, and you should take advantage, whether you want to check out the city’s best restaurants, take a trip to one of the city’s many nature spots to see the fresh snow, or have a romantic night out with your partner.
Chicago has something to offer everyone, from state parks to thrift shops to pop-ups. And if that’s not enough for you, it’s also well within driving distance of some wonderful day trip spots. Whether you want to hit the trails, relax at a spa, or test your friendship at one of our city’s escape rooms, the City of Broad Shoulders has you more than covered.
Knowing all this, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of weekend outings that are worth your time this March, from festivals to culinary experiences to concerts and beyond. Here are some of our can’t-miss favorites.
Festival Events in Chicago
April 26–28
McCormick Place, $55 and up
For many, warmer weather means long bike rides, tennis matches, and beers in the bleachers. But for those of us in the know, the first budding flowers of spring mean that C2E2 is once again around the corner. From photo ops with Samoa Joe and Sting to the finals of the most prestigious cosplay contest in the world to dozens of panels covering all things nerd, C2E2 is a legendary Chicago convention for a reason.
April 13–14
Jefferson Park, $25 and up
Pinkies out, everyone! Take your tea game to the next level by sampling some of the rarest, best, and most flavorful leaves, while learning the history, process, and philosophy behind brewing the perfect cup.
April 27
Wrigleyville, $10 and up
What could be better than getting pickled while at the same time, celebrating all things pickle? The salty stalwart Chicago Pickle Fest is back, inviting all pickle lovers to Wrigleyville. It’s kind of a big dill—the fest will feature special pickle cocktails, mocktails, and food. If dancing is more your bread and butter, you’ll be happy to know there will be live bands playing throughout the fest as well! Don’t be sour, we’re sure you’ll relish the festival—so be sure to brine your friends along too! Okay, we’ll spear you the rest of our pickle puns now, just had to get that out of the system.
Food & Drink Events in Chicago
All April Weekends
River North, $20
Stalwart Chicago speakeasy Three Dots and a Dash has joined forces with Suntory to bring some of the most famous Japanese bars to River North for one month only. The team has sourced bartenders from famed establishments like Bar Trench, Katana Kitten, SG Club, and Bar Goto to transform the Hubbard street location into a little slice of Tokyo. Oh, by the way, if those bar names sound familiar to you, that’s likely because you make a habit of keeping up on the top 50 bars in the world lists and have seen them there. As if that weren’t enough, there will be a selection of rare Japanese whiskeys on deck for tasting as well. The speakeasy will be rotating through the bars and guest bartenders every week, so be sure to visit the website to make a reservation for your chosen time.
Saturdays through November
Lincoln Park, Free
Although Green City Market was going strong through the winter, outdoor markets are always a pleasure. Green City Market is kicking off their outdoor market series with a ceremony on April 6th at their Lincoln Park location, celebrating the market’s 25th anniversary. If you miss the opening, not to worry—the market will be open on Saturdays through the fall, with the market’s West Loop location kicking off later in May.
April 20
Logan Square, $20 and up
Warm weather means it’s finally rum season. And whether you’re an industry professional or simply a sucker for sugarcane spirits, you’ll want to hop over to Logan Square Auditorium for the 8th Annual Chicago Rum Festival. Featuring tastings, seminars, and an exclusive tasting glass to take home.
Art & Entertainment Events in Chicago
April 6–7
Morgan MFG, $25 and up
We’ve all been there. After a spring cleaning, there’s always that moment where you realize your home needs more taxidermy, medical ephemera, and other beautiful, probably-haunted, one-of-a-kind knick-knacks. In all seriousness, this is not to be missed—nor is the afterparty on Saturday night.
April 7
Lakeview, Free
If you’ve visited the Schubas Garage Sale and Vintage Market before, you know that there’s pretty much no better place to grab vintage clothing, band posters, handcrafted art, and other items to help bolster your hipster cred. Stop in, get yourself a Chicago Handshake, and get some birthday gifts for the Arieses and Tauruses in your life.
April 13
The Loop, $75 and up
As if you needed an excuse to visit the Chicago Athletic Association, they’re going all out to host a fashion gala-slash-fundraiser that will feature the trashiest styles you’ve ever seen—literally. Contestants will be creating fashion-week-worthy outfits from trash, garbage, recycling, and other “post-consumer” goods, showing off their looks on the runway. If that weren’t enough, there will also be a silent auction, dancing, crafting, appetizers, and of course, a bar. The best part? Funds raised will benefit The Wasteshed’s mission of serving Chicago’s creative and educational communities.
April 19-20
Edgewater, Free!
Here’s your reminder to take it easy on 4/20 this year—yes, to be safe, but also to make sure you’re not in hardcore couch mode when the Spring Greening night market rolls around. Over 50 local vendors will be selling 420-inspired wares, munchies, and beverages, all while DJs spin danceworthy tunes. Grab a Daisy Cutter, snag some gear, and indulge.