ALL SEASONS GUIDE TO CHICAGO 1. Chicago Greeter Tours 10 FREE HIDDEN GEMS A local volunteer will customize a tour based on the interests of groups of six or less. Historic Water Tower View photography by local artists at this intimate gallery. Wander nature trails that wind through wildflowers on this picturesque peninsula. Conservatory This lovely conservatory is located next to the free Lincoln Park Zoo . Galleries and artists’ studios are housed in this welcoming haven. Hull-House Museum Human rights advocate Jane Addams is honored at this Little Italy museum. Stroll through this traditional Japanese garden in Jackson Park, located by the Museum of Science and Industry . Conservatory This lush conservatory was designed by renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen. Artist Theaster Gates turned a former bank into this vibrant Woodlawn arts center. CITY OF CHICAGO (ALL PHOTOS) 2. City Gallery in the 3. Northerly Island Lincoln Park Conservatory 4. Lincoln Park SPRING March, April, May CHICAGO IN BLOOM Green thumbs love the creative gardens, DIY workshops, and culinary demos at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show , held in March at Navy Pier. Explore on your own or join a free guided tour of Millennium Park ’s beautiful Lurie Garden , offered from May through September. At nearby Grant Park , view the ornate Buckingham Fountain and catch the nightly display of colored lights and music choreographed with the fountain’s dancing waters from early May through mid-October. See the Spring Flower Show at the lush Lincoln Park Conservatory , which displays exotic flora and fauna all year round. The Macy’s flagship store on historic State Street welcomes spring with the March Macy’s Flower Show , where flowers become art in the hands of renowned horticulturalists. SPORTS Cheer on the Chicago Cubs baseball team at historic Wrigley Field, and be sure to take a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour. Catch a Chicago White Sox baseball game at Guaranteed Rate Field and watch for the blast of fireworks every time the Sox hit a home run and win a game. Both the Chicago Cubs and White Sox stadiums are easily reached via the CTA Red Line ‘L’ train. Head to SeatGeek Stadium to see the Chicago Red Stars compete against opponents in the National Women’s Soccer League. The Chicago Sky brings some of the best professional women’s basketball players to Wintrust Arena, with on-court Wrigley Field 5. Hyde Park Art Center experiences for fans. Catch a sizzling Chicago Fire Football Club match at Soldier Field (the season typically begins in spring), the soccer team’s home stadium that’s shared with the Chicago Bears American football team and offers behind-the-scenes tours. SPRING HAPPENINGS In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in March, watch the dyeing of the Chicago River as the waters are turned emerald green in the morning, then experience the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade with its colorful floats, Irish step dancers, and bagpipers in the afternoon. Attend screenings of more than 100 feature and short films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and the United States during the Chicago Latino Film Festival in April. In May, get a taste of Illinois Craft Beer Week during events that showcase Chicago’s vibrant craft brew scene, including beer festivals and brewery events. Everything from traditional choirs to contemporary gospel groups fill the air with soulful melodies at the free Chicago Gospel Music Festival , held in May in Millennium Park. At the free Chicago House Music Festival in May, watch DJs and live performances in Millennium Park that celebrate all styles of the house music genre that was born in Chicago. 6. Jane Addams 7. Garden of the Phoenix 8. Garfield Park 9. Stony Island Arts Bank 10. The 606 Walk or rent wheels from a Divvy bike-share station in Logan Square and explore this scenic elevated trail. 10 choosechicago.com/tools
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