35+ things to do in Chicago this April

April is a jam-packed month in Chicago — spring is on the horizon, tulips start to bloom all over the city, and weekends fill up with endless food, drink, cultural, musical, and free events.

From the start of baseball season and spring flower shows to major art fairs and film festivals, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in the city this month.

Check out our top picks for things to do in Chicago throughout the month of April.

Top events in Chicago this April

White Sox home opener (April 2): Baseball season kicks off on the South Side as the White Sox take the field against the Toronto Blue Jays. Catch more home games throughout the month.

EXPO ART WEEK (April 7 – 12): Leading up to EXPO CHICAGO, art lovers can catch an array of community events and installations in neighborhoods throughout Chicago.

EXPO CHICAGO (April 9 – 12): This top international art fair returns to Navy Pier with more than 130 leading galleries from across the globe.

Chicago Cubs home games (through April): The beloved Cubs have returned to Wrigley Field to start another exciting season in their historic ballpark.

Art on THE MART (April 9): This nightly art and light installation returns to the riverfront, kicking off with a dynamic original show by an internationally acclaimed artist.

CIVL Fest (April 16 – 25): This citywide music fest puts a spotlight on the city’s most beloved independent music venues, including stages large and small.

Chicago Latino Film Festival (April 16 – 27): For more than four decades, the film festival has hosted screenings highlighting filmmakers from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and beyond.

House Party at the Shedd Aquarium (April 18): Dance to local DJs at this high-energy house music event inside Chicago’s historic lakefront aquarium.

One of a Kind Show (April 24 – 26): Shop over 300 talented artists, makers, and designers showcasing their work and handmade goods for one weekend only at the Merchandise Mart.

International Jazz Day (select dates in April): Chicago is proud to be the official host city of International Jazz Day. The heart of this year’s celebration is a global all-star concert at the Lyric Opera, bringing over 40 iconic jazz artists to one stage.

Spring Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory (through April): Step into a lush indoor oasis during “Showers of Flowers”, featuring 80 hanging baskets of trailing vines and colorful flowers.

Theater of the Mind (through April): Co-created by David Byrne, this new immersive and participatory experience invites audiences to explore the inner workings of the mind through sound, storytelling, and interactive environments.

More events in Chicago this April

Dozin’ with the Dinos (April 3 and 10): Families can spend a night inside the Field Museum with after-hours access to exhibits, hands-on activities, and plenty of dino encounters.

South Loop Easter Egg Hunt (April 4): This egg hunt will include more than 20,000 eggs hidden around Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, alongside plenty of treats, activities, and even a visit from the Easter Bunny.

Chi-ibigan Food Festival (April 4): Come taste the very best of Chicago’s red-hot Filipino food scene, including top spots like Kasama, Bayan Ko, Del Sur, and more.

Chicago Fire FC vs. Nashville SC (April 4): Experience the unbeatable energy of Soldier Field during a Chicago Fire home match.

Center Days at Hyde Park Art Center (April 4): This free family-friendly series at the Hyde Park Art Center includes exhibits and art-making activities for kids of all ages.

Green City Market (starts April 4): The Green City Market in Lincoln Park returns for the spring season, bringing together dozens of the Midwest’s best farms and food vendors.

Windfall at Steppenwolf Theatre (starts April 9): This gripping new play from Academy Award-winning Tarrell Alvin McCraney explores family dynamics, grief, justice, and the spirit of activism.

Impressions of a City: Drawings by Marvin Young (Starts April 9): The Intuit Art Museum hosts a new exhibition featuring whimsical drawings that capture the city’s architecture, energy, and everyday moments from a lifelong South Side resident.

The Other Art Fair (April 9 – 12): Experience a different kind of art fair at Artifact Events with over 100 independent artists, alongside live performances, DJs, and cocktails.

Chicago Electronic Music Festival (April 11): This one-day music fest will take over the historic Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport with DJs, live performances, panels, and workshops.

Chicago Tea Festival (April 11 – 12): This two-day festival in the Jefferson Park neighborhood will highlight all varieties of tea, with samples, workshops, cupping sessions, and more.

Chicago Mahogany Tours (through April): Dive into the hidden histories in Chicago’s historic South and West Side neighborhoods, including Englewood, North Lawndale, Bronzeville, and beyond.

Chicago Artisan Market (April 18 – 19): Shop more than 100 artisans offering food, fashion, art, housewares, and more at this indoor market focused on handmade items.

Greek Independence Parade (April 19): The Greektown neighborhood of Chicago will celebrate the community’s heritage with a procession of traditional costumes, music, performances, and much more.

Pickwick Vintage Show (April 19): Browse curated fashion, accessories, home goods, and much more during this vintage pop-up inside the Chicago Athletic Association hotel.

Earth Week at Lincoln Park Zoo (April 20 – 26): Celebrate Earth Day all week long at the Lincoln Park Zoo with free family-friendly activities focused on sustainability and wildlife conservation.

CineYouth Festival (April 24 – 26): Now in its 21st edition, CineYouth is Cinema/Chicago’s annual film festival celebrating filmmakers 22 and younger from around the world.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (April 24 – 26): This legendary dance company is coming to The Auditorium, featuring classic works from the Ailey repertory.

Doc10 Film Festival (April 25 – May 3): The acclaimed all-documentary film festival returns to Chicago with a lineup of powerful films, along with filmmaker Q&A and special events.

Chicago Bulls at the United Center (various dates): Catch the iconic basketball team play on their home court all month long.

Madama Butterfly at Lyric Opera (through April 12): Be swept away by the classic tale of Madama Butterfly with a stunning new production breathing fresh perspective into an age-old story.

Hamilton (through April 26): The blockbuster musical returns to Chicago for a limited run at Broadway in Chicago’s CIBC Theatre.

Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell (through April): Learn the secrets behind the iconic costumes of Hamilton, Wicked, and beyond.

Glow Wild at Brookfield Zoo (through April): This new evening event features an array of glowing handcrafted lanterns, plus live performances and unique food experiences.

Chicago Humanities Spring Festival (through April): The annual Chicago Humanities Festival brings together over 60 luminaries and artists for conversations, performances, and gatherings.

Martin Wong: Chinatown USA (through April): The newest exhibit at the unique Wrightwood 659 space features vivid depictions of New York’s Chinatown, highlighting themes of community and identity.

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color (through April): The newest exhibit at the Art Institute showcases the bold, colorful world of artist Henri Matisse and his iconic cut paper works.

Balloon Museum: Emotion Air (through April): This immersive exhibit is made up of larger-than-life balloon art installations that transform air into interactive sculptures and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

National Poetry Month events (through April): The Chicago Public Library will honor the art and impact of poetry with special events and workshops at branches throughout the city.