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 to 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 these top picks for things to do in Chicago throughout the month of April.
Top events in Chicago this April
Chicago Latino Film Festival (April 3 – 14): This year is the 41st year of the Chicago Latino Film Festival, highlighting more than 100 films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and the United States.
Chicago Cubs home opener (April 4): Head to iconic Wrigley Field to cheer on the Chicago Cubs in their home opener against the San Diego Padres.
Grand Opening Weekend at the National Public Housing Museum (April 4 – 6): Explore inaugural exhibits and installations, along with talks, tours, workshops, and more at this groundbreaking new museum.
EXPO CHICAGO Contemporary Art Fair (April 24 – 27): Navy Pier will host the 12th annual EXPO CHICAGO, a global art fair featuring more than 170 leading galleries representing 36 countries from around the world.
Art on THE MART (begins April 25): This nightly art and light installation, the largest of its kind in the world, returns this spring with a special commission from contemporary digital artist Shana Moulton.
Spring Flower Show at the Garfield Park Conservatory (through April): The annual exhibit showcases the most beautiful spring blooms, spread between the many gardens of this soaring conservatory.
Asian Pop-Up Cinema (through April 13): This year is the 19th season of Asian Pop-Up Cinema, when theatres across Chicago host screenings of a diverse selection of Asian films.
Chicago Humanities Festival (through April): The spring season brings over 60 events featuring an array of luminaries, including Ezra Klein, Jon Batiste, Melissa Clark, Ocean Vuong, and more.
Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) (April 11 – 13): The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo features all things pop culture, plus celebrity guests like Denise Richards, the cast of The Breakfast Club, John Boyega, and more.
One of a Kind Show (April 25 – 27): The Merchandise Mart will be hosting a special shopping experience featuring over 300 talented artists, makers, and designers showcasing their work and handmade goods.
More events in Chicago this April
Chicago Musical Theatre Festival (April 3 – 6): Get your tickets for this exciting celebration of new musicals at The Chopin Theatre in Wicker Park.
Soaring by Giordano Dance Chicago (April 4 – 5): The Harris Theater in Millennium Park hosts SOARING: Life, Light, and Legacy, featuring an original musical score and new works by an award-winning choreographer.
La La Land Live in Chicago (April 5): This beloved film will come to life at the Auditorium Theatre, with a full orchestra and jazz band performing the acclaimed soundtrack.
Green City Market (starting April 5): The Green City Market in Lincoln Park returns this spring with dozens of vendors, from local and Midwest farms to restaurants, bakeries, and more each Saturday morning.
Robot Block Party at the Museum of Science and Industry (April 5 – 6): Celebrate National Robotics Week at the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, featuring a variety of cool robots and activities.
Greek Independence Day Parade (April 6): The Greektown neighborhood of Chicago will be celebrating Hellenic history and culture at this annual parade, featuring traditional costumes, music, troupe performances, and much more.
Blood Wolf Moon at Poetry Foundation (April 10): This evening of poetry readings and artist talks is part of a programming partnership with the Center for Native Futures.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra x The Joffrey Ballet (April 10 – 13): This acclaimed group offers a wide variety of programming in April, including an exciting hybrid performance with the world-renowned Joffrey Ballet dancers.
Mandala South Asian Performing Arts anniversary celebration (April 10): This immersive evening will honor the tradition and innovation of South Asian performing arts with music and performances throughout the venue.
Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris at Art Institute of Chicago (through April): Don’t miss the Art Institute of Chicago’s first-ever dedicated exhibition to Kahlo’s work.
Historic Pullman Foundation Speaker Series (April 10): This year’s speaker series kicks off with a fascinating talk on the history and relationship between Pullman and Lake Calumet.
Chicago Tea Festival (April 12 – 13): The Copernicus Center hosts a two-day festival highlighting all varieties and samplings of tea, tea workshops, cupping sessions, and more.
Chicago Artisan Market (April 12 – 13): Head to Artifact Events in Ravenswood to shop this annual artisan market, featuring food, fashion, art, and more.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago Spring Fest (April 12 – 13): Celebrate the start of spring with performances, seasonal snacks, art vendors, and more at Brookfield Zoo.
Chicago Fire FC vs. Inter Miami CF (April 13): At lakefront Soldier Field, this highly anticipated match will pit the Chicago Fire against Miami, home to soccer star Lionel Messi.
Spring Flower Show at the Lincoln Park Conservatory (through April): Spring has sprung at the Lincoln Park Conservatory during this free spring flower show.
Center Day at Hyde Park Art Center (April 19): The Hyde Park Art Center opens its doors for families to enjoy performances, exhibits, open studios, and art-making activities.
Spring Egg-Stravaganza at Lincoln Park Zoo (April 19): Hop to this historic zoo for an egg hunt, photos with the Easter bunny, and other fun family-friendly activities.
Riverdance at Cadillac Palace Theatre (April 23 – 27): This 30th-anniversary celebration will fuse traditional and contemporary Irish dance into one mesmerizing performance.
Doc 10 Film Festival (April 25 – May 4) This curated film festival presents a selection of 10 documentary films in venues around Chicago, with opening night at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Randolph Street Market (April 27): In Ravenswood, the Modern Vintage Chicago Fashion and Home show by Randolph Street Market will include a stunning selection of vintage jewelry, clothing, housewares, decor, and more.
One Earth Film Festival (April 22 – 28): This citywide film festival returns for its 14th season with a variety of free screenings focused on collective action and sustainability.
If Uganda Was America at The Renaissance Society (through April 27): This site-specific installation is the first in the United States for Wakaliga Uganda, known as Uganda’s Tarantino.
