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It’s happened, the weather has skipped just above 60 degrees and Chicago suddenly seems full of hope and possibilities. Some of those possibilities are outdoor activities, while others are indoor activities you now have the will to leave your home to experience. Below are some of our favorite picks for what to do, see and enjoy this spring in Chicago.

Start Getting Outside

Once the weather warms even just a little a miraculous thing happens in Chicago; people are actually outside everywhere. So join in on the fun and get outside. From outdoor fests and food tours to bike rides, here’s what’s in store for spring outdoors…

Beer Under Glass at Garfield Park

Thursday, May 19th
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Enjoy the natural beauty of the Garfield Park Conservatory while drinking a brew from a huge selection of local craft breweries. You can see the list of participating breweries and restaurants, buy tickets and learn more at their website.

Lincoln Park Wine Fest

Saturday, May 21-22
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Beer not exactly your cup of alcohol? Then head over to Lincoln Park just a few days later for the Lincoln Park Wine Fest where you can sample more than 80 wines from around the world, listen to classical music and mingle outdoors in Jonquil Park.

Grapevines & Wines at Chicago Botanic Garden

Thursday, May 26
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For a slightly more affordable evening outdoors with wine, check out Grapevines & Wines, Chicago Botanic Garden’s Spring wine event. Sample wines from around the world while taking in the beauty of the botanic garden.

 Are you a garden guru or want to become one? Check out this list from our friend Emily at Sproutabl of botanical gardens to visit all over the world before you die..

18th Chicago Kids and Kites Festival

Saturday, May 7
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Let’s go fly a kite, up to the highest height! Nothing says spring like breaking out your flashiest kite, or perhaps a more traditional one and taking the family out. Head over to Cricket Hill, near Lake Shore Drive and Montrose Ave, where you can fly kites, build a kite and be amazed watching professionals with oversized, uniquely-shaped kites.

MB Bike The Drive

Sunday, May 29
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A photo posted by Matt Gilbert (@mattgilb) on


Right at the tail end of spring the MB Bike the Drive is a perfect way to say goodbye to spring and welcome summer. Register for the opportunity to ride your bike down an empty Lake Shore Drive, something that only happens this one day a year. All ages are welcome and proceeds go to the Active Transportation Alliance to make biking, walking and public transportation safer.

Take a Food Tour with Us

(nudge nudge, wink wink)

Let us show you the beauty of spring in Chicago as you experience it like a local in the neighbhorhoods we Chicagoans love.

Nearly Everyday (Even in the winter!)
See Calendar >

A photo posted by TripZone (@tripzonebr) on


We just had to throw it in. Our season has just kicked off this past month, and even if you’re a local, it’s a perfect way to kick off the spring season. Our tours are in a variety of neighborhoods including the Gold Coast/Old Town, Bucktown/Wicker Park, Lincoln Park and Chinatown.

It’s Ok To Be Inside Too!

Just because it’s starting to get warm doesn’t mean you can’t go have a great time indoors too! From movies to robots, below are some of our picks for things to do indoors in Chicago this spring.

WhiskyFest Chicago

Friday, March 18
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A photo posted by @joe_siler on


If you prefer to be indoors with your drinks and love brown spirits, check out WhiskyFest Chicago at the Hyatt Regency where you’ll find over 300 whiskies, bourbons and scotches to try.

C2E2: Chicago Comic and Entertainment

Friday, March 18-20
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A video posted by C2E2 (@c2e2) on


Be a nerd and spend the day inside. No really, we mean that with affection; go have fun! Check out the largest Chicago comic convention of the year this spring by heading over to C2E2 to meet some stars of the comic world, attend some panels and enjoy viewing the wide variety of pop culture costumes present.

More ideas for getting your nerd on this spring via Time Out Chicago.

Sound of Silent Film Festival at the Music Box

Saturday, April 16
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The Music Box is known for showing classic silent films, but on April 16th they’ll be hosting the 11th annual Sound of Silent Film Festival. The one-day festival will feature modern silent films with newly composed scores performed live.

Regram from @jazzmaster7 who took this beautiful photo of our marquee.

A photo posted by Music Box Theatre (@musicboxchicago) on

Juggernaut Sci-Fi/Fantasy Short Film Festival at the Music Box

Saturday, April 9
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If new science fiction is more your thing, the Music Box is also hosting a one-night festival of short Sci-fi/fantasy films from around the world that you won’t see anywhere else on the big screen.

National Robotics Week at Museum of Science & Industry

Saturday, April 2 -10
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Bring the sci-fi into reality with a trip to the Museum of Science & Industry to celebrate National Robotics Week. See robots designed by Chicago-area students and amateur teams, watch a live robotics competition and even interact with state-of-the-art robots.

Baconfest 2016

Saturday, April 30 – Sunday, May 1
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A photo posted by Baconfest Chicago (@baconfest) on


If you’re a truly dedicated, serious bacon lover you’ll want to pay the price for Baconfest. The best chefs of Chicago join together for a walk-around tasting featuring creative dishes starring the beloved meat.

Now it’s time to start marking your calendars and making plans. Spring is in the air and it feels so good. What’s your favorite way to ring in spring in Chicago? Let us know in the comments or on twitter @Chifoodplanet!

IMAGE SOURCE: “Bike the Drive” May 2010 by JohnPickenPhoto via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.

Chicago Food Planet offers a variety of awesome walking food tours in Chicago

Stroll through Chicago's architectural epicenter then enjoy a light lunch and a dessert treat.

Tour Length2.5 Hours
Cost$65 Adult | $50 Adolescent | Free Child
Tour Distance 1.3 miles
NeighborhoodsChicago Loop

Discover Chicago’s hottest foodie neighborhood as you nosh on cuisine from the master chefs that started a dining revolution.

Tour Length3 Hours
Cost$99 Adult With Alcohol | $85 Adult (no alcohol) | $50 Adolescent | Free Child (6 & Under)
Tour Distance0.6 Miles
NeighborhoodsWest Loop
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