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

Admiring art at EXPO CHICAGO
EXPO CHICAGO; photo by Kyle Flubacker

Don’t miss the Cubs home opener (April 1): Head to iconic Wrigley Field to cheer on the Chicago Cubs in their home opener against the Colorado Rockies.

Attend a top international art fair (April 11 – 14): Navy Pier will host the tenth annual EXPO CHICAGO, a global art fair featuring 170 leading galleries representing 36 countries from around the world.

Catch a film at the Chicago Latino Film Festival (April 11 – 22): This year is the 40th year of the Chicago Latino Film Festival, highlighting more than 100 films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and the United States.

Enjoy the return of Art on the Mart (April 12): This nightly art and light installation, the largest of its kind in the world, returns this spring with a special commission from artist Nora Turato, in conjunction with EXPO Chicago.

Experience the new Flyover ride at Navy Pier (through April): Flyover Chicago is an exhilarating, immersive ride that offers a multi-sensory journey through Chicago.

Head to the Garfield Park Conservatory for the Spring Flower Show (through April): The free exhibit explores the history and science of botanical nomenclature, while also showcasing the most beautiful spring blooms.

See a surreal performance from the Joffrey Ballet (starts April 25): The prestigious Joffrey Ballet will fuse both classical and contemporary styles in their latest production, set during a traditional Scandinavian summer solstice festival.

Catch a film at the Asian Pop-Up Cinema (through April 21): This year is the 18th season of the Asian Pop-Up Cinema, when theatres across Chicago will host screenings of a diverse selection of Asian films.

Expand your mind with the Chicago Humanities Festival (through April): The spring season brings over 60 events featuring an array of talent, including former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, Judith Butler, Elizabeth Kolbert, Frank Bruni, and many more.

Catch your favorites at C2E2 (April 26 – 28): The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo takes over McCormick Place and features all things pop culture, plus celebrity guests like Darren Criss and Christopher Lloyd.

Shop at the One of a Kind Show (April 26 – 28): 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

A family enjoys Morton Arboretum in spring
Morton Arboretum in spring

Cheer on the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field (April 6, 20, and 27): Feel the thrill of live soccer as the Chicago Fire takes the field at their home stadium on the lakefront.

Have an art-filled Sunday in Hyde Park (April 6): The Hyde Park Art Center opens its doors for families to explore their exhibits and take part in art-making activities.

Browse the Oddities Flea Market (April 6 – 7): Morgan Manufacturing in the West Loop is home to a two-day flea market with a special focus on natural history items, anatomical curiosities, taxidermy, one-of-a-kind art, and much more.

Shop the Green City Market (starting April 6): The iconic Lincoln Park Green City Market returns this spring with dozens of vendors, from local and Midwest farms to restaurants, bakeries, and more.

Shop at Chicago Artisan Market (April 6 – 7): Head to Artifact Events in Ravenswood to shop this artisan market, featuring local favorite food, fashion, art, and more.

Bring the family to Peter Pan the Musical (through April 7): The beloved story of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell is coming to the James M. Nederlander Theater for a special limited run of the magical kid-friendly musical.

Check out the Greek Heritage Parade (April 7): The Greektown neighborhood of Chicago will be celebrating the rich Hellenic history and culture throughout Chicago with the Greek Heritage Parade, including traditional costumes, music, troupe performances, and much more.

Listen to a candlelight concert (through April): Candlelight concerts across Chicago feature string quartet performances in unique venues, highlighting music from Coldplay, Taylor Swift, The Arctic Monkeys, and Imagine Dragons.

Watch the solar eclipse at The DuSable (April 8): This Washington Park museum will host a public watch party with viewing glasses and a telescope.

See lesser known Picasso works at The Art Institute (through April 8): Over 60 of Picasso’s rare works on paper are showcased at the Picasso, Drawing from Life exhibit, providing a unique glimpse into the artist himself.

Check out The Other Art Fair (April 11 – 14): Artifact Events in Ravenswood will be home to this year’s The Other Art Fair, a different kind of art exhibition that combines affordable and original artworks from over 100 independent artists, showcasing immersive installations, performances, DJs, and cocktails.

Browse vintage books at Paper or Plastic (April 12 – 14): The West Loop pop-up event offers a curated variety of vintage books and records, including special first-editions.

Sip local beers at Northwest Brewfest (April 13): This local tasting event lets you sample sips and meet the brewers from breweries on the city’s northwest side.

See A Year with Frog & Toad (opens April 13): The Chicago Children’s Theater is now showing the Tony-nominated musical, A Year with Frog & Toad, based on the popular children’s book. The story follows two best friends, cheerful Frog and grumpy but lovable Toad, through four, fun-filled seasons.

Sip and savor at the Chicago Tea Festival (April 13 – 14): Head to the Copernicus Center for a two-day festival highlighting all varieties and samplings of tea, tea workshops, cupping sessions, and more.

Celebrate local artists in Pullman (starts April 13): The Block House Gallery will be showcasing the many artists who live and work inside the Pullman Artspace Lofts with this spring show.

Attend a coffee cupping from a local roaster (April 14): Big Shoulders Coffee is opening up their Pilsen roastery for a public cupping event in honor of the Specialty Coffee Expo.

Don’t miss the Disney 100 Exhibit (through April 14): Experience Disney magic throughout this exhibition showcasing hundreds of specialty props, art, and costumes from beloved Disney classics.

Explore the Adler Planetarium after dark (through April): Every Wednesday evening, head to the Adler Planetarium for special late-night hours from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and enjoy hands-on activities and experiences all about our universe.

Grab tickets for the Chicago Rum Festival (April 20): The Logan Square Auditorium will host the eighth annual Chicago Rum Fest, a boutique event with both educational sessions and plenty of samples to enjoy.

Check out Bingo Loco (April 20): Bingo Loco isn’t your average bingo. This interactive stage show features dance-offs, lip sync battles, confetti showers, prizes, and so much more at Recess Chicago in the West Loop.

Bring your pup to Morton Arboretum (April 21): Your canine companion is welcome to explore this sprawling green space on special dog admission days.

Learn about the influence of Black Chicago (April 22): Head to Andersonville’s Women and Children First bookshop to see local author Arionne Nettles discuss her new book, We are the Culture: Black Chicago’s Influence on Everything!

Get ready for Pickle Fest (April 27): If you’re a pickle lover, you won’t want to miss Pickle Fest in Wrigleyville, which is an all-day street fest-style event featuring pickle cocktails, mocktails, food, live music, and more.

Be mesmerized by South Chicago Dance Theatre (April 27): This local company will perform their signature blend of classical and contemporary dance at the landmark Auditorium Theatre.

Stroll the Toast of Uptown Wine Walk (April 28): Spend an afternoon strolling and sipping in the Buena Park and Sheridan Park neighborhoods in Uptown, with wine samples and light bites at local stores.

Head to Lincoln Park Conservatory for the Spring Flower Show (through April): Spring has sprung at the Lincoln Park Conservatory during this free spring flower show.

Bike through the Bikes + Brews Tour (through April): What better way to explore Chicago than by bike? This four-hour, leisurely guided bicycle tour is informative, and filled with food including deep-dish pizza, a Chicago-style hot dog, legendary craft beer, and more.

Celebrate Mexican spirits at the Bridgeport Art Center (April 28): Mexico in a Bottle will honor the flavors and craft of the Mexican spirits industry, including rum, whiskey, gin, wine, beer, mezcal, and more.

Indulge at the Museum of Ice Cream (through April): Part whimsy and part delicious, the Museum of Ice Cream features 14 magical installations and the option to sample various sweet treats throughout the museum.