Looking for something fun to do this May? Well, look no further!
May in Chicago is when outdoor events pick back up, patios begin to open, and the weather finally starts to warm up. So, plan ahead and get your May booked with these fun activities.
Best Activities in Chicago in May:
Navy Pier Fireworks
- Fireworks begin May 27th and happen every Wednesday at 9 pm and every Saturday at 10 pm
Buckingham Fountain
- The fountain officially turns on May 13 from 12 – 3 pm during the Switch on Summer event where there will be live entertainment, giveaways, and family-friendly games
- After May 13th the fountain runs daily in the summer from 8 am – 11 pm, with a 20-minute water display every hour
Movies at Gallagher Way
- Movies will start back up on May 17 with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and May 31 with E.T.
- General admission is free and there is also VIP access available for an additional charge
Wellness on the Water
- Group fitness class and brunch at Offshore Rooftop located at Navy Pier
- Available May 7th and May 20th from 10 am – 12 pm
- Buy tickets here
Concerts/Shows:
- Hayley Kiyoko: May 4th at the House of Blues
- half alive: May 5th at the House of Blues
- Luke Combs: May 6th at Soldier Field
- Chase Rice: May 13th at Gallagher Way
- Tina Fey and Amy Poehler: May 19th – 21st
- Janet Jackson: May 27th at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in Tinley Park
Festivals:
- Chicago Humanities Spring Festival: multiple dates and locations
- Markets for Makers: May 6 – 7 in Ravenswood
- Manifest Arts Festival: May 12 in the Loop
- Mayfest: May 12 -14 in Lincoln Park
- Spring Fling Artisan Market: May 20 at Third Space Chicago
- Mole de Mayo Festival: May 26 – 28 in Pilsen
- Suenos Music Festival: May 27 – 28 at Grant Park
- Belmont Sheffield Music Fest: May 27 – 28 in Lakeview
- Randolph Street Market: May 27 – 28 in the West Loop
Farmers Markets:
The farmer’s markets listed below are ones that start in May. See the complete list here for other farmer’s markets that already started in April or ones that will open in June.
- Uptown Farmers Market starts May 3 and is every Wednesday from 2:30 pm – 7 pm
- Division Street City Market starts May 6 and is every Saturday from 7 am – 12 pm
- Daley Plaza City Market starts May 11 and is every Thursday from 7 am – 2 pm
- Illinois Tech Farmer’s Market starts May 20 and is every Saturday from 10 am – 1 pm
- Northwest Side Farmers Market is May 21 from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
- Maxwell Street Market starts May 28 and is every Sunday from 9 am – 3 pm
Comment below with other fun activities to do in May!