Things to Do in Chicago in May

As the temps continue to rise in Chicago, restaurants begin to open their outdoor decks, sidewalk patios, and hidden beer gardens, boats fill the marinas, and the sounds of the “7th Inning Stretch” echo throughout Wrigleyville.

Everything great about summer in Chicago begins to kick off, and though some days can still be cold, wet, and windy, even the occasional wintry weather can’t dampen the spirits of Chicagoans who are just happy to be back outside after a long winter indoors.

Here are some of the highlights of May’s event calendar in Chicago.

May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 - Free admission at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, with free tours on Tuesdays at 1pm, 2pm and 6pm

May 5, 12, 19, 26 – Free admission at the Art Institute from 5pm to 8pm

May 5, 12, 19, 26 – Free admission at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

May 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 – Free tours of Half Acre Beer Company at 1pm. RSVP required.

May 7, 14, 21, 28 - Free for All. Free improv comedy shows at the Playground. Best of all, shows are BYOB.

May 7, 14, 21, 28 – DuSable Museum of African American History from noon – 5pm

May 7-8 – Celtic Festival in Millennium Park

May 10 - Free admission at the Field Museum all day

May 13- Pilsen 2nd Friday Artwalk. One of my favorite monthly events, the Artwalk is held at galleries in Pilsen, around 18th and Halsted. Free wine and cheese and great art make this is an excellent (and low-cost) night out.

May 15 – Andersonville Wine Walk - explore the neighborhood while sampling 60 types of wine at 20 different shops

May 22-25 – Chicago Turkish Festival

May 28-29 – Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival