March’s social calendar is dominated by one event – St. Patrick’s Day. One of the most popular holidays in the city, it is celebrated by young and old, Irish and not. Throughout the rest of the month, it’s a waiting game as Chicago longs for the start of spring. Luckily there’s plenty to do until the warmer days arrive. There’s still free ice-skating in the park until March 13 and many museums welcome travelers in from the cold with free museum days. The first blooms of spring even arrive at the end of the month with an orchid show at the Botanic Garden.
Through March 13 - Free ice-skating in Millennium Park
March 8 – Free Admission at the Field Museum
March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29- Free admission at the Museum of Contemporary Art
March 5, 12, 29, 26 – DuSable Museum of African American History from noon – 5pm
March 5, 12, 29, 26 – Free for All. Free improv comedy shows at the Playground. Best of all, shows are BYOB.
March 3, 10, 17, 24 – Free admission at the Art Institute from 5pm to 8pm and free admission at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum all day
March 4 - First Friday at the MCA – Enjoy music, art and wine (cash bar) from 6pm to 10 for $13.
March 11 - 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. 6pm-10pm
March 12 - St. Patrick’s Day Parade and dyeing of the Chicago River
March 17 - St. Patrick’s Day
March 26 – International Orchid Society orchid show at the Chicago Botanic Garden
