Hopefully April showers will bring May flowers and some sunshine to Chicago. May includes the opening of Chicago's beaches Memorial Day Weekend, baseball, Memorial Day, and more. Things also start to pick up at Millennium Park when the park's Crown Fountain is turned on May 1, weather permitting of course. Average temperature is 69°F (20°C) and average precipitation is 3.5".
Suggested Reading: Taste of Chicago 2013 l Guide to the Chicago Botanic Garden l Chicago's Top Outdoor Parks and Gardens
Millennium Park's Crown Fountain - May 1, 2013: Millennium Park's Crown Fountain is turned on May 1, weather permitting. The fountain is a huge hit with kids, who seem to have a hard time avoiding getting soaking wet. (Check out our list of Chicago's best outdoor parks and gardens.)
Mother's Day - May 12, 2013: Check out our handpicked list of things to do with mom this Mother's Day.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration - May 3 - 5, 2013: A festive celebration of South-of-the-Border culture that's enjoyed worldwide, Cinco de Mayo (or "5th of May") commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This, and Mexican Independence Day (celebrated in September), are two of the biggest Mexican festivals in the Midwest. In the case of Cinco de Mayo, it has become a global phenomenon. This 4th annual gala is held in the Little Village neighborhood, the heart of Chicago's Mexican community. It will again feature plenty of live music, authentic foods, arts & crafts, activities for families and children and much more. For more Cinco de Mayo celebrations throughout the U.S., check out About.com's Honeymoons /Romantic Travel Guide Susan Breslow's list of Cinco de Mayo Celebrations. The official Cinco de Mayo holiday is May 5.
Chicago Green Festival - May 18 - 19, 2013: Engage with award winning journalists, New York Times bestsellers, actors, innovators and educational experts as they discuss today’s most pressing environmental and social issues and what we can do to create a more sustainable future.
JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge - May 23, 2013: Join your fellow corporate colleagues for this annual 3.5 mile race in downtown Chicago, including Grant Park.
Memorial Day in Chicago - May 27, 2013: Honoring fallen soldiers, Chicago's Memorial Day Parade is one of the largest and oldest in the United States kicking off at noon on State Street between Lake and Van Buren Streets. Also Memorial Day Weekend is a Wreath Laying and Monument Rededication at the General John A. Logan Memorial in Grant Park (Michigan and 9th Street). The ceremony starts at 11 a.m. Iraq War veteran Captain Christian Palmer, United State Marine (retired), will provide a tribute to the men and women who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. The wreath laying ceremony will be conducted by Major General John L. Borling, United States Air Force (retired) and a former Vietnam Prisoner of War.
Bike the Drive - May 26, 2013: Enjoy Chicago's skyline and shoreline as you bike up and down Lake Shore Drive. The complete route is 30 mile and the Drive is closed to automobile traffic. Event kicks off at 5:30 a.m. Tip: Sign up before May 5, 2013 to avoid the late fee. (Suggested reading: Best Walking Tours in Chicago)
Chicago Beaches Open - May 27, 2013: Chicago's wide variety of beaches along the vast expanse of Lake Michigan officially open on Memorial Day weekend. (Suggested reading: Tips for Getting in Shape for the Beach)
Old Town Al Fresco Event - 2013 Dates TBD: 15 Old Town restaurants will be offering specific patio dining specials as part of the year-long Living Old Town 2012 event series. The participants include: Angelo’s Taverna (1612 N. Sedgwick), Benchmark Tavern (1510 N. Wells), Bistrot Margot (1437 N. Wells), Catering|Chocolate (1712 N. Wells), Corcoran’s Grill & Pub (1615 N.Wells), Dinotto Ristorante (215 W. North), Einstein’s Bagels (1443 N. Wells), Kamehachi (1531 N. Wells), O’Briens Restaurant (1528 N. Wells), Old Town Pour House (1419 N. Wells), Orso’s Restaurant (1401 N. Wells), Subway Sandwiches (1529 N. Wells), Tokyo 21 Asian Pub (1400 N. Wells), Trattoria Roma (1535 N. Wells) and The Twisted Baker (1542 N. Wells). (Get to know Chicago's famous Old Town Neighborhood with our Old Town Tour.)
