Chicago April 2025

Chicago April 2025 Events

Chicago April 2025 Events

Chicago in April Brings Bluer Skies and Warmer Temps

Average temperature low and high: 43°-56°
April in Chicago is a truly magical time as the city blossoms into a kaleidoscope of color, activity, and energy. The chilly winter air gives way to warmer temperatures, and the city's famous parks and lakefront come to life with plenty of outdoor activities. Visitors can explore world-renowned architecture, indulge in delicious dining experiences, and enjoy the city's bustling early spring atmosphere. April also features plenty of fun events such as the Chicago Rum Festival, Expo Chicago, and the Chicago Latino Film Festival. And don't forget about baseball: this month, the city hosts home openers for both the White Sox and Cubs.

April Event Calendar

Tinley Park Brew & Vine Fest

Tinley Park Brew & Vine Fest

​​The Tinley Park Brew & Vine Fest is the perfect opportunity to sample craft beers, wines, and food from a variety of vendors. With VIP admission beginning at 6:00 pm and general admission at 7:00 pm, guests can sample the best craft beer and wine while listening to live entertainment. There will also be a selection of food to choose from. General admissions tickets are $40, and VIP tickets are $55.

Night in the Stacks

Night in the Stacks

Party in the library, anyone? Leave your "inside voice" at home and head down to the Chicago Public Library fundraiser in the Harold Washington Library's Winter Garden. Under a massive glass dome, this unique, upscale event will feature music, dancing, food, cocktails, photo booths, raffle prizes, and more!

EXPO ART WEEK

EXPO ART WEEK

This spring, one of the world's most celebrated international art fairs, EXPO ART WEEK, returns to Chicago. In its 11th year, the EXPO celebrates contemporary modern art with a diverse line-up of programs, events, art installations, speakers, and more at Navy Pier's Festival Hall and various locations throughout the city. Featuring artists from over 170 galleries, 29 countries, and 75 cities throughout the world, the week-long event is a must for art lovers everywhere. 

Expo Chicago

Expo Chicago

Attention artists and lovers of the arts: carve out time to experience this popular and respected art exhibition. The International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art (Expo Chicago) will feature beautifully curated, aesthetically pleasing, museum-quality art and designs by multiple exhibitors.

Chicago Latino Film Festival

Chicago Latino Film Festival

The longest-running Latino film festival in the U.S., the Chicago Latino Film Festival celebrates its 40th year with a new line-up of films exploring Latino art and culture. This year's festival features a schedule of 51 features and 35 short films at three venues throughout Chicago. Visit the website for the complete schedule and box office information. 

Shen Yun Performing Arts

Referred to as "5,000 Years of Civilization Reborn", this is a performance that you won't want to miss. Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world's premier classical Chinese dance and music company that performs classical Chinese dance, ethnic and folk dance, and story-based dance. Immerse yourself in this beautiful culture.

Chicago Rum Festival

Chicago Rum Festival

Become a rum connoisseur at the Chicago Rum Festival, where you can learn about, taste, and pair over 50 different varieties of rum. From spiced to coconut, there's something for everyone. In addition to the tastings, there's also the opportunity to learn more about the rum industry and the spirit's place in American history. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased online.

Nicki Minaj Presents: Pink Friday 2 World Tour

Rapper/singer Nicki Minaj returns for her first headlining tour since 2016's The Pinkprint Tour. A follow-up to Minaj's new album Pink Friday 2, the highly anticipated global tour "Nicki Minaj Presents: Pink Friday 2 World Tour," will hit the stage for performances across North America and Europe.

The international superstar and "Anaconda" artist will bring the heat to Chicago's United Center for two shows this April. Get tickets now. 

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo

C2E2 is the ultimate geeky weekend for Chicagoans and beyond. There's something for everyone, from comics and cosplay to gaming and anime. Celebrities, exhibitors, comic artists, and literary authors all come together to celebrate fandom. Inclusivity is prioritized, focusing on creating a safe and fun atmosphere for everyone. There's something for everyone- even those who join virtually- and friendships and memories are sure to be made. If you want to geek out, this is the place to be.

Chicago Events in April

Concerts

Theater & Headliners

Sports

Nightclubs

Things to do in Chicago

Things to Do in Chicago in April

Grab a Drink at a Speakeasy

Grab a Drink at a Speakeasy
Chicago has some rich history when it comes to speakeasies. During the Prohibition Era, they popped up all over the city to serve locals and mobsters. Many can still be found and visited under restaurants and hidden in hotels. At speakeasies, you can order uniquely crafted cocktails in an intimate setting; they may be hard to find, but that's part of the fun and enjoyment.

Explore Navy Pier

Explore Navy Pier
Don't leave Chicago without a visit to Navy Pier. Built in 1916, this 3,300-foot-long pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan is a huge attraction in the city that's drawn crowds for over 100 years. Year around, you can visit  for fireworks displays, live music, theatre, art exhibitions, mueseums, restaurants, games, rides, and more.