We’re three months into the year – can you believe it? If you haven’t started revving up for more fun in the city, now is the time. Check out our picks for Chicago’s best March events.
The Chicago Beer Festival
Photo Credit: Chicago Beer Festival via Eventbrite
Saturday, March 4
From 8pm – 11pm (or starting at 7pm for VIP guests), try spring seasonal brews from 70 breweries at Chicago’s iconic Field Museum, where you can also enjoy food, music, and tour select museum exhibits. Tickets are $45 for general admission and $55 for VIP.
Windy City Brewhaha
Photo Credit: Windy City Brewhaha
Saturday, March 4
More beer is always good! In two session from 1pm – 4pm and 6pm – 9pm, this event for beer lovers of all backgrounds takes place for its fifth year at Revel Fulton Market. General admission tickets are $52 and a max of 15 three-ounce pours are served per person each session.
CHIditarod
Photo Credit: Kirstie Shanley for Chiditarod
Saturday, March 4
Also known as the Chicago Urban Shopping Cart Race, this fun run through Wicker Park and Ukrainian Village takes place on the same day as the real Alaskan Iditarod, except this race consists of teams of five costumed people collecting food for charity, and every year is a blast.
“Specimens: Unlocking the Secrets of Life” Exhibit
Friday, March 10
Debuting at The Field Museum on March 10 is an all-new exhibit that focuses on rare creatures, fossils, and organic material that’s been kept in scientific record to tell amazing stories of natural life. We can’t wait to learn about how these specimens teach us about the universe.
St. Patrick’s Day Events
Saturday, March 11 – Sunday, March 19
There’s no doubt that Chicago is one of the best places on Earth to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, other than probably an actual city in Ireland, of course. The entire city is going green and there’s no escaping the Irish spirit that will take over Chicago. Check out our in-depth guide to see every single event take place for St. Pat’s so you can start planning now.
Chicago Polar Plunge
Photo Credit: EPA/Kamil Krzaczynski
Sunday, March 5
This annual charity event is definitely the chilliest in Chicago. If you dare, take a dip into the icy waters of Lake Michigan alongside other courageous Chicagoans to raise money for the Special Olympics. You might even see a few brave celebrities taking part as well.
Randolph Street Market Festival
Photo Credit: Youtube
Saturday, March 25 – Sunday, March 26
One of the largest street festivals in Chicago takes place on famous Randolph Street, and the 2017 return takes place in just a matter of weeks. Spend your weekend perusing the booths on Randolph on a relaxing spring day, complete with crafts, food, drinks, and more. General admission tickets are $8.
Chicago Improv Festival
Photo Credit: Chicago Improv Festival
Monday, March 27 – Sunday, April 2
Chicago might be the town for comedy, so you can expect an improv festival to be top-notch. Emerging talent coming from this city will surely bring some much needed laughs after a cold winter. The festival is held at multiple venues throughout the city.
Baconfest
Friday, March 31 – Saturday, April 1
A festival for bacon? Enough said. This hit event makes a savory return to the UIC Forum, bringing all-new bacon creations by the greatest chefs around. There are three delicious sessions, and general admission prices are $100 for Friday’s dinner session, $60 for Saturday’s lunch session, and $65 for Saturday’s dinner session.