Best Spring Festivals for Families
in Chicago 2026

Spring Festivals in March

Nowruz: Persian New Year Celebration
ISAC Museum, Hyde Park
Saturday, March 14
The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) Museum hosts a Persian Nowruz Celebration—a celebration of the Persian New Year. Guests can enjoy coloring eggs, making clay Persian coins visiting a Haft-Seen table, hunting for artifacts in the galleries, and watching performances of Persian music and dance! Website

The Dyeing of the Chicago River & St. Patrick's Day Parade
Downtown
Saturday, March 14
The Irish and Irish at heart can join the City of Chicago in the annual dyeing of the Chicago River in honor of St. Patrick's Day. The best place to see the dyeing is the intersection of Michigan Avenue, Wacker Drive, and the river. Website

Swedish American Museum Family Easter Event
Andersonville
Saturday, March 14
Visit the Swedish American Museum for a day of spring fun for all ages. Go on an easter egg hunt inside of the museum and enjoy Swedish pancakes and cultural activities. Website

Candy Land Carnival
West Chicago
Saturday, March 21
Candy Land comes to life at this whimsical event, where kids can: Twirl down Lollipop Lane; Play Gumdrop Games; Enjoy Candy-Themed Activities; Meet Magical Characters; A carnival of fun awaits & it’s too sweet to miss. Website

C2E2: Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place
McCormick Place
Saturday, March 28-Sunday, March 29
Get geeky at C2E2, Chicago's annual comic and pop culture convention at McCormick Place. Kids might be the most interested in the Family Play Zone, where they can play interactive games, learn to draw their favorite characters, and have fun in the free play zone. Favorite characters will be there to meet and greet with kids. Website

Spring Festivals in April

Holi - The Festival of Colors at the Naperville Riverwalk
Rotory Hill - Riverwalk, Downtown Naperville
Saturday, April 4
The Vedic Cultural Society invites visitors to celebrate spring, friendship, and forgiveness by throwing bags of colored flour at their friends at the Naperville Riverwalk. The event includes food, music, and shopping. Admission is free, and colored bags are available for $2.50. Website

The Other Art Fair Chicago
Artifact Events Center, Ravenswood (children under 12 FREE)
Thursday, April 9- Sunday, April 12
The Other Art Fair, a leading artist fair for discovering the most exciting artistic talent, is set to host its 7th Chicago edition at its new home, Artifact Events. The Other Art Fair Chicago will feature original works of art from 100+ emerging artists and kick off with an Opening Night event on Thursday, April 9, with Interactive Workshops, Guest Artists, DJ Sets, Kids' Activities, Unique Installations, and much more. Website

Earth Day Fair at Dvorak Park
Pilsen - FREE
Saturday, April 12
Dvorak Park hosts a special Earth Day event, where kids and their caregivers can learn how they can reduce their carbon footprint through interactive displays, demonstrations, and arts and crafts projects. Families can also sign up for Earth Day clean ups. Website

Great Midwest Train Show
DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton
Sunday, April 12
Train enthusiasts can visit with more than 180 exhibitors at the world's largest monthly train show at the DuPage County Fairgrounds. The show hosts more than 550 tables of trains in five buildings. Exhibitors sell, repair, and display model trains for fans of all ages. Website

YMCA Healthy Kids Day
Various Chicago area locations
Saturday, April 18
YMCAs around the country host free community events aimed to inspire kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active throughout the summer months and beyond. Check the YMCA website to find one in your area that is participating. Website

One Earth Film Festival
Various Locations
Sunday, April 18- Monday, April 26
Kids can learn more about the environment and threats to it through films. The One Earth Film Fest includes both in-person and virtual offerings for kids ages 3 and up. Animated and live action films provide education and entertainment for families. Website

Local Author Fest
Wheaton Public Library - FREE
Sunday, April 25
Families can come see their favorite local authors at Wheaton Public Library as they read and sign their works. Various authors will read their books aloud at the cafe area on the main floor. Website

Oak Park Conservatory Kids' Fest
Oak Park - FREE
Sunday, April 26
Kids can learn more about plants and bees at the Oak Park Conservatory's annual Kids Fest. The event includes a celebration of bees and bee keeping, hands-on educational activities, a scavenger hunt, and crafts. See presentations form partners Trailside Museum, the University of Illinois Extension, Brookfield Zoo, and the Oak Park Public Library. Plus, interact with raptors from the Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education. Website

Earth-A-Palooza
Linne Woods, W Dempster St, east of Lehigh Ave Morton Grove, IL
Sunday, April 26 - FREE
Enjoy guided walks, touch-a-truck, tree climbs, crafts and a visit from Brookfield Zoo Chicago during this eco-friendly family fun fest. Website

Wheeling Earth Day Celebration
Heritage Park, Wheeling - FREE
Sunday, April 26
Celebrate Earth Day in Wheeling's Heritage Park. Take a nature walk, see what outdoor settings Wheeling has to offer, and see animals up close. Exhibitors will include Chicago Kite, JG's Reptile Show and more. Website

Spring Festivals in April

Mexico Fest at Navy Pier
Downtown
Friday, May 1- Sunday, May 3
Navy Pier is joining forces with the Consulado General de México en Chicago & The Governments of Chihuahua, Nayarit, and Querétaro to host Mexico Fest, a weekend-long event featuring a mercadito of artisans, performances by Mexican musicians and dancers, and workshops for kids. Mariachi and Ballet Folklorico will be featured in the Culture Corner and the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion. Website

Lilac Time
Lilacia Park, Lombard - FREE
Friday, May 2-Sunday, May 17
The Village of Lombard celebrates spring and the blooming of the 700 lilacs and 25,000 tulips in Lilacia Park with this annual festival. The festival includes concerts, an arts and crafts fair, botanical tours, a 5K, a parade, and a father-daughter dance. Entry to the park is always free, but some events charge admission. Website

Polish Constitution Day Parade
Grant Park - FREE
Saturday, May 2
Chicagoans of all ages are invited to attend the Chicago Polish Constitution Day Parade, in celebration of the Polish Constitution of 1791 and Poland's Independence. The theme for 2026 is "Happy Birthday, USA" Website

Go Fly A Kite
Graf Park, Wheaton - FREE
Saturday, May 2
Go Fly a Kite is a free event held in Wheaton’s Graf Park that encourages the community to come out and enjoy spring and fly kites!This event is a great opportunity for local companies and organizations to promote and showcase their business to families within the community. This event brings over 1,000 participants of all ages each year. The grand launch takes place at 11am and is followed by kids’ activities and a kite demonstration. Website

Spring Festival at the Trailside Museum of Natural History
Thatcher Woods, Chicago Ave, west of Thatcher Ave, River Forest, IL - FREE
Saturday, May 2
Spring in Chicago has (finally) sprung and kids can celebrate with animal encounters, tree climbing, guided spring wildflower walks, bird banding, dip netting, seed planting, birdhouse building, and more. The free event will take place at River Forest's Trailside Museum of Natural History. Website

Art in Wilder Park
Elmhurst - FREE
Saturday, May 2 & Sunday, May 3
Families can enjoy a beautiful day in the park along with the artwork of more than 100 artists, food, music, and children's activities. A wide variety of artwork will be for sale including jewelry, glass, ceramics, painting, photography, and sculpture. Live music will play and Pilot Pete's Coffee & Treats will be on hand at Wilder Mansion providing coffee, pastries, and lunch. Website

Great Midwest Train Show
Wheaton (kids under 12 FREE)
Sunday, May 3
Train enthusiasts can visit with more than 180 exhibitors at the world's largest monthly train show at the DuPage County Fairgrounds. The show hosts more than 550 tables of trains in five buildings. Exhibitors sell, repair, and display model trains for fans of all ages. Website

Cook County Forest Preserves Kite Fest
Carl R. Hansen Woods, near Schaumburg - FREE
Saturday, May 9
In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, participate in all things kites. The event includes kite demonstrations, crafts, and more. Website

Northbrook Art in the Park
Village Green Park, Northbrook
Saturday, May 9-Sunday, May 10
More than 80 artists fill Village Green Park with their wares as restaurants, bars, and ice cream shops treat customers to food at this annual festival. Live music and kids' art activities add to the weekend fun. Website

Chicago River Day
Various locations along the Chicago River - FREE
Saturday, May 10
Volunteer to help the Friends of the Chicago River create a litter-free environment. Dozens of sites throughout Cook County invite families to come pick up trash, paddle up and down the river, and be inspired by the animals, plants, and people around the river. Website

Mayfest Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park
Friday, May 15-Sunday, May 17 End spring and kick off summer with live music and festival foods in Lincoln Park. Families can check out live music from family friendly entertainers early in the day. Website

Spring Roscoe Village Art and Craft Festival
Roscoe Village - FREE
Saturday, May 16-Sunday, May 17
This spring festival on Chicago's North Side includes fabulous paintings, sculptures, fiber pieces, décor, jewelry, and more, all made by local artists. Live music and kids' art activities add to the weekend's fun. Bring your old art to donate to Chicago Furniture Bank. Website

Skokie Festival of Cultures
Oakton Park, Skokie - FREE
Saturday, May 16-Sunday, May 17
Celebrate all the cultures of the world in the multi-cultural suburb of Skokie. The event in Oakton Park includes two stages of music and dancing, food and beverage vendors, children's games and activities, interactive cultural booths, and an amazing display of flags. Website

Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival
Lakeview
Friday, May 22-Sunday, May 24
Families can kick off summer with music, food, and drinks at this annual Lakeview street festival. Website

Chicago Memorial Day Parade
Chicago Loop - FREE
Saturday, May 23
Chicagoans of all ages are invited to the annual Memorial Day Parade, in honor of all the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. The parade begins at noon, following a wreath laying ceremony at 11am in Daley Plaza, and proceeds from State and Lake to Van Buren Street. Website

Barrington Art Festival
Barrington - FREE
Saturday, May 23-Sunday, May 24
More than 120 artists fill the streets of downtown Barrington with their wares as restaurants, bars and ice cream shops treat customers to food at this annual festival. Live music and kids' art activities add to the weekend fun. Website

Maifest Chicago
Lincoln Square
Thursday, May 29- Sunday, June 1
Families can don their dirndls and lederhosen and step out to Lincoln Square for German and American food, music, and gemuetlischkeit. The event features carnival games, the crowning of the Maifest Queen and decorating the May Pole. Website

Windy City Hot Dog Fest
Portage Park
Friday, May 29- Sunday, May 31
Taste all the hot dogs Chicago has to offer at this Six Corner festival. In addition to classic Chicago hot dogs from Byron's and Chicago Doghouse, families can taste internationally inspired hot dogs from Baked Cheese Haus, Indian hot dogs from Tikka Masala Dogs, and Asian inspired hot dogs from Lee Concessions. Live music and a hot dog eating contest round out the fun. Website

Umbrella Arts Fair
Fountain Square, Evanston - FREE
Saturday, May 30
Celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander culture and art in downtown Evanston. This event is designed to increase visibility and representation of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities, create shared experiences, and dispel myths. The umbrella symbolizes the ASPA diaspora which includes a diversity of ethnicities from over 40 countries around the world. Website

Best Spring Festivals for Families in Chicago 2026

Best Spring Festivals for Families
in Chicago 2026