Spring has sprung across Chicagoland and there many exciting events to fill your calendar! From family events to date night activities, there’s something for everyone—here are a few of our top picks to check out this weekend.
Raise a Glass at Zoo Uncorked: Flocktails & Feathers
Take flight at Zoo Uncorked, a 21+ evening of cocktails, animal chats, and after-hours access to the zoo. Enjoy a variety of bird-themed drinks (like the “Tequila Mockingbird”), plus tasty bites from local vendors. With live music, flamingo parades, and more, this unique event is an unforgettable way to spend an evening at one of Chicagoland’s top zoos.
Date: May 10
Time: 6PM-9PM
Cost: $100+
Location: Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield
More Info: brookfieldzoo.org
Taste the Season at Spring Wine Tasting
Sample over 80 wines as you stroll the picturesque trails at The Morton Arboretum. Enjoy live music, seasonal snacks from local vendors, and the chance to purchase your favorite wines while supporting the Arboretum’s conservation efforts. A portion of wine sales benefits the Arboretum’s mission, making this event as charitable as it is delicious.
Date: May 10
Time: 12PM-3PM
Cost: $60+
Location: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rt 53, Lisle
More Info: mortonarb.org
Celebrate Mom at the 71st Annual Pancake Breakfast & Mother’s Day Plant Sale
Start your Saturday with pancakes at the Kiwanis Club’s beloved breakfast event, complete with photo ops with costumed characters and a Mother’s Day plant sale. While the breakfast is free, donations are encouraged, with proceeds benefiting local causes like Special Olympics and York High School scholarships.
Date: May 10
Time: 7AM-11AM
Cost: Free
Location: Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187, 310 W Butterfield Rd, Elmhurst
More Info: exploreelmhurst.com
Welcome the Season at Switch on Summer
Celebrate the start of summer as ComEd and the Chicago Park District host the 11th annual Switch on Summer at Buckingham Fountain. This event features the official turning on of the iconic fountain, cultural performances by local artists, interactive art stations, and a preview of the Park District’s Night Out in the Parks summer programming. Enjoy food trucks, community resources, and family-friendly activities in the heart of Grant Park.
Date: May 10
Time: 11:30AM-1PM
Cost: Free
Location: Buckingham Fountain, 301S Columbus Dr
More Info: comed.com
Support Literacy at Bark N’ Ball 2025
Join over 200 dog and book lovers at an evening dedicated to enhancing literacy among Chicago’s K-2 students. The event features a gourmet dinner, open bar, live jazz, poetry on demand, and a silent auction. Don’t miss the canine guests of honor—Certified Reading Assistance Dogs—who help bring stories to life for young readers.
Date: May 9
Time: 5:30PM-9:30PM
Cost: $150+
Location: Salvage One, 1840 W Hubbard St
More Info: sitstayread.org
Try Everything at Margarita Fest
If your ideal spring afternoon involves sunshine and tequila, this one’s for you. West Loop’s Margarita Fest returns with 12+ takes on the classic cocktail, from fruit-forward to spicy and smoky. Expect lively music, food vendors, and a crowd ready to toast the season. Your ticket covers three hours of tastings—plenty of time to find a favorite.
Date: May 10
Time: 1PM-4PM
Cost: $34+
Location: Grapes & Grains, 858 W Lake St
More Info: eventbrite.com
Browse the Spring Night Market
Sauced’s seasonal market takes over the house with more than 50 indie vendors selling art, books, hot sauce, vintage goods, and everything in between. Alongside the shopping, expect live DJ sets, small bites, and cocktail pours courtesy of Johnnie Walker and Don Julio. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of night—and a great way to support local creatives.
Date: May 9-10
Time: 5PM-10PM
Cost: Free with RSVP
Location: Half Acre Beer Co., 2050 W Balmoral Ave
More Info: saucedmarket.com
Sail the Skyline at Teal Lights Cruise
Each year, Chicago’s skyline glows teal in support of ovarian cancer awareness—and the best way to take it all in is from the water. Hosted by the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, the annual TEAL Lights Cruise features a two-hour architectural tour, open bar with themed cocktails (don’t miss the “Tealtini”), and a buffet of hearty hors d’oeuvres. Guests can bid on silent and live auction items while honoring survivors and advocates.
Date: May 9
Time: 6:30PM-9PM
Cost: $75
Location: Wendella’s Dock 4, Rush St and Kinzie St
More Info: nocc.ovarian.org
