Now in its 11th year as a leading international art fair, EXPO CHICAGO returns to iconic Navy Pier with an exciting roster of exhibitors, programs, installations, speakers, and more. The event, which takes place April 11 – 14, 2024, will welcome more than 170 leading galleries representing 29 countries from around the world to Chicago.

EXPO CHICAGO celebrates contemporary and modern art with a diverse schedule of cultural programming and contemporary art installations. This year’s main event will take place in Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, with additional programs and events throughout Chicago during EXPO ART WEEK from April 8 – 14, 2024. 

EXPO CHICAGO exhibitors

This year’s exhibitors come to Chicago from more than 75 cities in Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Cuba, Ethiopia. France, Germany, Iran, Ireland, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, and beyond.

Notable new exhibitors include Donald Ellis Gallery (New York, Vancouver), Les Enluminures (Chicago, New York, Paris), Thomas Gibson Fine Art (London), Hakgojae Gallery (Seoul), Jack Hanley Gallery (New York, East Hampton), Labor (Mexico City), Niru Ratnam (London), and Hannah Traore Gallery (New York).

The exhibitor showcase will include:

In the springtime, Chicago lives up to its official city motto Urbs In Horto — “City in a Garden.” Our countless parks, green spaces, and sparkling waterfront (not to mention world-class museums, stunning architecture, and exciting events) make Chicago a truly spectacular spring break destination.

Here’s our guide to planning an unforgettable spring break in Chicago for families, outdoor enthusiasts, art and culture lovers, and even locals. And remember to check out Chicago attraction passes for reduced admission to museums, activities, and more.

Family-friendly spring break in Chicago

A Chicago spring break getaway promises equal parts fun, learning, and fresh air for the whole family. There’s an adventure for kids of all ages in Chicago, whether you’re looking to roller skate around a lakefront park, be wowed by an interactive museum, or come face-to-face with a beluga whale.

Maggie Daley ParkMingle with butterflies at the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, located within the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. The 2,700-square-foot greenhouse haven is home to more than 1,000 free-flying butterflies.At the Chicago History Museum’s Sensing Chicago exhibit, kids can ride an old-fashioned, high-wheel bicycle, catch a fly ball at Comiskey Park, and become a Chicago-style hot dog.Feed a shark, meet a beluga, or help train a sea lion at Chicago’s beloved lakefront aquarium. The Shedd Aquarium offers several animal encounters where you can get up close and personal with a marine creature.Slime lovers assemble! The Sloomoo Institute Chicago is a slime-centric museum where you can experience all the fantastic variations of the colorful slime kids love.Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park opens for rollerblading, roller skating, or scootering. Mini-scooters and rollerblades are available to rent.Delve into the science behind the James Bond film series with this new exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry, 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond.SkyDeck Chicago offers jaw-dropping views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the world. Brave kiddos will want to step out onto The Ledge, a glass balcony suspended from the 103rd floor.Pay a visit to Never Never Land via Chicago with the high-flying Peter Pan musical from Broadway in Chicago, which lands onstage at the James M. Nederlander Theatre from March 26 – April 7. Join Peter Pan and Tinker Bell on a magical journey to remember.Meet the modern-day masters of sleight-of-hand at a historic magic-centered theater. Rhapsody Theater in Rogers Park stages a variety of mind-bending shows that will have tweens and teens enthralled.

Explore more: Check out 30+ kid-friendly things to do in Chicago.

Chicago spring break for outdoor enthusiasts

Chicago in spring is a nature-lovers paradise. The whole city bursts into bloom, from the sprawling lakefront to indoor gardens to charming neighborhood parks. Here’s how to get outdoors in Chicago during your spring break getaway.

Want to know what’s happening this weekend in Chicago? Look no further. There’s a whole calendar of exciting events, exhibits, and activities taking place all over the city this month in Chicago.

This weekend in Chicago is a jam-packed one, with jaw-dropping art and architecture events, culinary celebrations, riveting live theatre, family-friendly fun, Valentine’s Day celebrations, exhilarating live music, Lunar New Year festivities, outdoor adventures, and so much more.

Check out just a few of the top things to do this weekend in Chicago, Feb 9 – 11, 2024. Please note that all events are subject to change.

If you’ve ever wished you could soar into the clouds above our city’s beautiful skyline, a new attraction at Navy Pier promises to take you on an adventure to remember.

Flyover Chicago, a multi-sensory ride that transports guests to the city’s most stunning places through breathtaking flying journeys, will officially debut at Navy Pier this spring — and tickets are already on sale. Learn more about this epic new attraction and reserve your spot today.

What is Flyover Chicago?

FlyOver Chicago; photo by In.Color.Studios

Located within Chicago’s waterfront Navy Pier, Flyover is an immersive flying experience that pairs leading drone technologies with breathtaking aerial footage and first-person narratives that allow you to experience the city as you’ve never seen it before.

Within Flyover, you’ll climb to the top of some of Chicago’s most iconic skyscrapers, zoom above Lake Shore Drive, swoop straight into landmarks like the Chicago Theatre, and mingle with the fireworks over Lake Michigan. These spectacular scenes will truly give you a bird’s eye view of Chicago’s most stunning sights. 

“Through this immersive storytelling experience, we wanted to capture the rich diversity of Chicagoans, their resiliency, and the vibrant neighborhoods that weave the fabric of such an exceptional city,” said Lisa Adams, COO and Executive Producer of Flyover Attractions. 

February may be a shorter month, but there’s no shortage of things to do in Chicago this month. Try a new cuisine during Chicago Restaurant Week, shop at an artisan pop-up market, celebrate Valentine’s Day, explore a new museum exhibit, honor Black History Month, and so much more. Check out our list of favorite Chicago activities and events to enjoy this February 2024.

Top events in Chicago this February

Chicago Auto Show

Try something new during Chicago Restaurant Week (through Feb. 4): This year is the 17th annual Chicago Restaurant Week, when over 400 of the city’s top restaurants offer special prix fixe menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Get discounted tickets during Chicago Theater Week (Feb. 8 – 18): Theatre lovers won’t want to miss this special celebration of the arts, when you can snag discounted tickets at $15 or $30 (or less) for more than 100 diverse shows.

Admire the Orchid Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden (starts Feb. 10): The Chicago Botanic Garden goes all out for its annual orchid show, bringing classic carnival rides and attractions to life through flowers.

Don’t miss the Chicago Auto Show (Feb. 10 – 19): The Chicago Auto Show, the largest and longest-running event of its kind, returns to McCormick Place with hundreds of vehicles and interactive exhibits.

You don’t need to reach for your wallet to get your fill of fun things to do all around the city. Here are 10 of our favorite free events and activities this month in Chicago, including exciting outdoor adventures, cultural celebrations, flower shows, free museum days, and so much more. Start planning your budget-friendly Chicago adventures with these free things to do in February 2024.

1. Celebrate the Lunar New Year

Welcome the year of the dragon with two colorful Lunar New Year parades. The Uptown neighborhood will welcome the new year with its annual Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 17, featuring a parade of community groups, cultural institutions, dancers, and performers. Then, head to Chinatown for the Lunar New Year Parade on Sunday, Feb. 18, featuring traditional dragon and lion dancing teams, colorful floats, and marching bands.

2. Admire the first blooms of spring

It might be cold outside, but it’s always springtime in the city’s indoor conservatories.

Named the best garden in North America, Garfield Park Conservatory will be hosting its spring celebration from Feb. 14 through May 12, 2024. This year’s theme “What’s in a Name?” will explore the history and science of plant naming. Book your free reservations online in advance.

At the Lincoln Park Conservatory, the annual spring show will be called “Sweet Gnome Chicago” and run from Feb. 13 through May 12, 2024. See if you can spot nearly 300 gnomes of all sizes located throughout the botanical displays. Book your free reservations online in advance.

For car lovers, winter in Chicago can only mean one thing — the Chicago Auto Show. 

Whether you’re a first-time or an Auto Show veteran, there’s plenty you’ll need to know before you go. Here’s a complete guide to this year’s edition of the Chicago Auto Show.

What is the Chicago Auto Show?

The nation’s largest event of its kind, the Chicago Auto Show is an annual extravaganza held in Chicago every February. More than 300,000 people flock to the city’s South Loop neighborhood to see hundreds of different vehicles from around the world, plus interactive exhibits, experimental and concept cars, antique and collector vehicles, special appearances, and so much more.

Chicago Auto Show

When is the Chicago Auto Show?

The Chicago Auto Show will run from Saturday, Feb. 10 through Monday, Feb. 19, 2024. 

Here are the open hours for this year’s show:

The annual James Beard Awards recognize the best and the brightest of the nation’s dining scene. These prestigious accolades honor not only chefs and restaurants that demonstrate excellence in quality, but those who contribute positively to their communities.

As the official home of the James Beard Awards, Chicago also has a fair share of award contenders this year. Check out the full list of Chicago semi-finalists below. The nominees will be named on April 3 and the winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

James Beard Award 2024 Chicago semi-finalists

2016 Galdones Photography LLC

Outstanding Chef

John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, Smyth: This refined-tasting menu restaurant in the West Loop serves an ever-rotating array of creative dishes, all rooted in farm-fresh ingredients.

Outstanding Restaurant

The Duck Inn: In Bridgeport, this neighborhood favorite serves its signature rotisserie duck and other hearty dishes in a cozy pre-Prohibition-era space.

Emerging Chef

Zubair Mohajir, The Coach House by Wazwan: South Indian flavors shine through in untraditional ways at this seasonally inspired tasting menu spot in Wicker Park.

Best New Restaurant

Atelier: New American cuisine is infused with unexpected global flavors at Atelier, where the menu and hospitality are inspired by the chef’s Southern heritage.

Outstanding Restaurateur

Marcos Carbajal, Carnitas Uruapan: Marcos Carbajal is the latest generation to run Carnitas Uruapan, an iconic spot that has fans lining up for their authentic Mexican recipes.Nicolas Poilevey and Oliver Poilevey, Obelix, Le Bouchon, and Taqueria Chingón: These brothers are at the helm of some of the city’s buzziest and most beloved restaurants, with a focus on French cuisine.Esme

Outstanding Bakery

Loba Pastry+Coffee: This small-batch bakery in Roscoe Village boasts a beautiful space, coffee, and delicious treats inspired by the owner’s Mexican heritage.

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

Anna Posey, Elske: Danish cuisine is the inspiration at Elske, where Anna Posey showcases contemporary and classic techniques in her stunning desserts.

Outstanding Hospitality

Lula Cafe: A Logan Square staple since 1999, Lula still brings crowds out in droves for its funky, market-driven cuisine and welcoming atmosphere.

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

Middle Brow: The cool kid on the block in an already cool neighborhood, Middle Brow is the city’s first natural winery. Don’t miss the food menu for incredible pizzas.Elske

Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH)

Diana Dávila Boldin, Mi Tocaya Antojería: This lauded Logan Square restaurant pays homage to the chef’s Mexican roots, including lesser-known regional specialties.Joe Fontelera, Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant: This casual counter-service spot dishes up some of the city’s best Filipino fare and a homey vibe.Joe Frillman, Daisies: What if Italy was in the Midwest? The Daisies menu answers that question with an array of much-acclaimed pastas.James Martin, Bocadillo Market: A unique combination of Spanish and Southern cuisine, this Lincoln Park restaurant offers truly unforgettable flavor combinations.Sujan Sarkar, Indienne: This progressive fine-dining restaurant puts a spotlight on Indian culinary traditions, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.Jenner Tomaska, Esmé: Art and food collide at Esmé, where you’ll find tasting menu collaborations with a diverse array of artists.Donald Young, Duck Sel: This innovative pop-up experience offers contemporary multi-course tasting menus in a variety of locations via ticketed events.

L is for love and LGBTQ+ this Valentine’s Day in Chicago. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Gay with a partner, a lover, or friends, you’ve come to the right place. Chicago offers a plethora of romantic and fun activities for the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

Here are 8 lesbian parties, queer meet-ups, inclusive events, and dinner plans to make your Valentine’s Day extra queer this year. XOXO

The Lesbian Social Club Hosts “Be Mine” at Tao Chicago

Friday, Feb. 2
Join The Lesbian Social Club at Tao Nightclub for an inclusive Valentine’s Day-themed sapphic event. The Lesbian Social Club curates electrifying events tailored to Chicago’s lesbian community. Tickets are $25. The party starts at 8 p.m., couples and singles are welcome.
Learn more

TAO; ©Adam Alexander Photography

Totally Lit LGBTQ+ Speed Dating at Volumes Bookcafe

Thursday, Feb. 8
Escape into a steamy gender-bending literary love story at Volumes Bookcafe’s LGBTQ+ speed dating event, A Totally Lit Speed Dating. Bring a book to spark up a conversation. Participants are invited to register for the group that best aligns with their identity, and each guest will go on a variety of mini-dates throughout the evening. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. sharp, early arrival is encouraged.
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Love is Lovefest at Elastic Arts

Saturday, Feb. 10
Love is in the art at Love is Lovefest, an annual showcase of queer artists celebrating all things related to love. This year’s show has a stunning array of dancers, musicians, vendors, and artists at the Elastic Arts Center in Logan Square. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. to browse multiple vendors. Open drum jam starts at 7 p.m. and performances begin at 8 p.m.
Learn more

Chicago is a city full of history, art, and culture — and you’ll find a lot of all those things in our acclaimed cultural institutions. And lucky for us, the city’s museums be unveiling a slate of jaw-dropping exhibitions all year long, featuring everything from cutting-edge contemporary art to ancient Babylonian artifacts to the furthest reaches of outer space. Here’s our list of just a few of the museum and art exhibits at Chicago museums that are worth a visit in 2024.

Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches

Field Museum
Now open through Sept. 2, 2024

Come face to face with blood-sucking creatures — some real, some legend — in Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches at the Field Museum. Learn all about different bloodsucking species and characters, including taxidermied specimens, historical artifacts like bloodletting stations, life-sized sculptures, film clips, and more.

Georgia O’Keeffe: “My New Yorks”

Art Institute of Chicago
June 2 – Sept. 22, 2024

One of the most famous American painters, Georgia O’Keeffe is beloved for her depictions of flowers and the Southwest. But lesser known are her works inspired by her time living in New York City. Georgia O’Keeffe: “My New Yorks” is the first art exhibit dedicated to O’Keeffe’s paintings, drawings, and pastels of urban landscapes, from still lifes to soaring skyscrapers.