After a long mid-west winter, all of us in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs are eager to get some fresh air and feel the sun our faces. Luckily, both the village of Oak Park and the nearby city of Chicago are home to a number of popular springtime events and outdoor activities to help us shake off those months of hibernation.
So grab a light jacket, embrace the above freezing temperatures, and check out a few of our favorite things to do Oak Park and Chicago this spring.
Attend the 30th Annual Plant Sale
The Annual Spring Plant Sale is an Oak Park institution you simply can’t miss. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory. The sale features a large selection of vegetables, herbs and flowers, including many unique varieties grown in the Oak Park Conservatory greenhouses. Admission to the annual spring event is free and open to the public on Saturday and Sunday May 4-5, with a special shop-early event on Friday for Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory members.
Plan a Picnic in Austin Gardens
Sometimes referred to as “The Secret Garden”, Austin Gardens offers Oak Park’s urban suburbanites a quiet refuge and natural green space tucked away within the commercial district of Downtown Oak Park and the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District. The 3.6 acre park features a walking path, restroom facilities, and a wildflower garden, perfect for a spring picnic.
Take in a Movie at the Lake Theatre
Looking for something to do on a rainy spring day? Take in a movie, and a little history, at the Lake Theater in the western suburb of Oak Park. This classic Art Deco style theater, which originally opened in April 1936, has been updated with all the modern amenities of digital projection, surround sound, multiple screens and comfortable seating, but much of its history remains intact. The original neon-lit marquee and façade are relatively untouched, and the interior of the Lake has been restored with many artifacts from theaters of another era.
Enjoy Chicago’s Best Beers
Beer lovers unite at the Chicago Beer Classic on May 4, 2019. Held on Soldier Field, the beer fest features 75+ breweries, games, activities, concession stands and more. General admission includes 48 two-ounce samples, access to exclusive beers and their brewers, as well as the ability to cast a vote in the Chicago Beer Classic Tasting Cup. VIP tickets also include an exclusive stadium tour, and extra 30 minutes on the field and 12 extra two-ounce samples.
Sample Fine Wines and Food
The 5th Annual Lincoln Park Wine Festival kicks off on Friday May 17 and runs through Sunday May 19. Once again, the wine and food fest will transform Chicago’s beautiful two-acre Jonquil Park into an open-air market featuring wine and food pavilions. Tickets range from $20 to $75 per session and include wine tastings, as well as a live music lineup, food and wine pairings, artisans and wine-related vendors. Public transportation is available via the CTA Greenline/Red Line or Brown Line from Oak Park’s Ridgeland Station.
Oak Park is a Great Place to Live
With so much to do, not just in the spring, but year-round, Oak Park is arguably one of the coolest Chicago suburbs. Ready to make the move? Oak Park Apartments offers one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments for rent near Chicago, as well as studios and pet-friendly apartments. Browse our available apartments or contact us for more information.
