Terse Calendar
NOTE: As of 2019 the maintenance of events data here has been largely discontinued now that other systems have finally grown adequate such as FaceBook and Metromix and Reader and Timeout and Do312.
Sunday 2024.05.05
- Cinco De Mayo. Spanish for May 5th. Celebrated loudly. Yearly.
- Not an independence day. Commemorates a major victory by the outnumbered and underarmed Mexican army, against the occupying French, on this day in 1862.
vivacincodemayo.orglaraza.com PHOTOS INFO SHARE
- Fun Bands at the Beer Garden nightly. All ages. Free UNCONFIRMED
- navypier.org/explore/live-entertainment/live-musicNavy Pier, 312/595-7437 (PIER), 600 E Grand. Miller Beer Garden at the Tip.
navypier.com MAP PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE
- * International Day of the Midwife (since 1992). Yearly.
- internationalmidwives.org/events/idotm SHARE
- Wolff's Flea Market (since 1991). Sundays All ages. $1 Most weeks. 6a-3p UNCONFIRMED
- 500 market spaces. Clean, comprehensive, entertaining, with free parking, food and restrooms.
847/524-9590 wolffs.comAllstate Arena, 847/635-6601, 6920 Mannheim Rd, Rosemont.
allstatearena.com MAP TICKETS PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE
- *** Kids and Kites Fest (since 1999). Family event, education, expert demos. Yearly. All ages. Free. 10a-4p UNCONFIRMED
- Includes build it yourself tents for kids and massive show kites in the air.
chicagokite.com/madakiandkim.htmlMontrose Park, Montrose and Lake Shore Drive. Cricket Hill.
cityofchicago.org MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE
- Polish Constitution Day Parade. Yearly. All ages. Free 11:30a UNCONFIRMED
- may3parade.orgDowntown. State, from Lake to Van Buren.
tinyurl.com/chiparades MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE
- Chicago Bike Polo. Sundays All ages. Free 3-?p UNCONFIRMED
- Pickup games in decommissioned tennis courts.
facebook.com/groups/311538882232633Garfield Park, S Central Park Blvd at W Monroe St.
chicagoparkdistrict.com MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE
- New Fox cartoons. Sundays All ages. Free 6p UNCONFIRMED
- May include Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob's Burgers, Last Man on Earth, more.
thesimpsons.comFOX. fox.com TIMES MAP PHOTOS INFO SHARE
- Madonnarama. 1st Sundays 21+ Free 10p-4a.
- All Madonna music and videos all night with DJ Riley York. Classics, rare tracks, remixes, etc.
Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont. Near Red line Belmont stop.
berlinchicago.com MAP PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE
Monday 2024.05.06
- Monday Night Ride. Mondays All ages. Free 10p UNCONFIRMED
- Extraordinary long and late ride for the young and/or hearty. Leaves about 11pm, unplanned route may exceed 30miles from start point, dissipating near dawn.
facebook.com/MondayNightRideChicagoLincoln Monument, 1601 N Clark. Behind Chicago Historical Museum.
bedno.com/mnr MAP SHARE
Tuesday 2024.05.07
- Chi Hack Night. Tuesdays All ages. Free 6-10p UNCONFIRMED
- "Volunteers create web apps with open data to improve transparency, efficiency, and decision-making for governments and our democracy."
chihacknight.org1871, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza. 12th Floor.
1871.com MAP SHARE
- Millennium Park Movies. Tuesdays All ages. Free 6:30p UNCONFIRMED
- bedno.com/movies/parks?pritzJay Pritzker Pavilion, 312/742-1168, 55 N Michigan. Millennium Park, Downtown.
millenniumpark.org MAP SHARE
- Tributosaurus. Monthly. 21+ $25 7p UNCONFIRMED
- "The Jurassic beast with multiple musical faces. A different band every month, featuring local music celebrities."
tributosaurus.comMartyrs', 773/404-9494, 3855 N Lincoln.
martyrslive.com MAP TICKETS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE
Wednesday 2024.05.08
- Harry Truman's Birthday. Yearly.
- Day to remember Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the U.S. (1945-1953), who presided during the Cold War and Korean War. Known for the New Deal economic policies. He was born in Lamar MO in 1884 and died on December 26th, 1972 in Kansas City MO.
whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/ht33.html INFO SHARE
- V.E. Day. Yearly.
- Victory in Europe day. Commemorates Germany's surrender in World War II, 1945.
dtic.mil/soldiers/may95/p50.html SHARE
- South Park NEW EPISODE. Wednesdays All ages. Free 9p UNCONFIRMED
- 22nd season.
southparkstudios.comCOM. On cable.
comedycentral.com TIMES MAP INFO SHARE
Friday 2024.05.10
- Group Skate. Fridays 21+ Free 7:30p UNCONFIRMED
- Intermediate through advanced bladers come join the monthly group skate. Be able to skate some near traffic and do a distance of 10-12 miles. Helmet required, other protective gear and water recommended. Weather permitting.
Bedno.com/skateDaley Plaza, 50 W Washington. At Dearborn.
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Saturday 2024.05.11
- "Twisted" Saturdays 21+ $0 -11p, $5 -1a, $7+ 9:30p-5a.
- "Meet and mingle with a truly diverse crowd. Dress up or dress down... this is the place to be what you want to be!"
Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont. Near Red line Belmont stop.
berlinchicago.com MAP PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE
- Disclaimer.
- My mom the attorney would want me to remind you that no Bedno accepts any liability whatsoever for your use of any information presented here, as-is, at your own risk, ad infinitum, etc etc.
bedno.com/terms
Sunday 2024.05.12
- **** Mothers' Day. Respect and be kind to mothers, especially your own. 2nd Sunday in May Yearly.
- Created in 1914 by a proclamation from President Woodrow Wilson.
THANXX FOR EVERYTHING MOM!!!
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- CircEsteem Spring Circus (since 2002). Sa/Su -2024.05.19 Yearly. All ages. $8-16 2p UNCONFIRMED
- "Watch in awe as the kids of the Chicago Youth Circus share their amazing talents." featuring a variety of classic acts.
circesteem.orgAlternatives, 773/732-4564, 4730 N Sheridan. East of Red Line Lawrence or Wilson Stops.
alternativesyouth.org MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE
Tuesday 2024.05.14
- * National Teachers Day. 2nd Tuesday in May Yearly.
- Part of National Teachers Week, sponsored by the National Educators Association. Day to honor and be kind to teachers.
nea.org/teacherday SHARE
Wednesday 2024.05.15
- Police Memorial Day. Yearly.
- Honor police killed while on duty.
odmp.org INFO SHARE
- * FINAL Great Parker Rummage Sale. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. Free Sa 9a-4p, Su 10a-4p UNCONFIRMED
- Winding down after NEARLY THIRTY YEARS!
fwparker.org/page/event-detail?pk=10014745Francis W. Parker School, 773/353-3000, 330 W Webster.
fwparker.org MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE
- *** Ride of Silence. 3rd Wednesday in May Yearly. All ages. Free 6:30-9p UNCONFIRMED
- 12+ mile route quietly passing sites of crash victims, many marked by powerful memorial Ghost Bikes. Held in hundreds of cities worldwide, raises awareness of cyclists legal right to public roadways, and shows respect for fallen comrades. Gather at Eternal Flame.
rideofsilence.org/chicagoDaley Plaza, 312/346-3278, 50 W Washington. Washington and Dearborn.
cityofchicago.org MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE
Thursday 2024.05.16
- Drum&Bass night. 3rd Thursdays 21+ Free 10p-4a UNCONFIRMED
- W/ Delamota / Dioptrics / Pardeeboi / Riverman / UV / Skrimshaw / Questionmark ...
SmartBar, 773/549-0203, 3730 N Clark. Near Red Line Addison stop.
smartbarchicago.com/events MAP TICKETS PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE
Friday 2024.05.17
- Blacklight Blackout (since 2011). 3rd Fridays 21+ Free 10p-2a UNCONFIRMED
- Big freakfest in a tiny space. Lots of DJs, cheap beer, UV paints, radiation.
facebook.com/blacklightblackoutexitExit, 312/395-2700, 1315 W North. 2nd Fl.
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Saturday 2024.05.18
- Armed Forces Day. 3rd Saturday in May Yearly.
- Day to honor the U.S. combined armed forces.
Fest at Navy Pier with recruiters and demos and USO.
defenselink.mil/afdbedno.com/holidays INFO SHARE
- LakeView Mayfest (since 1996). -Sunday Yearly. 18+ $10 (donation) Fr 5-10p, Sa-Su 10a-10p UNCONFIRMED
- Food, music, merchants, major bands late, pet contest. Thousands attend, basic beer tents.
773/665-4682 starevents.comLakeview, 3100 N Ashland. At Barry.
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- Long Grove Chocolate Fest. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. Free 10a-6p UNCONFIRMED
- Freshly made chocolate dipped everythings; fruits, popcorn, donuts, martinis, etc. Chef demos, specialty shops, two entertainment stages. Well managed popular family event in a lovely town.
Historic Long Grove, 847/634-0888, Route 83 and Old Route 53, Long Grove. North Suburban.
visitlonggrove.com MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE
Sunday 2024.05.19
- National Restaurant Association show (since 1920!). -Tuesday Yearly. UNCONFIRMED
- The other NRA, trade only, dress code enforced.
312/853-2525 restaurant.orgMcCormick Place, 2301 S Lake Shore. North AND South buildings.
mccormickplace.com MAP PHOTOS SHARE
- Shavuot. Jewish holiday. -2024.05.21 Yearly. Two nights, sunset to sunset. UNCONFIRMED
- Commemorates the revelation of the Torah at Sinai. Date varies each year.
chabad.org/holidays/Shavuot INFO SHARE
- Bark In The Park (since 1995). 5k walkathon w/ dogs benefiting Anti-Cruelty. Yearly. All ages. $15-25 Registration from 7a. 9a-?a UNCONFIRMED
- Snax, canine performers, entertainment, more. Registration fills. Thousands participate.
312/644-8338 barkinthepark.orgSoldier Field, 312/235-7000, 1410 S Museum Campus Dr. Stadium Green.
soldierfield.net MAP TICKETS PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE
- Vintage Garage. 3rd Sundays $? 11a-6p UNCONFIRMED
- 100 vintage and antique dealers.
847/579-9079 vintagegaragechicago.com5051 N Broadway Uptown between Foster and Argyle.
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- Model Rocket Launching (since 1963). 3rd Sundays All ages. Free 2-5p UNCONFIRMED
- Deeply validates geekness. All skill levels. BYOL (Bring Your Own Launcher). Northern Illinois Rocketry Association hosted. Held away from population centers, only a few launches a year.
nirarocketry.orgEast Branch Forest Preserve, Off Glen Ellyn Road near Army Trail Road, Glendale Heights. Use I-355.
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Tuesday 2024.05.21
- Start of Gemini. Astrological sign, the twins. Yearly.
- astrology.com INFO SHARE
Wednesday 2024.05.22
- Sweets & Snack Expo (since 1884). National Confectioners Association. -Thursday Yearly. 9a-5p UNCONFIRMED
- Candy industry or connected only.
703/790-5750 allcandyexpo.comMcCormick Place, 2301 S Lake Shore. Lakeside Center.
mccormickplace.com MAP PHOTOS SHARE
Friday 2024.05.24
- * International Mister Leather competition (since 1979). -Monday Yearly. UNCONFIRMED
- Huge leather market, events all day, hot parties at select clubs, tough tourists. Registration Thursday, opening Friday, Pre-judging Saturday, finals Sunday, party at House of Blues.
imrl.comCongress Plaza Hotel, 312/427-3800, 520 S Michigan.
congressplazahotel.com MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE
- Bands at Montrose Beach. Daily. -2024.09.01 Yearly. All ages. Free 7p UNCONFIRMED
- Plus beers, cocktails, dining.
facebook.com/TheDockatMontroseBeachMontrose Beach, 200 W Montrose Harbor Dr.
thedockatmontrosebeach.com MAP SHARE
Sunday 2024.05.26
- Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival (since 1985). Yearly. $? 12-10p UNCONFIRMED
- Continuous live acts, beloved local bands, food, beer, shopping.
chicagoevents.com/events/belmont-sheffield-music-festBelmont and Sheffield. Belmont train stop.
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- * Memorial Day Parade (since 1870). Yearly. All ages. Free 12p UNCONFIRMED
- 150 units, a dozen bands, veterans distributing flags and poppies, some 25000 participants expected. Wreath laying ceremony at 11a. Note that Grant Park features a statue of General Logan, who first officially recognized this day.
tinyurl.com/chiparadesState Street from Lake to Van Buren.
cityofchicago.org PHOTOS INFO SHARE
Monday 2024.05.27
- Memorial Day. Last Monday in May Yearly.
- Legal Holiday. Honors United States military personnel who died in wars. Formerly called Decoration Day, observed since the civil war. Parades, flags fly at half mast, ceremonies at veteran's graves. Major picnic and veg-e-q day.
dmoz.org/Society/Holidays/Memorial_Dayusmemorialday.org PHOTOS INFO SHARE
- *** Bike The Drive (since 2002). Yearly. All ages. $35+ 5:30a-10:15a UNCONFIRMED
- Ride on L.S.D., closed to cars. Tens of thousands participate. Pre-reg and ID and cash and helmet required. Vendors and parties after.
312/42-PEDAL bikethedrive.orgUpper Hutchinson Field, Columbus and Balbo. Near Buckingham Fountain.
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Wednesday 2024.05.29
- FIREWORKS!!! Sa/We -2024.08.31 Yearly. All ages. Free We 9:30p, Sa 10:15p UNCONFIRMED
- Visible anywhere near the lake.
navypier.org/explore/fireworksNavy Pier, 312/222-9328, 600 E Grand. Take the free trolley.
navypier.com MAP PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE
Thursday 2024.05.30
- Ascension Day. Yearly. UNCONFIRMED
- A Christian holiday, 40 days after easter. Commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven.
christianity.about.comwikipedia.org/wiki/Feast_of_the_Ascension INFO SHARE
Friday 2024.05.31
- * World No Tobacco Day (since 1988). Leave the pack behind. Yearly.
- Sponsored by the World Health Organization.
who.int/campaigns/no-tobacco-day/2014 INFO SHARE
- Critical Mass (since 1997). Last Fridays All ages Free 5:45p.
- THE monthly gathering of bicyclists making our presence known downtown. Unplanned route gently winds a dozen miles or more. Thousands attend in good weather. Includes music, hipsters, athletes, show bikes, so much more. Skaters welcome.
Bedno.com/bikeDaley Plaza, 773/486-4861, 50 W Washington. Under the Picasso (giant rusty bird), at Dearborn, SW of State&Lake train stop.
chicagocriticalmass.org MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE
Saturday 2024.06.01
- Farmers Markets (since 1980). Fresh and charming. -2024.10.31 Yearly. All ages. Free. UNCONFIRMED
- Mo: Loyola; Tu: ColumbusPark, FederalPlaza, LincolnSquare; We: Andersonville, GreenCity, Lawndale, Pullman, Ravenswood; Th: Daley Plaza, Argyle, Austin, GarfieldPark, HydePark; Sa: Division&Dearborn, Edgewater, GarfieldPark, HornerPark, more; Su: Glenwood&Morse, IndependencePark, LoganSquare, WickerPark, Pilsen, PortagePark;
chicagofarmersmarkets.usVarious city locations.
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- Movies in the Parks (since 2001). -2024.09.12 Yearly. All ages. Free At Dusk. UNCONFIRMED
- bedno.com/movies/parksVarious Chicago parks.
TIMES MAP SHARE
- * Full Moon Fire Jam. Monthly. All ages. Free 6:30-9:30p UNCONFIRMED
- Gathering for fire spinners, fire jugglers, hoopers, breathers, etc. Practice, networking, and outstanding performances, with drum circle backing. Many hundreds of spectators attend.
Estimated 2021 schedule:
2021.04.27 Tuesday
2021.05.26 Wednesday
2021.06.24 Thursday
2021.07.22 Thursday **
2021.08.22 Sunday
2021.09.20 Monday
2021.10.20 Wednesday.
fullmoonjam.org4960 N Simonds Dr Betwix Foster and Lawrence in grass near lake.
bedno.com/firejam MAP PHOTOS INFO SHARE
Ongoing
- WAY too much great theater and comedy and dance to cover.
- Pickup Reader and NewCity and TimeOut magazines.
Hundreds of city locations.
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