National Banana Day

National Librarian Day

National Eggs Benedict Day

National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day

National Orchid Day

Chicago Artisan Market: The Chicago Artisan Market is back this weekend for a two-day local shopping experience. The Spring Market will take place at Artifact Events in Ravenswood on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The market brings together 100+ of the best local artisans all under one roof. It’s a great spring date idea! You can eat and drink while shopping indoors, bring your dog and there is plenty of free parking.

It’s also easily accessible by train on both Metra and the CTA. On Metra, take the Union Pacific North line to the Ravenswood stop, or take the Brown Line to Montrose on the L. If you’re biking, there are nearby Divvy stations as well.

Tickets are $8 each or four for $20, so turning it into a double date makes it an even better deal. As a heads up, prices are higher at the door, so it’s best to buy in advance.

Spring in Chicago: It’s time to get outside and enjoy spring in Chicago. If you haven’t made it to Jackson Park for the cherry blossoms yet, time may have run out already. Most trees are just past peak bloom (bloom status tracker), but it’s unclear how they held up after the recent rain. Here’s how they looked this past weekend. Meanwhile, tulips are starting to bloom all along State Street and Michigan Avenue downtown.

Candy Hall of Fame: Chicago has been selected as the permanent home of the Candy Hall of Fame Experience, beating out New York City and Orlando. The multi-level, 60,000-square-foot attraction is set to open in summer 2027 at 830 N. Michigan Ave., directly across from Water Tower Place on the Mag Mile. Visitors can expect an immersive look at the history of the confectionery industry, including iconic candy brands, major milestones and the innovators behind them.

Chicago Blues Festival: The Chicago Blues Festival, the largest free blues festival in the world, announced its 2026 lineup this week. Headliners include Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band, Billy Branch, Dexter Allen, Jaye Hammer and Gerry Hundt, among others. The festival takes place June 4–7 across multiple venues including Millennium Park, the Ramova Theatre and Maxwell Street.

New in Fulton Market: Fulton Market is welcoming two familiar Italian restaurants to the neighborhood. Pizza Lobo just opened its third location last Wednesday at 165 N. Morgan St., featuring multiple levels, a walk-up window, a large island bar and a back patio. Additionally, Labriola Italian Specialties is opening its third location on April 22 at 852 W. Fulton Market, taking over the former Kuma’s Corner space.

The Ives: The Chicago Athletic Association is getting a new restaurant this spring as The Ives takes over the former Cherry Circle Room space. The Ives will be a “modern grill room” by Boka Restaurant Group, focused on classic American dining with a more elevated, interactive experience. Expect tableside service, carving stations and a revived, club-like atmosphere that leans into the building’s historic character.

Swan Boats: The swan boats are officially coming back to the Humboldt Park Lagoon after sitting out last summer due to slow business. Around 15 boats will return to the lagoon starting April 25, with rentals about $30 per hour and bikes available as well. The comeback also lines up with a new cafe expected at the boathouse, which should bring renewed energy to the park this summer.

Concert Announcements: Usher and Chris Brown will perform at Soldier Field on Aug. 21 as part of The R&B Tour. Additionally, multiple United Center shows were announced this week. The Strokes will bring their Reality Awaits world tour on June 17, Sombr will bring the You Are The Reason Tour on Nov. 4 and Teddy Swims will bring The UGLY Tour on Sept. 25.

July 4th Fireworks: For the first time since 2019, Chicago will host Independence Day Fireworks on July 4. Navy Pier will put on its largest and longest display yet, featuring an extended 15-minute show from 10 p.m. to 10:15 p.m., fully choreographed to music and set against the city’s skyline in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Chicago Pride Fest: Chicago Pride Fest is returning to Northalsted for its 25th anniversary on June 20–21 and just announced its full lineup. The two-day festival brings a full weekend of live music, drag performances and community events to Halsted Street. It runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day and features three stages, over 150 vendors, food and drinks and more.

Kids Restaurant Week: Lettuce Entertain You is launching its first-ever Kids Restaurant Week in Chicago from May 3–7. The event invites kids ages 4–12 to try multi-course, chef-led dinners focused on global cuisines, with the chance to meet chefs and collect stamps in a “passport” along the way.

PopUp Bagels: The grand opening of PopUp Bagels in Lincoln Park (2321 N. Lincoln Ave.) is taking place tomorrow, Friday, April 17 (a soft opening is also happening today while supplies last). The viral New York City bagel shop is known for its fresh, hot bagels and signature rip-and-dip cream cheese technique. They also just launched two new schmears, Cake Batter Schmear and Vanilla Berry Butter, plus an exclusive Giardiniera Schmear with Portillo’s for the grand opening. This marks its first Midwest location, with more planned across the Chicagoland area.

All You Can Eataly: All You Can Eataly: Spring in Rome takes place tomorrow, Friday, April 17. This all-inclusive, four-hour event features 30+ Italian bites, 20+ wines, plus spirits, beer, live music, chef demonstrations and more. It’s a fun way to try unlimited food and drinks throughout Eataly.

Civil Fest: CIVL Fest kicks off today and runs through April 25, bringing a citywide celebration of Chicago’s independent venues, artists and neighborhoods. The 10-day festival features more than 40 concerts, special events and collaborations across 20+ stages, highlighting the city’s local music and performing arts scene.

Old Fashioned Fest: The West Loop Old Fashioned Fest takes place this Saturday, April 18 from 12 to 3 p.m. at PB&J: Pizza Beer and Jukebox in Fulton Market. This ticketed event includes five unique 9 oz Old Fashioned tastings and five slices of pizza.

Greek Independence Parade: The Greek Independence Parade returns to Greektown this Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m., celebrating Chicago’s Greek community with floats, traditional music and cultural performances, plus a special appearance from Greece’s elite Presidential Guard for the first time in nearly a decade. A Greektown “Agora” marketplace with vendors will also run from 12–6 p.m.

Sunrise: 6:08 a.m. (11 minutes earlier)

Sunset: 7:32 p.m. (8 minutes later)