In the Midwest, if you live anywhere that leaves are beginning to cover patches of grass or sidewalks, you don’t need the calendar to announce that the autumnal equinox has arrived this Sept. 22 of 2026. (The Vernal Equinox came in Spring.)
You may also have noticed that daylight hours and nights are pretty much equal so those long days of June, July and August have changed to questions of what happened to Summer.
Making it even harder to adjust to seasonal changes is that one day feels cooler but the next few days warmer weather returns.
What to do to transition to Fall? Find fun events you don’t have in summer. Here are just a couple of things in the Chicago area to look forward to this Fall.
(See below) William Shakespeare (comp from Chandos post)
Info and shows
Eggs
There used to be scores of egg hunts sponsored by organizations, schools and neighborhoods. So it was nice to hear of one sponsored by the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance. The group hosts its 19th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Chicago’s Women’s Park and Gardens April 4, 2026, from noon to 2 p.m. The EasterEgg hunt will begin at 12:15 p.m.
What to know: The egg hunt is for ages 12 and younger with hunt areas divided by age. Also, participants are to bring their own basket and be accompanied by an adult.
And more
Partners of the event include the Chicago White sox and Chicago Rec Sports which will donate hundreds of toys. The White Sox organization will give away 500 free game tickets.
Activities: Easter Bunny visit, petting zoo, face painters, balloon artists, sports games and hundreds of prizes. Noshes: Easter cupcakes, cookies and other refreshments.
The Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens is at 1801 S. Indiana Avenue, Chicago. Admission is $18 for children 1-12 and $10 for age 13 years to adults. No charge for children under one year old. Tickets are required. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the event website: http://southloopeasteregghunt.com/ or call (312) 401-2688.
Shakespeare and more
Shakespeare’s Birthday is celebrated by of course – The Chicago Shakespeare Theater in CST’s three venues: Jentes Family Courtyard Theater, The Yard, and the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Upstairs Studio with productions running simultaneously for only the second time in the Theater’s history.
The Merry Wives of Windsor, the world premiere play Fault, and Indian Ink Theatre’s Mrs. Krishnan’s Party will jointly run April 18–26 with a celebration of Shakespeare’s 462nd birthday on April 23.
“These three productions express … what an American Shakespeare company could be: entertaining and engaging tellings of Shakespeare’s stories alongside exciting contemporary work, mixed in with some of the best theatrical events from around the world,” said Artistic Director Edward Hall.
The calendar says it’s February which translates to flowers for Valentine’s Day. But let’s go longer and bigger in 2026 and think Feb. 7 to March 22. That is how long gorgeous orchids take over the Chicago Botanic Garden’s greenhouses.
Just don’t be surprised to find the more than 10,000 orchids are expressing their beauty via a flower-filled Volkswagen Beetle on Rt. 66, hanging drapery and even a lava lamp.
That’s because the folks (including volunteers) at the Botanic Garden have turned the years back to the 1960s and ’70’s for this year’s Orchid Show theme: ” Feelin’ Groovy.”
The Chicago Botanic Garden is at 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.
February is already around the corner so don’t be surprised if there are a few last minute day or overnight trips we almost overlooked. But they still can be slivered into the schedule.
The weather looks fine this weekend for driving up to Lake Geneva, WI. for its Winterfest. Sponsored by Discover Wisconsin, this annual celebration of snow creativity is going on right now north of Chicago.
Teams of snow sculptors have invaded Lake Geneva this week-weekend with their creative concepts of what can be done with snow and hand tools. They have been working on their creations at Riviera Plaza and Flat Iron Park since their blocs of snow were delivered on Wednesday.
These art works will be up through Sunday or until they melt. However, the judging and awards are done today, Jan. 31, 2026.
Producer Harold Ramis’ famed movie that supposedly takes place in Pennsylvania but is actually shot in Woodstock, IL, centers around a groundhog’s winter-spring prediction.
It’s fun to see the movie and its noted filmed spots up in Woodstock, a town northwest of Chicago.
Celebrated this year in Woodstock with a recreation of Woodstock Willy’s prediction Feb. 2, many of the activities are really going on right now so don’t worry if you can’t drive up there for the actual announcement.
Chicago River turns green. (Photo courtesy City of Chicago)
Clink the glasses when you hear Sláinte! You will likely hear the word meaning “I drink to your health” when you amble into a pub this weekend and through next Tuesday, March 17. Or be greeted with Failte. It means welcome.
Yes, we’re heading towards the mid-March’s St. Patrick’s Day events even though the weather has been unseasonably warm. It bodes well for standing along the Chicago River near Michigan Avenue to watch the Chicago Plumbers Union, Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local 130, turn the river bright green from their boats at about 10 a.m., March 15. You will need to have gotten there early if the crowd is anything like past years.
PARADES
Downtown
Grab refreshments along the cafes on Michigan Avenue before catching one of the country’s biggest and best parades. It starts on Columbus Drive at Balbo Drive at 12:15 p.m. and marches north to Monroe Drive just east of the Art Institute.
Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day downtown parade first dates back to 1843 then it moved to Haymarket Square in the 1860s before discontinuing in 1902. It later restarted downtown but dyeing the Chicago River didn’t happen until in 1962.
A family-friendly parade of Irish pride, the parade started 47 years ago as a small, neighborhood event that has grown into popular watching do of thousands, with some brought by bus. Now consisting of bands, a queen and Irish dancers and bands, it starts at noon. March 16 and goes south on Western Avenue Sunday, from 103rd to 115th Streets.
Also held March 16, the parade starts at noon and winds through the Norwood Park neighborhood, beginning at William J. Onahan School. • St. Patrick’s Day events at the Irish American Heritage Center Head to the northwest side to visit the Irish American Heritage Center, which will be hosting an array of events leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, including an Irish singing workshop and concert, a Celtic art class, and more.
Where to raise that pint or dine on Irish specials
So many bars and restaurants celebrate the weekend that the list would run to pages so here are just a few.
Cork & Kerry – an authentic Irish pub in Bridgeport and Beverly. location,
Navy Pier – Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day on the water with Navy Pier’s inaugural Shamrockin’ at the Pier Pub Crawl with drink specials, live music, themed games.
Guinness Open Gate Brewery– One of the only Guinness taprooms outside of Ireland, this West Loop brewery will celebrate with live music, brewery pours, food service, and more.
The Dearborn Tavern -Owned by two Irish sisters, it goes all out for St. Patrick’s Day with food and drink specials and their standard welcoming atmosphere.
Chief O’Neill’s – Considered by many as t he place to be for St Patrick’s Day food and drink.
Mrs. Murphy’s & Sons Irish Bistro A pure Irish pub to celebrate the holiday. Reserve a table upstairs for traditional food and live Irish music.
Two other places to be
Irish American Heritage Center a good destination for all things Irish holds its annual St. Patrick’s Day Fest from 1 -11 p.m. March 15 in its Fifth Province space. The IAH Center is at 4626 N Knox Ave. Chicago, (773) 282-7035). Fest has traditional and contemporary Irish music, dance, food and drink for purchase and children’s activities including Wiggleworms. Tickets are $15 for adults in advance and $20 on the day of the event. Children 12 and under, free.
Old St. Patrick’s “Shamrock’n the Block” has a pop-up Irish pub, live entertainment, food, a raffle and a heated tent beer garden from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. But hurry to get a ticket. It sells out fast. The church campus is at 625 W. Adams (Entrance on Des Plaines St. between Adams & Jackson).
Pansy Orchids among different ones to look for in the greenhouses.(JJacobs photo)
Escape the frigid temps at the Chicago Botanic Garden. CBG’s greenhouses are always a destination for those in the know as the place to briefly escape winter.
However, now through March 23, 2025, beautiful blooms are an added bonus. The event is the annual Orchid Show which this year focuses on India as an orchid source.
Often devoted to different kinds of orchids, this year’s show is about one of the plants’ country of origin.
“It’s been in the works for about seven years,” said Chief Development Officer Ivan Adames who stopped to talk to visitors in a greenhouse.
Boards on the wall across from the greenhouse talked about the country as an orchid grower with about 388 species, many of which are found in the Himalayas.
The India theme is carried throughout the exhibit with decorative hanging baskets, the use of the color blue and even a glorious peacock whose tail is made with orchid blooms.
If interested in purchasing an orchid come during one of the weekend Orchid Marketplaces. They are Feb. 15 – 16, 22– 23 and March 1 – 2. Or, come when the Illinois Orchid Society has its Show & Sale, March 8 – 9 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For Indian themed items visit the Indian Community Marketplace March 22 – 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In addition there is a post orchid show sale Thursday, March 27 at 9 a.m.
The show is by time tickets. Adult: $12 member / $22 nonmember Children ages 3 – 12: $8 member / $15 nonmember Children 2 & under: Free
The Chicago Botanic Garden is at1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022, (847) 835-6801.
For more information visit https://www.chicagobotanic.org/ and Chicago Botanic Org/orchids.
(Photo courtesy of the Argyle Chamber of Commerce)
Sure, today is Sunday when Chinese take-out is often a tradition. But upload the places and dates below and expand that idea to enjoy Chinese food and its culture, now through mid-February.
The Chinese Lunar New Year 2025- the Year of the Snake (4723) – begins this Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, but some places have already started celebrating this weekend including the Peninsula Chicago. Try to get a reservation there today for Afternoon Tea.
Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula Chicago, 108 E. Superior St., Chicago This high-end hotel chain offers traditional Chinese fare and has added a special Chinese New Year Sunday Brunch today, Jan. 26, 2025 with such buffet items as dim sum, Peking duck, other entrées, and desserts.
Can’t make it, don’t despair there are numerous Lunar New Year events throughout the Chicago area.
Navy Pier traditionally features different cultural celebrations. For the Lunar New Year the Aon Grand Ballroom becomes a family-friendly, activity-filled space to mark the Year of the (Wood) Snake on Feb.1, 2025 at 1 p.m. Navy Pier is east of Michigan Avenue at 840 E. Grand Ave. and Lake Michigan.
Photo courtesy of Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation
Parades
Chinese New Year is celebrated with two Lunar New Year parades: one in Chinatown operated by the Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation Feb. 9 and one the day before in Uptown along Argyle, Feb. 8. It goes through a neighborhood that features many Asian businesses and restaurants.
The Chinatown Parade has dragon and lion dancing, floats and marching groups. It starts 1 p.m. at 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue and goes north on Wentworth towards a viewing stand at Cermak and Wentworth. Come to watch and see this historic neighborhood’s architecture and color.
The Lunar New Year parade on Argyle includes community and cultural groups, dancers, other performers. The parade starts at 1 p.m. but the day includes family activities from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.
Restaurants
Hing Kee Restaurant, 2140 S. Archer Ave. Chinatown is holding its 20th Annual Dumpling Dinner now through Feb. 2, 2025.
Sunda New Asian is celebrating the Lunar New Year at both Chicago locations, 110 W. Illinois St. and 333 N. Green St. Lion dances will be Jan. 30-31 at Futon Market and at River North.
Shops
Brush & Bite, 3155 N. Halsted St. features Dumplings & Calligraphy. Try Chinese calligraphy to create beautiful characters and also learn dumpling-making. Now through February 9, 2025.
Fashion Outlets of Chicago are celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year with cultural programs, free activities, and offers from participating retailers now through Feb. 16, 2025 at 5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont, IL.
Photo courtesy of Mirellas Tavern (Wicker Park) and Choose Chicago
Hate January?
Find something fun to do such as try a new restaurant or go to one that is usually high priced but has a window of lower cost opportunities. The answer can be found at the Chicago Restaurant Week guide that is put out by Choose Chicago.
This special “week” is actually 17 days running from Jan. 24 to Feb. 9, 2025. With more than 470 participating restaurants to try it couldn’t be confined to just a week.
The idea is to splurge with a special prix fixe menu for brunch or lunch at $30 and for dinner at mostly $45 (a few at $60).
Restaurants range from Mexican, Italian, American and French bistros to seafood, steak houses, Japanese, Mediterranean, BBQ and pubs in between.
“Chicago” may also be a misnomer because the places are not just all over the city but also can be found in the suburbs such as COA at the Drake in Oakbrook and the Capital Grill at Old Orchard in Skokie.
Also try a new restaurant. These are listed at First timers. They include Pompette in Bucktown, Dawn in Hyde Park, ‘Atta girl in Logan Square, Wolfhound Bar in Avondale, Monarch and Lion in Streeterville and Olio e Più in River North.
Stroll a path you haven’t quite taken in the Chicago Botanic Garden. (Photo credit: Chicago Botanic Garden)
It’s just over a mile but it’s a December night so the air can be brisk. Bundle up or pick up hot chocolate or coffee along the way. Parts of the path may be familiar. However, that won’t matter. There are signs and helpers guiding the route.
The path is the Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual Lightscape event that seems to wander past and amidst multi-lit trees, pastures and geometric shapes. Opened Nov. 15, 2024 and continuing through Jan. 5, 2025. the path is glorious!
The Cathedral at Lightscape. (J Jacobs photo).
But the route is also practical. Just about two-thirds through when you could use a whatever break, you reach the education building with its restrooms, snack bars and tables.
Then, continue past more beautifully lit landscapes to the finish after walking through the”Cathedral,” a multi-lit archway kind of tunnel.
What you need to know: The event is by timed entry that begins at dusk – 4:30 p.m. and goes usually to 9 p.m. depending on the date.
Maria Elena Ramirez blesses the space during the 43rd annual Muertos de la Risa procession in Pilsen on Nov. 2, 2022. ( Photo by Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago.)
Although traditionally observed Oct. 31-Nov. 2, it’s not too late to look for and join a Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration. The Mexican holiday that honors deceased loved ones is not celebrated on just one dia or day in the Chicago area, but at least for more than a week in late October and into early November.
Event festivities include artwork, alters, food, dance and items such as skeletons and photos that are not meant to be scary but are ways to remember relatives and others who have died. Chicago has already had several such events but here are more to come and join.
2. Eventbrite has tickets to Cafe El Tapatio’s event at 3400 N. Ashland Ave. in Lakeview from 7-9 p.m. Oct. 30. It includes painting calavaera (decorative skulls). Event includes painting materials, appetizers and cocktails. Tickets are $60.
3. Drag Paint & Sip: Day of The Dead & Halloween, Oct. 31 at Pinot’s Palette, 2768 N. Milwaukee Ave. , 7-9:30 p.m. The event features Boo Boo Kitty F*ck, Ricky Ruff, X and Ash Wednesday performances. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets range from $10-$42. Click above at Drag Paint for tickets.
4. 45th Annual Pilsen Día De Los Muertos Celebration And Procession, Nov. 1 at Dvorak Park, 1119 W. Cullerton St. from 3 to 7 p.m. Considered the longest-running Día de los Muertos celebration in Chicago, the Free celebration will include free face painting,music, refreshments, performances and a community procession, sponsored by SGA Youth & Family Services, After School Matters and the Chicago Park District.
