Ring in spring this weekend with fun happenings in your area. See what's in season at these local events.
BYO Basket to the Adult Egg Hunt.
At this 18 and up event, adults get to have all the fun hunting for eggs, competing for prizes, and taking their own pictures with the Easter Bunny. Participants can also treat themselves to coffee and mini donuts from Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck and Sweet Ride food trucks.
Date: Mar. 21
Time: 9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Berens Park baseball fields, Elmhurst
More Info: epd.org
Get to know Chicagoland authors at the Local Author Palooza.
The 1st Local Author Palooza Pop-Up Book Fair is a free, family-friendly event celebrating Chicagoland authors, taking place at Imperial Oak Brewing. Attendees can enjoy an afternoon of author meet-and-greets, book purchases and signings, photo opportunities, and a variety of book-themed activities. Featuring books for all ages and interests, the event offers a chance to discover new reads and support the Chicago literary community.
Date: Mar. 21
Time: 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Imperial Oak Brewing, Brookfield
More Info: newbookjoy.com
Celebrate the arrival of spring at Spring Palette Art Show.
At Spring Palette Art Show, the Westmont Parks Community Center gym is transformed into an art gallery showcasing work from talented local artists. Explore a wide range of work, including oil and watercolor paintings, prints, pencil drawings, glasswork, and sculpture. Many artworks will be available for purchase, so you can take home something unique from a local artisan.
Date: Mar. 22
Time: 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Westmont Community Center, Westmont
More Info: westmontparks.org
Keep celebrating St. Patrick's Day by watching the Shamrock Shuffle.
Kick off the spring running season in Chicago by watching participants race to the finish line at the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle. Both the 8k run and two-mile walk start in Grant Park, but the walk moves down the Lakefront Trail while the run takes place throughout the downtown area. Can't make it to the loop to cheer on your favorite runners? You can watch live coverage of the race on NBC Chicago and Telemundo Chicago from 8 to 11 a.m.
Date: Mar. 21
Time: 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Grant Park
More Info: shamrockshuffle.com
Shop local at Spring Vintage & Artisan Fest.
The iconic Windy City Market is back in Ravenswood this weekend with the Spring Vintage and Artisan Fest. Browse a curated market featuring vintage finds, handmade goods, art, jewelry, and home décor from local independent vendors. This two-day fest is also pet-friendly and features a full bar to sip while you browse.
Date: Mar. 21-22
Time: 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Cost: $8.55
Location: Ravenswood Event Center
More Info: eventbrite.com
Reserve your table for West Town Restaurant Week.
Enjoy special prix-fixe menus and dining deals at some of West Town's most popular restaurants. The weeklong event is a great chance to explore neighborhood favorites and try new spots at a discounted price.
Date: Mar. 21-29
Time: Various times
Cost: Various costs
Location: West Town
More Info: westtownchamber.org
Celebrate a music legend at Nina Simone Reimagined.
Enjoy an intimate musical tribute honoring the legacy of legendary singer and activist Nina Simone this weekend at Little Black Pearl. Featuring vocalist Harmony Grace, the performance reinterprets Simone's powerful catalog with reverence and depth.
Date: Mar. 21
Time: 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Cost: $25+
Location: Little Black Pearl
More Info: blackpearl.org
Get inspired at the Spring Flower Show.
There are still a few weekends left to see the 2026 Spring Flower Show at the Garfield Park Conservatory. The theme of this year's showstopping exhibition is "Showers of Flowers" and highlights more than 80 hanging baskets of trailing vines, bushy ferns, and colorful flowers. It's the perfect chance to get inspiration for your own home and garden, with the creative hanging arrangements being adaptable to many kinds of living spaces.
Date: Ongoing
Time: Various times
Cost: Free
Location: Garfield Park Conservatory
More Info: garfieldconservatory.org