Ring in spring this weekend with fun happenings in your area. See what's in season at these local events.
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.
Spring is just around the corner, and so are plenty of fun happenings to enjoy close to home. Discover what's blooming near you at one of these weekend events.
Savor delicious sips at the Winter Whiskey Tasting.
Spend an evening sipping whiskey and admiring the trees at the Arboretum's Firefly Pavilion. Sample a curated selection of whiskeys chosen by experts while enjoying live music and the cozy warmth of fire pits on the pavilion's open-air patios. Traditional Irish musicians Paul Kaye and Alec Synakowski will perform throughout the evening, and all ticket holders will receive a commemorative six-ounce snifter glass.
Date: Mar. 14
Time: 3:00–5:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Spring is just around the corner, and so are plenty of fun happenings to enjoy close to home. Discover what's blooming near you at one of these weekend events.
Watch the world's best short films at 2026 Oscar Shorts.
With the Academy Awards happening this Sunday, this is the perfect opportunity to catch up on all of the Oscar-nominated short films at the Gorton Center in Lake Forest. The screenings are divided into three feature-length categories: animation, documentary, and live action. Tickets are $10 per screening, or $25 for all three.
Date: Mar. 14
Time: 1:00-9:30 p.m.
Cost: $10+
Spring is just around the corner, and so are plenty of fun happenings to enjoy close to home. Discover what's blooming near you at one of these weekend events.
Have a blast at the St. Patrick's Weekend Festival.
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day weekend at a massive outdoor street festival on Hubbard Street. Enjoy nonstop fun with 20+ DJs and live bands, a full festival stage, outdoor bars, food vendors, tented areas, merch, and access to River North favorites like Hubbard Inn, Joy District, Boss Bar, and Kitchen Karaoke. The fest is free and open to the public, with a suggested donation supporting local organizations.
Date: Mar. 14
Time: 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Spring is just around the corner, and so are plenty of fun happenings to enjoy close to home. Discover what's blooming near you at one of these weekend events.
Celebrate 30 years of Irish pride at the Forest Park St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Kicking off at 1 p.m. in downtown Forest Park, this beloved western suburbs tradition features more than 65 entries, including bagpipers, Irish dancers, the Proviso East Marching Band, Medinah Shriner parade units, local businesses, and area police and fire departments. The parade steps off at Madison and Van Buren, traveling east on Madison to Elgin.
Date: Mar. 7
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Cost: