Best Things to Do in Chicago This Spring
Chicago's spring vibes are coming in hot with loads of mood altering events. Maybe that's why Chicago has been named the BEST BIG CITY for 9 consecutive years in Condé Nast Travelers Reader's Choice Awards! The people have spoken!
Experience music, art, and shopping like only Chicago can do! And just to make it a little easier, Here's a list of of ACME's Picks for the best things to do this Spring in Chicago
RETAIL THERAPY MODE April 24 - April 26
Busting with hand crafted wares from clothing to textiles, jewelry, housewares, and more, The One of Kind Show sets up shop at the Merchandise Mart April 24 - April 26. It's the perfect place to pick up one-of-a-kind gifts - even if you're gifting yourself! This event rolls into town only twice a year and it's our favorite shopping event of the season!
HIP HOP, ROCK, ROLL: CONCERTS IN CHICAGO
AM I DRAMA? March 21
That's her album cover, so let's assume so! Cardi B brings the signature drama to the stage at United Center March 21 performing her vast musical stylings. From Hip-Hop Rap to Trap, Pop-Rap and Dirty wrap, Cardi B brings the drama. If you don't have tickets - find a friend!
THE BOSS IS BACK - April 29
Music Legend Bruce Springsteen rolls into Chicago to rock the United Center for one night only April 29 in his Land of Hopes and Dreams Tour. Right on! Make a night of it with pre- concert cocktails and bites at The Berkshire Room, and an overnight at ACME!
CALLING ALL SPORTS JUNKIES
GAME ON, CUBS! March 26
The Chicago Cubs swing into the 2026 season on March 26 with their home opener against the Washington Nationals and we're here for it. Seriously! Whether you have game tickets or not, the opening day vibes ride high throughout the bars and pubs in Wrigleyville. There's nothing starting the day with a cold one at Murphy's Bleachers or Sluggers - definitively the OG's of the neighborhood. For those with a slightly more elevated vibe, try Rizzo's Bar with a deeper menu - plus a patio with retractable roof. If you're up for some activity, Lucky Strike gives you bowling, video games,, and ping pong . .. you know, for the sporty athletic types!
And the good news . . . Wrigley is a straight shot from ACME on the Red Line, catch it around the corner.
EMBRACE THE MADNESS - March 27 - March 28
If you dig the sound of squeaky sneakers, fast paced action, and a bunch of really athletic tall dudes, get yourself to the 2026 NCAA March Madness Midwest Regionals at United Center. It's the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight matchup to determine who advances to the final four in Indianapolis.
THE FUNNY STUFF
Shane Gillis; April 3 - April 4
Shane Gillis is so hot, they added a second show! Shane brings his observational, irreverent, bro-like persona for 2 nights of insightful and funny as hell comedy to the United Center April 3 and 4th. If you can't catch him live, see him streaming or dial into his podcast, Matt & Shane's Secret Podcast - ranked in the top 50 podcasts in the US. It's funny stuff.
How hot is he? His critically acclaimed special hit the Netflix Top 10 in five countries - Yup. He's that hot!
Chelsea Handler at the Chicago Theatre April 10
You've likely seen her tv shows, her specials or listened to her podcasts, and you know Chelsea Handler always has some really funny stuff to share! She will be sharing for one night only at the Chicago Theatre in her, The High & Mighty Tour . . . Sounds about right? Tickets are going fast. And plan a night at Acme. We're just over the river and around the corner from Chicago Theatre!
ENCORES & EXHIBITS
A CLASSIC RETURNS FOR A LIMIUTED TIME
You know it's going to be really good trouble when Jane and Kate show up at the Steppenwolf Theater! Don't miss this limited time event starring Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery star in The Trouble with Angels at the Steppenwolf. Based on the 1960 book, Life with Mother Superior by Jane Trahey based on her real life experiences. The book became a hit film in 1966 starring Hayley Mills and RosalindRussell, about life as a catholic school girl . . . It's a classic, and its hilarity still holds up today
THE REINVENTION OF EXPRESSION Now - June 1
Bedridden following surgery, Matisse was no longer able to paint, and through exploration he discovered a new technique that allowed him to masterfully express his memories of Parisian music halls, mythology and more through the art of cut paper. During this time he created 20 cut-paper moquettes and introduced a new medium to the world.
Matisse's Jazz: Rhythms in Color is at the Art Institute Chicago now through June 1.
We'll be back at ya with even more to share soon . . . Meantine, Take advantage of these Chicago experiences, and Book Direct to Save the Most, at ACME!!!