Everything Fun to Do in Chicago This March, from Tattoo Festivals to St. Patrick’s Day
These are the must-hit festivals, food and drink events, art and entertainment events, and generally fun things to do in Chicago this month.
Fool’s Spring has come and gone, and now we’re finally, thankfully, starting to see hints of Actual Spring popping up. Leaves are budding on the trees, flowers are poking up from the ground, and migratory herds of joggers, skaters, and cyclists have returned to their natural habitat on Lakefront Trail. Nature is healing, and you should take advantage, whether you want to check out the city’s best restaurants, take a trip to one of the city’s many nature spots to see the fresh snow, or have a romantic night out with your partner.
Chicago has something to offer everyone, from state parks to thrift shops to pop-ups. And if that’s not enough for you, it’s also well within driving distance of some wonderful day trip spots. Whether you want to hit the trails, relax at a spa, or test your friendship at one of our city’s escape rooms, the City of Broad Shoulders has you more than covered.
Knowing all this, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of weekend outings that are worth your time this March, from festivals to culinary experiences to concerts and beyond. Here are some of our can’t-miss favorites.
Festival Events in Chicago
March 22–24
Rosemont, $25 and up
There’s a reason your coolest friends wait the better part of a year for the Tattoo Arts Festival to roll around to get new ink. Not only does the convention feature some of the best artists from around the world, many of whom have won or been featured on shows like Ink Master, but entertainment will be provided by the nation’s best circus, sideshow, and variety acts. It’ll be a weekend to remember even if you don’t go home with some new body art.
Food & Drink Events in Chicago
March 1–3
West Loop, $35 and up
Step into the iconic Morgan MFG building for a whiskey experience unlike any other. Far from a simple tasting, Origins of Whiskey is an event that combines traditional Irish storytelling with the latest in immersive technology to transport you to the northern coast of Ireland. Oh, and did we mention the whiskey yet? Your ticket will include tastings of the rarest single-malt whiskey to be available for public consumption in over a century.
March 9
Museum of Science and Industry, $65 and up
What’s better than spending a night sampling over 150 of the world’s best wines, seltzers, champagnes, and other potables? Doing it all at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. Your ticket includes the wine tasting, as well as full admission to the museum.
March 9
West Loop, $65
Craft brews and artisanal sausages. Do you really need to be sold on this? Haymarket Brewing welcomes guest brewers and sausage makers to their West Loop location for a day celebrating encased meats, cold beers, and good friends. Is there anything more Chicagoan than that?
March 22–30
West Town, Prices vary
In case you weren’t already full from restaurant week, dozens of local-favorite West Town restaurants have you covered with special menus, prix fixe experiences, and discounts on culinary delights. Participating restaurants include Oggi Trattoria, Forbidden Root, Goose Island, Heritage Restaurant, and many more. Bring an empty stomach.
Art & Entertainment Events in Chicago
March 1
Subterranean, $28
Emo Nite is something special. Not a concert, not a DJ set, Emo Nite is a national party celebrating the most-maligned genre of the 2000s. The event will feature scene mainstays new and old performing and curating playlists of the best that the emo, pop punk, and hardcore genres have to offer. There’s a reason big-name attendees like Demi Lovato, Post Malone, and others make a point to show up for Emo Nite.
March 2
Chicago Athletic Association, Tickets start at $10
Hot Kitchen, one of Chicago’s absolute best performance collectives, is descending upon CAA’s Stagg Court for their yearly 13 Love Songs show. This year, to celebrate the show’s ninth anniversary, they’ve rounded up 13 of the city’s most talented artist to put on a performance based on 13 of the most popular love songs of the ‘90s. Grab your fanny packs, your No Fear T-shirts, and your Tamagotchis, it’s going to be a night you won’t forget anytime soon.
March 1–9
Marz Mothership/Life on Marz Community Club, Free
Head to The Mothership for a full week of live performances, artisanal beers, and enough synthesizers to make Giorgio Moroder blush. The event will feature dozens of artists performing across both of Marz’s taprooms, as well as a synth flea market that’ll feature the best synth vendors and manufacturers selling top-notch gear.
Through March 10
Maggie Daley Park, $16 (with skate rental)
Time to lace ‘em up one last time before the ice thaws. Tickets for Chicago’s newest, best winter tradition are on sale, and they do sell out. The Ice Skating Ribbon offers beautiful views of the city, and is a fall/winter/early spring must-do, so be sure to check the official website as tickets are released on a rolling basis.
March 16
Millennium Park, Free
St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner, and it’s not too early to plan your day. Are you going to wake up early, catch the river dyeing from a rooftop bar? Are you going to catch the parade, then scarf corned beef and cabbage while day drinking with your best friends? Are you going to stay at home in your pajamas? There are no wrong answers, and there are endless options. We recommend catching the parade at Columbus and Balbo, then walking west a few blocks to enjoy a pint.
Through May 12
Garfield Park Conservatory, Free with reservation
For our money, there’s no better way to celebrate the Thawing of Chicago than to see the blooms at the Garfield Park Conservatory Spring Show. This year’s show focuses on flower nomenclature, exploring the importance and meaning of naming conventions amid a backdrop of beautiful spring blooms.