May is sort of like the Thursday of the year — we’re gearing up for summertime Chi but we’re not quite there yet. But personally, I love Thursdays. I love May too. And this year, there’s lots to do.
🍧 Italian Ice Season Starts Up
May marks the official start of Italian ice season, before sweltering days make the lines extra long.
Miko’s Italian Ice, with locations in Irving Park and Logan Square, expands its hours on May 1, operating from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. The shops will stay open till 10 p.m. beginning Memorial Day weekend. The insider’s scoop (sorry, had to do it) is that they’re working on some new flavors.
Meanwhile, Mario’s Italian Lemonade in Little Italy opens for the season on May 1. Their hours are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
🍒 Farmers Markets Are Back
Farmers markets are coming back all across the city throughout May. During the first week of May alone, weekly farmers markets are starting up in Lincoln Square, Lincoln Park, Uptown, Wicker Park, West Loop, Hyde Park, Beverly, and Pilsen.
Every spring and fall, The Chicago Humanities Festival hosts lectures, concerts, and film screenings across the city. This May, events are taking place at multiple locations in Bridgeport and Lincoln Park.
Bridgeport Day: May 10
Celebrated writers — including Rebecca Solnit, Maggie Nelson, “Top Chef” host Kristen Kish, and hometown hero Eve L. Ewing — will offer talks at Ramova Theatre and Co-Prosperity.
Lincoln Park Day: May 18
Events at the Chicago History Museum and Francis W. Parker School will focus on social justice. Speakers include the 2017 Women's March organizer Tamika Mallory, astronaut Amanda Nguyen, actor Leslie Odom Jr., poet-lawyer Reginald Dwayne Betts, and Dr. Ibram X. Kendi.
🎥 Film Festivals
- Doc10 Film Fest (Running till May 4)
- Chicago Critics Film Festival (May 2-8)
- Chicago Horror Film Festival (May 16-18)
- Midwest Film Festival Fair (May 16)
- The Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival (Running till May 13)
- Asian American Showcase (May 16-22)
🎉 More Fests!
Chicago street fests are sounding the alarm this season. But it’s not too early to show your support. Upcoming fests include:
- Spring Festival at Thatcher Woods (May 4)
- Mayfest in Lincoln Park (May 16-18)
- Mole de Mayo Fest in Pilsen (May 24-26)
- Sueños 2025 in Grant Park (May 24-25)
- Windy City Hot Dog Fest in Portage Park (May 30-June 1)
- Do Division in West Town (May 31-June 1)
🏀 Da Sports
The Chicago Sky season kicks off May 17 in Indianapolis against the Fever, but the home opener at Wintrust Arena is May 22, against New York Liberty.
Also coming up are three straight days of Crosstown Classic matches. The White Sox and the Cubs face off on May 16, 17, and 18. All those games are at Wrigley Field.
🐦⬛ Birds!
April showers bring May flowers. May brings flycatchers, tanagers, orioles, and up to 36 different types of warblers to Chicagoland. The Chicago Botanic Garden which, yes, is technically in Gencoe, has a long list of species to peel your eyes for. Perhaps a bit closer to home, the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary is open daily from dawn to dusk.
