May 2018 events calendar for Chicago

Now in its sixth year, the Chicago Critics Film Association throws an annual film fest for the public’s shot at seeing some of the hottest unreleased films. Catch this year's buzziest movies before they're out on wide release.

Enjoy the best beer Chicago and the Midwest have to offer while sampling brews from more than 80 participating breweries, including local standbys and national favorites such as Half Acre, Dovetail, Whiner and more. Attendees receive 48 two-ounce samples, as well as access to exclusive beers, activities and interactive learning opportunities to get better educated about the beer-making process. Beer drinkers are also able to cast their votes for the best beer of the day. The winner receives the Most Valuable Brew award.

Celebrate the arrival of spring at this free, outdoor family-friendly festival at Cricket Hill in Lincoln Park, where kids can fly a kite or watch professional demonstrations. Free paper kites will be provided, but families will also be able to purchase more intricate flying creations from a variety of vendors.

Your mother brought you into the world; the least you can do is show her a good time on Mother's Day. From brunch to gifts to shopping and spa treatments, start planning out your day with the help of our guide to things to do on Mother's Day.

Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazowski, Nemo and WALL-E are all heading to Hyde Park. "The Science Behind Pixar" explores the science and technology that go into making some of your favorite animated films, closely examining the techniques used by artists and computer scientists to bring movies like Toy Story and The Incredibles to the big screen.

Illinois Craft Beer Week kicks off with this annual event in Garfield Park Conservatory, where you can sample some of the finest ales and lagers from local and national breweries amid a sea of foliage. If you're trying to narrow down your list of Craft Beer Week events, this is a good place to separate the worthwhile breweries from the ones you'll save for your next trip to Binny's. Tickets include samples from each of the brewers in attendance and access to grub from local good trucks.

If you don't see the magazines and comics you want to read in the world, why not make ‘em yourself? At Chicago Zine Fest, makers of DIY publications gather for two days of sharing knowledge, stories and enthusiasm for handmade art. On Friday, zinesters gather for an evening of panels and talks, then on Saturday participants show off their wares in a giant marketplace, allowing members of the public to purchase self-published material.

For fans of Japanese pop-culture (namely anime, video games, musicians and strange snack foods), there's no largest Midwest celebration of the island nation than Anime Central. The annual convention allows like-minded otaku to mingle, admire the gravity-defying hairstyles sported by cosplayers and meet voice-over talent from imported cartoons. When the convention floor closes, the party continues at the popular Soap Bubble dance and late-night anime screenings.

This Lakeview neighborhood tradition typically kicks off street festival season, setting up food and music in a giant big-top tent. Get in the spirit of the German-inspired celebration by munching on pretzels, grabbing a brew from the outdoor beer garden and taking in sets from cover acts like Sixteen Candles, Too White Crew and 7th Heaven.

Dig into tacos, grilled cheese, doughnuts, pierogis and more at this annual feast in the Lincoln Park Zoo. Guests will enjoy access to dozens of Chicago's best food trucks as well as admission to the zoo, DJs and drinks available for purchase.

An EDM concert meets a 5K road race during the Night Nation Run, which begins and ends with live DJ performances (complete with lights, fog and confetti guns). Once they take off from the starting line, runners will encounter multiple DJ stages, selfie stations, laser light shows and something called "bubble world." Don't expect to set a personal record at this race, but do expect to get a complimentary glow necklace. 

Sample more than 100 wines from all over the world while listening to classical music at the second annual Lincoln Park Wine Fest. Yes, it doesn't get much more sophisticated than this. Our advice? Cozy up to the most nicely dressed person in attendance and ask them to take you for a post-fest ride on their yacht.

You may never get to take enter the gridiron with the Chicago Bears, but you can take off on a 10-mile run from the team's home turf. The Soldier Field 10-Mile begins and ends in the stadium, sending participants on a scenic jaunt down the Lakefront Trail. Everyone who registers receives a tech shirt with the race's logo and finishers get a medal memorializing their achievement.

Each summer, Chicago honors the men and women who died protecting our country with one of the nation's largest Memorial Day parades in the Loop. Prepare for the long weekend with our guide to downtown attractions, weekend getaways and more.

After a wreath is laid at the eternal flame in Daley Plaza, Chicago's annual Memorial Day Parade heads down State Street, from Lake to Van Buren, as onlookers wave the stars and stripes. The procession has been a city tradition since 1870, honoring the men, women and families who have fought for our country.

Have you ever dreamed of cruising down Lake Shore Drive on your bicycle? Bike the Drive makes that dream a reality for one day this year, closing down the popular lakefront thoroughfare to cars early on a Sunday morning. Participants can bike from Bryn Mawr Avenue to the Museum of Science industry (and back) during the five hours of car-free riding.

Mark the end of Illinois Craft Beer Week at this new festival, which brings a tropical celebration to the Theater on the Lake. More than 60 local and out-of-state breweries will bring island-inspired beer to the gathering for attendees to sample, alongside food from Chicago chef Cleetus Friedman.

Celebrate the arrival of spring at this free, outdoor family-friendly festival at Cricket Hill in Lincoln Park, where kids can fly a kite or watch professional demonstrations. Free paper kites will be provided, but families will also be able to purchase more intricate flying creations from a variety of vendors.

Sample more than 100 wines from all over the world while listening to classical music at the second annual Lincoln Park Wine Fest. Yes, it doesn't get much more sophisticated than this. Our advice? Cozy up to the most nicely dressed person in attendance and ask them to take you for a post-fest ride on their yacht.

Take a tour of the world at this popular festival in Skokie, which features ethnic music, dance, food and arts. Attendees won't have trouble finding ways to celebrate cultural diversity at this free event, with activities like an international beer tasting competition and plenty of games for kids and families.

More than 200 vendors hawk their antique housewares, furniture, ephemera, clothing and more at this indoor-outdoor festival. Stop in for vintage clothes and jewelry, a vinyl swap meet, a fancy food market and global goods bazaar or bring your own items for appraisal. This event typically occurs on the last weekend of each month. During the warm-weather months of May–September, the market adds an outdoor area, offering even more vintage shopping and a beer garden.

Rooted in a 1979 bar contest, this four-day event features parties, a fetish and leather market, a physique competition, a sexy shoe-polishing competition and, of course, the annual crowning of International Mr. Leather. In additional to the daily Leather Market, there are the big evening events: the Opening Ceremonies, Physique Competition, International Mr. Leather Contest, IML Victory Celebration Party, and the Black and Blue Ball. 

Have you ever dreamed of cruising down Lake Shore Drive on your bicycle? Bike the Drive makes that dream a reality for one day this year, closing down the popular lakefront thoroughfare to cars early on a Sunday morning. Participants can bike from Bryn Mawr Avenue to the Museum of Science industry (and back) during the five hours of car-free riding.

In 1989, acclaimed artist Keith Haring came to Chicago to create a gigantic 488-foot-long mural in collaboration with 500 Chicago Public School students. After remaining on display at Midway Airport for several years, 36 panels of the mural will return to the Loop, going on display alongside a selection of Haring's photographs, correspondence, designs and his now-iconic drawings.

Chicago-based photographer Kenneth Josephson’s conceptual images push the boundaries of the medium, using carefully-planned collages and pictures of pictures to create surreal works that toy with the viewer’s perception of space and time. The MCA will exhibit a selection of Josephson’s largely drawn from its permanent collection, including images of Chicago that juxtapose images from different eras of the city's history.

Abstract artist Helen Frankenthaler is best known for her bold canvases, on which she employed her "soak stain" technique to create translucent splashes of color. However, "The Romance of a New Medium" focuses on her lesser-known work as a print artist, which shrinks her abstract process down in size through the use of lithography, wood cutting and etching. The Art Institute displays a nearly complete collection of more than 50 of her prints, which—true to its name—exhibits Frankenthaler's enthusiasm for a new set of artistic tools. 

The Chicago Park District and Chicago Area Runners Association presents this free series of timed 5K and one-mile runs, which take place every Saturday at 9am in Humboldt Park, Warren Park and Washington Park. If you want to participate, simply sign up online and show up ready to run the course.

In 1989, acclaimed artist Keith Haring came to Chicago to create a gigantic 488-foot-long mural in collaboration with 500 Chicago Public School students. After remaining on display at Midway Airport for several years, 36 panels of the mural will return to the Loop, on display alongside a selection of Haring's photographs, correspondence, designs and his now-iconic drawings.

Storytellers share the nonfiction tales about movies that changed their lives at this monthly event.

Skokie's annual global culture festival has attendees snacking on ethnic food and sipping beer from around the world. Enjoy music, dance, art and a host of games at this family-friendly fest in one of Chicago's nearest suburbs.