May 2018 events calendar for Chicago

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.