Chicago Memorial Day Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in May

By Katie Sagal
Chicago Riverwalk Tour

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer for many - so why not take advantage of the celebratory weekend and head to Chicago? Make the most of your long weekend in Chicago and explore the marvels of one of America's greatest cities where there's plenty to see and do in May. If you’re looking for Chicago Memorial Day Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities, events and fun things do in Chicago including...

  • Navy Pier Fireworks
  • Hop aboard a Lake Cruise
  • Bike a car-free Lakeshore Drive
  • Enjoy one of the many street festivals
  • and more...

Save on Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these attractions are included on the Go Chicago pass. Choose as you go from dozens of Chicago attractions and activities and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and Chicago attractions – learn more. Please note, some of these special May and Memorial Day weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Chicago pass.

Navy Pier Fireworks and Fun

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Head over to the kid-favorite Navy Pier and spend the day riding the world famous Ferris wheel, walking the promenades, marveling at gardens and attractions, and popping into the many shops and eateries.

Memorial Day Weekend marks the start of the pier's summer fireworks schedule, so be sure to stick around in the evening for the show!

Plus, there are plenty of other things you can enjoy in the area, from world-class theater at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, to the delightful fun at the Chicago Children's Museum.

Getting In: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel tickets and Chicago Children's Museum tickets are included with the Go Chicago pass.

See the City From Above

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If you want to explore the city without the time commitment of an actual tour, try an aerial view. Head to to observation deck at the top of the John Hancock Building, 360 CHICAGO.

There, you'll get amazing, unbeatable views of the city below, stretching from the shores of Lake Michigan out into the urban expanses of the city itself.

As the name implies, you'll get panoramic views that stretch for miles on a clear day, so don't forget that camera!

It's also conveniently located on the Mag Mile, so it's super easy to build in a quick visit here as part of a larger itinerary.

Getting In: 360 CHICAGO tickets are included with the Go Chicago pass.

Hop Aboard a Cruise

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For more fun things to do on Memorial Day weekend, consider taking the popular Classic Lake Tour. You and your family will embark on a 45 minute maritime excursion out onto Lake Michigan as you marvel at the breathtaking Chicago skyline and landmarks.

Other popular cruises include the historic Tall Ship Windy vessel, and the unbeatable Architecture River Cruise. The latter is especially important in a place like Chicago, where architectural styles and influences play such an important role in the history and character of the city.

Getting In: Classic Lake Tour tickets, Tall Ship Windy tickets, and Architecture River Cruise tickets are included with the Go Chicago pass.

Connect with Nature

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For some extra excitement, head over to the Lincoln Park Zoo to marvel at some exotic creatures and ride the animal-inspired thrill rides!

Our favorite ride is the lovely animal carousel. Lincoln Park is also just a beautiful space in which to appreciate the bounties of nature, nestled in an urban setting.

If you like parks but don't want to make the trek up to Lincoln Park from a hotel in the Loop, visit the expansive Millennium Park and the beautiful Lurie Gardens.

Or, if the animal encounters are what you love the best (and you feel up for a bit of a drive), head down to the Brookfield Zoo!

Getting In: Brookfield Zoo tickets and Lincoln Park Zoo Rides tickets are included with the Go Chicago pass.

Bike the Drive

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This Memorial Day Weekend, take advantage of a rare chance to bike on a completely car-free Lakeshore Drive.

Or, pedal where you please throughout the extensive system of Lakefront trails, including into the marvelous open park spaces.

There are of course also other bike paths throughout the city, and Millennium Park in particular is a popular expanse around which to bike.

Didn't bring a bike with you? It's super easy to rent one! As a bonus, your rental comes with a bike map to help your plan your route if you're unfamiliar with the city.

Getting In: Chicago Bike rental by Bike and Roll are included with the Go Chicago pass.

Chicago Memorial Day Parade

By Photo by U.S. Army Public Affairs - Midwest / soldiersmediacenter (Memorial Day Observance in Chicago) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Visited annually by about 10,000 Chicagoans, the parade begins promptly at noon and commemorates veterans and active duty personnel.

It starts at the intersection of State and Lake Street and continues down State Street to Van Buren. It begins with a wreath-laying ceremony, if you want to make sure you get a spot at the beginning.

Getting In: The Chicago Memorial Day Parade is free and open to the public.

Hit Up the Beach

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Although "beach town" isn't the first label one puts to Chicago, there certainly are some wonderful beaches that dot the shores of Lake Michigan.

Memorial Day Weekend marks the official opening of the beaches in Chicago, so grab a towel and head out there!

Keep in mind that the water will still be chilly, though, so maybe just concentrate on hoping for a nice day with good bright sun (you might want to bring a frisbee).

Getting In: It's free to stroll and swim at Chicago beaches.

Visit a Conservatory

Enjoy some nature in an urban setting. Two of Chicago's most popular conservatories are the Garfield Park Conservatory and The Lincoln Park Conservatory. You can even "visit" tropical climates within different areas of the conservatories. This is the perfect way to step away from the crowds and take in some natural beauty. Getting In: the Garfield Park Conservatory and the Lincoln Park Conservatory are both free and open to the public.

Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival

Kicking off Chicago’s outdoor street fest, this music festival is located just steps from the Belmont Red Line ‘El’ stop.

The lineup gets better every year, featuring delightful cover bands and unique local music.

No tickets are required, but donations are strongly encouraged to benefit the Central Lakeview Merchants Association.

There are actually a bevy of festivals to choose from on Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago, from Irish-themed events to EDM concerts. Check out the events calendars for more ideas and ticketing info.

Getting In: The Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Chicago pass.

Shopping (& Window Shopping)

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Of course, Memorial Day Weekend wouldn't be the same without a bit of shopping.

It's often a time of year with the best sales and deals, and its a good chance to scope out stores you wouldn't normally spend time in.

Be sure to stroll down the Magnificent Mile for some exciting shopping opportunities that range from fast fashion to haute couture, or pop into Water Tower Place Mall for some more fun choices, including a LEGO® store!

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Chicago in May to help you plan your Memorial Day weekend itinerary. Remember, many of these great ideas are included on the Go Chicago pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Ravenswood Chicago

From ‘90s up-and-coming neighborhood to today’s laid-back residential district, Ravenswood sits in Chicago’s North Side about 500 meters from Lake Michigan’s Montrose Beach. Often spoken about together with its Lincoln Square enclave, Ravenswood is well-connected by metro to the delights of downtown. You won’t find too many places to stay, but head in this direction and you will find a fantastic riverside area and a fine selection of places to eat and drink among cleverly repurposed historic structures dating from around the time of the Great Fire in 1871. Looking for things to do in Ravenswood Chicago? Here’s our guide to the area’s top attractions. Parks and gardens in Ravenswood Chicago With a name such as Ravenswood it’s fantastic to see that green spaces still play a significant part in life in the neighborhood. They comprise a mosaic of public gardens situated at each cardinal compass point. The smallest, on the eastern edge of Ravenswood, is Chase Park, a fun place to get a little physical activity since it contains an outdoor pool, tennis courts (which can be enjoyed from M Bakery) and a running track. Although it also contains an outdoor pool and tennis courts, River Park has a more natural appearance. Taking in North Shore Channel Trail and popular with dog owners, it occupies a beautiful part of the banks of the Chicago River. Welles Park has a historic bandstand-style gazebo, and an indoor pool. Just outside the official boundaries of Lincoln Square and Ravenswood, Rosehill Cemetery is a charming spot from which to take in some of Chicago’s history from a personal perspective. Dating from 1859, its 350 acres contains the graves of North Side residents spanning over 150 years, including soldiers who fought on both sides during the American Civil War. Down time in Ravenswood Whilst its parks and gardens are an awesome addition to the neighborhood, Ravenswood is really known for its post-work and weekend hangouts. Of a long list of places to shop, Ravenswood’s resident bookworms highly recommend The Book Cellar, whose welcoming vibes extend as far as an onsite café where you’ll find a range of sandwiches, soups and freshly-ground coffees. ENJOY, An Urban General Store is one of those treasure trove stores you can’t believe your luck in discovering, with shelves loaded with quirky gifts, cards and stationery. Meanwhile, the thrift store Village Discount Outlet’s humble exterior belies a constantly changing stock of one-of-a-kind second-hand items as kind on the budget as on the planet. When hunger makes its presence felt look no further than River Valley Farmer’s Table, whose mid-morning locally-sourced breakfasts are rapidly gaining legendary status. If you can’t find a spot at this farm-to-table restaurant and grocery store head instead to Pastores Brunch, one of a clutch of favorites on North Lincoln Avenue. For drinks, the Sixth makes for a classy cocktail bar with a cool urban feel. Decked out in black with yellow highlights, this LGBTQ+ friendly location has a bar menu encompassing not only the classics but some homegrown inventions too. Or there’s O’Shaughnessy’s Public House, taking the stereotypical Irish bar to new places and Wolcott Tap, whose atmosphere is second to none and beer list one of the best in town. Things to do in Ravenswood Saved from demolition by community pressure, the Davis Theater has been entertaining Ravenswood with first-run movie screenings for over 100 years. The longest continuously operated movie theater in Chicago, its matinee screenings are particularly good value. Elsewhere, the stage at Chicago Magic Lounge always seems set for slight of hand par excellence, whilst its speakeasy style harks back to the dark days of gangland feuds between Al Capone and Bugs Moran – culminating in the St Valentine’s Day Massacre. It may not be the Field Museum, but the Swedish American Museum does a good job of detailing the influence of Swedish immigrants to the Ravenswood area. Alongside its royal seal of approval – King Carl XVI Gustaf attended its opening ceremony – its collection includes personal objects, paintings and stories. Similarly, the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center aims to preserve the unique cultural contribution of German immigrants through a series of rotating displays and temporary exhibitions from German artists. Not to be missed in Ravenswood The heart of Ravenswood and Lincoln Square is Giddings Plaza, a pedestrianized road of just 20 meters or so. What it lacks in size it makes up for in community spirit, being the place to head to meet up with friends before delving into one of the small boutique stores that surround it. During the festive season it’s the location of a large Christmas tree and the sound of live music often drifts away from it in the warmer months thanks to a summer concert season. Lillstreet Gallery is more gift store than art center these days, though it’s still one of the best places in northern Chicago to check out the work of the next generation of makers – and help them on their way to success with a small purchase. With your help, their work could one day make it into the hallowed halls of the Museum of Contemporary Art, alongside Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. To peruse another form of art – the skill involved in the production of whiskies and other spirits – look no further than Koval Distillery’s regular tours. Heading behind the scenes of the first distillery to set up shop in Chicago since before the prohibition era, you’ll get insight into the grain-to-bottle ethos and the chance to sample some of the resulting award-winning concoctions. Make your money go further Just a small part of the North Side, there are still plenty of things to do in Ravenswood Chicago. Alongside Lincoln Square, this neighborhood provides a contrast to the bustle of the Magnificent Mile downtown. Whether you arrive by metro, Uber or rental bike, be sure to travel with Go City. Our passes are a simple way to save on trips to Chicago and cities worldwide, giving incredible savings on admission to many of the top attractions around.
Ian Packham
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Three friends enjoy a walk in Chicago
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Best walks in Chicago

Think of Chicago and your thoughts either go to the racier parts of the musical and movie that share the city’s name, or major downtown landmarks. After all, there’s the views from the Skydeck of Willis Tower to look forward to, alongside the photographic opportunities around the Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park. However, Chicago also has a wilder side. And it’s one that’s easily enjoyed on foot. From strolls of just a couple of hours to full-day hikes, we’ve brought together the very best walks in Chicago just for you! North Shore Channel Trail A multi-use trail – meaning you’ll more than likely encounter cyclists, joggers and skaters too – the North Shore Channel Trail picks up in the Lincoln Square area of Chicago’s North Side and follows a canal-like channel dug in the early 1900s towards its outlet at Wilmette. Passing through Stokie, its easy 13 mile total length takes in the 60 artworks of Stokie Northshore Sculpture Park and Evaston Ecology Center within the Ladd Arboretum as well as the beauty of the city’s north. The 606 Providing new opportunities for hiking around Chicago, the 606 was created out of an unused rail line cutting west-east through the Humboldt Park and West Loop neighborhoods for a little under three miles. Its former life as a railroad track means the gradient is almost undetectable, making it a great pick for families with young children in pushchairs and strollers. It’s also very readily accessible thanks to several entry and exit points. Also known as the Bloomingdale Trail after the name of the former rail line, this elevated greenway and linear park may remind some of New York’s Highline, though the 606 is almost twice as long. It takes its new name from the area’s zip code numbers. Lakeshore Trail With walking boots in hand – or on foot – you won’t want to miss perhaps the most scenic walking trail in Chicago, the 18 mile Lakeshore Trail. Taking in a mix of urban splendor, parkland, beaches and lagoons, it’s a highly-rated way of exploring the shores of Lake Michigan however much you decide to walk of it. And let’s face it, with the wealth of attractions on the trail’s doorstep, from North Avenue Beach to Centennial Wheel and the Shedd Aquarium, it could easily take you two or three days to tackle its entire length, recently split between designated walking and cycling trails. Deer Grove Situated on Chicago’s northern outskirts, Deer Grove’s two adjoining segments, Deer Grove East and Forest Preserve, form a winding system of footpaths. Those closest to the main entrances are paved, and total around four miles, whilst unsurfaced trails lead about the trees, prairies and ponds for a further ten miles across 2000 acres. The birdlife here is some of the best in the region, with other species of wildlife to look out for including the white-tailed deer after which the preserve is named. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve A thirty minute drive outside of the city, which may not sit comfortably with everyone’s idea of walking trips, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve has around 11 miles of mapped trails to choose between once you’ve arrived. Although it contains a small (artificial) cascade tumbling over some low rocks, it actually takes its name from a district board of commissioners’ president. One for nature lovers, its woodlands contain three quarters of all the plant species found in the region, alongside a long list of birds, fish, amphibians and mammals. Deep within its 2500 acres you’ll also find St Patrick Cemetery, which few others visit even on the busiest of days. The Magnificent Mile For urban exploration in its truest sense right at the heart of downtown Chicago there’s the Magnificent Mile. The honorary title given to the upper section of North Michigan Avenue, it runs from the Chicago River to Oak Street. Lined with mid-range and luxury stores, hotels and restaurants, it has some of the highest real estate figures in the US. It also boasts some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the John Hancock Center – home to the 360 CHICAGO viewing platform. On the face of it, walking its length shouldn’t take you more than 30 minutes, but with so many store windows to check out and buildings to take in, it can take much longer than that. Save your stroll along the Magnificent Mile for later in the day, and if your feet are feeling tired, you can always make use of the Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing buses which ply the route instead. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Follow Route 55 southwest with the help of a motor engine and in around an hour you’ll reach Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Covering 19,000 acres of federally protected land, the prairie has over 20 miles of mixed use trails in addition to 12 miles of paths saved for hikers alone. Created out of an old army ammunition store with the aim of maintaining the region’s traditional prairie lands, since 2015 it has also been the home of one of the only wild-roaming bison herds in the country, totaling around 50 animals. They are allowed to move across roughly 10% of the prairie’s total area and are docile unless threatened. Morton Arboretum Walks If you’re a little nervous about heading into the wilds, Morton Arboretum makes for a great alternative. Forty-five minutes from the downtown neighborhoods, it has its own restored tallgrass prairie (minus the bison) as well as 16 miles of surfaced paths through burr reed marsh, woodland and landscapes of marginal lakes. Summer and fall see the arboretum host Theater-Hikes, where visitors walk between outdoor performances, whilst the Christmas period is given over to annual illuminations. Don’t miss anything with Go City The best walks in Chicago combine aspects of all the city has to offer to tourists young and old. Varying in length, difficulty and setting, they provide a different and often unique way of exploring the windy city. Travel with Go City and there’s also the chance to save when you stroll and stride. Many of the best walking trails in Chicago pass by the city’s bucket list attractions, so why not take a breather, skip the lines and save big on admission all at the same time?
Ian Packham

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