Spring has arrived in Chicago, bringing fresh energy and a calendar filled with theatre, arts, and cultural experiences across the city.
We’ve rounded up a list of events to help you make the most of the season. You’ll even find a few gems in other parts of the city to inspire you to explore more of what Chicago has to offer.
If you value our work or want to uplift the mission behind Chicago Southsider, be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and pass this guide along to a friend.
2026 Chicago Southsider Spring Guide
Legacy Awards Weekend
Date: Friday, March 13 – Sunday, March 15
Location: Various
Cost: Varies
Learn more about the Legacy Awards Weekend here.
Reuse-a-Palooza
Date: Sunday, March 15
Location: The Plant
Cost: Varies
Learn more about Reuse-a-Palooza here.
Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till
Dates: Extended through March 15
Location: Kimball Arts Center, 1757 N Kimball Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
Cost: Varies
Learn more about the Trial in the Delta here.
Read Chicago Southsider’s previous coverage:
Behind the Trial: Chicago Southsider explores the story of Emmett Till
The Three Little Pigs at Beverly Arts Center
Date: Friday, March 20
Location: Beverly Arts Center of Chicago, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, IL, 60655
Cost: Varies
Learn more about The Three Little Pigs at Beverly Arts Center here.
Dr. Bill Winston Business & Leadership Conference
Date: Friday, March 20 – Saturday, March 21
Location: Living Word Christian Center, Forest Park, IL
Cost: Varies
Learn more about the Business and Leadership Conference here.
Woodlawn Community Summit
Date: Saturday, March 21
Location: Edith Abbott Hall, Lobby, 969 E. 60th Street, Chicago, IL
Cost: FREE
Learn more about Woodlawn Community Summit here.
Not a Soft Thing: A Group Exhibition by Artist Mothers
Date: Sunday, March 1 – Sunday, March 22
Location: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington St Chicago, IL 60602
Cost: FREE
Learn more about Not a Soft Thing: A Group Exhibition by Artist Mothers here.
Ancestry’s Women Who Built Chicago Bus Tour
Date: March 21, March 22, and March 28
Location: Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, located at 1801 S. Indiana Ave
Cost: Suggested donation
Learn more about Ancestry’s Women Who Built Chicago Bus Tour here.
Spring Break at the Pier
Date: Friday, March 27
Location: Navy Pier – 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Cost: FREE
Learn more about Spring Break at the Pier here.
Ephemeral City Q&A and Book Signing
Date: Friday, March 27
Location: The Seminary Co-op – 5751 S. Woodlawn AveChicago, IL 60637
Cost: Book available for purchase
Learn more about Ephemeral City Q&A and Book Signing with Lindsay Fullerton here.
South Shore Friday Jazz @ The Quarry
Date: Friday, March 27
Location: The Quarry – 2423 East 75th Street, Chicago, IL 60649
Cost: $20 admission
Learn more about South Shore Friday Jazz at The Quarry here.
Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)
Date: Friday, March 27 – Sunday, March 29
Location: McCormick Place South Building, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois
Cost: Varies
Learn more about C2E2 here.
Leading the Change: Women Shaping and Inspiring Sustainable Generations
Date: Saturday, March 28
Location: The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center (Illinois Black Legislators Auditorium) 740 E. 56th Place
Chicago, IL 60637
Cost: FREE (Donations Welcomed)
Learn more about the Leading the Change: Women Shaping and Inspiring Sustainable Generations here.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Date: Saturday, March 28 – Sunday, April 26
Location: The Goodman, 170 N Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60601
Cost: Varies
Learn more Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom here.
Hamilton
Date: Now playing until April 26
Location: CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL, 60602
Cost: Varies
Learn more about Hamilton here.
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