Socially Distanced Spring Events in Chicago
The skies are clear and spring is here! With COVID-19 vaccines opening up to the general population in the coming month, more socially distanced spring events are popping up than this time last year in the Chicago area.
While this list was originally composed on April 7th, we will update it every week for the spring season (until mid-June).
This post was last updated on June 4th, 2021.
Concerts, Theatre, & Music
First, there are virtual shows, second, there are drive through shows… what’s next? It seems almost anything is possible in this pandemic.
New Faces Sing Broadway 1961
With ticket prices ranging from $25-50, enjoy a virtual showing of New Faces Sing Broadway 1961 hosted by Kelvin Roston, Jr. Based on Chicago's historic Studebaker Theatre, it will become available for streaming starting on April 16th at 12 pm Central time.
Sole e Amore (Sun and Love)
Enjoy the sounds of Italy composed, curated, and hosted by the Lyric's Music Director Designate, Maestro Enrique Mazzola. Additionally, he is joined by members of the Ryan Opera Center 2020/21 Ensemble.
The Summer of Daisy Fae
For $10, experience the one-woman show starring Charlie Irving. She plays a charming, quirky woman from a small town in Mississippi that has dreams for something more.
(SOLD OUT) Twilight: Gods - Drive-through Opera
From April 28th, 2021-May 2nd, 2021, the Lyric Opera will present Twilight: Gods to drive-through attendees in their cars. Audio will be ported through your car radio, so you can experience the live performance in full.
Auto, Boat, & Air
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on the Summer of George (21+)
Celebrate one of the most recognized holidays, Cinco de Mayo, on Lake Michigan! There is no dress code, however, you must be 21+ and have a valid ID. Additionally, all passengers will be required to follow CDC guidelines regarding masks and social distancing from groups.
Chicago's Best 90-Min Architecture Boat Tour on the Chicago River
Check out the magnificent architecture of Chicago via the Chicago River. Ticket prices vary depending on the date and time selected, with discounts available for groups, children, military, veteran, seniors, and first responders.
Klairmont Kollections Daily Tours
For a limited time, check out new exhibits like the Ford TT Fire Engine/Pumper and over 300 award winning vehicles from the early 1900s to present day. Ticket prices start at $15 for youth daily admission and family day passes for 2 adults and up to 3 children for $49.95.
Monster Truck Throwdown
If you're up for a bit of a drive, check out the Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wisconsin for their first ever show featuring the Flying Dump Truck, DEVASTATOR, Quad Chaos, Terminal Velocity, and more! Each ticket allows you a chance to meet the drivers, get autographs, and purchase merch.
Art Installations & Exhibitions
Next, if you’re eager to see some traveling exhibitions before they leave the area, check, these out first. As an added bonus, these are free events, unless otherwise noted.
Quantum Mirror
If you're looking to get lost in an ocean of reflections, this is for you. This 300-square-foot art installation incorporates project animations and floating holographic human figures. Admission is free, but don't forget your mask!
Art on theMART
After another grisly winter season, Art on theMART is back with a 25-story-tall video installation that is projected on the side of the Merchandise Mart. This 16-minute video features images from telescopes around the world.
Bisa Butler: Portraits
The colorful world of Bisa Butler features Black subjects that have been marginalized historically. This is her first solo exhibition at the Art Institute. Ticket prices range from $15-85.
WNDR Museum
The WNDR museum is not only open to Chicago's only Infinity Mirror Room, now presents a new collection of art installations alongside old favorites. For $30, it includes a multi-sensory experience featuring artificial intelligence and more.
Museums
Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes
Celebrate 80 years of Marvel history by checking out more than 300 various artifacts including original comic book pages, sculptures, costumes, interactive displays, and props. This exhibit is not included in traditional museum entry and requires an additional timed-entry ticket.
Immersive Van Gogh
With more than 50 digital projectors, this high-tech exhibition features and explores the work of Vincent Van Gogh. The presentation occupies four rooms and lasts around 35-minutes. If you're open to social distancing circles, reduced capacity, touchless ticketing, and required masks, Immersive Van Gogh is scheduled to run through September 6.
Monet and Chicago
At the present time, the Art Institute of Chicago is hosting a "Monet and Chicago" exhibit to pay homage to the city's connection to the famed impressionist, Claude Monet. Visitors can check out early works like Apple Trees and works from his series, Stacks of Wheat.
Nom Nom: 40 Years of Pac-Man Design and History
For a limited time in late April (4/11/21-4/25/21), learn about one of the most iconic video game characters of all time. This interactive exhibit includes consoles, arcade cabinets, and collectible memorabilia like lunch boxes. Also, it's only $5 and kids under 12 are free.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many different socially distanced spring events in Chicago to enjoy on a budget. If you’re not prepared to venture out quite yet, there are virtual events to get a closer look at sea life, shark feeding, and more! Did we miss one worth mentioning? Let us know!
Resources & Further Reading
Chicago events: Find shows, festivals, concerts, sports games. (2021, April 7). Retrieved April 07, 2021, from https://www.choosechicago.com/events/
Chicago, IL April events. (2021, April). Retrieved April 07, 2021, from https://www.eventbrite.com/d/il–chicago/april/
Long, Z., & Krupp, E. (2021, March 2). April 2021 events calendar for Chicago. Retrieved April 07, 2021, from https://www.timeout.com/chicago/events-calendar/april-events-calendar