Spring is a time of new beginnings, flowering plants, and warmer weather, but in Chicago it’s so much more. After months of hibernating indoors and braving the cold and wind, the days are getting longer and the active summer days are within grasp. The start of festival season is already starting to take shape, and there are even some days that are mild enough for hitting the beach. Here are a few of the best ways to ring in the spring season in Chicago.

Renegade Craft Fair

Photo courtesy of Renegade Craft Fair

The spring edition of the Renegade Craft Fair takes place in Pilsen on May 12 and 13, which is also Mother’s Day weekend. The sprawling fair has gifts and goodies for just about everyone, all of which are handmade and typically sold right from the hands of their maker. Whether you’re shopping for artisan soaps, hand-poured candles, screen-printed tees, or local honey, there’s a vendor to meet your needs. The springtime festival is one of five times to check out what Renegade has to offer in Chicago. Renegade also puts on a Father’s Day pop-up at The Park at Wrigley, a pop-up at Pitchfork Music Festival, a full fest in Wicker Park in the fall, and a holiday fest at Bridgeport Art Center.

Enjoy the Lakefront

The lakefront and its beaches are easily the biggest attraction for travelers and locals alike, but summer crowds can quickly turn the tranquil scenery into a headache. Visiting the lakefront in the springtime is a great alternative because the crowds are not nearly as big, and you may even be able to snag a spot on the sand to watch the waves come in. Grab a bite to eat at Shore Club near North Avenue Beach just east of Lincoln Park.

Mayfest

Photo courtesy of Mayfest

There’s really no better way to ring in spring than with the annual kick-off event for festival season. Mayfest in Lakeview is in its 23rd year, offering three days of live music, food, and drinks. Admission to the fest is $10. The main stage is set up under a big tent, so inclement weather won’t ruin the fun. While there is parking around the fest, taking the Brown Line is recommended as the fest is right off the Paulina stop.

Picnic on Logan Boulevard

Photo courtesy of Steven Vance

Logan Boulevard in Logan Square is one of the most picturesque streets in the city, and it’s always filled with locals spreading a blanket and basking in the sun. Once the trees are fully in bloom, the stretch from Western Avenue to Logan Square Park offers plenty of spots for shade as well. You can even bring a mini grill to the boulevard to really kick of the season. Bring the pooch and maybe a frisbee and take in the greenery.

Catch a Baseball Game

Wrigley Field photo by Shutterstock

The Cubs opening day at Wrigley Field is March 29 and the White Sox home opener is April 5. Baseball tickets can be a little easier to snag in the spring, but make sure to prepare for all types of weather conditions. Wrigley Field is notorious for its wind gusts and cold temperatures due to its closeness to the lake, but Guaranteed Rate Field won’t be that much warmer. Baseball fans have plenty to cheer for this year with the new developments and restaurants in Wrigleyville to check out pre- and post-game. Sox fans can’t miss the new food on-site as well as the 90-second virtual reality home-run derby experience.

Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the most iconic spots in the city, and like most outdoor spots throughout town, it can get overly crowded in the summer. Springtime is a great time to visit, not only to beat the crowds, but also to increase your chances of seeing animals who may not love the heat and humidity of the summer. Check out the Chicago Wine Fest on April 14 and the Food Truck Social on May 19. Starting at the end of April, the zoo is hosting a recurring fitness program that extends through the summer and into the fall.