Chicago kicks off spring with outdoor events across the city

By Stuart Doperalski

April 17 marks the start of spring cleaning season, but first, Chicagoans are taking advantage of warmer weather and outdoor events across the city. From campus happenings to activities in the South Loop, there are plenty of ways to ease back into spring before tackling the to-do list.

For those interested in art, architecture, and the Chicago River, the Chicago Riverwalk offers a seasonal experience that brings all three together. Visitors can view large-scale projections from Art on theMART displayed on the side of the Merchandise Mart, with installations that rotate regularly throughout the year. From April 9 to 26, the display features work by artist Luis Urculo, which can be seen from both the north and south sides of the Riverwalk depending on where viewers are standing.

SpringFest at The Dwight is a student-focused event offering opportunities to meet new people, play games, win prizes, and enjoy a bubble machine setup. Open to residents and their guests, the event will also feature food, snacks, and a variety of activities throughout the night. A small open mic and live performances are planned, along with an UNO tournament and additional games. Floors will compete for prizes based on overall performance in activities, with extra rewards for top-performing groups. Students are encouraged to sign up in advance to participate.

ARC21+ is hosting a vintage market trip to Wicker Park this spring, offering students an opportunity to explore secondhand shopping at Olio Wicker Park. The open shopping event is part of a vintage thrifting experience running from April 6 to April 26. Participants will depart from the ARC before 6 p.m., travel to Wicker Park, and spend time shopping at the store upon arrival. The trip is designed as a community outing, giving students a chance to explore local fashion finds while engaging with the ARC21+ community.

A community litter cleanup event will take place this spring at Mary Bartelme Park as part of seasonal “Spring Clean and Green” efforts leading into Earth Day. The outdoor volunteer outing will bring participants together for a two-hour park cleanup focused on keeping public spaces maintained as warmer weather returns. Following the cleanup, organizers will host a brief reception for volunteers to gather and connect after the event.

Return of south loop farmers market 

Farmers markets often serve as a gateway into local communities, and the South Loop Farmers Market on Roosevelt is reopening this week after being closed for the winter. The outdoor market features locally sourced produce and groceries from vendors in and around the South Loop, offering residents a seasonal option for fresh shopping. The market provides an all-outdoor experience where visitors can browse goods while supporting local growers and small businesses.

Earth day is one of the most important yet highly overlooked holidays. Students are invited to join Columbia XA on campus for their celebration to test their knowledge of preserving the environment and protecting the planet with a Kahoot games throughout the night. In addition to Kahoot, food and snacks will be served along with a viewing of Pixar's WALL-E.

From cleanup events to outdoor exercise and shopping, Chicago offers plenty of ways to get outside this spring. Earth Day is observed in Chicago and cities around the world as a reminder of environmental awareness and conservation efforts.

The annual observance encourages residents to reflect on their impact on the planet and take steps toward sustainability. While many people rely on natural spaces, Earth Day highlights the importance of giving back and protecting them for the future.

Web Writer: Vivian Richey