While we understand that the intermittent drizzles (and lightning, and hail) may make it tempting to stay inside all weekend, fight the urge to celebrate from home and max out your time in the sunshine while it lasts. Here are some of the best ways to spend your time in Illinois' apparent state capital this weekend.
ALL WEEKEND
Cinco De Mayo Festival
Whether you're fluent in Spanish or flunked out of it in high school, it's easy to remember the date of one of Mexico's biggest holidays, which falls on Saturday this year. Do it up right with a three-day community cultural festival that also fundraises for the Little Village Chamber of Commerce. Activities include carnival rides, live music and plenty to eat and drink.
Where: 26th Street and Kostner
When: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. Friday, May 4; 2 p.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6
Price: Free
Long Grove Chocolate Fest
Cinco de Mayo isn't the only festival going down this weekend. Long Grove is offering up a less spicy, more sweet smorgasbord with their weekend-long Chocolate Fest. Sample treats from the suburbs' many shops, learn how the chocolatey treats are made and work off that sugar high boogieing to live music.
Where: Route 83 and Route 53, Long Grove
When: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday, May 4 to Sunday, May 6
Price: Free
FRIDAY
Manifest 2012
Get a preview of Chicago's up-and-coming best and brightest at a daylong showcase of student work from Columbia College. Various locations across the city will exhibit art, theater, music and dance performances, as well as film screenings, readings and more.
Where: Various locations
When: 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. Friday, May 4
Price: Free
The Art of Fashion
Preview the Fall 2012 collections of some of Chicago's top designers including Borris Powell, Cettina, Lara Miller and more at the annual Art of Fashion runway show. Tickets include appetizers, drinks and standing room at the fashion show, as well as access to exclusive shopping after the walk.
Where: Museum of Broadcast Communications, 360 N. State St.
When: 7:30 p.m.
Price: $45
SATURDAY
Skyline Plunge
If the SkyDeck at Willis Tower is way too tame for you, take a page out of Spiderman's book and hang out outside The Wit this Saturday. Take The Plunge and rappel down the State Street hotel, while helping raise money for the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.
Wicker Park Garden Club Plant Sale
Where: The Wit Hotel, 201 N. State St.
When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, May 5
Price: $150 plus $1,000 fundraising minimum
Wicker Park Garden Club Plant Sale
All these showers will be great for some spring flowers. Pick up your own at the Wicker Park Garden Club Plant Sale, where professional gardeners will be selling locally-grown herbs, vegetables, flowers, grasses and more, and lending some of their expertise to any green planters in need of advice.
Where: 1425 N. Damen Ave.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 5
Price: Free
SUNDAY
A Case For Star Trek TNG
If you've ever been on the fence about Star Trek TNG, Cole's Bar will set you up to experience it under the best possible conditions: watching a curated selection of episodes, surrounded by trekkies and drinks. The marathon runs for five hours, ending with the near-destruction of the Enterprise.
Where: Cole's Bar, 2338 N. Milwaukee Ave.
When: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday, May 6
Price: Free
BBQ, Brews and Baseball
No matter how strong your opinions on the Cubs vs. Sox debate, copious amounts of barbecue and brews should make it easier to coexist for a few hours. If you need an added incentive, take note that proceeds will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Sun., May. 6, 6 p.m.
Where: Chicago Illuminating Company, 19 E. 21st St
When: 6 p.m. Sunday, May 6
Price: $35