It finally feels like spring, so get outside and enjoy these events.
Start your St. Patrick’s Day celebration this weekend with the dyeing of the Chicago River and a parade, or stop by a fun fest at the Irish American Heritage Center. You can also enjoy beautiful blooms at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show or plan your dream wedding at the North Shore Boutique Bridal Fair.
If you’d still prefer to stay inside and curl up with a good book, stop by the Big Bargain Book Sale and stock up on reads for spring break. And don’t miss the final weekend of a show all about Sondheim that also features local talent.
Big Bargain Book Sale
Shop thousands of gently used books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, magazines and more at this Evanston Public Library book sale, a favorite on the North Shore. Last year, the sale raised more than $60,000 for the library.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and River Dyeing
This Chicago tradition begins at 9:15 a.m. and can be best viewed on the East side of the Columbus Drive bridge or upper and lower Wacker between Columbus and Lake Shore Drive. The parade then begins at noon from Balbo and Columbus. After, visit the Irish American Heritage Center for their St. Patrick’s Festival.
Chicago Flower & Garden Show

Opens March 14
Chicago
This flower and garden show has a little bit of everything, including a national cake decorating competition, kids activities and crafts, seminars from top horticulture experts, a marketplace and more.
North Shore Boutique Bridal Fair
Are you or someone you love planning a wedding? Don’t miss this bridal fair featuring live music, a raffle, appetizers and drinks and the top wedding professionals in the area. (And don’t forget to share your news with Make It Better!)
“Sondheim on Sondheim”

Ends March 15
Chicago
This musical, featuring Wilmette native Emily Berman, features the complete catalogue of Stephen Sondheim’s impressive career. It’s a look into Sondheim’s life in his own words, so if you’re a fan of theater, don’t miss it!




