North by Northwestern

Enter Spring Quarter. As the warm weather slowly makes its comeback, Northwestern students will once again remember what it feels like to smile. While some choose to take advantage of the thaw by wearing shorts and flip flips in 55 degree weather, others yearn for more. For those who seek to embrace Chicago and all it has to offer without its notorious layer of ice, we’ve created a bucket list of some of this spring's best activities: 

Bye-bye Jewel Osco produce. The largest farmer’s market in Chicago has officially made its come back. The Green City Market on La Salle (between Clark and Stockton) will be open Wednesdays and Saturdays between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Nothing says spring like some fresh air and some fresh food.

If the Wildcat Welcome trip to Millennium Park – complete with dancing PAs and boxed lunches – didn’t quite hit the spot, consider making the trek to one of Chicago’s parks this spring. Whether Millennium, Grant or Lincoln, it’s sure to make for a fun (and free) afternoon.

Chicago’s annual celebration of beer is back. For 11 days in mid-May, over 45 local breweries will serve small plates and beer samples in the Garfield Park Conservatory. If you’ll be entering the real world after this quarter, you might want to consider embracing this opportunity to educate yourself on beers other than PBR.

It’s one of those things you’ve been talking about since freshmen year. The Baha’i Temple in Wilmette is one of only seven in the world, making it an essential to-do for every Northwestern student.

If, like many Northwestern students, the only time you’ve made it to Navy Pier is for a formal, and you spent the whole time wishing you had either brought a coat or had more to drink, consider making a day trip out of it this spring. It might seem touristy, but between the rides, the food and the people-watching, it’s a great way to spend a warm spring day.

6. Celebrate Oktoberfest in May (and on this continent)

Didn’t make it to Germany for Oktoberfest this year? Not a problem. Lincoln Square, Chicago’s historically German neighborhood, will be holding its very own. Maifest will be taking place in Lincoln Square May 28th through May 31st. Aside from the beer, the festival also features live music, dancing and a taste of traditional German foods.