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As you will see below, when it comes to food (and beverage) festivals, May is definitely a month for beer and wine lovers! Once you have reviewed the basics below, check out the event websites for additional information. Be sure to visit any event beneficiaries online to learn more about whom you will be helping. Please visit the Food Festivals page to find more upcoming events. Chicago Beer Classic Date: May 7, 2016 Time: Session 1 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (VIP) 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (General Admission) Session 2 3:30 p.m.–7 p.m. (VIP) 4 p.m.–7 p.m. (General Admission) Location: Soldier Field, 1410 South Museum Campus Drive, Chicago Admission: General Admission — $65 ($75 at the door) VIP — $85 ($95 at the door) Designated Driver — $25 Event Website: Chicago Beer Classic Event Beneficiary: Chicago Beer Classic partners with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital . There is an opportunity to donate when purchasing tickets. There will...

Before heading to Grant Park for this year's June 10–12 Chicago Blues Festival, catch a preview event. Performances and documentary films are taking place in May and early June at locations throughout the city. All events are free! Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith Tuesday, May 3 , 2016 • 12 noon Chicago Cultural Center, Randolph Square 78 East Washington Street, Chicago Blues Concert Wednesday, May 4 , 2016 • 6 p.m.–8 p.m. Garfield Park Conservatory, Horticulture Hall 300 North Central Park Avenue, Chicago Eric Noden and Joe Filisko Saturday, May 7 , 2016 • 12 noon Sulzer Regional Library 4455 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago Toronzo Cannon Tuesday, May 10 , 2016 • 12 noon Chicago Cultural Center, Randolph Square 78 East Washington Street, Chicago Speakin' of the Blues: Celebrating the 45th Anniversary of Alligator Records With Bruce Iglauer and Lil' Ed Thursday, May 12 , 2016 • 12:15...

If you love beautiful flowers, you will want to stop by Lincoln Park Conservatory and check out the annual Spring Flower Show, which runs through May 8. Tulips, hyacinths, Easter lilies, daffodils, daisies, and azaleas are a sampling of the flowers on display. Your eyes and nose are in for a sensory feast! Don't forget to stop and smell the hyacinths, and any other flower that looks like it might have a delightful fragrance. As the flowers move past their prime, conservatory staff members remove the plants and replace them with new plants, so feel free to come back more than once. You will see a new show each time! Located at 2391 North Stockton Drive, Lincoln Park Conservatory is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 365 days a year.

May is a great time to get outside and take a walk, jog, or run to support a charity. Many of this month's events have a course along Chicago's Lakefront Trail, offering participants incredible views of scenic Lake Michigan, the beautiful natural areas along the trail, and Chicago's fabulous skyline. There are several runs benefiting area schools: Stem Step 5K, Sullivan High School 5K DREAM Run, St. John Berchmans Boulevard Bolt, and Horizon Hustle 5K. Consider supporting the city's students. As you review the races below, be sure to visit the charity websites to learn more about the organizations benefiting from registration fees, donations, and fundraising efforts. May 7, 2016 Cinco de Miler Location: Soldier Field, 1410 South Museum Campus Drive, Chicago Start Time: 9 a.m. Event Beneficiary: 100 Club of Chicago May 8, 2016 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Location: Grant Park, Chicago Start Time: 8 a.m. Event Beneficiaries: Komen Chicago (75% ...

As you're checking out Chicago's April food festivals, you will see two major themes: beverages (particularly wine and cocktails) and pork! Once you have reviewed the basics below, check out the event websites for additional information. Be sure to visit any event beneficiaries online to learn more about whom you'll be helping. Pinot Days Chicago When: April 16, 2016, 2 p.m.–5 p.m. Location: Navy Pier's Lakeview Terrace, 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago Lakeview Terrace is located on the eastern end of Navy Pier (see map ). Admission: Basic tickets are $79.54 ($75 ticket + $4.54 fee). Other options, such as early entry, are available for an additional cost. Event Website: Pinot Days Chicago Guests can sample up to 150 pinot noir wines representing every significant domestic region, talk with talented winemakers, and enjoy magnificent views of Lake Michigan. Sounds like an amazing afternoon! Cochon555 When: April 24, 2016, 5 p.m.–8 p.m. Location: Loews Chicago Hotel...