Last Updated on June 3, 2018 by JaimeSays
Now that the weather is getting nicer and the days are getting longer, there is much more to do in Chicago and the Midwest this month. While this is certainly a limited list, make sure to visit Discover Dupage and Choose Chicago for their event calendars this month. These are just some of the events I think are worth mentioning this month. Without further ado….
May is BBQ Month at Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap
Yes, they are known for their wings, but Jake Melnick’s barbeque dishes are nothing short of heavenly. In honor of BBQ month, Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap has some heavy hitters on the menu. Pictured above, the Que burger is a 6-oz. burger patty wrapped in bacon and dusted with BBQ spice and hickory smoke. Grilled to order, it’s then topped with cheddar, pulled pork, crispy onions, and BBQ sauce. Or maybe the Brisket Burnt Ends Daddy Mac speaks to you in the same way it does to Creamy mac and cheese topped with twice smoked caramelized brisket, BBQ sauce, toasted bread crumbs and green onion? Yes, please.
Wine Dinner at Morton Arboretum
May 3, 2018 – 6 PM
Morton Arboretum, 4100 ILLINOIS ROUTE 53, LISLE, IL 60532
The Morton Arboretum is hosting its first ever themed restaurant event. Focusing on the wines of Orin Swift, the five course pairing is matched with five different wines from the California winehouse. Tickets are $90 for members and $100 for nonmembers.
New Name Bridal Boutique Bridal Sale and Dress Drive
May 5th, 1PM-4PM
The Painted Door, 2219 W. Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
Are you looking for affordable wedding dresses for your upcoming nuptials? Don’t want to haul out to the suburbs to check out the options? Look no further than New Name Bridal Boutique dress drive on Saturday, May 5th.
Heritage Wine Cellars’ Gala
May 7th, 2018 , 12:30pm-5pm
Ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton

Are you in the restaurant, wine or spirit industry?
Trace by Ai Wei Wei
May 9-June 30
659 W. Wrightwood Avenue, Chicago, IL
Admission by Ticketing Only; Free if booked within seven days, fee if purchased more than seven days out.
If you know of the artist Ai Wei Wei, you know this Chicago event will be one not to be missed. This outdoor exhibit by the Chinese artist and activist uses legos to depict women and men from around the world whom he considers activists, prisoners of conscience, or advocates of free speech.
Oregon Wine Events
May 15-17, 2018; times and locations vary
May 15th, 16th, and 17th, there are three different events in the city centered around wines from Oregon. Choose whether you’d like to try just one glass at dinner, or choose between $75, $125, or $175 event tickets. Click on each of the photos above for more information.
War and Wine Class
May 24th, 7PM-9PM
4747 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
Discover the history of how French vignerons saved the French wine industry from the Third Reich. Enjoy wine tasting and history, as well as anecdotal stories about specific wine houses that still survive today.
Other Midwest Happenings
TAKE AMTRAK TO TULIP TIME!
Saturday, May 5th, 2018 and Saturday, May 12th, 2018
Holland, Michigan

I’ve wanted to visit a tulip festival for as long as I can remember. This month, Holland, Michigan kicks off their annual tulip fest. Unfortunately, these short lived festivals often bring the big crowds, and aren’t ideal for people with anxiety disorders. If you don’t mind crowds, consider a same day trip to Holland, Michigan with a special, same-day train for the two Saturdays of the festival. The train ranges from $26-$48 each way. If the weekend is out of the question for you, the weekday Pere Marquette line can get you there as well. Tip: If you are wanting to see the tulips but avoid the crowds of the festival, considering a weekend trip to Holland the week before or the week after the festival. The tulips will still be there!
KITCHENAID SENIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
May 24-28, 2018
Harbor Shores, Benton Harbor, MI
The Men’s KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship occurs every two years at the Harbor Shores Golf Course in Benton Harbor, Michigan. It’s not just about the golf however. With a sponsor like KitchenAid, you can expect some incredible kitchen demonstrations by celebrity chefs. Live demonstrations from chefs Adam Richman of the Cooking Channel’s “Secret Eats”, Carla Hall from “Top Chef” and “The Chew,” and cookbook author Justin Chapple will happen across the weekend. Just want to visit for the day? Take the Amtrak to the tournament. For a discount on your tournament tickets, visit srpga.com/20off and use access Code: AMTRAK.
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