These past several months have not been easy for the world. And everyone’s experience with COVID-19 has been different. As a global community, a loss we all experienced together was losing our favorite entertainment: sports. Sure, streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ undoubtedly stepped up to the plate and kept us relatively entertained. But, as a true sports fan, nothing could genuinely replace that empty void. 

This past year has made us recognize that we have to celebrate the little things. Like for instance: sports are back! Yes, we’ve had “sports” back for a little bit already. But, do these past seasons even count? It just hasn’t felt right. The entertainment value was there, but the magic was missing. 

Something about this spring is different. We’re doing our part and getting vaccinated, and sports teams & arenas are recognizing and rewarding us! Sure, we won’t be going back to Wrigley Field Parking at full capacity anytime soon. But, let’s celebrate this small win! Some of us will be going back to stadiums. Some of us will even get back to tailgating (American Family Field Parking, we’re looking at you)! So in conclusion, sports are back!!

For you, sports fans out there, don’t worry about little things like parking. We’ve got all your parking needs covered. You just focus on your team.

Gameday Stadium Parking

We all know how frustrating it can be to look for parking on game day. You could go the easy way out and buy parking at the stadium, but that’ll cost you. You could even go with your alternative plan and go to a garage somewhere near the stadium, but that will cost you as well.

Fortunately, ParqEx has hundreds of parking spots listed around stadiums! Not only will you save money going this route, but you’ll be able to book ahead of time online and not have to worry about parking on game day. Avoid stadium traffic, and reserve your parking spot online today!

Parking Near Your Local Watering Hole

Not one of the lucky fans who were able to get limited tickets to the games? Do you still have plans to meet up with friends for the game?  

No matter where your favorite game-day spot may be, ParqEx has parking for you. Don’t drive around in circles looking for parking. Why would you risk missing a single second of the game like that? Book your parking ahead of time and keep your head in the game.

Away Game Parking

Has this past year upped the ante in terms of your devotion to your team? Have you already planned some out-of-state road trips to travel to games? We admire how you have your teams back. As a reward, ParqEx has your back! We have all your parking needs covered, even out of state! 

Don’t worry about parking. Worry about getting that W. Find short-term & long-term parking with ParqEx wherever you intend to travel.

List Your Parking Spot On Gameday

Are you living out your childhood dream of owning a home right in the backyard of your favorite stadium? Do you have parking that isn’t being used? List your unused parking spot on the ParqEx Marketplace platform and make some extra cash!

The post Sports Are Back – ParqEx & Sports Parking! appeared first on ParqEx.

Baconfest – April 1

Bacon lovers can sample creative bacon dishes from some of the best chefs in Chicago, as well as cocktails, beer and wine designed to complement the meals. Festival attendees can buy tickets for either lunch or dinner admission, each of which offers a different roster of Chicago chefs and restaurants. Baconfest is held at the UIC Forum near downtown. Tickets range from $60-$200.

Chicago Improv Festival – April 1-2

The final weekend of the 20th Annual Chicago Improv Festival ends on April 1st and 2nd. The festival will welcome over 150 improv groups from all over the world. Shows and workshops take place at two venues within walking distance of each other: Stage 773 off W. Belmont Ave and the Athenaeum Theatre off N. Southport Ave. Check the festival schedule for info on times, venue and prices. Find that perfect parking spot between the two venues and enjoy the festival.

Shamrock Shuffle 8K – April 2

Work off all that indulging at Baconfest by signing up for Bank of America’s Shamrock Shuffle. Participants of this 8K through Grant Park receive a T-shirt, a medal, and access to the post-race party featuring live music and refreshments. Entry fees range from $50 to $55 depending on when you register for the race. Shamrock Shuffle’s website recommends attendees use public transportation or, if driving, allow for congestion and street closures on race day. ParqEx will come in handy for a high-traffic event like this.

International Quilt Festival – April 6-8

Get crafty at the International Quilt Festival in Rosemont. The festival offers tons of mixed-media classes and access to hundreds of vendors selling quilts, fabrics, supplies, gifts and more. Festival-goers can also observe four artists in an open studio working on individual projects. Admission ranges from $8-$25.

CHIRP Record Fair & Other Delights – April 8

Local community radio station CHIRP Radio and Vintage Garage Chicago team up to host a fair at Plumbers Union Hall. Attendees can browse through thousands of crates of vinyl records, DVDs, CDs, posters and more. Vintage Garage Chicago will host a special-edition vintage fair in the lower level of the hall as well. Admission ranges from $7-$35.

Chicago International Movies and Music Festival – April 20-23

Also known as CIMMfest, the four-day festival in Logan Square showcases films, concerts, industry Q&As, panels, presentations and more. Keep an eye out on their website or Facebook event page for more information on passes and lineups to come.

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) – April 21-23

This pop culture convention offers fans of comics, movies, television, anime, video games and more a weekend of entertainment in downtown Chicago. C2E2 hosts panels and screenings from these industries, as well as areas on the show floor dedicated to artists, designers, fashion, collectibles, and crafts. C2E2 is held in the South Building at McCormick Place off S. Lake Shore Drive. Passes range from $30-$70 for regular admission, while VIP passes run from $125 to $400. Parking at McCormick Place is available for a flat fee of $24 per day, so consider using the ParqEx app to avoid the rush of other convention attendees coming and going.

Chicago Artisan Chocolate Show – April 22-23

Sample some of the finest in artisan chocolate, foods and wine. Admission includes complimentary sampling from non-alcoholic exhibitors, talks, and demonstrations. Discount tasting coupons for wine and alcohol benefit the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The show will be held in the Stephen M. Bailey Auditorium in the Randolph Street Market District. Single admission ranges from $22.50-$40.

Vintage Garage Chicago – April 23

Didn’t get enough vintage browsing at the CHIRP Record Fair? Vintage Garage Chicago kicks off their sixth season of flea market shows on April 23. Flea markets are held every third Sunday (changed to the fourth for April due to Easter) in a three-floor parking garage in Uptown Chicago. Over 100 vintage vendors of furniture, clothing, jewelry, decor and more will be on site. Admission is $5 at the door.

Greek Independence Day Parade – April 30

The Greek Independence Day Parade, or Hellenic Heritage Parade, commemorates the 197th Anniversary of Greek Declaration of Independence. The free parade begins at 2:30 pm at Halsted and Randolph St. in Greektown.

Get to your event faster and avoid the hassle of searching for a parking spot: contact us to learn more about ParqEx. And for more information about things to do in Chicago, check out some of our other blog posts!

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