Enjoy the spring season with new experiences to make your days brighter! From outdoor activities like nature walks and festivals, to exploring new areas and shops, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a round-up of five activities this weekend that we think you will love to kick off the spring season!
Ravinia: It’s Not Just for Summer
Lounging on the Ravinia lawn for a summer’s eve concert is still a few months away… but the spring season is in full swing! And this weekend, you can delight in the virtuosity of pianist Terrence Wilson as he performs works by Debussy, Rachmaninoff and Brahms.
Date: April 6
Time: 7:30PM
Cost: $30; $15 for students with ID
Location: Bennett Gordon Hall, 201 St. John’s Ave, Highland Park
More Info: ravinia.org
Discover the Evanston Arts Scene
Hosted by Evanston Made, their First Saturday Art Events are self-guided tours that will take you to shops, galleries, studios and other businesses around town where you can meet local artists, see their work, shop for handmade goods, and even enjoy a meal or a beer.
Date: April 6
Time: Times vary by location, starting from early morning to late evening
Cost: Evanston Art Map can be downloaded for free
Location: Businesses throughout Evanston
More Info: evanstonmade.org
Support Chicago Ballet Arts
Chicago Ballet Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing equitable access to ballet training to all who desire to learn. Their Spring Fling fundraiser features a student performance, ballroom dance lesson, dance party, live music, online auction, sweet treats, and more!
Date: April 7
Time: 2:00 to 5:00PM
Cost: General Admission $25; Reserved Seating $50
Location: Women’s Club of Evanston, 1702 Chicago Ave, Evanston
More Info: chicagoballetarts.org
Two World Dance Premieres
Prepare for an amazing night of dance as Emmy Award-winning choreographer Al Blackstone joins forces with Giordano Dance Chicago for the world premiere of Gershwin in B, featuring the glorious music of George Gershwin. Also on the program is the world premiere of a pas de deux by company Dance Captain Adam Houston and founder Gus Giordano’s classic and jubilant Sing, Sing, Sing.
Date: April 5-6
Time: 7:30PM
Cost: $20 to $90
Location: Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St, Chicago
More Info: harristheaterchicago.org
An Unforgettable Night of Jazz
Condé Nast Traveler describes Winter’s Jazz Club as “a pocket of cool,” and the Chicago Tribune calls it a “warmly intimate space that emphasizes elegance.” For two shows only, the outstanding 5-member band Better Together will be on stage to celebrate the music of Sam Cooke, Oscar Brown, Jr., Ray Charles, and other legendary greats.
Date: April 5
Time: 7:30PM and 9:30PM
Cost: From $27.75
Location: Winter’s Jazz Club, 465 N. McClurg Ct, Chicago
More Info: wintersjazzclub.com
Takano Tofu: Not Just for Vegetarians
As part of the Asian Pop-up Film Festival that runs through April 21, “Takano Tofu” is a heartfelt father-daughter story about family, love, and lifelong friendships. It is also a moving depiction of the bucolic small-town life in Japan.
Date: April 6
Time: 2:30PM (Doors open at 2:00PM)
Cost: $10
Location: AMC NEWCITY 14, 1500 N. Clybourn Ave, Chicago
More Info: asianpopupcinema.org
Up 271 Spiral Stone Steps…
Comprised of 72 bells and 100 tons of bronze, the carillon atop the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel at the University of Chicago comprises the single largest musical instrument ever built. Ascend the spiral stone staircase inside the chapel tower to see the bells from the unique perspective of the student ringers and learn more about these enormous bells.
Date: April 5
Time: 11:30AM to 12:15PM
Cost: $5 suggested donation
Location: Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave, Chicago
More Info: events.uchicago.edu
Chicago Artisan Market
This curated market celebrates independent, small businesses who channel their passions into creating and showcasing one-of-a-kind products. Meet the artisans and learn the inspirations and how-to’s behind their art, fashion, home goods, eats and confections.
Date: April 6 & 7
Time: 10:00AM to 4:00PM
Cost: $8 in advance; $10 at the door
Location: Artifact Events, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave, Chicago
More Info: chicagoartisanmarket.com
