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!
Earth Day(s) at Brookfield Zoo
Party for the Planet and dispose of those items you’ve been storing in your basement and garage. Bring electronics, books and textiles on Saturday for an Earth-friendly disposal and recycling event. On Sunday, there’s the 2.2-mile Earth Day Run through the twists and turns of the Brookfield Zoo during pre-park hours.
Date: April 20 Party for the Planet Recycling Collection; April 21 Earth Day Run
Time: Saturday Recycling 9:00AM to 2:00PM; Sunday Run 8:00AM
Cost: Free for Recycling; $35 for 2.2-Mile Run
Location: Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St, Brookfield
More Info: brookfieldzoo.org
Dine Out in Lisle
Friday is the last night for Lisle Restaurant Week! Experience classic and modern cuisine from American and Italian to Mexican, gastropub fare, and more. There are unique multi-course offerings and limited-time specials from participating restaurants including Brasi’s Pizzeria, Raymes Steak & Fish House, Kindred Gastropub, and Yerbabuena.
Date: April 19
Time: Varies by venue
Cost: Varies by venue
Location: Restaurants throughout the Village of Lisle
More Info: villageoflisle.org
Makers & Brewers
Sip and shop away your Sunday afternoon at Alter Brewing Company’s Downers Grove taproom. Their 2024 Spring Makers Market will feature an outstanding group of vendors, including Grandma Dan’s Cookies, Second City Soapery, DK Custom Woodwork, Amber Clay Pottery, Downtime Coffee, and others
Date: April 21
Time: 12:00 to 4:00PM
Cost: Free to attend
Location: Alter Brewing Company, 2300 Wisconsin Ave, Downers Grove
More Info: alterbrewing.com
Calling All Young Botanists
On weekends, budding young botanists can meet with Nature Educators at the Garfield Park Conservatory for enriching activities that encourage scientific exploration and a deeper understanding of plants. Kids of all ages (and curious adults, too!) can stop by the front desk to learn the location of the Budding Botanists Station.
Date: April 21
Time: 10:30AM to 2:30PM
Cost: Free: Reservations required
Location: Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave, Chicago
More Info: garfieldconservatory.org
African American Art
This is the last weekend for this exhibit! The Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition features paintings, drawings, fine art prints, sculpture, mixed-media, ceramics and photography by African American artists from across the country, including emerging youth artists.
Date: Exhibit Closes April 21
Time: 9:30AM to 4:00PM
Cost: $25.95; Children under 11 years old $14.95; Free for Members
Location: Museum of Science + Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago
More Info: msichicago.org
Yoga & Cocktails
Join Chicago’s own KOVAL Distillery and The Collective Yoga Co-op for an accessible and energizing class! Founded in 2008, KOVAL was the first distillery to open in the city since the mid-1800’s. Believing in the intersection of yoga, social justice and diversity, The Collective Yoga Co-op centers LGBTQ+ voices and voices of color in their teachers and practice.
Date: April 21
Time: 12:00PM
Cost: $25
Location: Koval Distillery, 4241 N. Ravenswood Ave, Chicago
More Info: shop.koval-distillery.com
Charcuterie in a Wine Glass
Hosted by A Non-Alc Wine Shop, this hands-on workshop includes premium cured meats, artisanal cheeses, nuts, fruits and more so you can create your own stemmed charcuterie in a wine glass. Event includes hors d’oeuvres, a 4-glass tasting flight of non-alcoholic wines, and an elegant wineglass to showcase your charcuterie arrangement.
Date: April 21
Time: 2:00 to 4:00PM
Cost: $65
Location: A Non-Alc Wine Shop, 2048 W. Chicago Ave, Suite A, Chicago
More Info: nonalcwineshop.com
Discover Chicago’s Street Art
Join an engaging guide from Studio W.I.P. for this entertaining, enlightening tour through the West Town neighborhood, home to the B-Line: the newest iteration of the murals and street art that first emerged in Chicago in the 1970’s. Learn about the history, artists and works along this unique outdoor art gallery.
Date: April 20 & April 21
Time: 12:00PM and 2:30PM
Cost: $25
Location: Meeting Point: 506 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
More Info: native312.events
