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!
Look! Up in the Sky!
With more than 170 installations worldwide, including Portugal, Japan, and Norway, Elmhurst is the 6th American city to welcome the Umbrella Sky Project. With a mission to inspire human connection through the universal power of color, this open-air art display features dozens of colorful umbrellas suspended above 3 separate locations around town.
Date: Throughout the Summer
Time: All day
Cost: Free
Location: 3 Locations in Elmhurst: Schiller Court at Schiller & York Streets; North York Stage at 254 N. York St; and Cultural Campus at 110 S. Cottage Hill Ave
More Info: elmhurstcitycentre.com
Cicadas in Society, History & Art
With the emergence of two cicada broods in central Illinois, 2024 is a record year for this enigmatic insect. Join Medical Entomologist Donald Baumgartner for an enlightening 1-hour talk. Learn about periodic cicadas, gain insight into their symbolism in Chinese culture, and see select items from the Museum’s collection.
Date: May 11
Time: 2:00 to 3:00PM
Cost: Adults $10; Seniors $8; Students and Teens $5
Location: Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 1220 Kensington Rd, Oak Brook
More Info: lizzadromuseum.org
Tour A Tudor Revival-Style Mansion
Enjoy a guided tour of Mayslake Hall, the 1920’s residence of wealthy coal baron Francis S. Peabody. Designed by renowned Chicago architect Benjamin Marshall and surrounded by nature, this architectural gem is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Date: May 11
Time: 11:30AM to 12:30PM
Cost: $8
Location: Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St, Oak Brook
More Info: dupageforest.org
A Different Sort of Mother’s Day Tea Party
Brew up some fun at this Mother’s Day Tea Party… with a twist! Enjoy biscuits and cupcakes while you decorate a 14-piece tea set. The complete tea set is included, along with paints, glazing, and firing.
Date: May 11
Time: 9:00 to 11:00AM
Cost: $115 for two
Location: Color Me Mine North Center, 3849 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
More Info: northcenter.colormemine.com
Mexican Art from the 1893 World’s Fair
Meticulously curated by the museum’s chief curator, this unique exhibit showcases historic works of art by Mexican and Chicago artists who participated in the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. The second part of the show displays contemporary Mexican artists working in the Chicagoland area.
Date: Through August 11
Time: 10:00AM to 5:00PM (closed Monday)
Cost: Free
Location: National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W 19th St, Chicago
More Info: nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org
Who Doesn’t Love Food Trucks?
On most weekends throughout the year, Begyle Brewing in the Ravenswood Corridor hosts some of your favorite food trucks to complement their diverse taproom menu featuring ciders, brown ales, Doppelbocks, APAs, IPAs, non-alcoholic options, and more. This weekend’s food trucks include Pot Pots Poutine on Friday evening, Nala’s Family Kitchen on Saturday afternoon and El Zorro Tacos on Sunday afternoon.
Date: May 10-12
Time: Taproom Hours: Fri 12:00 to 10:00PM; Sat 11:00AM to 10:00PM; Sun 12:00 to 8:00PM (Food truck hours will vary)
Cost: As per menu
Location: Begyle Brewing, 1800 W. Cuyler Ave, Chicago
More Info: begylebrewing.com
Dionysus or Bacchus?
Bacchus is the Roman name for Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and revelry. So whichever route you choose for this year’s Andersonville Wine Walk, you can be assured of good times and good wine! Both the Bacchus and Dionysus routes feature 11 neighborhood businesses with wine tasting at each.
Date: May 11
Time: 3:00 to 6:00PM (Check in begins at 1:00PM)
Cost: $40
Location: Check-in at 1554 W. Hollywood Ave, Chicago. Each Wine Walk route includes local businesses along Clark, Ashland and Balmoral.
More Info: andersonville.org
Learn From a Master Mixologist
Formerly from The Violet Hour, Aneka Saxon has been the master mixologist at Machine for 4 years. Combining her love of travel with her whimsical taste for life, Aneka’s cocktails promise a feast for your eyes and a delicate dance across your palette. Join her this Mother’s Day weekend for a hands-on cocktail-crafting workshop.
Date: May 11
Time: 2:00 to 3:00PM
Cost: $50
Location: Machine, 1846 W. Division St Chicago
More Info: dinemachine.com
