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!

Calling All Beer Brewers
Home brewing aficionados won’t want to miss this chance to dig deep into the All Grain Brewing process, the traditional method used by professional breweries. Different from Extract Brewing, this technique allows you to dive deeper into ingredients and create your own recipes.
Date: April 6
Time: 10:00AM to 1:00PM
Cost: $30
Location: Perfect Brewing Supply, 619 E. Park Ave, Libertyville
More Info: perfectbrewingsupply.store

Eat a Stack & Give Back
Support Palatine’s own Boy Scouts of America Troop 209 at the Pancake Breakfast, one of their most successful annual fundraising events. With all their youthful energy, these scouts will cook, clean, serve and entertain you at this fun event featuring pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee.
Date: April 6
Time: 7:00AM to 12:00PM
Cost: Adults $8, Ages 4 to 10 years old $5
Location: First United Methodist Church, 123 N. Plum Grove Rd, Palatine
More Info: bsatroop209palatine.com

Stores Are Open Late!
It’s another First Friday in Libertyville and the downtown shops will be staying open until 9:00PM to welcome you. Participating local businesses include Allure Designs Salon & Boutique and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory with their special offers and live music at How Impressive.
Date: April 5
Time: 10:00AM to 9:00PM
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Libertyville
More Info: mainstreetlibertyville.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