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!
Charlotte’s Web: On Stage
This reimagined production of the classic children’s book comes from Off-Broadway Alliance Award-Winning TheaterWorksUSA. With bluegrass music and a clever set design, it’s an imaginative spin on the timeless story of Charlotte, Wilbur, and all their farm animal friends.
Date: April 26
Time: 9:45AM & 11:30AM
Cost: $10
Location: McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn
More Info: atthemac.org
No, It’s Not Oktoberfest…
IT’S BOCKFEST! Hosted by the Village of Roselle, this family-friendly event kicks off with the Bockfest Parade from Kemmerling Park to Pollyanna Brewing. For the rest of the day and evening, you can enjoy live music along with plenty of German food and beer for purchase. For the kids, there will be a pretzel-eating contest and craft corner.
Date: April 27
Time: Parade kicks off at 12:00PM; Bockfest events will go until 11:00PM
Cost: Free
Location: Parade kick-off at Kemmerling Park, 400 S. Prospect St, Roselle; All-day events at Pollyana Brewing Company, 245 Main St, Roselle
More Info: roselle.il.us
Celebrate the 100th Annie-Versary!
Opening this weekend, “Leapin Lizards! A Hundred Years of Little Orphan Annie” is a captivating exhibit that explores the enchanting world of one of the most iconic and enduring comic strips ever. It’s a celebration of storytelling, comic art and a tribute to Little Orphan Annie’s creator, Harold Gray.
Date: April 27 through December 23
Time: 10:00AM to 4:00PM
Cost: $5 Suggested Donation
Location: Lombard Historical Society Carriage House, 23 W. Maple St, Lombard
More Info: lombardhistory.org
Zoo-ologie 101
The course curriculum for Zoo-ologie is simple: Support your favorite animals and have an unforgettable night! Hosted by the Auxiliary Board of Lincoln Park Zoo, their signature cocktail party features an open bar, gourmet food stations, live music and dancing. Funds raised will help to keep the zoo free and open 365 days a year—and enable the Zoo’s best-in-class animal care, conservation initiatives, and community engagement programs.
Date: April 26
Time: 7:00 to 10:00PM (5:30PM Start for $150 Animal Adventurer tickets)
Cost: $100 or $150
Location: Café Brauer at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2021 N. Stockton Dr, Chicago
More Info: zoo-ologie.org
C2E2 2024
Billed as the largest pop culture convention in the Midwest, the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) is all about comics, cosplay, gaming, wrestling and anime. Celebrities abound, along with exhibitors, comic artists, and authors.
Date: April 26-28
Time: Fri & Sat 10:00AM to 7:00PM; Sun 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Cost: From $55
Location: McCormick Place, South Building, 2301 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr, Chicago
More Info: c2e2.com
Cocktails and Oysters!
What happens when an award-winning chef takes his traveling raw bar to a James Beard Award Finalist cocktail lounge in Andersonville? Find out when Rickie Perez and Logan Oyster Socials head to Nobody’s Darling for an Oyster Social Pop-Up! At the very least, you can count on elevated classic cocktails and amazing seafood.
Date: April 28
Time: 3:00 to 5:00PM
Cost: Menu Pricing
Location: Nobody’s Darling, 1744 W. Balmoral Ave, Chicago
More Info: nobodysdarlingbar.com
Problemista: Film Screening at FACETS
Nominated for the Audience Award at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival, Problemista is the first feature film from Julio Torres, former writer/director for Saturday Night Live. Following the story of an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador who dreams of finding success in New York City, this is a quirky, surreal adventure about the American Dream and the difficulties of being an immigrant.
Date: April 27-28
Time: Sat 3:00, 5:00 & 7:00PM; Sun 2:00, 4:00 & 6:00PM
Cost: $12
Location: FACETS, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave, Chicago
More Info: facets.org
Enjoy a Night on the Town… Circa 1965
In the heart of the Gold Coast neighborhood, Mister Kelly’s was one of THE hotspots of Chicago nightlife from the 1950’s through the mid 70’s. Legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Steve Martin, Lily Tomlin and Richard Pryor regularly graced the marquee, many of them before they achieved worldwide fame. Relive those heady days at this fascinating new exhibit.
Date: Through July 20
Time: Fri & Sat 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Cost: Free
Location: Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St, Chicago
More Info: newberry.org
