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!

Celebrate Your Local Authors
From fantasy and historical fiction to inspiring novels about the human condition. More than two dozen authors will be on hand to discuss their work and present open mic readings, including books for children and young adults. The Local Author Fest also includes a Memoir Writing Workshop at 11:00AM.
Date: April 6
Time: 1:00 to 4:00PM
Cost: Free
Location: Wheaton Public Library, 225 N. Cross St, Wheaton
More Info: wheatonlibrary.org

Look! Up in the Sky! It’s a Bird. It’s a Plane…
Nope! Superman and all your favorite superheroes will have their feet firmly on the ground for the Superhero 3K Fun Run! Open to all ages and abilities, participants for this untimed run/walk are invited to wear their favorite superhero attire!
Date: April 6
Time: 8:30AM
Cost: $40 in advance; $45 on Race Day
Location: Sensory Garden Playground, 2751 Navistar Dr, Lisle
More Info: wheatonparkdistrict.com

Symphony for the Younger Set
Part of the Tiny Great Performances series at the DuPage Children’s Museum, this Saturday’s concert features the Woodwind Quintet from the DuPage Symphony Orchestra performing a variety of classic nursery rhymes and childhood melodies perfect for dancing and movement.
Date: April 6
Time: 11:00 and 11:45AM
Cost: $19
Location: DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St, Naperville
More Info: dupagechildrens.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