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!
Seize the Day and Carry the Banner!
“Seize the Day” and “Carry the Banner” are two of the now-classic songs from Newsies, the 2012 Tony Award-winning Broadway musical by Harvey Fierstein, Alen Menken and Jack Feldman. Complete with these hits and more, Newsies JR. is the 60-minute version of this rousing musical about newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City.
Date: March 14 to17
Time: Thu & Fri 6:30PM; Sat & Sun 2:00PM
Cost: $10
Location: Wheaton Park District Community Center, 1777 S. Blanchard St, Wheaton
More Info: wheatonparkdistrict.com
Rock On… Unearthed Wonders!
Join the Earth Science Club of Northern Illinois (ESCONI) for their 2024 Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show. Along with a variety of dealers, there will be fun and informative displays, demonstrations, book sales, geode splitting, and a kid’s corner.
Date: March 16 & 17
Time: Sat 10:00AM to 5:00PM, Sun 10:00AM to 4:00PM
Cost: Free
Location: DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Rd, Wheaton|
More Info: esconi.org
Tails on the Trails
Just six times a year, the Morton Arboretum is open to humans AND their canine companions! Can you imagine all the new smells awaiting discovery by your 4-legged friend? The first Dog Admission Day for 2024 is this Sunday, so grab the leash and hit the Arboretum trails! Non-members must have a reserved, timed-entry pass.
Date: March 17
Time: 9:00AM to Sundown (Members-Only Hours from 7:00 to 9:00AM)
Cost: $17 for Non-Members; Free for Members; $5 per dog
Location: Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
More Info: mortonarb.org
Latin Flavors. Latin Rhythms.
Enjoy dinner and dancing at this fun culinary event. Make some Tapas-inspired dishes while you hang out, mix & mingle, and learn to Salsa with an engaging dance instructor. Admission includes cooking, dance lesson, and dinner.
Date: March 15
Time: 7:00PM
Cost: $89
Location: Get in the Kitchen!, 3617 N. Broadway, Chicago
More Info: getmeinthekitchen.com
Remember the Opening of 2001: A Space Odyssey?
Thrill to a night of inspiring music as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra, with its unforgettable opening strains popularized in Stanley Kubrick’s epic 1968 film. This concert of otherworldly pieces also includes Bartók’s pantomime ballet, The Miraculous Mandarin.
Date: March 14-16
Time: Thu 7:30PM; Fri 1:30; Sat 7:30
Cost: $49-$250
Location: Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago
More Info: cso.org
A Greek Tragedy: Updated
Orpheus is no longer content just venturing to the Underworld to bring back Eurydice after her untimely death. Now he’s in search of a party with food, drink, music… and a disco ball! A modern update on the ancient classics, “Party at the Pantheon: A Modern Greek Stoner Comedy” is still a universal story about love, loss, and friends.
Date: Through March 23
Time: Thu, Fri, Sat 8:00PM; Sun 3:00PM
Cost: $25 General Admission
Location: The Factory Theater, 1623 W. Howard St, Chicago
More Info: thefactorytheater.com
Celebrate Women in Dance
Red Clay Dance Company, Chicago’s premier Afro-Contemporary dance company, is hosting its biennial celebration of women in dance. Presenting works created by women of the Black/African Diaspora, La Femme Dance Festival concludes with a full evening of performances, including the Chicago premiere of “Portraits in Red” by Paris-based choreographer Wanjiru Kamuyu.
Date: March 16
Time: 7:30PM
Cost: $25 to $85
Location: Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St, Chicago
More Info: harristheaterchicago.org
The One-and-Only Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Yes, it’s time once again for one of the country’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades, with a history dating back to 1843. This year’s festivities begin with the dyeing of the Chicago River, a spectacle that was first done in 1962. The parade kicks off just after noon along Columbus Drive between Balbo and Monroe.
Date: March 16
Time: River Dyeing at 10:00 AM; Parade Starts at 12:15PM
Cost: Free; VIP Grandstand Seating available for $65
Location: From Balbo & Columbus Dr, heading north to Monroe St, Chicago
More Info: chicagostpatricksdayparade.org
