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!
Hit the Street!
In honor of Spring and Earth Month, the merchants and eateries of Evanston’s Central Street business corridor invite you to Experience Central Street with Spring Fever Shopping Promotions, Taste of Spring Dining Specials, Spring Fling Special Experiences, and more.
Date: April 18-20
Time: Varies by Venue
Cost: Varies by Venue
Location: Central Street from Eastwood Ave to Central Park Ave, Evanston
More Info: centralstreetevanston.com
Theater. Nature. Healing.
Created as both a ritual of communal healing and a multidisciplinary theatrical piece, How to Know the Wild Flowers: A Map is the work of Northwestern University faculty members Jessica Thebus and Julie Marie Myatt, along with members of the Northwestern community. Inspired by a field guide for flowers published in 1893, it’s a celebration of the beauty of nature surrounding and sustaining us and a journey out of grief.
Date: Through April 28
Time: Fri & Sat 7:30PM; Sun 2:00PM
Cost: $25; Discounts for Senior Citizens and NU Faculty, Staff & Full Time Students
Location: Ethel M. Barber Theater, Northwestern University, 30 Arts Circle Dr, Evanston
More Info: wirtz.northwestern.edu
How Beer Helped to Build Chicago
Much of Chicago’s history is rooted in the story of beer and the immigrant communities who built the city. Join historian Liz Garibay, Executive Director of the Beer Culture Center, as she shares stories of the immigrants who brought a new type of beer called lager and helped to shape and define Chicago.
Date: April 21
Time: 2:00 to 3:00PM
Cost: $5; Free for Museum Members
Location: Wilmette Historical Museum, 609 Ridge Rd, Wilmette
More Info: wilmettehistory.org
Calling All Young Botanists
On weekends, budding young botanists can meet with Nature Educators at the Garfield Park Conservatory for enriching activities that encourage scientific exploration and a deeper understanding of plants. Kids of all ages (and curious adults, too!) can stop by the front desk to learn the location of the Budding Botanists Station.
Date: April 21
Time: 10:30AM to 2:30PM
Cost: Free: Reservations required
Location: Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave, Chicago
More Info: garfieldconservatory.org
African American Art
This is the last weekend for this exhibit! The Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition features paintings, drawings, fine art prints, sculpture, mixed-media, ceramics and photography by African American artists from across the country, including emerging youth artists.
Date: Exhibit Closes April 21
Time: 9:30AM to 4:00PM
Cost: $25.95; Children under 11 years old $14.95; Free for Members
Location: Museum of Science + Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago
More Info: msichicago.org
Yoga & Cocktails
Join Chicago’s own KOVAL Distillery and The Collective Yoga Co-op for an accessible and energizing class! Founded in 2008, KOVAL was the first distillery to open in the city since the mid-1800’s. Believing in the intersection of yoga, social justice and diversity, The Collective Yoga Co-op centers LGBTQ+ voices and voices of color in their teachers and practice.
Date: April 21
Time: 12:00PM
Cost: $25
Location: Koval Distillery, 4241 N. Ravenswood Ave, Chicago
More Info: shop.koval-distillery.com
Charcuterie in a Wine Glass
Hosted by A Non-Alc Wine Shop, this hands-on workshop includes premium cured meats, artisanal cheeses, nuts, fruits and more so you can create your own stemmed charcuterie in a wine glass. Event includes hors d’oeuvres, a 4-glass tasting flight of non-alcoholic wines, and an elegant wineglass to showcase your charcuterie arrangement.
Date: April 21
Time: 2:00 to 4:00PM
Cost: $65
Location: A Non-Alc Wine Shop, 2048 W. Chicago Ave, Suite A, Chicago
More Info: nonalcwineshop.com
Discover Chicago’s Street Art
Join an engaging guide from Studio W.I.P. for this entertaining, enlightening tour through the West Town neighborhood, home to the B-Line: the newest iteration of the murals and street art that first emerged in Chicago in the 1970’s. Learn about the history, artists and works along this unique outdoor art gallery.
Date: April 20 & April 21
Time: 12:00PM and 2:30PM
Cost: $25
Location: Meeting Point: 506 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
More Info: native312.events
