April in Chicago brings bold culture, fresh blooms, and a spotlight on the planet — from Earth Month films and art to comic-con cosplay, live dance, and craft cocktails. Rock out to the story of The Kinks, celebrate 40 years of The Goonies, and dig into a month packed with can’t-miss music, food, film, and more. Here’s what to see and do in Chicago and the suburbs this month.
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All Month
Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris: A Friendship with Mary Reynolds
Drawing upon the Mary Reynolds Collection at the Art Institute and extraordinary Kahlo loans from public and private collections in the US, Mexico, and Europe, the exhibition recounts the legacies of Kahlo and Reynolds as they navigated Surrealism, identity, and cross-cultural exchange on the eve of World War II.
Sunny Afternoon
The story behind one of rock’s most influential bands comes to life onstage in Sunny Afternoon. This high-energy musical traces The Kinks’ rise from working-class beginnings to international fame, set to a soundtrack of the band’s iconic hits. Catch it at Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier — tickets available online.
800 East Grand Ave.
Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection
Beginning in 2020, a series of exhibitions across Europe have brought selected highlights of the Torlonia Collection to public display. Myth and Marble debuts these masterpieces to a North American audience, presenting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience these exceptional ancient sculptures and explore the fascinating stories they reveal. This exhibit opens March 15 and runs through June 29.
Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition
Since 1970, Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition has made an annual appearance at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry — making it the longest-running exhibitions of Black art. The exhibit features paintings, drawings, fine art prints, sculpture, mixed-media, ceramics, and photography from artists both professional and amateur, including youth artists between the ages of 14 and 17. The show is open now through April 27 — get your tickets: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Sustenance & Land: Five Artists Consider Our Relationship with the Earth
This exhibit explores “human connection to the land and the many ways the earth sustains us. Participating artists Lydia Cheshewalla, Barbara Ciurej and Lindsay Lochman, Tomiko Jones, Claire Pentecost, and Chunbo Zhang work in a variety of methodologies to explore a broad spectrum of themes including nutrition, cultural relationship to food, scientific investigation, spirit, history, and the future. Humor and creativity are woven throughout the exhibition, guiding viewers through a rich tapestry of ideas about how we interact with the earth.” Running through April, find more info at Elmhurst Art Museum.
Spectrum of Spring
The 2025 Spring Flower Show highlights the color families of plants and flowers, and offers a unique design and color scheme. Marvel at the robust color blocking of bulbs such as ‘Delft Blue’ Hyacinth, ‘Red Impression’ Tulip, and ‘Golden Yellow’ Crocus. There are also colorful annuals, including ‘Whimsy Blue’ Nemesia and ‘Color Max Orange Clear’ Viola. Lots of perennial and shrub favorites return as well. Above the flower beds, you will find colorful, flowing baskets of calibrachoa, such as ‘Kabloom Cherry’. Don’t miss this explosion of color — make a free reservation online at the Lincoln Park Conservatory.
April 1: The Trial of Themistocles
The National Hellenic Museum presents the next installation of its popular Trial series with The Trial of Themistocles at the Harris Theater. Nationally renowned attorneys will argue a case regarding Themistocles, one of ancient Athens’ most celebrated yet controversial figures, before a panel of esteemed judges and a live audience. Find more information and tickets on the Trial of Themistocles site.
April 1-6: Chicago a Cappella presents “Jazz a cappella”
Jazz takes on a new dimension through the human voice, blending iconic standards like “My Funny Valentine” with vibrant adaptations of instrumental masterpieces by Gillespie, Ellington, & Coltrane. Reimagined classics like “Birdland” & “Satin Doll” are joined by a premiere from HerVoice winner Devon Gates, honoring jazz’s timeless legacy. This show runs through April 6, find tickets online at Chicago a Cappella.
April 3-14: 41st Chicago Latino Film Festival
Returning for a remarkable 41st year — making it the longest running Latino film fest in the states — the Chicago Latino Film Festival will deliver to audiences a lineup of films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, the US and more via screenings at Landmark Century Centre Cinema. Audiences can expect to fall in love with Latino cinema all over again, or for the first time, as the fest has something for everyone. For a full list of screenings and more details, visit Chicago Latino Film Fest.
April 4: Sound of Silent Film Festival
This month, Access Contemporary Music highlights the importance and entertainment of silent films, as showcased in their one-day, 19th annual Sound of Silent Film Festival. This unique program will show new short silent films from countless genres accompanied by live performances of each film’s score — held at Music Box Theatre. Find details and film lineups at Access Contemporary Music.
3733 N. Southport Ave.
April 5: Meet the Easter Bunny
Spring is almost here, and so is the Easter Bunny! Wintrust Bank is celebrating with a special visit from everyone’s favorite rabbit. Hippity hop on over for a chance to meet and snap a pic with our guest! Visit Meet the Easter Bunny online for details on this Lakeview Roscoe Village event.
3234 North Damen Ave.
April 5: An American Abroad Screening
An American Abroad is a film by filmmaker/author Marcia Kimpton. Catch it at the upcoming Chicago screening at The Wilmette Theatre on April 5th. RSVP to this private showing by emailing bardobluesfilm@gmail.com.
1122 Central Ave, Wilmette
April 6: Greek Independence Day Parade
Annually, Chicago’s Greek American community celebrates their rich Hellenic culture and history with a parade and events. With Hellenic ideals of freedom and democracy in mind, the community joins together this month to celebrate in Greektown. For more details on how to view the parade or how to support, visit Greektown Chicago online.
April 6: A Discussion on Religion’s Changing Landscape, Evangelical Christianity in Context, and More
Kenilworth Union Church invites all to a conversation with UC Berkeley Professor of American History, Emeritus Dr. David Hollinger. Professor Hollinger’s large and influential body of work spans decades, his books and articles ranging across topics such as Ecumenical Protestantism from a global perspective and “Christianity and its American Fate.”
April 10-12: Twyla Tharp Dance Celebrates 60th Anniversary at the Harris Theater
Twyla Tharp Dance featuring Third Coast Percussion Twyla Tharp celebrates her 60th anniversary as a choreographer with a Diamond Jubilee tour. Each performance features Tharp’s Diabelli, set to Beethoven’s masterpiece, and a new work set to Philip Glass’s iconic Aguas da Amazônia, arranged and performed by Chicago’s Third Coast Percussion.
April 11: Ripples of Hope Gala
City Year Chicago’s annual Ripples of Hope Gala will be hosted at the Field Museum this month. This crucial fundraiser celebrates the civic contributions of honorees and the service of everyone in their community in an evening of meaningful connection and impact. Visit the Ripples of Hope Gala for tickets and more details.
April 11-13: C2E2: Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo
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At one of the largest pop culture conventions in the country, get ready to show off your favorite, even niche, cosplay outfits and embrace the entertainment media you love best. While there, you can explore the endless possibilities of comics, toys, games, and more for purchase, or just to marvel at. The daily schedule is full of exciting activities, speakers and programs. Visit C2E2 online for specifics and ticket sales.
McCormick Place, 2301 S. Martin Luther King Dr.
April 16: PlayLab PlayDate: Arab American Heritage Month Storytime & Craft
This interactive, bilingual storytime session will feature books and crafts honoring Arab American Heritage Month. The event will also feature a special guest from the University of Illinois Chicago’s Arab American Cultural Center. Visit the Field Museum online for more information.
1400 S. Dusable Lake Shore Dr.
April 20: Easter Brunch at NoMI Kitchen
Celebrate Easter at NoMI Kitchen with a lavish brunch featuring chef-curated stations and à la carte entrées. Enjoy sushi, fried chicken & waffles, and seasonal salads, then indulge in a dessert station. Little ones can meet the Easter Bunny, enjoy a caricature station, and explore a special kids’ corner!
April 21-27: EXPO ART WEEK 2025
In addition to Chicago’s annual EXPO CHICAGO program, they offer EXPO ART WEEK — which highlights the vast cultural opportunities the city offers. They have partnered with institutions and galleries to feature programming, including exhibitions, receptions, open studios, curator-led tours and more. Find details at EXPO ART WEEK 2025 online.
Various locations
April 22-28: One Earth Film Festival
The One Earth Film Festival returns — kicking off on Earth Day — with virtual and in-person screenings across Chicagoland. More details can be found on the One Earth Film Festival website.
Various locations
April 23: Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center at the Harris Theater
After beginning with Bach, who used six voices to compose his fugue-on-demand for Frederick the Great, the group divides in two for string trios by Haydn and Schubert, before re-combining in two blockbuster works for sextet by Strauss (the opening from his opera Capriccio) and Tchaikovsky (Souvenir de Florence).
April 24-27: EXPO CHICAGO 2025
Returning for its 12th year, EXPO CHICAGO is set to feature over 100 leading international exhibitors, in addition to a full lineup of onsite programming. EXPO explores the impact and awe of modern and contemporary art with a massive exhibition held at Navy Pier. Visit EXPO CHICAGO online for details about your visit.
800 E. Grand
April 25: After School Matters Sneaker Ball
Join After School Matters for its annual Sneaker Ball at Punch Bowl Social. This immersive event features teen talent, exciting raffle prizes, cocktails, food, and more! All proceeds will directly support the ASM Teen Stipend Fund, providing valuable paid program opportunities for Chicago teens to grow, learn, and thrive.
April 25: Annual Outreach Benefit
The Annual Outreach Benefit on Friday, April 25 at Michigan Shores Club will raise funds for more than 30 Outreach agencies connected with Kenilworth Union Church. Support these great causes by attending or making a donation; all donations up to $25,000 will be matched by the Make It Better Foundation.
April 25-27: CineYouth 2025
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Celebrating 20 years, CineYouth showcases filmmakers 22 and younger from around the world. Held at FACETS in Chicago, the festival features in-theater and online screenings, hands-on workshops, live Q&As, and more. Don’t miss this chance to see the next generation of filmmakers in action—free and open to the public!
April 25-27: One of a Kind Show + Sale
350 artists and makers from around the country are coming together for a makers market at Merchandise Mart. Brings friends and family to this seasonal market, which features everything from ceramics to fashion, woodworking to gifts and more. Visit One of a Kind Show online for a full lineup of artists and what to expect at the show.
April 26: Viva FSC! (Family Service Center)
Don’t miss Vegas fun while supporting mental health in the community on April 26th!
April 26: The Goonies 40th Anniversary In Concert
Auditorium Theatre is celebrating The Goonies 40th anniversary as a part of their film in-concert series. Enjoy this ’80s classic, accompanied by Chicago Philharmonic playing the entire score live to film. Tickets and screening details are available on the The Goonies 40th Anniversary In Concert website.
50 E. Ida B Welles Dr.
April 26: Chicago Rum Festival
Celebrating nine amazing years, the Chicago Rum Festival will bring together rum lovers and trade professionals from all over the nation for an afternoon of drinking and mingling at Logan Square Auditorium. While sampling to your heart’s content, enjoy speaker programing, entertainment and more. Tickets can be purchased at Chicago Rum Festival.
2539 N. Kedzie Blvd.
More from Better:
- ‘Sunny Afternoon’ Brings The Kinks’ Unruly Rise to Life in North American Premiere in Chicago
- Where to Donate Unwanted or Unused Beauty Products to Women in Need
- Photographer Cristina Mittermeier’s ‘HOPE’ Confronts the Climate Crisis with a Powerful Visual Call to Action
Margaret Smith is a Chicago-based writer and editor with a passion for socio-political storytelling about their community. They are a graduate of Columbia College Chicago Chicago.
