Spring has arrived in Chicago and with it comes can’t-miss events for “Star Wars” fans, foodies, bookworms, and really anyone looking to get outside after a long winter.
Comedy
April 27: Trevor Noah: The Loud & Clear Tour
“The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah is coming to Chicago for one hilarious night. United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago
Dance
April 11-14: “Whipped Cream“
American Ballet Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of this production, which the New York Times called “exuberantly nutty.” Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago
April 24 to May 5: “Across the Pond“
Joffrey’s Ballet’s spring engagement features two world premieres in a program highlighting the U.K.’s top artists. Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago (Make It Better is proud to be Joffrey Ballet’s 2018-2019 season content partner.)
Events
April 5-6: Baconfest Chicago
Bacon lovers, rejoice! Some of Chicago’s best chefs will be cooking up creative bacon dishes, and a portion of proceeds will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository. UIC Dorin Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt, Chicago
April 11-15: “Star Wars” Celebration
“Star Wars” fans from across the globe will converge on Chicago for “the ultimate fan experience,” which will feature cast and crew appearances, cosplay, exclusive merchandise, screenings, exhibits, and much more. McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive, Chicago
April 12-14: I Heart Halal
Back for its second year, this year’s festival will feature an expanded food court as well as the return of a Modest Fashion show, Grand Bazaar, cooking and beauty demonstrations, and more. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
April 14: Party for the Planet
Get ready for Earth Day (April 22) at Brookfield Zoo, where your family will discover ways to make a difference for our planet and animals around the world through green activities and crafts. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield
April 18: Bites & Brews
The Glenview Chamber of Commerce presents this craft beer festival with beer, wine, and food samplings, as well as live music. The Glen Club, 2901 W. Lake Ave., Glenview
April 20: Delia Owens Author Event
The Book Stall will welcome Delia Owens, author of No. 1 New York Times best-seller and Reese Witherspoon book club pick “Where the Crawdads Sing.” The Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka
April 25 to May 4: Chicago Humanities Festival 2019 Springfest
Melinda Gates will headline CHF’s Springfest, celebrating 30 years with the theme “Power.” Various
April 26: Bark ‘n Ball
Join Philanthropy Award winner SitStayRead for a dog-friendly evening supporting the mission of advancing youth literacy skills. Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie St., Chicago
April 26-28: One of a Kind Spring Show
Shop clothes, jewelry, art, bath and body items, and more from 300-plus artists and makers. The Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago
April 26 to May 6: James Beard Eats Week
Before the James Beard Awards on May 6, more than 100 Chicago area restaurants will serve dishes or menus inspired by James Beard and donate to the James Beard Foundation Scholarship Fund. Various
April 27: Chicago Wine Fest
Sample a variety of wines, dine on delicious food, and rock out to live music. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago
April 27-28: Malott Japanese Garden Spring Festival
Learn about Japan through music, crafts, a tea tasting ceremony, and more. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
Film
April 5-7: Chicago Comedy Film Festival
Filmmakers from around the world will showcase their work during this festival, now in its ninth year. Columbia College Chicago, 1104 S. Wabash St., Chicago
Museums
Opens April 8: “Silver Screen to Mainstream: American Fashion in the 1930s and ’40s“
Thirty garments from designers like Chanel and Valentina will be on display during this exhibit showcasing Hollywood’s impact on American fashion at the time. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago
April 13: Pilsen Murals Walking Tour
Explore Pilsen with a local guide during this Chicago History Museum event. Meets at the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago
April 13: ‘Scopes in the City: Chicago Botanic Garden
Adler Planetarium astronomers and educators will visit Glencoe to give you a chance to view space through telescopes. This event is part of CBG’s Unearth Science Festival. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
Music
April 7: Time for Three
This trio performs classics from Bach to The Beatles and even mashups of favorites by artists like Katy Perry and Justin Timberlake. Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston
April 13: Callisto Quartet
This concert will include Thomas Adès‘ “The Four Quarters” and Beethoven‘s String Quartet No. 8. Bennett Gordon Hall at Ravinia Festival, 201 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park
Theater
Opens April 18: “The Children”
This “brave, humane and beautifully written play” makes its way to Chicago after stints in London and New York to tackle the idea of what responsibility every generation has for how it leaves the world.
Opens April 27: “Hamilton: The Exhibition“
Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s “Hamilton” has taken the world by storm and now fans will have a chance to dive into Alexander Hamilton‘s story even more through this exhibit featuring an audio tour narrated by Miranda. Northerly Island, Chicago
Media Sponsorships
Make It Better is a proud media sponsor of these events:
April 4: Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter’s Reason to Hope
Now in its 10th year, this luncheon will honor caregivers as well as those living with Alzheimer’s. The Standard Club, 320 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago
April 6: UNICEF Gala Chicago
This event will raise funds for UNICEF’s work around the world in the areas of health, education, child protection, emergency relief, and more. The Geraghty, 2520 S. Hoyne Ave., Chicago
April 10: The Ounce Annual Luncheon
Activist, playwright, and actor Anna Deavere Smith will give the keynote speech at this year’s Ounce of Prevention Fund luncheon. Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
April 29: American Cancer Society ResearcHERS
This new initiative centers around supporting female cancer researchers. The University of Chicago Gleacher Center, 450 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive, Chicago
Additional events Make It Better is proud to support:
- April 3: Emerald City Theatre’s Read More, Be More: A Celebration of Arts and Literacy, Theater on the Lake, 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- April 13: Winnetka Youth Organization 50th Anniversary Benefit, Sheridan Shore Yacht Club, 20 Harbor Drive, Wilmette
- April 24: Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault’s Casino Night 2019, Cooper’s hawk Winery & Restaurant, 798 W. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights
Anna Carlson writes the weekly Weekend 101 column and monthly Recommended Events. A graduate of the University of Missouri, her work has been published in Chicago Parent, Inside Columbia Magazine, and Central California Parent Magazine. She is a proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
