Sure, April showers bring May flowers. Tulips and cherry blossoms, specifically! But this month has a lot more than just rain in store. Check out all there is to do in Chicago.
Arts Events
EXPO: The city’s largest annual art fair returns April 9–12. However, it’s downsized this year. Just 130 galleries will be participating in the Navy Pier event, a drop of about 23%. (I will still be there, people-watching for outfit inspo.)
Chicago Latino Film Festival:The 42nd annual film fest runs from April 16 to April 27. That’s plenty of time to check out the jam-packed roster of shows at Landmark Century Centre Cinema in Lakeview.
CineYouth:The 21st annual fest showcasing filmmakers under 22 returns to FACETS in Lincoln Park April 24–26. Screenings are free!
National Poetry Month
Every month is Poetry Month in Chicago, but April has extra opportunities to dive in:
- 🎤 CAConrad, Rickey Laurentiis, Jake Skeets, S Yarberry | April 2 | Poetry Foundation | River North | Free
- ✍️ Bilingual Poetry Workshop | April 11 | Archer Heights Branch | Free
- 🎤 Spoken Word Showcase | April 19 | Offshore Rooftop | Navy Pier
- ✍️ Letter Poems | April 19 | Chinatown Branch | Free
- 🎤 Patricia Smith, Ashley M. Jones, Donika Kelly, Aimee Nezhukumatathil | April 23 | Poetry Foundation | River North | Free
In the meantime, peruse some of our favorite Chicago poems and stay tuned to City Cast Chicago all month long for more poetry events.
Holidays
Passover: The eight-day Jewish celebration starts tonight! Here’s where you can observe around Chicagoland.
Easter: Whether or not you celebrate this Sunday, Easter is a time for special delicacies in Chicago. Get your pepper-and-egg while you can — lent ends TOMORROW.
Then it’s time for carrot cake. Reader recs include:
- The Goddess and Grocer at multiple locations
- Lula Cafe in Logan Square
- Gibsons in Gold Coast — a huge slice!
- Flo in West Town, seasonally
- J. Alexander’s in Oak Brook and Northbrook
- RPM Italian in River North
- The Perch Kitchen and Tap in Wicker Park
And if, like me, you find lamb-shaped butter heartbreakingly nostalgic, you can pick some up at Paulina Market, Polana, and good ol’ Jewel-Osco.
Earth Day: Sign up to volunteer in citywide park cleanups ahead of Earth Day on April 18.
420: Last year, I tried to partake in 420 and had an ego death at Lottie’s after drinking a 5 mg soda. Know your limits — and consider hitting up these green dispensaries and bars on your journey. You can still enjoy a range of hemp products thanks to Mayor Brandon Johnson’s veto of the ban.
☝️ And don’t forget: Tax Day is April 15!
