Fun Things to do in Chicago This April

It may not feel like it, but April is here. There are so many things to do in Chicago and the suburbs this month.    Unfortunately, I’ve come down with quite a cold this weekend so I am stuck indoors.  Here are some things to do in Chicago and nearby this month, as well as some activities to plan for next month!

GOLF COURSES ARE OPEN!

Hallelujah! It is golf season….even if it doesn’t feel like it.  Eddie and I will start getting out there soon.

Our favorite 9-hole golf course is the historic Downers Grove Golf Course.  Located right off Belmont Avenue, it was established in 1892 and was the original location for the prestigious Chicago Golf Club.

360 CHI SERIES AT 360º CHICAGO

Think that looking out on the 94th floor of the Hancock Observatory is a little boring after all your years in Chicago?  Think again! The 360 CHI Series is in full effect at the observatory with different events, every day of the week. This series is one of the more fun things to do in Chicago this April.  Nothing about these events make you feel like you’re a tourist, so consider going!

TRIPOD MONDAYS: Every Monday from 9AM to 10:30PM, you are allowed to bring your tripod to the 94th floor for the long exposure shots you’ve been craving. Bonus: Monday April 16th is a storm photography workshop you won’t want to miss!

SKY GUIDE TUESDAYS: Tuesdays 12PM-8PM Every Tuesday, Chicago experts provide a crash course in history, architecture, and culture of our city.

SKY ART WEEKLY/MONTHLY: On Wednesdays, you can bring all of your art supplies and camp out to paint to your heart’s desire.  If you don’t have your own art supplies, once a month a $45 ticket gets you a Bottle and Bottega class, 94 stories up.

THURSDAY 360 HOPPY HOUR: Revolution Brewing and KOVAL host a live DJ, bar games, and drink specials every Thursday from 6PM-9PM at 360º Chicago.

FRIDAY SKY TRIVIA: Every Friday, from 6pm-9pm, show off your trivia skills and win some awesome prizes, all from high up above Chicago. (Runs March-June, and September-December.)

SKY YOGA SATURDAYS: 9AM-10AM Yoga + floor-to-ceiling windows + 94th floor. I need not say more.

360 SUNDAY FUNDAYS: From 1-3PM on Sundays, enjoy live music and a musician at the observatory

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: THE DUPAGE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Friday, April 20th, 2018 – 6:30PM-9PM

102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton, IL 60187

Bring your kids and enjoy a nighttime showing of “Night at the Museum” along with games, crafts, and a flashlight scavenger hunt!

PIYO AND PINOT AT WYNFRED WINERY

Sunday, April 22nd, 2018 – 9:30AM-11:30AM

15 South Roselle Road, Roselle, IL 60172

For $21.95, enjoy a PIYO class in the cellar of Wynfred Winery.  A combination of yoga and pilates, PIYO is a strengthening and flexibility workout using only your body weight.  Afterward, enjoy a glass of wine at the winery. (Are you a planner? This would be a great place to spend Mother’s Day!)

VINTUS PORTFOLIO TASTING

Tuesday, April 24th – 1 PM-4 PM

West Loop, Chicago, IL ; Email me for the Exact Address

WINE AND RESTAURANT INDUSTRY ONLY: This independently owned wine distributor from the Pacific Northwest showcases wines from small batch producers around the world.  It’s the first time they’ve hosted a tasting since 2012 so if you are in the industry, consider checking out this event. Sorry guys, this one isn’t open to the public.

MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION

Saturday, April 28, 2018 – 1 p.m.

Macy’s Old Orchard – 2nd Floor, Ready-to-Wear Department

Celebrate Mom with Macy’s during the Mother’s Day event! Drop in for brunch bites and bubbly, then enjoy much deserved pampering as you shop for the perfect gift.  Platinum cardholders, be one of the first 50 cardholders to flash your Platinum Macy’s Credit Card at the gift wrapping station and receive one complimentary* gift wrapping with any Macy’s purchase at the event! *One gift per customer, while supplies last.

ARTISTRY IN WOOD

Saturday April 28, 2018-Sunday April 29, 2018 9AM-4PM

Cantigny Park, 1s151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton, IL 60189

I think my mom and I are heading to this to scope out some of the Midwest’s best woodworkers. The day of my bridal shower, the 50+ year old willow tree that was the focal point of our family yard, fell.  My mom is in the market to turn the base into a wooden carving of some sort but we haven’t found anyone with the artistry to complete the task…yet.

Preview of Fun Things to do In Chicago Next Month:

WINE DINNER AT MORTON ARBORETUM

May 3, 2018 – 6 PM

Morton Arboretum, 4100 ILLINOIS ROUTE 53, LISLE, IL 60532

The Morton Arboretum is hosting its first ever themed restaurant event.  Focusing on the wines of Orin Swift, the five course pairing is matched with five different wines from the California winehouse.  Tickets are $90 for members and $100 for nonmembers.

TAKE AMTRAK TO TULIP TIME! 

Saturday, May 5th, 2018 and Saturday, May 12th, 2018

Holland, Michigan

Ok, so this is technically in Holland, Michigan, but it originates in Chicago!  I’ve wanted to visit a tulip festival for as long as I can remember.  Unfortunately, these short lived festivals often bring the big crowds, and aren’t ideal for people with anxiety disorders.  If you don’t mind crowds, consider a same day trip to Holland, Michigan with a special, same-day train for the two Saturdays of the festival. The train ranges from $26-$48 each way.  If the weekend is out of the question for you, the weekday Pere Marquette line can get you there as well.  Tip: If you are wanting to see the tulips but avoid the crowds of the festival, considering a weekend trip to Holland the week before or the week after the festival.  The tulips will still be there!

Do you work in the restaurant, wine, or bar industry?

Do you have a great relationship with your current wine distributor or are you interested in learning more about Heritage?  Let me know if you’re interested in this year’s Gala by dropping your email in the comment section below!