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Five Things To Do in the City and Western Suburbs: Apr. 3 to 5, 2026
Spring is here, and so are plenty of fun happenings to enjoy close to home. Discover what's blooming near you at one of these weekend events.
Celebrate the arrival of spring at Holi, the Festival of Colors.
Hosted by Simply Vedic of the Vedic Cultural Society, this family-friendly event invites everyone to let their worries go with a joyful celebration of Holi, the Hindu festival of colors that traditionally marks the arrival of spring in India and Nepal. Enjoy live music, dance performances, and a variety of food vendors along the scenic Riverwalk.
Date: Apr. 4
Time: 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Cost: $2.50
Location: Rotary Hill Riverwalk, Downtown Naperville
More Info: thefestivalofcolors.org
Discover the art of birdwatching at Feathers of Nature Opening Reception.
Nonprofit Gallery 200 in West Chicago is hosting an opening reception for artist Maria Ananieva's bird oil paintings with an exhibition titled "Feathers of Nature." With over 30 paintings on display, attendees are invited to celebrate the beauty of birds in anticipation of the upcoming spring migration season.
Date: Apr. 3
Time: 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Gallery 200, West Chicago
More Info: gallery200.net
Go down the rabbit hole at The Forge Celebrates Easter in Wonderland.
Step into a whimsical, Wonderland-style spring celebration packed with fun for all ages! Little ones ages 6 and under can roll and decorate eggs before heading off on a magical egg hunt, while older kids ages 7-14 tackle the Mad Hatter Hunt, a riddle-filled scavenger hunt. All ticketed guests can also enjoy a petting zoo, climbing and bounce zones, and plenty of fun photo ops.
Date: Apr. 4
Time: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Cost: $20
Location: The Forge
More Info: forgeparks.com
Discover genre-bending cinema at Beyond Fest.
Movie buffs and fans of outsider art can head to the historic Music Box Theatre for Beyond Fest, the country's biggest genre film festival. This is your chance to catch exclusive screenings of horror, science fiction, and fantasy films that push the boundaries of storytelling.
Date: Apr. 2–5
Time: Various times
Cost: Varies by screening
Location: The Music Box Theatre
More Info: musicboxtheatre.com
Hop into the Spring Egg-Stravaganza at Lincoln Park Zoo.
This festive morning at the zoo features age-specific egg hunts for children (ages 1–8), unlimited rides on the Endangered Species Carousel, and photos with the Easter Bunny. Kids can also enjoy music, face painting, and expert-led "animal chats."
Date: Apr. 4
Time: 7:45 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Cost: $20 Members /$25 Nonmembers
Location: Lincoln Park Zoo
More Info: lpzoo.org
Get hands-on at "Seeds of Action."
This eco-conscious Easter gathering combines holiday fun with environmental learning. Families get to participate in a sustainable egg hunt for all, a hands-on planting activity where kids create their own seedling to take home, a peek into the magic of composting, and time to get to know other participants and explore everything else the Climate Action Museum has to offer.
Date: Apr. 4
Time: 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Cost: Suggested donation of $20-30
Location: Climate Action Museum
More Info: eventbrite.com
Step back in time at Dozin' with the Dinos.
For a truly unforgettable family adventure and a chance to see the Field Museum in a whole new light, spend the night at Dozin' with the Dinos. This special overnight event allows kids to explore dinosaur halls after dark, participate in science activities, and sleep just steps away from SUE the T. rex.
Date: Apr. 3
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $90+
Location: Field Museum
More Info: fieldmuseum.org
Get a buzz at Espresso Martini Fest.
Coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts unite at this unique event hosted by Hubbard Inn. Attendees get to taste 15 different espresso martinis crafted by expert bartenders, get tons of freebies from participating sponsors, and snap a few pics to enter a photo contest with prizes including tickets to other martini tastings, wine tastings, and party cruises on Lake Michigan.
Date: Apr. 4
Time: 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Cost: $25+
Location: Hubbard Inn
More Info: eventbrite.com
