Community Events Calendar

(630) 206-9566

Meet members of both the Oak Brook Art League and In Focus at this celebration of connections all share in nature and in art. The Oak Brook Art League presents the exhibit "Celebrating the Beauty of Nature" reflecting the artists' experiences and responses to the world. In Focus' "Tapestry of Nature" is a collection by three visionary artists inviting visitors to pause, reflect and revel in the ephemeral magic binding people to their surroundings. Signature mocktails will be served. All ages are welcome; under 13 must be with an adult. Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Needlecraft Night

April 18

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Bring a needlecraft project to work on and enjoy some pleasant conversation with fellow crafting enthusiasts. Time: 7 to 8 p.m.

Heartwork Exhibit Opening

April 20

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Join this art reception honoring the work Heartwork students have created during a series of classes over the past year under the instruction of local artist Maureen Claffy. The work will be on display in the library's Quiet Room April 15-30. Light refreshments will be available. Time: 2 to 3 p.m. RR

Natural History Illustration Class

Fridays, April 26-June 14

Mayslake Peabody Estate

1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook

http://www.hinsdaledrama.com/tickets.html

(630) 206-9566

Work outside (weather-permitting) with a skilled instructor using specimens and photographs to draw and paint plants, flowers and landscapes using watercolor and gouache. No class May 10 or 17. Time: 4 to 6 p.m. Cost: $240. RR

CENTRAL TIME

'Into the Woods'

April 19-20

Hinsdale Central auditorium

5500 S. Grant St.

Hinsdale Central Drama will perform its spring musical, intertwining the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales while exploring the consequences of the characters' wishes and quests, and featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Times: 7 p.m. April 19, 1 & 7 p.m. April 20. Tickets: $15, $10 for students.

Teacher Appreciation 2024

Through May 3

http://www.hinsdalecentralfoundation.org

The Hinsdale Central Foundation is inviting families to make a donation to honor a special teacher, coach, sponsor or staff member during Teacher Appreciation Week. Parents can nominate their own former teachers or coaches and donate in their name. The individual will receive a message from the donor and a special certificate to display. Donations will support programs that benefit teachers, students and families. Donations may be made on the foundation's website listed above or pay by Venmo to @HCHS-Foundation. Include the individual to be honored, their department or position, the amount to be donated and a personal message.

FAMILY FUN

Fishing Derby

April 13

Papoose Lake

McCarthy Road west of South La Grange Road, near Palos Park

(312) 533-5751

Join the village of Palos Park and the Cook County Forest Preserve District for a family-fun day of fishing. Prizes will be awarded. Time: 8 a.m. start.

Creative Sustainability Workshop

April 18

Possum Hollow Woods

31st Street west of South La Grange Road, near LaGrange Park

http://www.versiti.org/IL

(312) 533-5751

Make chemical-free cleaning supplies, lavender pouches and native seed bombs. The program is for ages 10 and up. Hours: 5 to 7 p.m.

FOR A CAUSE

Blood drive

April 20

Rejuvenate Health

534 Chestnut St.

(847) 305-9998

Rejuvenate Health and JLF Fitness are sponsoring this blood drive in cooperation with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois and reminding residents that one donation can save up to three lives. Donors should eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating. A photo ID is required. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are encouraged. Visit the website or text or call the number listed above. Time: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

GAME ON

Outdoor Recreational Basketball

Saturdays, April 13-May 18

Robbins Park

Seventh & Vine streets

(630) 789-7090

Players ages 7-12 of all skill levels are invited to develop their dribbling, shooting, passing, rebounding and defensive skills through short skills sessions, followed by game play to apply the skills. Players will be assigned to different teams each week, and games will be played in a respectful, positive and safe environment emphasizing equal participation, teamwork and sportsmanship. Time: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Cost: $103. RR

Jr. Basketball

Mondays, April 15-May 20

Madison School

611 S. Madison St.

(630) 789-7090

Kids ages 5-7 will learn all the basic skills of dribbling, passing and shooting in a noncompetitive environment. The coach will decide whether the class meets inside or outside. Time: 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Cost: $62. RR

GREAT OUTDOORS

Sunrise Walk

April 14

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs

(708) 839-6897

Join this "before hours" walk to experience the dawning of a new day. Time: 5:45 a.m. RR

Accessible Wildflower Walk

April 14

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center

12545 W. 111th St., Lemont

(630) 257-2045

This leisurely walk will highlight wildflowers along a paved driveway. Time: 1 p.m. RR

International Bat Appreciation Folktale and Walk

April 17

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs

(708) 839-6897

Enjoy a folktale recited by a librarian from the LaGrange Park Library while walking and discussing the importance of these misunderstood flying mammals. Time: 6 p.m. RR

Full Moon Guided Hike

April 23

Morton Arboretum

4100 Route 53, Lisle

http://www.mortonarb.org

(630) 719-2468

Learn moon facts and lore and how animals are adapted for nighttime as a naturalist guide leads participants along the arboretum's moonlit trails. The program is for ages 16 and up. Time: 8 to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $24. RR, MD

GREEN THUMB

Don't Squash That Bug!

April 15

Indian Head Park Administration Building

201 Acacia Drive

The Suburban Garden Club will host this discussion covering some of the million species of insects and spiders on the planet (25,000 in Illinois alone) and how to distinguish the "good guys" from the "bad guys". All are welcome. Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Containers and Raised Beds

April 20

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Learn from a master gardener how to raise productive vegetables in containers and other above-ground growing systems for safe and fruitful backyard vegetables while maximizing garden space. Recommended soil and fertilizer practices as well as construction material options also will be discussed. Time: 10 to 11 a.m. RR

Native Plant presale

May 16

Mayslake Peabody Estate

1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook

http://www.clarendonhillslibrary.org

Purchase a ticket for access to the presale and shop for native flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees. Visitors should bring their own box or wagon. Plant experts answer questions and make planting recommendations, and plant availability will be based on what the supplier is able to deliver the week of the sale. Proceeds support the Friends of the Forest Preserve District. The actual sale runs 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 16 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 18. Time 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets are limited. Cost: $20.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Exercise Your Brain

April 11

Clarendon Hills Public Library

7 N. Prospect Ave.

(630) 323-8188

Benefit from social connectedness and intellectual engagement at Wits Workout, engaging in interactive puzzles and games and learning about daily activities to keep the brain healthy. The program, developed by the University of Illinois Extension, is designed for adults 60 and older. Time: 10:30 a.m. RR

HELP WANTED

Park Clean-up Day

April 22

Residents of all ages, Scout groups, churches, businesses and service organizations are invited to honor Earth Day by pitching in for this annual event. Tasks include planting trees and removing debris. Volunteers can request to work at a specific park. Hours: 4 p.m. to dusk. RR

JUST FOR KIDS

Spiderman Party

April 16

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Kids in kindergarten through fifth grade can swing into spring with awesome Spidey-themed crafts, snacks and activities for fans of the friendly neighborhood superhero to enjoy. Time: 4 to 5 p.m. RR

Earth Day Craft & Snack

April 22

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Kids in kindergarten through fifth grade can celebrate Earth Day by making a craft and enjoying a sweet snack. Time: 4 to 5 p.m. RR

Homework Helpers & Reading Ambassadors

Tuesdays in April

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade can drop in to receive one-on-one homework or reading help from a local high school student volunteer. Time: 4 to 5 p.m.

LISTEN & LEARN

Arab American Heritage Walk

April 14

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs

http://www.westsubsymphony.org

(708) 839-6897

Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month by participating in a guided walk to learn more about the culture and history and its impact on this country. Time: 11 a.m. RR

NOTEWORTHY

CSO Trumpeter John Hagstrom

April 13

Grace Episcopal Church Hinsdale

120 E. First St.

John Hagstrom, distinguished trumpeter with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, will perform a free concert, accompanied by pianist Hyejin Joo and well-known area harpist Autumn Selover. Time: 3 p.m.

Brahms concert

April 13 & 14

McAninch Arts Center

College of DuPage

425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn

http://www.atthemac.org

(630) 942-4000

Egyptian-born pianist Wael Farouk teams up with New Philharmonic to perform Brahms' Piano Concertos No. 1 and 2. Times: 7:30 p.m. April 13, 3 p.m. April 14. Tickets: $55, $53 for seniors.

Fusion

April 14

First Presbyterian Church of La Grange

150 S. Ashland Ave., La Grange

(630) 887-7464

Enjoy a delightful mix of music old and new, performed by soloists and small ensembles from the West Suburban Symphony. Four short musical sets will feature soloists on harp and violin, a tenor soloist and a brass quintet. Then meet the performers at a post-concert reception with light appetizers/snacks and beverages. Time: 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $30, $25 for seniors, $5 for teens, free for ages 12 and younger.

Music of the Roaring '20s

April 18

Mayslake Peabody Estate

1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook

http://www.elmhurstchoralunion.org/tickets

(630) 206-9566

Take a step back in time to the era of the Charleston and Rag Time. Learn about the historical and social influences behind the music and hear the sounds that defined the Roaring '20s. The program is for ages 18 and older. Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $5. RR

Brahms: A German Requiem

April 21

Hammerschmidt Chapel

Elmhurst University

190 S. Prospect Ave.

(630) 758-1100

Elmhurst Choral Union and Salt Creek Chamber Orchestra present this monumental work composed between 1865 and 1868, standing as a testament to Johannes Brahms' profound musical and emotional depth. It offers a unique perspective on life, death and consolation through seven movements, each exploring different facets of the human experience. Time: 3 p.m. Tickets: $25, $15 for ages 12 and younger.

'Around the World in 80 Minutes'

April 27 & 28

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

203 S. Kensington Ave., La Grange

http://www.hinsdalechorale.org

(312) 510-1823

The Hinsdale Chorale will perform its spring concert featuring a wide array of traditional, folk, liturgical and dance songs from a variety of cultures around the world and in nine different languages. Pieces include the traditional Zimbabwe greeting, "Sorida," folk songs from Newfoundland and Ireland, a Brazilian setting of Psalm 150 sung in Latin and "Barun Barune," a traditional Iranian folk song. A highlight of the program is Eric Whitacre's "Five Hebrew Love Songs." Times: 7 p.m. April 27, 3 p.m. April 28. Tickets: $20, $15 for students and seniors.

ON STAGE

'Arsenic and Old Lace'

Thursdays to Sundays through April 14

McAninch Arts Center

College of DuPage

425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn

http://www.atthemac.org

(630) 942-4000

Spinsters Martha and Abby Brewster are adored by their neighbors and guests, but when their nephew, Mortimer, arrives to announce his engagement, he discovers a corpse in his aunts' home. A hilarious chain of events ensues in this classic dark comedy. The play contains adult themes and language. A post-show discussion with the director, cast and crew will be held Friday, April 12. Times: 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $16, $14 for students.

'The Taming of the Shrew'

April 12-14

Lincoln Center

395 Maple St., Downers Grove

http://www.groveplayers.org

(630) 415-3682

Enjoy the Grove Players' production of this celebrated Shakespeare comedy, the swaggering adventurer Petruchio seeks a wife with a fortune. As he aims to woo the fiery Katherina, daughter of a wealthy merchant, the question is who will tame whom? Times: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: check website above.

'Putnam County Spelling Bee'

April 18-20

Hinsdale South High School

7401 S. Clarendon Hills Road, Darien

The Hinsdale South Fine Arts Department presents this popular musical. Tickets may be purchased an hour before the show. Times: 7 p.m. April 18-20, 2 p.m. April 20. Tickets: $20, $10 for students.

'Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach'

Fridays to Sundays, April 19-28

Theatre of Western Springs

4384 Hampton Ave.

http://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com

Based on the poignantly quirky story, this brand new take on tale features a wickedly tuneful score and a witty and charming book. When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that grows a tremendous peach, rolls into the ocean and launches a journey of enormous proportions. Times: 7 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $16, $13 for kids.

Emergence Dance Concert

April 19

McAninch Arts Center

College of DuPage

425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn

http://www.atthemac.org

(630) 942-4000

Join this evening of dance and film by College of DuPage students and faculty. Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $10, $5 for students.

'Guys and Dolls'

Through June 9

Drury Lane Theatre

100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace

http://www.drurylanetheatre.com

(630) 530-0111

The beloved Broadway musical comedy promises an unforgettable evening at the theater. Times: 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 1:30 and 7 p.m. Thursdays, 7 p.m. Fridays, 3 & 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 & 6 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $100.75-$111.25.

RUNS & WALKS

Walk for Wellness House

May 5

Wellness House

131 N. County Line Road

http://www.wellnesshouse.org

Walk, run or join in the fun remotely with this annual event to benefit Wellness House, which provides free programs (online and in-person) for people affected by cancer. Register as an individual or as a team, and help raise money from family and friends. Time: 8 a.m. program, 8:30 a.m. walk/run. Cost: $30.

SENIOR SCENE

Senior Services Day

April 16

The Community House

415 W. Eighth St.

http://www.thecommunityhouse.org

(630) 323-7500

Discover for yourself or a loved one the resources and support needed to age gracefully and stay vibrant at this free resource fair offering information, inspiration and connection. Registration is required for the Lunch and Learn Panel from noon to 2 p.m. and for the Coffee Cake & Conversation Panel from 4 to 6 p.m. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. RR

SPECIAL EVENTS

Recycle and Shred event

April 13

Redeemer Lutheran Church

139 E. First St.

http://www.senatorsuzyglowiak.com

State Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-24, Western Springs) is partnering with Redeemer Lutheran Church, SCARCE, Union Church of Hinsdale and Unitarian Church of Hinsdale to host this event for residents to properly recycle household items and dispose of confidential documents. The event will have shredding services for confidential documents, as well as recycling for books, bicycles, holiday lights, walkers, canes, hearing aids, school supplies and more. Visitors are limited to two bags/boxes of shredding material each. Hours: 9 a.m. to noon.

Earth Day Celebration

April 20

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs

(708) 839-6897

Art activities, scavenger hunts, food chain demonstrations and free plant giveaways will delight visitors. Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. RR

Chicago Western Suburbs Sports Card Showcase

April 28

Willowbrook Burr Ridge Sports Center

7850 S. Quincy St., Willowbrook

(815) 830-1677

Sports card enthusiasts are invited to this free-admission event, featuring a special autograph opportunity with former Chicago Bull and 3x NBA champion Dickey Simpkins from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sheep Shearing

April 28

Kline Creek Farm

1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago

(630) 876-5900

Watch farmers hand shear heritage Cotswold sheep, and learn about the role of sheep on an 1890s farm. Time: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Admission: $5 suggested per person ages 3 and up.

STEPPING BACK

Waycar Wednesday

April 24

St. James Farm

2S541 Winfield Road, Warrenville

(630) 580-7025

Walk through a 1906 waycar (or caboose) and hear how it was first used on the rails and then by Brooks McCormick after its retirement. Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

TEENS & TWEENS

Book Bites

April 17

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Library staff will serve up books from a variety of genres to sample, along with refreshments, for middle- and high-schoolers. Time: 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. RR

Outdoor Cooking

April 19

Camp Bullfrog Lake

9600 Wolf Road, Willow Springs

(708) 771-1573

Youth ages 12-17 with an adult can learn how to prepare food both over a fire and on a stove. Email [email protected] to register. Time: 5:30 p.m. RR

WEE ONES

Dad and Me Fun With Football

Mondays, April 15-May 20

Robbins Park

Seventh & Vine streets

(630) 789-7090

Dads and their son or daughter ages 3-5 can enjoy Nerf football and help them learn proper form and technique for many skills with the help of coaches. Time: 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Cost: $77. RR

Tiny Tot Olympics

Fridays, April 19-May 24

The Community House

415 W. Eighth St.