ARTFULLY DONE
Needlecraft Night
April 4 & 18
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(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.
Spring Art Exhibit
April 5-7
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
The Nature Artists' Guild will host this juried exhibit, featuring work from local artists inspired by nature, including plants, wildlife and landscapes from the arboretum and beyond. Many art pieces will be available for purchase. An opening reception will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 5. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Arboretum admission: $17, $15 for seniors, $12 for ages 2-17, free for those under age 2.
Through Her Eyes
Ongoing
Virgil Catherine Gallery
50 S. Washington St., Hinsdale
http://www.virgilcatherinegallery.com
The gallery is holding this exhibit featuring a number of local female artists, including Hinsdale's Maureen Claffy.
EASTER BRUNCH
Brunch with the Bunny
March 30-31
Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St.
In addition to a delicious brunch buffet, the event features visits with the bunny, an interactive DJ with games and more. Seatings: 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Cost: $75, $35 for ages 3-11, free for 3 and younger.
Easter Brunch
March 31
Il Poggiolo
8 E. First St.
http://www.ilpoggiolohinsdale.com
(630) 734-9400
Chef specials and a full Italian menu will be available. Time: noon to 6 p.m.
Lucille Restaurant at Drury Lane
March 31
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
http://www.lucillerestaurant.com
(630) 530-8300
Enjoy this elegant springtime brunch, complete with an Easter egg hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny. Unlimited champagne, mimosas, bellinis, bloody Marys, coffee and tea are included. Time: 10:30 a.m. Cost: $100, $40 for ages 5-12, free for 4 and younger. RR
FAITH COMMUNITIES
The Jolly Boys
April 10
Union Church of Hinsdale
137 S. Garfield Ave.
The Jolly Boys are the guests at the Adult Inter-Faith Fellowship Luncheon this month. The men's singing ensemble has been performing around Chicagoland for 77 years. AIFF is a group for fellowship and inclusivity while also supporting worthy causes with donations made by guests' participation. Reservations are due April 4. Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Cost: $15. RR
FAMILY FUN
Peabody's Pages Junior
April 11
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 206-9566
Kids ages 5-12, with an adult, can listen to classic stories told around a campfire. Time: 10 to 11 a.m. Cost: $5 per child. RR
GAME ON
Competitive Mah Jongg Open Play
Thursdays through April 25
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Enjoy American Mah Jongg in this lively weekly co-ed group for players who know the game well. Walk-ins are welcome; the fee is paid at the door. For more information, email Cheryl Wrzesinski at [email protected] or Gloria Javor at [email protected]. Time: 1 to 3:30 p.m. Cost: $2.
GREAT OUTDOORS
Maple Sugaring
Weekends through March 31
Kline Creek Farm
(630) 876-5900
All ages are invited to discover how sap becomes syrup by using tapping tools from the 1890s, checking the collection buckets and watching sap thicken over the fire. A admission donation of $5 per person is suggested for ages 3 and up. Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Cicadas Are Coming
April 3
The Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 719-2468
The periodical cicadas are coming this spring, and their noise and numbers will make it a memorable May. These fascinating creatures are harmless to humans and pets, and have evolved alongside the region's trees for millions of years. Entomologist Fredric Miller and garden writer Beth Botts will join forces to discuss all the ins and outs of surviving the cicadas and protecting trees and gardens. Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $24. RR, MD
Forest Hike
April 8
Churchill Woods
1059 St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn
(630) 933-7248
Enjoy the wonders of the forest preserves and get some healthy exercise on a guided, quick-paced 3- to 5-mile hike. Time: 8:30 to 10 a.m. Cost: $5. RR
Spectacular Partial Solar Eclipse
April 8
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Watch this rare natural phenomenon through telescopes that will be ready for viewing. Time: 1 to 3 p.m. RR
Evening Hike Club
April 10
Greene Valley
Thunderbird Road south of 79th Street, Naperville
(630) 933-7248
Boost your outdoor wellness in a friendly group setting on a quick-paced 1.5 to 3.5-mile guided hike. Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $5. RR
GREEN THUMB
Shrub Care and Maintenance
April 5
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 719-2468
Examine the care needs and management requirements for the most popular species of shrubs in the Midwest, including how and when to prune different species, whether fertilization is necessary and how to identify and respond to common pests and disease. Students will take an outdoor walk to look at varieties up close. Time: 9 a.m. to noon. Cost: $49. RR. MD
Seed Library
Ongoing
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Library cardholders can select up to 10 packets of flower, vegetable and herb seeds available from the collection behind the Adult Services desk on the main floor and check them out like any other materials. At the end of the growing season, save seeds and return them to library to use next spring. Also sign up for the programs Vegetable Gardening in Containers and Raised Beds on April 20 and Seed Saving Basics: Harvesting This Year's Seeds for Next Year's Planting on Aug. 10 through the website above.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Occupational Therapy
April 4
Wellness House
131 N. County Line Road
(630) 323-5150
Learn about occupational therapy's role in managing symptoms of cancer and treatment and how one can achieve their full potential from working with an occupational therapist. Time: 5 to 6 p.m.
Burning Beats
Through April 30
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Get a high-energy dance workout that is equal parts fun and fitness. Beginners and seasoned dancers are welcome to tone their bodies and burn calories while listening to a motivating soundtrack of pop anthems and Latin grooves. Times: 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 to 10 a.m. Fridays. Cost: $15 for adult walk-ins, $5 for ages 10-17; $109 for a 10-class punch card.
HELP WANTED
Foster Orientation Fair
April 6
Hinsdale Humane Society
21 Salt Creek Lane
http://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org
(630) 323-5630
Attend this monthly event to get a tour of the shelter and learn the process of becoming a foster, including information on the foster-to-adopt program, caring for bottle babies and taking a shelter animal on day trips. Hours: noon to 1:30 p.m.
Park Clean-up Day
April 22
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr
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
STEAM Saturday
March 30
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Science and art come together for another STEAM Saturday for kids in kindergarten through fifth-grade. Time: 10 to 11 a.m. RR
Trout Fishing for Kids
March 30
Wood Dale Grove
895 N. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale
(630) 933-7668
Kids ages 15 and younger can experience trout fishing at this preseason special free event. Bait will be provided. Family members ages 16 and older can accompany the young anglers but may not fish themselves. Hours: 8 a.m. to noon.
Maker Club
April 4
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Kids of all ages can drop by the Storytime Room and work with a variety of supplies to create a special project or just use their own imaginations. Time: 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Comedy Improv
Thursdays, April 4-May 9
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
This fun interactive Stage Door Fine Art improv class will introduce kids ages 7-16 to the basics of acting and how to communicate by using their bodies, gestures and facial expressions. Time: 5 to 6 p.m. Cost: $230. RR, MD
Busy Bags
April 12
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Stop by the library any time to pick up a bag full of crafts and activities for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade to keep the boredom away. RR
Homework Helpers & Reading Ambassadors
Tuesdays to Thursdays in March & April
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(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
Dr. Temple Grandin
April 3
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Join this Hinsdale Public Library Zoom webinar for a discussion by one of the world's most accomplished and well-known adults with autism on her recent book, "Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns and Abstractions." This event is sponsored by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR
An Evening with Geoffrey Baer
April 4
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 31st St., Oak Brook
http://www.dupageforest.org/friends
(630) 871-6400
Join popular WTTW host, producer and writer Geoffrey Baer to explore historic architecture, namesake families and local characters through stories about the DuPage forest preserves. Event proceeds support the greatest needs at Mayslake Peabody Estate. Time: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $150. RR.
Pickleball at HPL
April 10
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Join Hinsdale's unofficial Pickleball ambassador, Bill Voigt, to learn all about the fastest growing sport in the U.S., why it is so popular, and how and where to play. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR
NOTEWORTHY
Claudia Schmidt
April 6
Unitarian Church of Hinsdale
11 W. Maple St.
(630) 941-7797
The native Michigander has been astounding audiences with her beautiful voice, superb instrumentation and continually evolving songwriting style. She performs everything from hymns, poems, bawdy verse, torch song and satire and dazzles audiences with her talent on the 12-string guitar and mountain dulcimer, richly archiving the musical journey she has undertaken. Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $20.
Brahms concert
April 13 & 14
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(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.
Camerata Chicago Orchestra
April 14
Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church
201 N. Oak St.
http://www.cameratachicago.org/t/thmc
World-class pianist Marta Aznavoorian will perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 with Camerata Chicago. Conducted by Maestro Drostan Hall, the orchestra will also perform Dvorak's "New World Symphony No. 9" and Rossini's "William Tell Overture." Use coupon code HINSDALE for a 25 percent discount on online tickets. Time: 3 p.m. Tickets (with discount): $37.50. $30 for seniors, $7.50 for students (ID required), $1.50 for ages 14 and under (with paying adult).
Fusion
April 14
First Presbyterian Church of La Grange
150 S. Ashland Ave., La Grange
http://www.westsubsymphony.org
(630) 887-7464
Enjoy a delightful mix of music old and new, performed by soloists and small ensembles. 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.
ON STAGE
New Plays Workshop
April 4-7
Theatre of Western Springs
4384 Hampton Ave.
http://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com
(708) 246-4043
As part of The Directors' Workshop series, audiences are invited to enjoy the new plays "Dinner At Donovan's" by Nan Gatewood Satter about an empty-nester couple and their an unexpected plan for making new friends; "May We Always Have It So Good" by Robyn Guest following four longtime female friends and the truths that come out at a 55th birthday party; and "Yeah, Art Figures" by Kim Ruyle about a math teacher who discovers that his ignorance, in some ways, surpasses that of his students. A post‐show discussion will be held with the playwrights and directors. Donations are appreciated either with online reservations or at the door. Times: 8 p.m. April 4-6; 7:30 p.m. April 7. RR
'Aresenic and Old Lace'
Thursdays to Sundays, April 4-14
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(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 where the only thing more deadly than poison is family. The play contains adult themes and language. A pre-show discussion with the director and designer will beheld at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, April 4; 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 5-7 & 12-14
Lincoln Center
395 Maple St., Downers Grove
(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.
'Guys and Dolls'
April 10-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 theatre. 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.
SENIOR SCENE
Prime Time A+
Tuesdays & Thursdays through April 30
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
This easy-to-follow class for adults 50 and older features low-impact workouts to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance and flexibility. Time: 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Cost: $85 for a 10-class punch card.
SIGN UP NOW
Eclipse Glasses Giveaway
Ongoing
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
The first 400 Hinsdale Public Library cardholders to register will receive a free pair of eclipse-viewing glasses for their household. They'll be available for pick up April 5–7.
Adult Hip Hop
Mondays, April 1-May 27
Westmont Community Center
75 E. Richmond St.
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr
(630) 789-7090
Learn hip hop movements and technique as well as rhythm and precision in muscle memory. Participants should wear comfortable athletic clothes and indoor tennis shoes. No experience is needed. Time: 8:15 to 9 p.m. Cost: $120. RR
Key
RR - registration required
MD - member discount