8 April Events That Are Practically A Rite Of Spring In Chicagoland

Even though April is known for its rainy days, it’s also the time when people in Illinois start getting off the couch and jumping back into community events and activities.

Some events are practically a rite of spring — Opening Day for Minor League Baseball, farmers markets, Earth Day observances and action projects, and the start of the expo and festival season in Chicagoland

We’ve rounded up some springtime events in Chicagoland to get you out of the house in April, including this upcoming weekend:

• Through April 5 — It's your last chance to check out the classic musical, "The Wiz," as it ends its run at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. To find out more and buy tickets, visit here.
• April 5 — Gospel Brunch at House of Blues Chicago, 329 N. Dearborn, Chicago. The world famous event, pairs gospel music with a lively Sunday brunch. Reserve your seats here with shows at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
• Throughout April — Baseball is back and fans will have plenty of opportunities to root for the Cubs and White Sox in April. The best home stretch for the Cubs is between April 17 through April 23 when the North Siders host the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies back-to-back at Wrigley Field. Between April 24 and April 29, the White Sox face the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels at Rate Field.
• April 9 through April 12 — Expo Chicago International Art Fair, Chicago's Navy Pier. Huge global contemporary art fair bringing galleries from around the world.
• Mid-April— Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, is holding tons of April activities for the whole family, including the reopening of the popular Nature Play Garden for children.

• April 16 through April 27 — Chicago Latino Film Festival, a citywide celebration of Latin American cinema with screenings across multiple theaters.
• April 18 — 41st annual Chicago Park District Earth Day park cleanups. On the weekend before the holiday, residents will have a chance to help clean and green the city's beloved parks. Volunteer sign-ups, a list of parks participating, and more information can be found here.
• April 18 — Farmers markets are opening every weekend, including the popular Wilmette French Market. Held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, the market at the Wilmette Metra station runs through Oct. 31.

Are you planning an event this spring? Feature it so nearby readers see it across Patch — including in roundups like this!