Your Guide to Chicago in April 2024

April is here, so you know what that means: The City Cast Chicago team has the best happenings this month.

Time to Get Outdoors

• 🕶️ Grab a pair of eclipse glasses and see the solar eclipse on April 8. Chicago is not in the path of totality, but we’ll get a partial eclipse. Parts of southern Illinois are in the path, so you can plan a solar eclipse road trip.
• 🌎 Volunteer for Earth Day park cleanups on April 20. There’s an interactive map that will help you find your nearest park.
• 🌳 Speaking of greenery, Arbor Day — started by the family that founded The Morton Arboretum — is April 26. You can support the organization by visiting or making a donation.
• 🌺 There’s still time to see flower shows at the Garfield and Lincoln Park conservatories.

Seek Community

• ⚾ Baseball is back, baby! The Cubs’ home opener is today (April 1) and the White Sox are already rolling.
• 🦹 Calling all my fellow nerds! The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo returns April 26-28.

Where to Get Your Art On

• 🖼️ Art lovers will gather April 11-14 at EXPO Chicago, the annual exposition of modern and contemporary art. Be sure to check out the artist and expert talks.
• 🎬 Make time for the movies at Chicago Latino Film Festival April 11-22. My wife and I personally recommend “Érase Una Vez En El Caribe” — we saw it at the Puerto Rico Film Festival last year, and it was quite the ride.

4/20 Celebrations

• 🎨 Keep it chill and artsy at Puff & Paint. All skill levels are welcome.
• 💃 If you’re in more of a festive mood, stop by the Sixpenny Bit for their Danksgiving celebration, featuring burlesque, comedy, music, and more.
• 🧁 Get extra baked with edibles from the person behind Mindy’s Bakery.