Egg-Stravaganza, candy grab set for Soldier Field

Chicago

Put all your eggs in one basket

Just tell the kids they're going to the largest free candy grab in the Midwest and it takes place on the field at Soldier Field and they're bound to scream "Sweet!" More than 4,000 adults and children are expected at the Seventh Annual Spring Egg-Stravaganza that is also broadcast on the stadium's two colossal video screens. Before the candy grab, families can brunch with the bunny and get a few photos snapped in the United Club. Reservations for the brunch are mandatory.

8:30 to 10 a.m. ticketed brunch in the United Club; 10 a.m. to noon candy grab (free); Saturday, March 27, at Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive. Brunch costs $17.50 for adults, $12 for children younger than 10, and free for children younger than 3 with a paying adult. Make brunch reservations by Wednesday, March 24, at (312) 235-7160. Visit soldierfield.net.

Dancing with the barres

You'll find yourself yelling "bravo" at Luna Negra Dance Theater's spring concert, which honors the bicentennial of Mexican independence and the centennial of the Mexican revolution. The concert features the world premiere of "Paloma Querida (Beloved Dove)" that was inspired by the work of world-renowned Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, along with revivals of "Quinceañera," choreographed by Luna Negra founder Eduardo Vilaro, and Plight. Expect a diverse range of Latin American music from the traditional bolero to a contemporary score by Mexican composer Ana Lara.

8 p.m. Saturday, March 27, at Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive in Millennium Park. Tickets range from $25-$55 and are available at (312) 334-7777 or visit harristheaterchicago.org.

Life is a carnivale

So what if the crummy economy squashed plans for spring break. Take the kids to Carnivale's annual Family Day event to celebrate the season. Kids will be thrilled by face painters, a balloon cartoonist, jugglers, magicians and a stilt walker. Executive chef Mark Mendez has created a special kids' menu in honor of Family Day featuring Dietzler farm beef tacos, red rice and beans, barbecue chicken empanadas, potato salad, and spaghetti and meatballs. For adults, Carnivale's resident Sunday musician, prominent jazz singer, Margaret Murphy, performs under the guidance of saxophonist Von Freeman.

6 to 10 p.m. Sunday, March 28, at Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market, Chicago. Festivities are complimentary to dining guests, and reservations are recommended at (312) 850-5005 or visit carnivalechicago.com.

Midwest

More than a choo-choo

Lolling by the beach? Swimming in a pool? How ho-hum after you've spent spring break as an animal keeper and mingled with sharks and penguins or were a riverboat captain and navigated the Tennessee River. Perhaps you'd rather be a zookeeper with wild creatures; an art explorer and uncover hidden treasures; a conductor aboard a train car; a spelunker deep in a cavern; a rock-climbing adventurer on an enchanted trail; or a culinary creator whipping up sweets. It's all possible in nearby Chattanooga, Tenn. Stay downtown and take in museums and attractions aboard the Free Electric Shuttle. Plenty more adventures - rock climbing (indoor & outdoor), paintball, go karts, skating, biking, rappelling, guided kayak and canoe trips - are just five to 15 minutes away.

Through the end of April during Chattanooga's Spring Break Safari with special vacation packages at spring.chattanoogafun.com/packages or call (800) 322-3344.

See ya in Sheboygan

Shuffle off to Sheboygan, Wis., just an hour north of Milwaukee, for Sipping on Sheboygan's Shores, the fourth annual microbrew and wine-tasting festival. Enjoy local, regional and world beverages from 30 exhibitors as well as live music and tasty morsels from the brat capital's finest local restaurants. Shuttle service is provided to and from participating hotels, restaurants and pubs for the unique event. A number of hotels are offering lodging discounts, too.

1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 27, at Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center, 725 Harbor Drive, Sheboygan. Tickets cost $40 per person or $75 per couple. Call (800) 689-0290 or visit visitsheboygan.com.

Pony up

On April 3, 1860, a lone rider on horseback took off from the gates of one of the nation's most historic landmarks, the Pikes Peak Stables in St. Joseph, Mo., carrying saddlebags filled with mail. Pony Express riders traveled 2,000 miles west to Sacramento, Calif., racing against the elements and rugged terrain trying to unite a country separated by distance. The Pony Express National Museum, just north of Kansas City, Mo., celebrates the 150th anniversary of the first overland mail service to Sacramento with educational state-of-the-art exhibits, period stores, Otterville and Winston Train robbery re-enactments, a Buffalo Bill look-alike contest, a Pony Express Bridle & Saddle parade and a concert by Michael Martin Murphy at the Missouri Theater.

April 1-3 at 9th and Penn Patee Park, St. Joseph, Mo. Call (800) 530-5930 or visit ponyexpress.org.

Worth the trip

The British don't merely like asparagus - they are barmy (crazy) for this member of the lily family. Asparamadness hits the market town of Evesham every year, celebrating the start of the English asparagus season. The festival kicks off with the Great Asparagus Run involving Morgan Motor Cars, Royal Worcester plates and the finest 100 round of Vale Asparagus, which is the first outdoor cut of the season. There is also an Asparabus tour, complete with an Asparaguide to highlight the area and to provide an entertaining insight into the majestic green vegetable, as well as an asparagus family, known as Aspara Gus and baby Gus. Stop by the table of an asparagus reader who tells visitors' fortunes by looking at the vegetables spears. The concluding event, Asparagus Festival Day, is a fun family day featuring cooking demonstrations, asparagus-oriented meals and tastings, a farmers market, local arts and crafts, children's activities and local ales, ciders and wines. The festival was a regional winner in the Visit England "Where Else But England Awards," which recognizes and celebrates the most eccentric events throughout the United Kingdom.

April 23 to May 31, Worcestershire Asparagus Festival in Evesham, England. Visit britishasparagusfestival.org.