Things to do April 3-9: Easter events, Shane Gillis, Howie Mandel and more

Are you a town, park district or organization putting on a summer festival or event in the suburbs? Get your festivals, fairs, fireworks, parades, community bike rides, fine art shows, carnivals, concerts in the park, or other family events into the Daily Herald Summer Fun & Getaways guide. The guide features events in the suburban Chicago area, from mid-May through Labor Day. These should be nonprofit, community-focused events, although it's OK if there's an admission fee.

To be included, go to dailyherald.com/share, click on “Event” and follow the directions. It is free to submit your calendar items online. The deadline for submissions will be Wednesday, April 8.

Starts before Friday

Chicago Salsa & Bachata Festival: 10 p.m. Thursday, April 2, to 4 a.m. Monday, April 6, at the Hilton Rosemont/Chicago O’Hare, 5550 N. River Road, Rosemont. Tenth anniversary celebration includes workshops and performances of Afro-Latin dance. Tickets start at $52.24. chicagosalsabachata.com.

Shen Yun 2026: 2 p.m. Thursday, April 2; 7 p.m. Friday, April 3; and 1 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. This production takes audiences on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture using classical dance, a live orchestra and interactive backdrops. $81-$201. shenyun.com.

Leo Gonzalez: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 2; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 3-4, at Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Stand-up comedy. $33.34-$52.62. improv.com/chicago.

“The Last Supper Chronicles”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 2-3; 7 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at Improv Playhouse, 130 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Improv Playhouse Theater’s contemporary dramatization of The Last Supper. $25, $22 for 60 and older, $15 for students with ID, $10 for kids younger than 10, and free for clergy. improvplayhouse.com.

Friday, April 3

Lambs Farm Bunny Brunch: Seatings at 9 and 10:30 a.m. and noon Friday and Saturday, April 3-4, at Lambs Farm's Magnolia Cafe & Bakery, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville. Start with a buffet at the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery, then head over to the Bunny Patch for spring crafts and time with the Easter Bunny. $21.95, $8.95 for children 23 months and younger. For reservations, call (847) 362-5050. lambsfarm.org.

Sensory-Friendly Egg Hunt: 9-9:30 a.m. Friday, April 3, at Maryknoll Park, 845 Pershing Ave., Glen Ellyn. Open to individuals with special needs of all ages. Follow an accessible trail in search of colored eggs, nonfood goodies and allergen-free prizes. The hunt will feature smaller crowds, low noise volumes and a quiet zone. $10-$15. Register: gepark.org.

Springtime at Windy Acres: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 3-4, at Windy Acres Farm, 37W446 Fabyan Parkway, Geneva. Features the Easter Bunny, petting zoo and Choo-Choo Express. Egg hunt is at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Doughnut-decorating class and kids’ flower classes all day. $15 for kids and $7 for adults. Tickets: windyacresfarmstand.com.

Easter Egg Scavenger “Hunt-ley”: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 3, starting at the Huntley Area Chamber, 1 Union Special Plaza, Huntley. This family-friendly adventure takes participants on a route through local businesses to solve clues and win prizes. Plus, photos ops with the Easter Bunny. $5 per child. Register: huntleychamber.org.

Eggs-traordinary Egg Hunt: 10 or 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 3, at Maryknoll Park, 845 Pershing Ave., Glen Ellyn. Kids 5 and younger, with an adult, can join Hopper Cottontail for photo opportunities and activities before the hunt begins. $10-$14. Register: gepark.org.

Dog Egg Hunt: 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, April 3, at Hoffman Park on West Main Street, Cary. Pups can hunt for eggs at the dog park, with small dogs hunting from 5:30-6 p.m. and medium to large dogs hunting from 6:30-7 p.m. Owners must stay with their dogs and should bring a basket and a camera for photos with the Bunny. $7 per dog. carypark.com.

Flashlight Egg Hunt and Hike: 6-7:45 p.m. Friday, April 3, at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Drive, St. Charles. All ages can join a hike through the natural area. Bring a flashlight and basket. $12. Register: stcparks.org/events.

Pooched Pictures with the Bunny: 6-7 p.m. Friday, April 3, at municipal annex, 1 W. State St., South Elgin. Bring a camera for photos with your dog. Free. Register for a time slot: southelgin.com.

“The Suspicious Butler”: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 3-4, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. A farcical, suspenseful spoof about a mystery author “borrowing” characters from other successful stories in the hope of creating the most thrilling mystery story ever. $13-$16. metropolisarts.com.

Easter Candy Hunt Under the Stars: 8-9 p.m. Friday, April 3, at Lions Park softball fields, Silver Lake Road, north of 3 Oaks Road, Cary. Kids can hunt for candy and golden eggs with prizes inside. Bring a flashlight and a basket. The Easter Bunny will be available for pictures. $15 for residents and $20 for nonresidents. Register by March 15. carypark.com.

Kishi Bashi: 8 p.m. Friday, April 3, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. “Sonderlust 10th Anniversary Tour” with Bayonne. $39.96. thaliahallchicago.com.

Lily Allen Performs West End Girl: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 3-4, at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. Tickets start at $103.50. auditoriumtheatre.org.

Shane Gillis: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 3-4, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. Stand-up comedy. Tickets start at $38.35. unitedcenter.com.

Saturday, April 4

Spring Egg-Stravaganza: 7:45-11:45 a.m. Saturday, April 4, at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon, Chicago. Egg hunts for kids 1-8 across six zones of varying difficulty. Tickets include unlimited rides on the Endangered Species Carousel and Lionel Train Adventure, plus face painting, music, photos with the Easter Bunny, animal chats with zoo experts and the Bunny Parade. $25 or $20 for members. Register: lpzoo.org.

Bird Walks: 8-10 a.m. Saturdays, April 4 or May 2, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Stroll the woods, fields, and edges of the arboretum with an expert guide to spot resident and migratory birds and learn to identify seasonal species. No prior birding experience required. $24. Sign up at mortonarb.org.

Elmhurst Park District Egg Hunt: 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 4, at Berens Park, 493 N. Oaklawn Ave., Elmhurst. Food trucks, yard games and visits with the Easter Bunny. Kids 2-10 can search the fields for eggs; adults must accompany participants. Free. Register for a time slot. epd.org.

The Great Egg Hunt: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 4, at Frontier Sports Complex softball fields, 3380 Cedar Glade Road, Naperville. The Jaycees will hide 14,000 eggs across four ball fields, divided by age groups. Only kids 2 or younger may have help from a parent. Bring donations of nonperishable food items to benefit DuPage Pads. Arrive 30 minutes early; parking is limited. Free. naperjaycees.org.

Easter Party: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 4, at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 680 S. Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Crafts, breakfast and an interactive walk-through Easter story. Finishes with an Easter egg hunt for kids up to fifth grade on the church lawn, or indoors in the event of bad weather. Free. southminsterpc.org.

Elgin’s 10th annual Earth Celebration: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive, Elgin. Families can celebrate nature through hands-on learning, live demonstrations, and encounters with local animals. Also, crafts and various educational booths from community vendors. Free. cityofelgin.org.

Scott Smith’s All Animal Expo: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Bimonthly show that hosts vendors from the Midwest. $3-$8. allanimalexpo.com.

Spring craft fair: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora. Featuring local handmade crafts. Free. foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

Helicopter Easter Egg Drop: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 4, at Faith Lutheran Church, 3000 Liberty St. in Aurora. A helicopter will fly in and hover next to the church while it drops thousands of Easter eggs for elementary school kids to hunt. Enjoy food, games, and photos with the Easter Bunny inside the church afterward. Parking passes can be purchased through Eventbrite.com or via discoveringfaith.com/news. Limited amount of on-site parking passes; additional parking available at Young Elementary School on Liberty Street.

Bunny Burrow Express: 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve, 35W003 Route 31, South Elgin. Take a ride to the Easter Bunny’s “secret burrow” in vintage antique trolley cars, where there will be plenty of hidden eggs to find. Children will receive a basket to collect eggs. $30. foxtrolley.org.

Long Grove Bunny Hop: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4, in Historic Downtown Long Grove, 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Hosted by Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association, the Bunny Trail features treat-filled eggs at participating stops, photos with the Easter Bunny, fire truck tours with local first responders, face painting and coloring stations, and festive photo opportunities throughout downtown. Bunny Trail maps available at event tents. Free. longgrove.org/festival/bunny-hop.

Palatine Jaycees Easter Egg Hunt: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 4, outdoors at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road in Palatine. More than 3,000 Easter eggs for kids to find, which they can exchange for a goodie bag of candy. Children up to age 9 are invited. Also, arts and crafts, music, and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. Egg hunts will occur approximately every 20 minutes. Registration is available at tinyurl.com/PalJayceesEggHunt.

Sound Bath: Noon Saturday, April 4, at the Techny Prairie Activity Center, 180 Anets Drive, Northbrook. An immersive, full-body listening experience that uses therapeutic sounds and vibrations to restore harmony in the mind, body and spirit. Registration required. $19-$25. nbparks.org.

Sleepy Hollow Service Club Easter Egg Hunt: Noon Saturday, April 4, at Sabatino Park, 145 Thorobred Lane, Sleepy Hollow. The event features several age categories, including a special needs group. Children will scramble to find eggs left by the Easter Bunny, with some containing tickets for grand prizes. The Easter Bunny also will pose for pictures. Every participant will leave with the candy from their collected eggs and a few extra candy bars. Free. sleepyhollowil.org.

Spring Road Business Association Easter Egg Hunt: 1 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at Wild Meadows Trace gazebo on Spring Road, Elmhurst. Thousands of candy-filled eggs will be scattered throughout the park. Egg hunt starts promptly at 1 p.m. Meet the Easter Bunny starting at 1 p.m. springroad.com/our-events.

Paul Revere, Fight for the Right to Be Free: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn. Actor Terry Lynch portrays Paul Revere to share stories of his life as a silversmith and patriot. $10; free for members and students. gehs.org.

“Easter Parade” film screening: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Screening of the 1948 MGM classic starring Judy Garland and Fred Astaire. Wear vintage attire, bonnets or retro bows. $12. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Emperor: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago. “The Emperial Wrath Tour.” Tickets start at $64.25. livenation.com.

The Last Dinner Party: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave., Chicago. “From The Pyre Tour.” Tickets start at $115.67. saltshedchicago.com.

Howie Mandel: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Stand-up comedy with guest Preacher Lawson. Tickets start at $73. geneseetheatre.com.

The Legends of Laughter: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at the Arie Crown Theater, 2301 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Stand-up comedy from Sommore, Earthquake, Lavell Crawford and Don “DC” Curry. $78-$244. ariecrown.com.

Sunday, April 5

Lambs Farm Easter Brunch: Seatings at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 5, at Lambs Farm's Magnolia Cafe & Bakery, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville. Celebrate Easter with family and friends. $34.95, $12.95 for children 2-12. For reservations, call (847) 362-5050. lambsfarm.org.

Gary UMC Easter egg hunt: 10:15 a.m. Sunday, April 5, in Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave., Wheaton. Gary United Methodist Church’s annual egg hunt. garychurch.org.

Community Easter Egg Hunt: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Sunday, April 5, at First Congregational Church of Evanston, 1445 Hinman Ave., Evanston. Free. firstchurchevanston.org.

Halwa by Amit Tandon: 7 p.m. Sunday, April 5, at Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. The Indian stand-up comedian is coming to Elgin as part of his USA Tour 2026, with hilarious takes on family, relationships and cultural quirks. hemmens.org.

Monday, April 6

“Madama Butterfly”: 7 p.m. Monday, April 6, and 2 p.m. Thursday, April 9, and Sunday, April 12, at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Sung in Italian with projected English titles. Tickets start at $47. lyricopera.org.

Movie Monday: 7 p.m. Monday, April 6, at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988). Doors open at 6 p.m. $1 (cash only at the door). Concessions via cash or card. paramountaurora.com/series/movie-mondays.

“Reds”: 7 p.m. Monday, April 6, at Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. The 1981 film directed and starring Warren Beatty, and co-starring Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. $11. chicagofilmsociety.org.

Scottish Highlanders Dance Troupe: 7 p.m. Monday, April 6, at the Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook. See traditional Highland dances performed by the Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers, and learn the history and stories that inspired them. Free. Register at visit.northbrook.info.

Tuesday, April 7

If I Had a Hammer — The Heart of Folk Music: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at ECC Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Building H, Elgin. This Midday Matinee performance celebrates the golden age of folk music with iconic hits from Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. $35. eccartscenter.org/tickets.

Wednesday, April 8

COD Film Series: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at College of DuPage Berg Instructional Center, Room 1437, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. This series features faculty-led introductions and Q&A sessions for films. Discuss the 1961 Pietro Germi film “Divorce, Italian Style,” starring Marcello Mastroianni. Admission is free and registration is not required. cod.edu/film.

Exploring the Works of Isabella Gardner: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. Isabella Gardner, renowned poet and one-time editor at Poetry, wrote numerous poems while she lived in the McCormick House. During National Poetry Month, Elmhurst University English professor Ann Frank Wake presents an evening in “Isabella’s house” with a reading of Gardner’s poetry and the chance to write your own poem inspired by her work. $15-$25. Register: elmhurstartmuseum.org/events.

“Heartbreak Hotel”: 7 p.m. Wednesdays, April 8 through May 13; 7 p.m. Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 and 5 p.m. Sundays through May 31; plus 1 p.m. Wednesdays starting April 15 and Thursdays starting May 14 (no 5 p.m. show Sunday, May 31) at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. This official Elvis Presley bio-musical takes a closer look at the rock star and icon. Tickets start at $78. marriotttheatre.com.

Bits & Buckets Stand Up Comedy Showcase: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at the Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia. Each comic will hit the stage with their regular set, then pull a random topic from a bucket and riff on it in the moment. The lineup will be Peyton Ruddy, Carter Dockerty, Claire Sundbye, Alex Hudec and Erikson Dockery. $20. comedyvaultbatavia.com.

Dirty Three: 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. Australian instrumental trio of Warren Ellis, Mick Turner and Jim White performs rock, jazz and folk. $59.68. thaliahallchicago.com.

Thursday, April 9

The Titanic — A Voyage Through Time: Time slots available noon through 6:40 p.m. Thursdays, 11 a.m. through 7:40 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. through 5:40 p.m. Sundays, April 9 through May 31, at Germania Place, 108 W. Germania Place, Chicago. Immersive virtual reality experience taking visitors on a journey through the Titanic. $19.99-$32.99. titanicexperiencevr.com.

Urban Tree Ecology: 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at Baker Community Center, 101 S. Second St., St. Charles. Part of the St. Charles Park District’s “Learn From the Experts” series, participants will learn about local species, the benefits of the urban forest and best practices for tree care in the community. Advance registration is required. stcparks.org.

Expo Chicago: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, April 9; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 10-11; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 12, at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Contemporary art fair. Tickets start at $35 for one day, $68 for three days. expochicago.com.

An Acoustic Evening with Sidewalk Prophets: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at Alleluia! Lutheran Church, 4055 Book Road, Naperville. The Dove Award-winning contemporary Christian band performs an acoustic concert. Tickets start at $24. eventbrite.com.

Dustin Ybarra: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 10-11, at Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Stand-up comedy. $29.49. improv.com/chicago.

“Fight Girl Battle World”: 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, April 9-19, at Playhouse Theatre, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. College of DuPage Theatre production of Qui Nguyen’s action-packed space odyssey set in a futuristic universe where the human race is on the brink of extinction. Pre-show discussion at 5:45 p.m. April 9 in MAC Room 117; post-show discussion on April 17. $16-$18. atthemac.org.

Glenn Miller Orchestra: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Big band music. Tickets start at $37.85. geneseetheatre.com.

Riot Fest Presents Microwave: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave., Chicago. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of their album “Much Love,” with Anthony Green, Hunny, and Into It. Over It. For ages 17 and older. Tickets start at $45.50. riotfest.org.

Thursday Night Laughs: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Stand-up comedy series features local talent: Mike Maxwell, Lauren Hooberman, Chelsea Hood, St. James Jackson, Drew Frees and headliner Nick Cobb. Bar and doors open at 6:30 p.m. $20-$25. prairiecenter.org.

Are You Garbage, Back on the Block Tour: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at The Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago. Kevin Ryan and H. Foley present a night of “Are You Garbage,” featuring stand-up comedy and a chance to ask Garbage questions. $34-$48. jamusa.com.

“Bat Out Of Hell, The Musical”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. Tribute to Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf. $73-$268. auditoriumtheatre.org.

Mitch Fatel: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9, and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 10-11, at the Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia. Stand-up comedy. $31. comedyvaultbatavia.com.

Lala Lala with Mother Soki: 8 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. Chicago’s Lillie West performs indie rock. Tickets start at $31.45. thaliahallchicago.com.

Ongoing

Glow Wild, A Lantern Festival of Hope: 6-10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, through May 10, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 31st Street and Golfview Avenue, Brookfield. See over 70 handcrafted, larger-than-life lanterns depicting wildlife and mythology from around the world. Features live cultural performances, global music and dance, storytelling and food. Tickets include parking and rides on the carousel and Ferris wheel. Animal habitats are closed during the event. Thursdays: $9.95-$19.95; Fridays through Sundays: $14.95-$24.95. Advance tickets: brookfieldzoo.org/glow-wild.

“Hamilton”: 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays through April 26; plus 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21 (no 7 p.m. show Sundays, April 5 and 26), at the CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago. The blockbuster musical about the life of Alexander Hamilton. Tickets start at $58.45. broadwayinchicago.com.

“A Streetcar Named Desire”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through April 26, plus 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie. Tennessee Williams’ emotionally charged drama that explores desire, delusion and the realities of human nature. $42, $38 for seniors and students. skokietheatre.org.

“Time of My Life”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through April 11, with a 2 p.m. matinee Saturday, April 11, at the Village Theatre Guild, Park Boulevard and Butterfield Road, Glen Ellyn. Alan Ayckbourn’s play where a birthday dinner at a favorite restaurant serves as the backdrop for a family’s journey through the past, present and future. $25. villagetheatreguild.org.

“The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940”: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, through April 12, at Riverfront Playhouse, 11 and 13 Water Street Mall, Aurora. When the creative team responsible for a recent Broadway flop gather for a backers audition at an isolated country mansion, chaos erupts as the “Stage Door Slasher” returns. $18-$20. riverfrontplayhouse.com