Spring is almost here! We've picked 12 events in the Western Suburbs not to miss this month including family-friendly performances, free things to do with kids and more. Plus, we're celebrating St. Patrick's Day. Check out our calendar to find more local events near you. Also, find out the best things to do in the city, North/Northwest Suburbs and South Suburbs.
NOTE: We're updating our calendar as quickly as we can with any event changes or cancellations due to COVID-19 concerns. We advise you to call ahead to make sure the event is still happening. If you know of an event listed that has been canceled, please let us know.
KidsFest
When: March 1
Where: Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park
Cost: Free, timed tickets required
What's all the buzz about? Discover and celebrate honey bees, beekeeping and what makes them so special. This annual family event includes hands-on educational activities, scavenger hunt, and fun crafts.
Women’s History Month: Eleanor Roosevelt
When: March 1
Where: Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
Cost: Free, $5 parking; registration required
Living history actor and scholar Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., explores the life of Eleanor Roosevelt, American First Lady, statesman and humanitarian. Ideal for families and children ages 10 and up.
Maple Sugaring
When: March 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29
Where: Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago
Cost: $5 suggested donation ages 3 and older
Discover how sap becomes syrup as you try tapping with tools from the 1890s, check the collection buckets, watch sap thicken over the fire, and try a taste of real maple syrup.
Dr. Seuss's Birthday Bash
When: March 7
Where: North Berwyn Community Center 1619 Wesley Ave, Berwyn
Cost: Free
Dive into the imaginative world of Dr. Seuss to celebrate his birthday. Enjoy Seuss Story Time, Seuss Crafts, meet the Cat in the Hat, mix Seussian Oobleck and more. Costumes as favorite Seuss characters are encouraged.
Forest Park St. Patrick's Day Parade
When: March 7
Where: Forest Park Main Street, 7344 W. Madison St., Forest Park
Cost: Free
The Forest Park Chamber of Commerce's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade features bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, local business entries, Medinah Shriner parade units, local police and fire departments and more.
Kid Rock “Shamrock Shuffle” - CANCELED
When: March 10 & 13
Where: Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
Cost: $12, $10 members; registration required
Parents and their wee ones (ages 1-5) are invited to celebrate St. Paddy's Day with a fun session of songs, instruments and imaginative play.
Naperville St. Patrick's Day Parade - CANCELED
When: March 14
Where: 899 N. Mill Street, Naperville
Cost: Free
Residents will be able to celebrate their Irish heritage by joining the West Suburban Irish for the city's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. The parade kicks off from Naperville North High School, continues south on Mill Street, east on Jefferson Avenue, south on Main Street and west on Water Street to the Municipal Center.
Get Sticky! Maple Syrup Day - CANCELED
When: March 21
Where: Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook
Cost: $10
Discover the sweet secret of turning tree sap into syrup, and enjoy samples along the way on a 75-minute guided tour. Tours start every 20 minutes until 2 p.m.
Esconi Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show - CANCELED
When: March 21
Where: DuPage County Fair, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton
Cost: Free
The Earth Science Club of Northern Illinois will host dealers, demonstrators and museums for a rock and mineral show. Kids can receive a free collection of minerals and fossils, play games, make crafts and try to split a geode.
Maple Fest - CANCELED
When: March 21
Where: Red Oak Nature Center, 2343 S. River St., Batavia
Cost: $2; registration recommended
Enjoy a short presentation on maple trees before heading out into the woods for a short hike to learn how people through the years have tapped maple trees and collected the delicious treat. Stop by Sapwood Corner to test your maple tapping skills first hand and don’t forget to sample some of the flavorful product yourself.
Royal Ice Brunch - CANCELED
When: March 21-22
Where: Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
Cost: $35, $25 ages 4-12, $10 3 and under
Enjoy a royal-themed brunch and ice cream sundae bar, plus a performance by the Ice Queen and a visit by everyone’s favorite snowman. Children can meet the queen (bring your camera!), hear a story and participate in fun activities. Costumes welcome.
Spring Break Railway Days - CANCELED
When: March 23-27
Where: Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst
Cost: Free with museum admission
Enjoy a different railroad event each day of spring break in honor of the "On The Right Track" exhibit.
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