I’m excited to get a headstart on summer this year. For me, that means squeezing in lots of local events as the weather warms up. I am partial to art and music events, but I also make room for plant sales, markets, and supporting small businesses. I’m already having to pick and choose as weekend plans are quickly penciled in on my calendar.
Come peek at my calendar with me and see which events you will add to your weekend fun.
Saturday, April 25
•9 a.m. to noon Kane Native Plant Sale at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles.
•10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Independent Bookstore Day at Yellow Bird Books, 34 S. Stolp Ave., Aurora.
•6 p.m. Delmark Day at The Venue, 21 S. Broadway, Aurora.
Sunday, April 26
•2 p.m. The Last Flapper at The Bit Theater, 4034 Fox Valley Center Dr., Aurora.
Friday, May 1
•6 p.m. to 9 p.m. First Fridays in downtown Aurora.
Saturday, May 2
•10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Art Explosion in downtown Geneva. Grab a map at 8 S. Third St., Geneva.
•10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aurora Greenfest, 18 W. Benton St., Aurora.
Sunday, May 3
•10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rosewood Artisan Market, 600 Prairie Street, Sugar Grove.
Friday, May 8
•6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Second Fridays in downtown Batavia (Water Street Studios and Sturdy Shelter).
Saturday, May 9
•9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Organic Transplant Sale, Heritage Prairie Farm, 2N308 Brundige Rd., Elburn.
Friday, May 15
•5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Food Truck Fest, Benton Street in downtown Aurora.
Saturday, May 16
•8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aurora Gardeners’ Plant Sale, 1870 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora.
•9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Blooming Fest in West Chicago.
Friday, June 5
•6 p.m. to 9 p.m. First Fridays in downtown Aurora.
Saturday, June 6
•8 a.m. Suicide Prevention Services Run for Life 5K, Laurelwood Park, 800 N. River St., Batavia.
•8 a.m. to noon Aurora Farmers Market, Water Street Square, Aurora.
•10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Northern Illinois Pottery Tour.
Sunday, June 7
•10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Northern Illinois Pottery Tour, northernilpotterytour.com.
•7 p.m. Grammy-winning bluegrass fiddler Jason Carter at The Venue, 21 S. Broadway, Aurora.
Friday, June 12
•6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Second Fridays in downtown Batavia (Water Street Studios and Sturdy Shelter).
Saturday, June 13
•10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Creativity at the Crossroads, Riverfront Park, North Aurora.
Then we can properly kick off summer with Blues on the Fox Saturday, June 20 at RiverEdge Park in Aurora. Tip: Purchase tickets to this summer’s concerts at the box office inside Paramount Theatre and avoid online fees.
It’s a beautiful thing to be able to enjoy different seasons and the anticipation and excitement they bring. I look forward to seeing you this spring at some upcoming events as we begin to celebrate longer days with each other.
Marissa Amoni is the owner of Marissa Bright, a public relations and event management company specializing in shining the light on nonprofits and small businesses. She coordinates Alley Art Festival and Geneva Arts Fair. Follow her on Instagram @marissashinesbright. Visit a full calendar of art events on alleyartaurora.com/artscene.