where the queers will be in april.
The west suburban Chicago queer events calendar is back.
In the words of Shania Twain, folks, it looks like we made it. Sure, as Prince famously sang, sometimes it snows in April, but for the most part I think the time has come to prepare for warmer days and outdoor hangs in the month ahead. Is there anything that hits quite like that first porch beverage with a bestie? I think not.
But before we get to the month of April, this upcoming Monday is Trans Day of Visibility and I wanted to highlight a few local events that time up rather nicely with the occasion. This Saturday, Ramshackle Farm and Woodstock Pride are co-hosting the annual Trans-farm-ation benefit punk show from 1-10 p.m. The event’s proceeds will go toward gender-affirming mutual aid support in McHenry County. And this Sunday, Elgin Pride is organizing a Trans Day of Visibility walk starting at noon at DuPage Court. Later in the day, Open Door Health Center is throwing a free Trans Day of Visibility concert from 6-10 p.m. at The Venue in Aurora (registration required).
Beyond this weekend, we’ve got a stacked lineup of queer and trans events taking place in the western suburbs and beyond in April. If I’m missing anything below—or if you’re the organizer behind any of these events and you’d prefer that they not appear here for whatever reason—please reach out by emailing me at queeringtheburbszine@gmail.com or using the button below.
Tuesday, April 1 (6 p.m.): DeKalb Pop-Up Gay Bar
This new, informal queer meetup launched in February and is returning next month.
Class VI, 214 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb
Thursday, April 3 (5:30 p.m.): Wildflower Walk
Belong: Fox Valley and the Conservation Foundation are co-hosting this free event led by local steward Kim Haag for LGBTQ+ people and their allies. The organizers are requesting an RSVP at the link above.
Johnson’s Mound, 41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn
Friday, April 4 (7 p.m.): Rainbow Roundup
A casual (18+) monthly get-together for young LGBTQ+ adults and allies hosted by Belong: Fox Valley is taking place in this new location in Batavia this month.
Steak ‘n Shake, 1901 McKee St., Batavia
Saturday, April 5 (1 p.m.): Introduction to Crystal Healing
The queer-owned Hoof + Horn is hosting a number of queer-led classes in April, kicking off with this crystal wellness workshop. Tickets for the workshop cost $80 and include a handout packet, a snack, and beverage. Other classes at Hoof + Horn in April include Magical Herbology (April 11) and an April Full Moon Crystal Bowl Recharge (April 12).
Hoof + Horn, 14 W. Downer Pl. #6, Aurora
Saturday, April 5 (1 p.m.): Youth Outlook Film Festival
Youth Outlook is hosting its second annual film festival highlighting the short films created by LGBTQ+ youth participating in its drop-in centers across northern and central Illinois. Tickets are free and cash donations will be accepted at the door.
Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb
Saturday, April 5 (7 p.m.): Spring Fling Drag Revue
Drag returns to the Martini Room in downtown Elgin with this spring-themed show hosted by Miss Moscato. This month’s lineup includes Reba Rose Rau, Jasinya Maria Sanchez, Michael Lynn, and Keri Traid. Tickets are available for $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
Martini Room, 161 E. Chicago St., Elgin
Saturday, April 5 (8 p.m.): Collective Rage: A Play in 5 Betties
This play, written by Jen Silverman, looks at the lives of five very different New York women named Betty. The New York Times called its original production a “fult-tilt lesbian/bi-curious/genderqueer/Shakespearean comedy for everyone.” This production runs through April 18 with shows taking place on Friday and Saturday nights plus a Sunday matinee on April 6. Tickets start at $18.
Riverfront Playhouse, 11-13 S. Water Street Mall, Aurora
Monday, April 7 (6 p.m.): GAYme Night
If you’re looking for a low-key space to play some board games and meet some fellow queer folks and allies, this is the spot for you. Each first Monday of the month here is a GAYme night! Admission costs $5.
Critical Grind Board Game Cafe, 852 Sharp Dr. #L, Shorewood
Monday, April 7 (6:30 p.m.): Cheers, Queers!
Belong: Fox Valley is partnering with the Aurora LGBTQ+ Advisory Board to present the April 2025 edition of its popular monthly meetup for queer adults and allies.
Giardino Trattoria & Pizzeria, 12 N. River St., Aurora
Tuesday, April 8 (6:30 p.m.): Book Queeries
The Sycamore Library has its own LGBTQ+ book club for adults and this month they’ll be discussing the work of Sappho, most likely via this recently published new translation of her works.
Sycamore Library, 103 E. State St., Sycamore
Saturday, April 19 (11 a.m.): Queer Meetup
This gorgeous space in Sycamore also hosts an informal meetup for queer folks and allies in the far western suburbs the third Saturday of every month.
The Greenhouse, 265 W. Peace Rd., Suite 108, Sycamore
Saturday, April 19 (11 a.m.): Drag Me to Brunch: Selena Tribute
El Jefe’s paying tribute to a third Latina music legend this month: Selena. Tickets for the Aurora drag brunch’s Amor Prohibido event are currently sold out but you might want to keep an eye on the venue’s socials and ticket page in case any additional tickets end up becoming available. You can also plan ahead for the Pop Princess drag brunch the venue is throwing on May 17.
El Jefe - Lena y Mar, 1271 N. Lake St., Aurora
Monday, April 21 (6 p.m.): Queer Coloring
The third Monday of every month is a free queer coloring meetup here, with coloring books, crayons, and colored pencils provided.
Critical Grind Board Game Cafe, 852 Sharp Dr. #L, Shorewood
Wednesday, April 23 (7 p.m.): Elgin Fringe Festival’s Drag Bingo Extravaganza
The Elgin Fringe Festival is preparing to celebrate its 12th anniversary and is kicking the festivities off with an artist announcement and drag bingo event featuring Moana Latte and friends. Tickets cost $15 in advance or $18 at the door.
Vern’s Tavern, 76 S. Grove Ave., Elgin
Thursday, April 24 (7 p.m.): Drag Me to Dinner: Shakira vs. Karol G
El Jefe’s monthly dinner offering of its drag showcase will feature the music of another pair of Latina music icons: Shakira and Karol G. Tickets cost $25.
El Jefe - Lena y Mar, 1271 N. Lake St., Aurora
Looking for queer events in/near Chicago? Check out Chicago Social Butterflies. Highlights in April include a pair of pop divas coming to Allstate Arena in Rosemont (Kylie Minogue on April 2 and Charli XCX on April 28), two drag brunches led by reality TV royalty at Macy’s Walnut Room (Tiffany “New York” Pollard on April 5 and Parvati Shallow on April 26), and Lady Bunny’s show featuring Lucy Stoole at Chicago Improv in Woodfield Mall on April 10.
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SONG OF THE RIGHT-NOW
Basically the highest compliment I can ever give any new indie pop music is “wow, this kind of reminds me of the Cardigans.” Sorry kids, I’m showing my age. Anyway, that is true of “Picture Window,” a new track off Japanese Breakfast’s brand new album, For Melancholy Brunettes (and sad women). The album as a whole is honestly still growing on me, but there are a few tracks here that hit almost immediately for me. This was one of them. I love how the breezy, lush production pairs with Michelle Zauner’s voice, and the flashes of twang that twinkle in the background here and there. As a bonus, the music video is beautifully filmed.
I also really enjoyed Vulture’s new interview with Zauner, if you want a bit more of an insight into what inspired the album and how the singer-songwriter struggled with the sudden success of both her last album and book, Crying at H Mart.
Are you not afraid of every waking minute
That your life could pass you by?
But all of my ghosts are real
All of my ghosts are real
All of my ghosts are my home
This is the lord's work, my friend. What a generous offering!