Attractions

What to do in the county, the region and Chicago.

ART

Kane County

AURORA UNIVERSITY, Dunham Gallery at Dunham Hall, 1400 Marseillaise Place, 630-844-5402 or www.aurora.edu. Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, closed Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday (September through May). Schedule: through Nov. 8, Evidence of Human Habitation art display of the works by Tom Berenz and Mike Knierim.

CAMPBELL HOUSE ART GALLERY, Kane County Events, Cultural and Conference Center, 33W848 Cherry Lane, Geneva, 630-208-9567 or www.co.kane.il.us/kcevents. Hours: 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, closed Saturday, noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. Schedule: Sept. 28 through Nov. 18, 8th annual Timeless VIII senior exhibit.

ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE, 1700 Spartan Drive, 847- 214-7405. Gallery hours: 9 a.m. to noon & 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday. Free admission. Schedule: through Sept. 21, display of the works of fine arts students at ECC.

THE FINE LINE CREATIVE ARTS CENTER, 6N158 Crane Road, St. Charles, 630-584-9443 or www.finelineca.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday. Schedule: through Sept. 22, Captured! A Photography Exhibit.

MT. ST. MARY PARK, on Route 31 at Prairie Street, St. Charles. Schedule: through September, Sculpture in the Park exhibition of 22 original and unique sculptures. Information: www.st-charlesparks.org or www.dtown.org.

McHenry County

ART WALL AT BETHANY, Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake, 815-459-2690. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, other times by appointment. Schedule: through September, The Baptismal Font from 1882.

CAFFÉ LUNA, 6230 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, 815- 444-0444. Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Schedule: through Sept. 30, Barbara Sistak Bauer’s “Sweeter by the Dozen” impasto painting display. Information: 815-459-9151.

FINE ART LESSONS, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, Michaels Arts & Craft Store, 2244 N. Richmond Road, McHenry. Drawing and watercolor lessons for adult artists or art students, all levels. Learn new drawing, painting and mixed media ideas and techniques. Instructor: Mary Telfer Holder. Cost: $20. Registration and information: 815-715-1527 or www.telfleur.com.

JAILHOUSE POTTERS, 103 N. Johnson St., Suite A, Woodstock, 815-337-9487 or www.jailhousepotters.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Featuring classes in handbuilding and wheelthrowing for children and adults.

McHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE ART GALLERIES, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake, 815-455-8785. Schedule: through Sept. 28, M. Laine Wyatt Mixed Media Installation in artspace144 and Epping Gallery; through Oct. 13, Anastasia Faiella in Gallery One and Gallery Two.

NORTHLAND AREA ART LEAGUE, meetings at 7 to 9 p.m. second Tuesdays, September through April, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Currently looking for new members to join. Program fee of $4 charged to non-members. Information: President, Joe Bjork, 815-337-2027.

OLD COURTHOUSE ARTS CENTER, 101 N. Johnson St., Woodstock, 815-338-4525 or www.oldcourthouseartscenter.com. Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Featuring a variety of artwork in permanent and traveling exhibits. Schedule: through Sept. 30, EveryBody, 6th annual figurative art exhibition of paintings, drawings, sculptures and photography of 30 local artists.

STARLINE GALLERY, 306 W. Front St., Harvard. Schedule: 7 p.m. to midnight Sept. 21-22, Autumnal Equinox Art Show presented by Sidereal Time with special guests American Barn Company and 12 artists from The Pioneer Center. Information: www.gabrielshorn.org.

VALLEY ART CLUB, Dole Mansion (Gullick Studio, lower level), 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Featuring life drawing workshops 7 to 10 p.m. second & fourth Tuesdays to Dec. 11. Nightly fee required. Membership available. Information: 847-426-8532.

Regional

BARRINGTON/NORTHWEST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATES OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 847-358-3011. Schedule: 9 a.m. Oct. 10, members only bus trip departing Langendorf Park to The Art Institute to view early Islamic ceramics from Chicago collector Harvey Plotnick, program and demonstration. Cost: $60 includes transportation, program and lunch. Reservations by Oct. 1. Send checks to Alice Berry, 815-236-5443.

NEHRING CENTER GALLERY, 111 S. Second St., Suite 204, DeKalb, 815-758-6363 or www.nehringgallery.org. Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, and by appointment. Schedule: through Oct. 14, Natural Selections: Artwork by Kimberly Mullarkey, with a 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 21 opening reception.

NIU ART MUSEUM, 116 Altgeld Hall, Northern Illinois University, Colleg e & Castle drives, DeKalb, 815-753-1936 or www.vpa.niu.edu/museum. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, and by appointment for group tours. Schedule: through Oct. 13, Body Politic; Dafatir: Contemporary Iraqi Book Art; and Some Enchanted Evening: 100 Years of Evening Gowns (1900-1999).

Chicago

ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-443-3600 or visit www.artic.edu. Hours: Labor Day-Memorial Day: 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission: $12 adults; $7 for students and seniors, free for children 12 and younger. Special exhibitions may require extra admission fee. DAVID WEINBERG COLLECTION, 300 W. Superior St., Chicago, 312-529-5090 or www.davidweinbergcollection.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Schedule: through Oct. 20, Fresh Water, A Celebration of Nature.

PILSEN EAST ARTIST’S OPEN HOUSE, 37th annual, Sept. 28-30, at South Halsted & 18th streets, Chicago. An expose of over seventy Chicago fine artists exhibiting artwork from forty locations, all within close walking distance. Schedule: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 7 p.m. Saturday & Sunday. Sponsor: Chicago Artist District. Information: 312-744-6630 or www.chicagoartdistrict.org.

ARTS, CRAFTS & COLLECTIBLES

Regional

CIDER & CINNAMON ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR, 33rd annual, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 6-7, The Shops of Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford. More than 50 exhibitors will display their art, jewelry, clothing, food and more. Information: 815-226-0212 or www.edgebrookshops.com.

FINE FURNISHINGS & FINE CRAFT SHOW, second annual, Sept. 29-30, Midwest Airlines Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, Wis. More than 150 artisans will display their jewelry, glass, ceramics, wearables, sculptures, wide variety of furniture and more. Schedule: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $10 or $15 both days. Information: 401-816-0963 or www.finefurnishingsshow.com.

Chicago

HYDE PARK ARTS & CRAFTS ADVENTURE, second annual, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 28-29, University of Chicago Hyde Park Shopping Center, 55th & Lake Park Ave., Chicago. Schedule: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. Sponsor: American Society of Artists. Information: 312-751-2500 or 847-991-4748.

AUDITIONS

Kane County

FOX VALLEY PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, of Aurora, is auditioning during August seeking to expand its string sections. Auditions are by appointment. String players auditioning in the orchestra are required to play two contrasting pieces as well as perform sight reading exercises. Information: Jamie Palmer, 630-879-8018 or e-mail: MusicDirector@ fvacademy.org.

NOBLE FOOL THEATRICALS, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 22, Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Open auditions for “Footloose” Youth Ensemble production for ages 11-18. Rehearsals: Oct. 22-Dec. 22. Performances Dec. 8, 15 & 22. No appointment necessary. Bring a headshot and resume. Information: 630-443-0438 or www.noblefool.org.

McHenry County

WOODSTOCK MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY, 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 23 & 26, Woodstock Opera House, Calhoun Street stage entrance. Auditions for “A Christmas Carol.” No appointment necessary. Wear comfortable clothes. Be prepared to sing a Christmas carol of your choice, dance, do some improvisation and read portions of the script. Performances Nov. 29 through Dec. 2. Information: www.woodstocktheatre.com.

Regional

BROTHERHOOD OF HARMONY CHORUS, men’s a cappella chorus is looking for men who love to sing. Tenors and basses wanted. Music is composed of contemporary, Broadway and show tunes, jazz and blues, patriotic and religious numbers. Rehearsals: 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. every Tuesday at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 202 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Guests welcome. Information: 888-494-8705 or www.brotherhoodofharmony.org.

WHEATON DRAMA, 7 p.m. Sept. 23-24, Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton. Auditions for “A Christmas Story.” Auditions consist of readings from the script. Roles for children and adults, including two women, two girls, two men and five boys. Performances Nov. 23-Dec. 16. Information: 630-452-5286 or www.wheatondrama.org.

Chicago

CLASSICAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Sept. 22-23 & 29, Classical Symphony Hall, 218 S. Wabash Ave., 2nd Floor, Chicago. Auditions for all instruments for the 2007-2008 season. Appointments and information: 312-341-1521.

AUTO EVENTS

McHenry County

FOX VALLEY PT CRUISERS CLUB, looking for new members. If you own a PT Cruiser, come join the club that meets first Tuesdays at McHenry Township Senior Center, 3519 N. Richmond Road. Information: Dan or Brenda, 815-344-6091.

Regional

FALL CAR CORRAL & FESTIVAL, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 29, Volo Auto Museum, 27582 W. Volo Village Road, Volo. Buy or sell your collector car free. No buyer’s, seller’s fees. Featuring music, food, antiques and crafts fair, beer garden. Information: 815-385-3644 or www.volocars.com.

RALLY INSURANCE INVITATIONAL CAR SHOW, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 23, Volo Auto Museum, 27582 W. Volo Village Road, Volo. Expecting 250 top-end classic cars for the Rally Insurance and Collector Auto Insurance Specialists invitational picnic. Cars can be viewed by any museum visitor. Museum admission: $9 adults, $7 seniors and military personnel with ID, $5 children ages 5 to 12, free for children younger than 5 and military personnel in uniform. Information: 815-385-3644 or www.volocars.com

BOOKS & MORE

Kane County

BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS, Spring Hill Mall, 1468 Spring Hill Mall Blvd., West Dundee, 847-426-5614. Schedule: 10:30 a.m. Sept. 21, 25 & 27, Storytime; 10:30 a.m. Sept. 22, For Boys Only.

DUNDEE TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, 555 Barrington Ave., East Dundee, 847-428-3661 or www.dundeelibrary.info. Schedule: 1:30 or 7 p.m. last Wednesdays, Book Discussion Groups.

McHenry County

BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS, 5380 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, 815-444-0824 or 815-444-0833. Schedule: 7 p.m. Fridays, Open mic night, featuring singing, reading, playing musical instruments and more; 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Storytime and crafts for preschool children.

BORDERS BOOKS, MUSIC & CAFÉ, 6000 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, 815-455-0302. Schedule: 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Storytime for preschool children.

BORDERS BOOKS, MUSIC & CAFÉ, 2221 N. Richmond Road, McHenry, 815-578-9330. Schedule: 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Tiny Tots Storytime for children ages 2-4; 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, Kids’ Craft Corner for children ages 2-4; 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays, McHenry Area Chess, 815-578-9330; Bob, 815-459-4856 or www.McHenryArea Chess.org.

CRYSTAL LAKE PUBLIC LIBRARY, 126 Paddock St., 815-459-1687. Schedule: 9:30 a.m. third Wednesdays, Bookies.DEBORAH FINLEY, book signings on “What Your Future Holds and What You Can Do To Change It:” 4 to 9 p.m. Sept. 29, Ravenheart Coffee in Algonquin Commons, 1644 S. Randall Road, Algonquin. Information: www.whatyourfutureholds.com.

JOHNSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY, 3000 N. Johnsburg Road, 815-344-0077 or www.johnsburglibrary .org. Schedule: 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 22, book signing by Deborah Finley on “What Your Future Holds and What You Can Do To Change It.”

MARENGO PUBLIC LIBRARY, 200 S. State St., 815-568-8236. Schedule: 7 to 7:45 p.m. Mondays, Preschool Storytime for children ages 3-5; 7 to 7:45 p.m. fourth Mondays, Bilingual Preschool Storytime for children ages 3-6; 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Preschool Storytime for children ages 3-5; 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesdays, Preschool Storytime for children ages 3-5; 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. first Fridays, Adult Book Discussion Group.

McHENRY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 809 N. Front St., 815-385-0036 or www.mchenrylibrary.org. Schedule: 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 22, Cereal Kids Book Group with a friendship theme; to Oct. 12, Fall Storytimes for babies, preschoolers and families.

NEW LIFE BOOKSTORE, 16W Crystal Lake Plaza, Crystal Lake, 815-455-2700. Schedule: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Storytime for children of all ages.

READ BETWEEN THE LYNES, 129 Van Buren St., Woodstock, 815-206-5967 or www.readbetweenthelynes.com. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday & Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Schedule: 7 p.m. Oct. 5, third annual Banned Book Night to celebrate Banned Book Week (Sept. 29 through Oct. 6); 1 p.m. Oct. 6, book signings by Helen Macie Osterman on “The Accidental Sleuth” and Sandra L. Tatara on “Remember Me.”

WOODSTOCK PUBLIC LIBRARY, 414 W. Judd St., 815-338-0542 or www.woodstock-il.com. Schedule: 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, drop-in programs for middle school students in grades 6-8.

Regional

SUZANNE HANSEN, book signing noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 28, Frances Heffernan Boutique, 810 Elm St., Winnetka. On “You’ll Never Nanny in this Town Again: The True Adventures of a Hollywood Nanny.” Information: 847-446-2112 or www.francesheffernan.com.

DEBORAH FINLEY, book signings on “What Your Future Holds and What You Can Do To Change It:” 7 to 11 a.m. & 4 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21, River Coffee, 4673 Old Grand, Gurnee; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 29, Island Food Store, 223 E. State St., Island Lake. Information: www.whatyourfutureholds.com.

Chicago

PRITZKER MILITARY LIBRARY, 610 N. Fairbanks Court, 2nd Floor, Chicago, 312-587-0234 or www.pritzkermilitarylibrary.org. Event registration suggested. Schedule: 6 p.m. Sept. 27, John Ferling discusses/signs “Almost A Miracle The American Victory in the War of Independence.”

TALK & BOOK SIGNING, 12:15 p.m. Sept. 27, John Buck Company Lecture Hall Gallery, Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Featuring Lisa D. Schrenk on “Building a Century of Progress: The Architecture of Chicago’s 1933-34 World’s Fair.” Free. Information: 312-922-3432.

COMEDY

Kane County

COMEDYCOMEDY AT WALTER PAYTON’S ROUNDHOUSE COMPLEX, 205 N. Broadway Ave., Aurora, 630-906-2277 or www.walterpaytonsroundhouse.com. Live stand-up comedy. Show times are 8:30 p.m. every Thursday & Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission: $15 for ages 21 and older. Reservations recommended. No drink minimum.

OPEN MIC NIGHT, 7 p.m. third Sundays, First Street Playhouse, 160 S. Water St., Batavia, 630-406-6367 or www.firststreetplayhouse.com. Stand-up comedy, music, sketches, dance and any other style of entertainment welcome. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for performers to sign up, first-come, first-served basis, with performances presented in order of the sign-up list.

SATURDAY IMPROV SHOWS, first Saturday of every month, Judson College Fine Arts Performance Hall, 1151 N. State St., Elgin. Two shows in one night. All shows 7 & 9 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, $7 seniors, students and children at the door. Child care available. Information: www.greenroomtheater.com.

ZANIES-PHEASANT RUN RESORT, on North Avenue, St. Charles, 630-513-1761 or www.zanies.com. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Thursdays; 8 and 9:45 p.m. Fridays; 7:30 and 9:45 Saturdays. Cover charge: $18 plus two-drink minimum; $20 special events. Schedule: Sept. 21-22, John Caponera; Sept. 26-29, Ian Bagg.

Regional

LEWIS BLACK, tickets on sale for the 8 p.m. Nov. 8 performance, Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Tickets: $43.50. Tickets and information: 312-559-1212 or www.ticketmaster.com.

BONKERZ COMEDY CLUB, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, in the Loramoors lower level of the main lodge, Highways 50 & 12, Lake Geneva, Wis., 262-249-4788 or www.grandgeneva.com. Show times are 8 p.m. Admission: $15 general, $10 resort guests.

BOTTOM SHELF COMEDY, Murphy’s, 1609 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights; and Eddie’s Lounge, 10 E. Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights. Stand-up comedy showcase by Cary native, Dean Carlson. Schedule: last Thursday of the month at Murphy’s and the first Sunday of the month at Eddie’s. Free at both shows. Information: 224-622-9184 or www.myspace.com/forcefeedgrandpa. E-mail: urielsplan@hotmail.com.

CHICAGO COMEDY COMPANY, Chicago Comedy Company Theatre, Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale Road, Suite 171, Schaumburg, 847-240-0386 or www.chicagocomedyco.com. Improv comedy. Schedule: 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays ($17 adults ages 21 and older, $11 students.)

CHICAGO IMPROV, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg, 847-240-2001 or www.improv.com. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 & 9:45 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday.

CARLOS MENCIA, tickets on sale for the 7 & 10:30 p.m. Nov. 16 performance, Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Tickets: $38, $43, $48 at 312-559-1212; any Ticketmaster location or www.ticketmaster.com.

ZANIES-VERNON HILLS, 230 Hawthorn Village Commons, 847-549-6030 or www.zanies.com. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 and 9:45 p.m. Fridays and 7:30 and 9:45 Saturdays. Ticket prices start at $20. Schedule: Sept. 27-29, Tom Rhodes.

Chicago

BLUE MAN GROUP, Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted St., Chicago, 773-348-4000. Performances: 8 p.m. Tuesdays; 2 & 8 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays; 4, 7 & 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 1, 4 & 7 p.m. Sundays. Performance schedule subject to change. Tickets: $49 balcony, $59 main floor. Tickets and information: 312-902-1500 or www.ticketmaster.com.

COMEDYSPORTZ, Studio Playhouse at The Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, 777 N. Green St., Chicago, 312-733- 6000 or www.comedysportzchicago .com. Improv comedy. 8 p.m. Thursdays & Fridays; 6, 8 & 10 p.m. Saturdays (performance times may vary). Tickets: $19.

THE SECOND CITY, 1616 N. Wells St., 312-337-3992 or www.secondcity.com. Schedule: 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 & 11 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday, 94th revue Between Barack and a Hard Place (Chicago Mainstage.) Tickets: $19 Tuesday through Thursday & Sunday, $24 Friday & Saturday. 7:30 p.m. Fridays through Oct. 5, Friends Without Benefits (Donny’s Skybox Theatre.) Tickets: $10 adults, $8 students.

THE SECOND CITY E.T.C., 1608 N. Wells St., 312-337-3992 or www.secondcity.com. Schedule: 8 p.m. Thursdays, 8 & 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, 29th revue Disposable Nation. Tickets: $19, $24.

THE SPOT, 4437 N. Broadway, Chicago, 773-549-8080 or www.comedysportzchicago.com. Schedule: 7 p.m. Sundays, Battle Prov. Tickets: $5.

ZANIES-CHICAGO, 1548 N. Wells in Old Town, 312-337-4027 or www.zanies.com. Showtimes are 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and Sundays; 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Fridays and 7, 9, 11:15 p.m. Saturdays. Ticket prices start at $20. Schedule: Sept. 21-23, Larry Reeb; Sept. 24, Chicago Style Stand-Ups; Sept. 25-30, Ken Rogerson.

CRUISE NIGHTS

Kane County

BURGER KING, 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays through September, 2076 Route 38 near Randall Road, St. Charles, 630-567-2753 or 630-892-3949. Featuring pre-1983 vehicles, but all makes, models, years welcome. Oldies music, prizes, awards. Parking area for 1,000 cars. Family event. No pets, alcohol, burnouts.

GOODY’S, 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through September, 2057 Route 38 in Dominick’s shopping center parking lot near Randall Road, St. Charles, 630-567-2753 or 630-892-3949. Limited to pre-1983 American-made cars and trucks. Oldies music, prizes, awards, 50/50, food.

OBERWEIS SHOPPING CENTER, 6 to 9 p.m. every other Tuesday through September, 925 S. Route 59, Bartlett. Specials for registered cruisers. Sponsor: The Dogfather, Quizno’s Subs & Oberweis Dairy. Information: 630-372-1633.

McHenry County

CRUISE NIGHT, 4 p.m. Thursdays, Bowl-Hi Lanes, 10520 Route 47, Huntley. Sponsors: Lonnie’s Auto Body, All Star Towing & Bowl-Hi Lanes. Information: 847-659-8685.

CRUISE NIGHTS McHENRY, 5 to 9 p.m. Saturdays through September, Northgate Center, Route 31, McHenry. All cars and years welcome. Bring your car and chair and listen to oldies music. Free. Information: Ken Koreba, 815-378-2005 or www.cruisenightsmchenry.com.

FRIDAY NIGHT CRUISE NIGHT, 6 p.m. Fridays through October, Fradillio’s, 2321 W. Algonquin Road, Algonquin, 847-854-5500. Music and more. Great food, good times, cool rides.

STATION HOUSE SUBS, 5 to 9 p.m. third Saturdays through the fall, 2397 S. Randall Road, Algonquin, 847-844-7305. Cruisers invited to bring their antique, custom, modified and classic cars throughout the spring, summer and fall.

DANCE

McHenry County

A FOX VALLEY OF ILLINOIS CHAPTER OF USA DANCE, formerly United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association. A non-profit organization, designed to promote and sponsor amateur ballroom dancing for the general public. Information: Walt, 815-337-6860 or ok3wire@joltmail.com; Jackie, 847-639-8699, jackiepenze @aol.com or www.dancefoxvalley.org. Admission: $7 members, $10 non-members. Dances take place 8 p.m. at Dole Mansion’s Sage Ballroom, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Dances include a free dance lesson at 7:30 p.m., cake and snacks. Dance schedule: Oct. 20, At The Hop (Swing).

B AND B SQUARE DANCE CLUB, Johnsburg Community Club, 2315 W. Church St., Johnsburg. Dances first and third Friday of every month. Rounds begin at 8 p.m., squares at 8:30 p.m. Cost: $4.50 members, $5 visitors. Information: 815-356-728-1026 or 847-395-1108.

DANCE! with Frank & Jackie Penze, ballroom, Latin and swing dance instructors, 847-639-8699. Cary Park District: to Oct. 21, Beginning Class #11592, 12:45-2:15 p.m.Waltz, Rumba, Swing, Cha Cha, Intro to Intermediate #11591, 2:30-4 p.m. Rumba, Samba, Lindy Hop, Waltz, Intermediate/ Advanced #11593, 4-5:30 p.m. Samba, Lindy Hop, Rumba, Waltz, at Cary Park District Center, 255 Briargate Road. Cost: $87 resident couple, $96 non-resident, 847-639-6100. Health Bridge Fitness Center: 8-9:30 p.m. to Oct. 15, Beginning to Intermediate Swing, Salsa & more, Aerobics Studio of Crystal Lake, 200 E. Congress Pkwy., Crystal Lake. Cost: $50 members, $75 non-members. Call 815-788-2266 or www.healthbridgefitness.com. Crystal Lake Park District: 7-8:15 p.m. or 8:15-9:30 p.m. to Oct. 17 Beginning Swing, Waltz, Rumba, Cha Cha; 7-8:15 p.m. through Oct. 18, Intermediate with Swing, Rumba, Fox Trot, Tango; 8:15-9:30 p.m. Introduction to Intermediate with Swing, Rumba, Fox Trot, Tango at Grand Rotary Building in Veteran Acres Park, 131 N. Walkup, Crystal Lake. Cost: $99 couple resident, $149 couple non-resident. Call 815-459-0680 or www.crystallakeparks.org. Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department: 6-7:30 p.m. to Oct. 19, Beginning Swing, Fox Trot, Cha Cha, Rumba; 7:30-8:30 p.m. Intro to Intermediate Swing, Fox Trot, Rumba, Samba, $65 resident, $75 non-resident; 8:30-10 p.m. Intermediate Rumba, East Coast Swing, Fox Trot, Cha Cha, $92 resident, $102 non-resident, at LaBahn-Hain House, 149 Hilltop Drive. Call 847-960-7460. Lake Villa: 7-8 p.m. or 9-10 p.m. to Oct. 16, Beginning Swing, Waltz, Tango, Cha Cha; 8-9 p.m. Intermediate Swing, Waltz, Cha Cha, Tango, at American Stars of Dance Studio, 133 Cedar Ave. Cost: $90 couple. Call 847-838-1234.

DANCE WORKSHOPS, Judith Svalander School of Ballet, 83 E. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake. 35th Anniversary season specialty workshops for advanced/intermediate dancers age 12 and older. Registration and information: 815-455-2055 or www.jsvalander.com.

FALL DANCE WORKSHOPS, 7 to 9 p.m. Saturdays, Duker School, 3711 W. Kane Ave., McHenry. Easy-to-learn workshops taught by Frank and Jackie Penze. Schedule: Oct. 6, Single Time Swing, Fox Trot & Salsa; Nov. 3, Cha Cha, Waltz & East Coast Swing; Dec. 8, Rumba, Tango & Salsa. Cost: $35 district couple, $45 out-of-district couple. Sponsor: McHenry Parks & Recreation Department. Registration: 815-363-2166 or 815-363-2160.

HARVARD MILK CENTER SQUARES, square dancing from 8 to 10:30 p.m. fourth Saturdays, September through May. Level of dancing is mainstream with two Plus tips. Information: 815-568-8879. Schedule: Sept. 22, Central Elementary School, 400 N. Division St, Harvard. Gary Smith will call the squares and Jerry Buckmaster will cue the rounds.

FAMILY EVENTS

Kane County

ANNUAL CHURCH BEEF SUPPER & BAZAAR, 4 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29, Kaneville United Methodist Church, 46W764 Main St., Kaneville. Family-style dinner. Carry-out dinners available at 4:30 p.m. Bazaar will feature homemade baked goods, candies, crafts, gift basket drawings 3 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $8 adults, $3 kindergarten through sixth grades, $1 preschool children. Information: 630-365-1175.

CARNIVAL, first, Sept. 21-23, St. Rita of Cascia School, 770 W. Old Indian Trail, Aurora. Rides for all ages, games, prizes, McNulty Irish dancers, two free 7 p.m. Friday & Saturday concerts, food and more. Schedule: 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Unlimited rides: $16. Free admission and parking. Proceeds benefit the school. Information: 630-892-0200.

“SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARVES”: through Oct. 6, Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. Steel Beam Children’s Theatre musical presentation. Schedule: 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sept. 29 & Oct. 6. Tickets: $10 at 630-587-8521 or www.steelbeamtheatre.com.

McHenry County

ENGLISH & WESTERN HORSE SHOW, 8 a.m. Sept. 22, Horse Fair Park, 8105 Bliven, Spring Grove. Rain or shine. Free general admission. Sponsor: Spring Grove Horse Show Inc. Information: 815-675-6048 or www.springgrovehorseshow.org.

HARPS PICNIC, MUSIC & EQUINE FESTIVAL, noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 23, Hooved Animal Rescue & Protection Society, 331 Old Sutton Road, Barrington Hills. Hosted by US99’s radio personality Lisa Dent. Live music by Chase Daniels and Western Star. Admission: $10 adults, free for children younger than 10, $10 additional for barbecue or bring your own picnic lunch. Sponsor: Hooved Animal Rescue & Protection Society. Information: 847-382-0503 or www.harpsonline.org.

KELLY MILLER BROS. CIRCUS, 2 & 5:30 p.m. Sept. 22, Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills. Tent raising will begin 9 a.m. Tickets: $9 adults in advance, $12 adults at the gate, $5 children younger than 12 in advance, $6 at the gate. Tickets available at Brunswick Zone, Algonquin; Dominicks, Lake in the Hills; Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce; Lake in the Hills Bank-East & West; Algonquin Bank & Trust and Algonquin State Bank - all locations. Sponsor: Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Jaycees. Information: 847-622-4445.

RIVERBEND WATERCROSS, fourth annual, Sept. 29-30, Petersen Park on McCullom Lake Road, McHenry. Featuring 10 snowmobiles racing on water at the same time for 12 laps. Admission: $10 adults, free for children younger than 12. Food available. Information: 815-444-8067 or www.h2ox.com.

Regional

“CIRQUE DREAMS JUNGLE FANTASY”: tickets on sale for the 8 p.m. Oct. 3 performance, Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Theatrical circus artistry of a colorful dream in an enchanted forest performed on stage and in the air featuring an international cast of aerialists, contortionists, vine-swinging characters, strongmen and balancers. Produced by Cirque Productions and artistic director Neil Goldberg. Tickets: $31-$51 at 312-559-1212, any Ticketmaster outlet or www.ticketmaster.com.

“DISNEY/PIXAR’S FINDING NEMO”: tickets on sale for the Sept. 26-30 performances at United Center, 1901 W. Madison Street, Chicago. Presented by Disney On Ice. Featuring the adventures of the curious clownfish Nemo, his overprotective father Marlin and their absent-minded yet lovable pal Dory. Schedule: 7 p.m. Sept. 26-27; 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. Sept. 28; 11:30 a.m., 3:30 & 7 p.m. Sept. 29; 1 & 5 p.m. Sept. 30. Tickets: $12-$65 at 312-559-1212; any Ticketmaster outlet www.ticketmaster.com.

Chicago

FESTIVALS & FAIRS

Kane County

COUNTRY FOLK ART FESTIVAL, Sept. 21-23, Kane County Fairgrounds, Route 64 & Randall Road, St. Charles. Traditional furnishings and decorative accessories, seasonal and holiday decor all handmade by American artisans. Schedule: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. t 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $8. Information: 630-858-1568 or www.folkartfest.com.

SCARECROW FESTIVAL, 22nd annual, Oct. 5-7, Lincoln Park, Route 64 & 4th Street, St. Charles. Carnival, craft show, children’s activities, live entertainment, farmer’s market, food and more. Schedule: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Information: 800-777-4373; 630-377-6161 or www.scarecrowfest .com.

McHenry County

CIDER FESTIVAL, 30th annual, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 7, McHenry County Historical Society Museum, 6422 Main St., Union. Antique tractors, cider pressing, quilting, music, flea market, food and more. Information: 815-923-2267 or www.mchsonline.org.

JOHNNY APPLESEED FESTIVAL, 15th annual, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 29, downtown Crystal Lake. Pony rides, apple bobbing, apple pie baking contest, children’s games, wagon rides, farmer’s market, craft fair, music, petting zoo, Great Ball Race at 2 p.m., food and more. Information: 815-479-0835 or www.downtowncl.org.

LAKESIDE WINE FESTIVAL, 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 19, Historic Bath House at Crystal Lake Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake. Featuring more than 135 wines, micro-brew beers, chocolate vendor, live music and more. Cost: $35 a person includes one Riedel wine glass. Limited reservations available. Registration and information: 815-455-1969.

OKTOBERFEST, Sept. 28-30, Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Art showcase, carnival, keg toss, yodeling contest, German food, live music and more. Schedule: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Information: 815-455-8000 or www.lakesidelegacy.org.

Regional

APPLE FESTIVAL, 15th annual, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 5-7, Long Grove Historic Village, 307 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Featuring specials from more than 80 shops and restaurants, live entertainment and music. Information: 847-634-0888 or www.longgroveonline.com.

SCARECROW HARVEST FESTIVAL, noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 6-7, Midway Village & Museum Center, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. Harvest crafts, vintage games, scarecrow making, vintage tractor and farm equipment show, food and more. Admission: $6 adults, $4 children ages 3-17. Information: 815-397-9112 or www.midwayvillage.org.

Chicago

ST. ALPHONSUS OKTOBERFEST CHICAGO, sixth annual, Sept. 28-30, 3000 N. Lincoln Avenue at Southport, Chicago. Schedule: 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 28, noon to 10 p.m. Sept. 29, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 30. German and popular music, German food, children’s activities and more. Information: www.starevents.com.

FILM

Kane County

PEARL JAM PERFORMANCE FILM, 8 p.m. Sept. 25, Charlestowne 18 Theatres, 3740 E. Main St., St. Charles. Concert film of Pearl Jam’s concert tour in Italy. Tickets: $10 a person. Information: 630-587-3300 or www.classiccinemas.com.

McHenry County

ANIME BENTO FESTIVAL, Regal Showplace 16, 5000 W. Route 14, Crystal Lake. Anime movies on the big screen. Tickets: $10 at 815-455-1005 or www.fathomevents.com. Schedule: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26, “Lupin the III: The Castle of Cagliostro;” 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27, “Karas - The Prophecy.”

Chicago

GENE SISKEL FILM CENTER, 164 N. State St., Chicago. Information, movie times and tickets: 312-846-2600, www.siskelfilmcenter.org. Tickets: $9 adults, $7 students with ID, $5 film center members. Schedule: Sept. 21, “A Man Escaped,” “Helvetica,” “The Knight;” Sept. 22, “Lady Chatterley,” “Helvetica,” “Shadows of Our Forgotten Ancestors,” “Glass Lips;” Sept. 23, “Shadows of Our Forgotten Ancestors,” “Helvetica,” “The Knight;” Sept. 24, “Helvetica,” “Glass Lips;” Sept. 25, “Helvetica,” “Lady Chatterley;” Sept. 26, “A Man Escaped,” “Helvetica;” Sept. 27, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” “Helvetica,” “Shadows of Our Forgotten Ancestors.”

HENRY CROWN SPACE CENTER OMNIMAX, Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street at Lake Shore Drive, 773-684-1414, 800-468-6674 or www.msichicago.org for show times and information. Admission: $17 adults, $14.50 seniors ages 65 and older, $12 children ages 3 to 11. Tickets for museum and film must be purchased together. Schedule: through Oct. 4, “Hurricane on the Bayou;” through February 2008, “Mummies: Secrets of the Pharohs.”

NAVY PIER IMA X THEATRE, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Information: 312-595-5629 or www.imax.com/chicago. Call for showtimes. Tickets: $15 adults, $14 seniors, $13 children age 3-12; children age 2 and younger free. Schedule: “Spider-man 3: The IMAX Experience;” “Dinosaurs 3D: Giants of the Patagonia;” “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: An IMAX 3D Experience.”

MUSEUMS

Kane County

ELGIN AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM, 360 Park St., Elgin, 847-742-4248 or www.elginhistory.org. Hours: noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, through December. Admission: $3 adults, $1 students, free for Society members.

ELGIN PUBLIC MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY AND ANTHROPOLOGY, Lords Park, 225 Grand Blvd., Elgin, 847-741-6655 or visit www.elginpublicmuseum.org. Winter hours: noon to 4 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, September through May.Special interactive exhibits are featured, as well as a children’s discovery room. Educational programs and birthday parties available.

FABYAN VILLA MUSEUM, located in the Fabyan Forest Preserve, 1511 S. Batavia Ave. (Route 31 & Fabyan Parkway), Geneva, 630-377-6424 or www.ppfv.org. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays through Oct. 14. Guided tours of 1907 Wright redesigned Fabyan home, covering history and architecture. Historic photographs, Fabyan artifacts and estate photos. Suggested donation: $2 adults, $1 children. Visit the Fabyan Japanese Garden 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays through Oct. 14 ($1 suggested donation). Schedule: 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 23, Villa Centennial Celebration. Admission: $3.

FOX RIVER TROLLEY MUSEUM, Route 31, just south of State Street, South Elgin, 847-697-4676, or www.foxtrolley.org. Ride historic “L” and trolley cars on 103-year-old railroad along Fox River. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays and holidays. Fares: $3.50 adults, $2 seniors and children ages 3-11, free for children younger than age 3.

GARFIELD FARM MUSEUM, 3N016 Garfield Road, 5 miles west of Geneva off Route 38, LaFox, 630-584-8485 or www.garfieldfarm.org. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays from June through September. Guided tours: $3 adults, $2 children younger than 13.

GENEVA HISTORY CENTER, 113 S. Third St., Geneva, 630-232-4951 or www.genevahistorycenter.org. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday (April-December). Admission: $4 adults, $2 seniors, $1 children ages 3-16. Featuring changing exhibits, museum store and a public meeting room. Geneva Historic Homeowners Association meets 7 p.m. third Wednesdays. Geneva History Center’s Quilt Guild meets 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. last Tuesdays. Schedule: to Nov. 3, Home on the 5:05 Exhibit.

PLATO TOWNSHIP DEPOT MUSEUM, Plato Park on Stonecrest drive just off Russell Road, Plato Center, 847-902-5498. The museum is not only a railroad museum, but also shows the history of a small rural town. Free admission. Museum is open for special events and by appointment only.

SCITECH HANDS-ON MUSEUM, 18 W. Benton St., Aurora, 630-859-3434 or www.scitech.mus .il.us. Winter hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.Admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors, free for children 2 and younger.

McHenry County

AUTO GALLERY MUSEUM, 2807 Route 12, Spring Grove, 815-675-3222 or www.autogallerymuseum.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday. Featuring 35 to 50 antique and specialty vehicles on display for sale. Gift shop offers automotive art, signs, models, posters and other items. Old town yesterday Main Street now under construction and will be an ongoing project with a display of a wide array of items from the past and selected craft items. Vendors welcome. Free admission. Donations accepted.

CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER, 222 Church St., Woodstock, 815-338-7722 or www.challengerillinois.org. Featuring a Meteorite and Earth Science Exhibit, interactive EdVenture Center and educational programs. Admission: $3 a person general public, free for members. Center is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

CHESTER GOULD-DICK TRACY MUSEUM, Old Courthouse on the Square, 101 N. Johnson St., Woodstock, 815-338-8381 or www.chestergould.org. Permanent collection of original art, memorabilia and valuable items from the Chester Gould family, including Gould’s drawing board, contributions from fans and friends and changing exhibits. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. Open Saturdays only during January. Admission: $2 adults, $1 seniors, free for children younger than age 12.

DONLEY’S WILD WEST TOWN, Route 20 and South Union Road, Union, 815-923-9000 or www.wildwesttown.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends April, May, September and October.Featuring a museum, Wild West Town with live action Wild West Show three times daily, pan for gold pyrite, pony rides, train ride, petting zoo, roping lessons, blacksmith, old time movies, shops, restaurant and more. Admission: $14 a person, free for children age 2 and younger when accompanied by a paying adult. Schedule: 7 to 10 p.m. through Oct. 27, Injun Summer Hayrides every Friday & Saturday Night ($2 a person with dinner purchase at Donley’s Steakhouse & Saloon).

GREATER HARVARD AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 308 N. Hart, Harvard, 815-943-6141. Open 1:30 to 4 p.m. every Sunday from May to Oct. 30. Silent movies shown each Sunday. Special tours may be arranged. Call 815-943-6141 or 815-943-3561. Free admission. Donations accepted. Schedule: 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 23, free antique appraisals by M. Penney Welch, owner of Especially Maine Antiques at the Emporium of Long Grove (limit two items a person). Information: 815-943-3561.

ILLINOIS RAILWAY MUSEUM, 7000 Olson Road, east of Union. Information: 815-923-4000; 800-BIG-RAIL or www.irm.org. For a brochure, call 815-923-4391. Operating schedule Sundays: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. April through October; Saturdays: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. May through October; Weekdays: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day. A museum in motion. The nation’s largest rail museum operating steam, diesel and electric trains. Featuring nearly 400 historic locomotives and railcars. Admission: $6.50 adults weekdays, $4.50 seniors and children, $22 families; $9.50 adults Sundays in April, weekends in October, $7.50 seniors and children, $37 families; $10.50 adults weekends/holidays May through September, $8.50 seniors and children, $42 families.

McHENRY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM, 6422 Main St., Union, 815-923-2267 or www.mchsonline.org. May through October hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and Sundays. Closed Saturdays. Through October: special programs and museum tours 7 to 9 p.m. on third Wednesday of month. Local history research library open year-round on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment. Heritage Quilters meet 9:30 a.m. each Wednesday year-round at the museum. Admission: $5 adults, $3 seniors and students, $12 per family (includes two family member adults and two or more children), free for society members. “Arrival - The 1920’s” will be at the museum for the next two years. Schedule: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 7, 30th annual Cider Festival.

WOODSTOCK OPERA HOUSE, 121 Van Buren St., 815-338-4212. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Free admission.

Regional

ARTWORKS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, 130 Washington St., Ingleside, 847-587-7882 or www.artworks4kids.org. Admission: $5 children ages 1-18, free for infants and adults. Parent-child craft time all day Tuesdays through Thursdays. Participation is free with admission or membership.

BARRINGTON AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Old Barrington Centre, 212 W. Main St., Barrington, 847-381-1730 or www.bahsil.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday. Admission: $5 adults, $3 seniors, $2 students and children. Schedule: to Oct. 7, Native Words, Native Warriors traveling Smithsonian exhibition.

BURPEE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, 815-965-3433 or www.burpee.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Housed in two historic mansions. Main exhibits include mammals, birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians, rocks and minerals, fossils and dinosaurs. Featuring the permanent exhibit Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur. Admission: $5 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-17, free for members and children younger than 3, Wednesdays free to all. Schedule: 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 22, Burpee Goes Green (museum garden maintenance).

BYRON MUSEUM OF HISTORY, 106 N. Union St., Byron, 815-234-5031 or www.byronmuseum.org. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, evenings and weekends by appointment. Special evening and weekend hours during events and the summer months, call for details.

CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN, 385-acre living museum, 1000 Lake Cook Road (a half mile east of the Edens Expressway), Glencoe. Open 8 a.m. to sunset daily except Christmas. Free admission. Parking $15, seniors $7 on Tuesdays. Information: 847-835-6980 or www.chicagobotanic.org.

CIRCUS WORLD MUSEUM, 426 Water St., Baraboo, Wis., 608-356-0800 or www.circusworldmuseum.com. Museum conserves and exhibits the world’s largest collection of antique circus wagons. Admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors, $3.50 children ages 5-11, free for children 4 and younger.

CZECHOSLOVAK HERITAGE MUSEUM, 122 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, 630-472-0500. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Free admission. Highlighting the history and culture of the Czech Republic and Slovakia featuring a wide variety of displays and exhibits including authentic Czech, Moravian, and Slovak costumes, crystals and ceramics, historical exhibits, dolls and puppets, and needlework dating from 1850.

DISCOVERY CENTER MUSEUM, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, 815-963-6769 or www.discoverycentermuseum.org. A hands-on, family-oriented museum in Riverfront Museum Park. First outdoor museum park in the U.S., with exhibits about sound, weather, water, cave exploration, and a two-story maze. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $5 adults, $4 children ages 2 to 17, free for children younger than 2 and museum members.

DISCOVERY WORLD MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, ECONOMICS AND TECHNOLOGY, 818 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, Wis., 414-765-9966. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

DuPAGE COUNTY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville, 630-637-8000 or www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org. Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $7 ages 1-59, $6 seniors, free for members. Featuring a variety of creative arts programs, storytelling and more. Fees apply to some programs.

ERLANDER HOME MUSEUM, 404 South 3rd St., Rockford, 815-963-5559 or www.swedishhistorical .org. The cultural centerpiece of Rockford's Swedish-ancestry community. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $5 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children ages 3-17, $15 family (two adults with children). Schedule: Sept. 27-29, America in Bloom Symposium.

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT HOME AND STUDIO TOURS, 951 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, 708-848-1976, www.wrightplus.org. This historic house museum, operated by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, served as Wright’s residence, studio and architectural laboratory during the first twenty years of his career from 1889 to 1909. Oak Park contains the world’s largest concentration of Wright-designed structures, 26 in all. Guided tours of the Home and Studio weekdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., weekends 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Guided exterior walking tour of the neighborhood surrounding the Home and Studio, weekends only. Admission: $12 adults, $10 children ages 7-18 and seniors age 65 and older.

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S FREDERICK C. ROBIE HOUSE, 5757 S. Woodlawn, Hyde Park, 708-848-1976, www.wrightplus.org. Tours by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust offer both a first-hand experience of its amazingly contemporary spaces and the current restoration work that is returning the house to its original magnificence. Guided interior tours weekdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., weekends from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission: $12 adults, $10 children ages 7-18 and seniors age 65 and older. Historic Neighbors Walking Tours at 2 p.m. Saturdays. Tickets: $12 adults, $10 seniors and children ages 7-18. Wright 3 tours 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. second and third Saturdays ($4 a person) led by junior interpreters, specially trained 5th-10th graders.

HISTORIC AUTO ATTRACTIONS, 13825 Metric Drive, Roscoe, 815-389-7917 or www.historicautoattractions.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Memorial Day to Labor Day, weekends after Labor Day. Admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors, $6 students ages 6-17, free for children younger than 6. Tour rates available. Come take a journey through time and enjoy more than 70 historic vehicles and hundreds of pieces of history that takes you beyond the concept of most auto museums. Visit the John F. Kennedy Display. See the secret service limo from the Kennedy assassination, Richard Petty’s oldest existing car, Batmobiles, Ghostbusters, Elvis’ car & memorabilia, cars of gangsters like Al Capone and Bonnie and Clyde, Grateful Dead tour bus and more.

KOHL CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, 847-832-6600 or www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to noon Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $7.50 adults and children, $6.50 seniors, free for children younger than 1 and members.

LAKE COUNTY DISCOVERY MUSEUM, Lakewood Forest Preserve, 27277 Forest Preserve Drive (Route 176 and Fairfield Road), Wauconda, 847-968-3400 or www.lakecountydiscoverymuseum.org. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $6 adults, $2.50 children ages 4-17, free for children 3 and younger and members.

MIDWAY VILLAGE & MUSEUM CENTER, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, 815-397-9112 or www.midwayvillage.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Mondays. General admission: $5 adults, $3 children ages 3 to 17, free for members. Event admission: $6 adults, $4 children ages 3 to 17. A turn-of-the-century reconstructed village on 134 acres, including a church, school, town hall, blacksmith shop, bank, jail, hospital, farmhouse, hardware store, plumber’s shop and water-powered machine shop. Schedule: noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 22 (1:30 & 3:30 battles, 7 p.m. USO dance) & noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 23 (2:30 p.m. battle), World War II Reenactment ($7 adults, $4 students and children).

MIDWEST MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, 425 W. State St., Sycamore, 815-895-9777 or www.mmnh.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed on holidays. Admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors and children ages 12 and younger and groups of 20 or more, free for children ages 2 and younger.

MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM, 700 N. Art Museum Drive, 414-224-3220 or www.mam.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays. General Admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students, free for children 12 and younger accompanied by an adult, free for members. Feature exhibit tickets: $14 adults, $12 seniors, $10 students, free for children younger than 12. Schedule: through Sept. 30, Going out of Style: 400 Years of Changing Tastes in Furniture.

MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM, 800 W. Wells St., Milwaukee, 414-278-2700 or www.mpm.edu. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed July 4, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors age 60 and older, $6 children ages 3-17, free for children age 2 and younger and museum members.

MORTON ARBORETUM, 4100 Route 53, Lisle, 630-719-2400, 630-968-0074 or www.mortonarb.org. A 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of several thousand kinds of trees, shrubs and other plants from around the world. Open 7 days a week. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. January, February, November and December; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. March through October. Admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors, $6 children ages 3-17, free for children younger than 3, free for members. Wednesdays: $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 children, free for children 2 and younger. Children’s Garden hours: daily 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (DST); 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CST). Schedule: through Sept. 23, Theatre-Hike of “Little Women” (tickets $15-$40); Sept. 22-23, Asian Celebration; Sept. 28 through Oct. 28, showcase of nature-themed scarecrows designed by local Girl Scout troops.

NAPER SETTLEMENT, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, 630-420-6010 or www.napersettlement. museum. A 19th century living history museum. The 13-acre village has 30 historic structures, including a Victorian mansion, homes, businesses, a log house, fort, chapel and one-room schoolhouse. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors, $5.50 children ages 4-17, free for members. Schedule: 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. Sept. 22 & 2:30 p.m. Sept. 23, Let’s Make Cider; 11 a.m. to 10 p.. Sept. 29 & noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 30, Harvest Pow Wow.

NIU ART MUSEUM, Altgeld Hall, Northern Illinois University, Castle and College drives, DeKalb. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Information: 815-753-1936. Schedule: through Oct. 13, Body Politic, with a 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 6 gallery talk by exhibition artists.

ROCKFORD ART MUSEUM, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, 815-968-2787 or www.rockfordartmuseum.org. Gallery Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday (until 7 p.m. Thursday), noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $5 adults, $3 seniors, free for members, students and children, free on Tuesdays.

VOLO AUTO MUSEUM, 27582 W. Volo Village Road, near intersection of Route 120 & Route 12, Volo, 815-385-3644 or www.volocars.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission: $9 adults, $7 seniors, veterans and active military personnel, $5 children ages 5-12, free for children younger than 5. Group rates. American Classic Shop offers unique auto-related books, clothing, toys and gifts, popcorn and candy. Free parking. Car museum includes more than 300 vintage collector and Hollywood cars.

Chicago

ADLER PLANETARIUM, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, 312-922-7827 or www.adlerplanetarium.org. Museum of astronomy and space exploration. Featuring astronomer gallery talks, exhibits. Major collection of artifacts on the history of astronomy. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. first Fridays. Admission: General Admission: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 children 4-17; Galaxy Package: $19 adults, $17 seniors, $15 children 4-17, includes admission and one Sky Show; Universe Package: $23 adults, $21 seniors, $19 children 4-17, includes admission and two sky shows. Features four exhibit galleries, the world’s first StarRider Theater, Galileo’s Café and the Shooting Star gift shop. StarRider Theater shows: Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity; TimeSpace. Sky Theater: Egyptian Nights: Secrets of the Sky Gods; Night Sky Live! Newest permanent exhibit is Shoot for the Moon.

ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-443-3600. (See Art section for exhibits.)

CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, 312-527-1000 or www.Chi ChildrensMuseum.org. Interactive exhibits for children. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5p.m. Sunday through Wednesday & Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday & Saturday. Admission: $8 adults and children, $7 seniors, free for children younger than age 1. Permanent exhibitions: Dinosaur Expedition; The Inventing Lab; WaterWays; Allstate Foundation presents Play it Safe; Kovler Family Schooner; featuring the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows for PlayMaze; Treehouse Trails, Under Construction, Kraft Artabounds Studio and Gallery; Kids on the Fly (located at O’Hare International Airport). Target Free First Mondays when children ages 15 and younger receive free museum admission first Mondays of every month.

CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM, Clark Street and North Avenue, 312-642-4600 or www.chicagohistory.org. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Friday & Saturday; 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $12 adults, $10 seniors and students ages 13-22, free for children 12 and younger. Free general admission Mondays. Permanent exhibitions: A House Divided: America in the Age of Lincoln; We the People: Creating a New Nation; Richard H. Needham Chicago History Galleries; Illinois Pioneer Life and Fort Dearborn; On the Paper Trail; Hands-On History Gallery; Voices from History. Featuring courtroom drawings from the 1968 Chicago Seven Conspiracy Trial by Franklin McMahon. Schedule: Sept. 23, Mapping Chicago: The Past and the Possible exhibition opening; through Dec. 31, Quilts: A Patchwork History; through Jan. 6, 2008, Is It Real.

THE FIELD MUSEUM, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, 312-922-9410 or www.fieldmuseum.org. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. General admission: $12 for adults; $7 seniors, students with ID and children ages 4-11 (Gold Pass and Platinum Pass ticket options available). Permanent exhibits: Life Over Time; What is an Animal? Africa; Brachiosaurus, outside of the museum; SUE; Inside Ancient Egypt; Nature Walk; Underground Adventure; Pawnee Earth Lodge; Pacific Spirits; Evolving Planet; The Ancient Americas. Schedule: through Dec. 31, Cheyenne Visions; through Dec. 31, Darwin exhibition; through Jan. 7, Plant Portraits: The California Legacy of A.R. Valentien; Sept. 14, Crown Family PlayLab opens.

GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY, 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, 312-746-5100 or www.garfield-conservatory.org. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Thursdays until 8 p.m. Free admission. Schedule: through Oct. 31, Niki in the Garden, sculptures of Niki de Saint Phalle.

HANCOCK OBSERVATORY, 875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Admission: $10.25 adults, $8 seniors 62 years and older, $6.50 children ages 5-12, free for children age 4 and younger. Information: 888-875-8439 or www.hancock-observatory.com.

INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF SURGICAL SCIENCE, 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 312-642-6502 or www.imss.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, May through September; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Tuesday through Saturday, October through April. Admission: $8 adults, $4 seniors and students, free admission Tuesdays. Featuring: The Universal Condition: Enduring and Alleviating Pain; Supporting Structure: Understanding the Spine and Spinal Surgery; Milestones in Medical Imaging: From X-ray to Nuclear Medicine.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, 220 E. Chicago Ave., 312-280-2660 or www.mcachicago .org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission: $10 adults, $6 students and seniors, free for children 12 and younger, members of the military and museum members. Target Free Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the entire year. Schedule: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, to Sept. 25, Tuesdays on the Terrace live jazz series; to Oct. 21, Record Times: 40 Years from the MCA Archive; to June 8, 2008, Collection Highlights, 1949-2007.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY, Columbia College Chicago, 600 S. Michigan Ave., 312-663-5554 or www.mocp.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Free admission. Schedule: through Oct. 13, Loaded Landscapes.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, 773-684-1414; 800-GO-TO-MSI or www.msichicago .org. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. General admission: $11 adults, $9.50 seniors, $7 children ages 3-11, free for children younger than 3 (other exhibit admission combination options available). Free general admission Mondays & Tuesdays to Nov. 20 & Nov. 22. Permanent exhibits: Petroleum Planet; The Great Train Story; Toymaker 3000; U-505 Submarine. Special exhibits: Networld; Ships through the Ages; Reusable City and more. Schedule: through Oct. 7, City of the Future: A Design and Engineering Challenge.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART, (formerly the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum), 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago, 312-738-1503 or www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, closed Monday. Free admission. Performance festivals are ticketed. Permanent exhibition: Mexicanland: Our Past is Present. Schedule: through Nov. 16, 2007 Sor Juana Festival celebrating Sor Juana, the first feminist of the Americas with art, film, music, dance, theater and literature.

NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, 773-755-5100 or www.naturemuseum.org. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission: $7 adults, $5 seniors and college students with ID, $4 children ages 3-12, free on Thursdays. Permanent exhibits: The Extreme Green House; Hands-On Habitat.

SHEDD AQUARIUM, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 312-939-2438 or www.sheddaquarium.org. Regular hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and holidays. Summer hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily to Sept. 3. Admission: $24.95 adults $17.95 seniors and children ages 3-11 (Day Pass); $27.95 adults, $20.95 seniors and children (Premium Day Pass), free for members. Discount days: Sept. 17 & 24 (free admission to original aquarium galleries). Permanent exhibit: Wild Reef. Featuring SpongeBob SquarePants in 4-D special FX Theater every half-hour 10:15 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. Schedule: through summer 2008, Lizards and the Komodo King.

SWEDISH AMERICAN MUSEUM CENTER, 5211 N. Clark, Chicago, 773-728-8111 or www.samac.org. E-mail: museum@samac.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission: $4 adults, $3 seniors, students and members, free for children younger than 1, $10 family rate. Free admission second Tuesday of every month.

MUSIC

McHenry County

ALEX & THE ALLSTARS, engaging and entertaining you by playing the music you want to hear from the ’70s to now. Featuring: Alex, lead vocals/drums; Buddy, (Dr. Woods) vocals/lead guitar; Kelvin, bass guitar; and Patrick, vocals/rhythm guitar. Booking information: 847-639-9683 or www.alexandtheallstars.com. Schedule: Sept. 21, Trio, Palos Heights; Sept. 22, Rosie O’Hare’s (Octoberfest), East Dundee; Sept. 29, Martini Park, Chicago; Oct. 12, Jersey’s Bar & Grill, Hoffman Estates; Oct. 13, Broken Oar (Octoberfest), Port Barrington; Oct. 20, Cubbybear North, Lincolnshire; Oct. 25, Martini Park, Chicago.

AUNT JANET BAND, rock & roll boogie stew featuring Janet, vocals; Pete Gil, guitar & vocals; Dave Kay, guitar; Bob Brady, bass & vocals; and Dave Kerr, drums. Bookings: Janet, 815-355-1821 or www.theauntjanetband.com. Schedule: 10 p.m. Nov. 9, Duke O’Briens, Crystal Lake; 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Nov. 21, 25th Annual Turkey Testicle Festival at Parkside Pub, 11721 E. Main St., Huntley, 847-669-8496.

BULLFROG, classic rock, blues and more. Featuring Billy Galaxy, vocals/guitar; Greg Thurow, vocals/guitar; Gary Mlekush, vocals/bass; Charlie Crowell, percussion; vocals. Bookings: 815-678-4616 or www.BullfrogBand .com. Schedule: 10 p.m. Sept. 28, Govnor’s Public House, Lake in the Hills, 847-658-4700; 9 p.m. Sept. 29, The Gambler, McHenry, 815-385-7273; Oct. 5, private party.

DR. RHYTHM & THE ROCKERS, music that will have you on your feet in no time. Featuring Jack Slaughter, guitar & vocals; Al Etten, bass & vocals; Duwayne Fair, drums & vocals; and Don Etten, guitar, harmonica & vocals. Bookings: 815-385-8580 or 815-385-6057. Schedule: Oct. 6, Knights of Columbus 100th Anniversary, McHenry Country Club; Oct. 27, Bull Valley Riding Club.

FLESH MELONS, rock ’n’ roll. We are the ultimate party rock band. Let us put the party in your club or festival. Featuring Tom McTague, lead vocals; Curt Anderson, lead guitar/backup vocals; Dan Parrilli, bass guitar/backup vocals; and Mike Trnka, drums/backup vocals. Bookings: 847-515-7908; www.thefl