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Created: Thursday, July 3, 2008 12:00 a.m. CST

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What to do in the county, the region and Chicago

ART

Kane County

ARTISTIC BITS ARTS CENTER & GALLERY, 316 N. River St., East Dundee, 847-844-8140 or www.artisticbits.org. Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday. Schedule: call for fine art and fine craft artists through Aug. 16 for the Sept. 14 River St. Art Fair & Wine Tasting juried event. Call for information or to receive an application.

AURORA UNIVERSITY, 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 Sept. 5, Eighth Annual Aurora University Student Art Show.

NORRIS GALLERY, Dellora A. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles, 630-584-7200 or www.norrisculturalarts.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. Schedule: through July 26, Heavy Metal & Heavenly Light photographic portfolios of Robert Rydin, with a 3 to 5 p.m. July 5 reception.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE ART GALLERY, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, 630-723-2465 or www.theparamounttheatre.com. Schedule: through June 30, featured artist openings of Ashton Gallagher and students of Wheaton College.

McHenry County

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 June, exhibition of landscape paintings by Julie Tomaso (information: 815-459-9151); July through September, Nature Photography Exhibit featuring the work of Lori Indovina-Valus, with a 1 to 3 p.m. July 12 artist’s reception (information: 815-344-5797).

LAKESIDE LEGACY ARTS PARK, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, 815-455-8000 or www.lakesidelegacy.org. Gallery hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Schedule: through June, Representing Reality 08 art show featuring the work of Jeff Gola, Lori Kiergaard, Leslie Sealey and Beverly Ferguson (in the Sage Gallery).

“THE NATURE OF 2909,” through June 28, Old Court House Arts Center, 101 N. Johnson St., Woodstock. Watercolors and oil paintings, printmaking, pen and ink illustrations, fine beadwork, fabrics, jewelry and other gift items made by Studio 2909 artists. Exhibit hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. For information, call 815-338-4525.

OLD COURT HOUSE 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 July 27, Sweet Summer 2008.

RAUE CENTER GALLERIES, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, 815-356-9010 or www.rauecenter.org. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and one hour prior to theater performances. Call for visual artists to exhibit in the 2008-2009 gallery season. Submit an informational prospectus and selection of work in CD digital format on a Windows/PC platform. Deadline for submission is Aug. 20.

RIVER ART STUDIO & GALLERY, 121 Madison St., Algonquin, 847-658-9094. Classes taught kindergarten through adult in drawing, painting, clay and metal sculpture. New adult classes in life drawing and batik (call for details). Gallery hours: 3 to 8 p.m. Monday & Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Schedule: through June, featuring the work of several artists.

Regional

ART IN THE GARDEN, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 12, Knupper Nursery, 1801 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Display and sale of the works of more than 40 Chicago-area artists. Live music, children’s activities, refreshments. Information: 847-359-1080.

HORSING AROUND TOWN, through September, downtown Lake Geneva, Wis. Outdoor public art exhibition featuring 80 life-size fiberglass colts transformed into works of art by area artisans. The ponies will be auctioned at an Oct. 4 event at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa with proceeds benefiting Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills Inc. in Darien, Wis. Information: 800-345-1020 or www.lakegenevawi.com.

KORTMAN GALLERY, above JR Kortman Center for Design, 107 N. Main St., Rockford, 815-968-0123 or www.JRKortman.com. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Schedule: through Aug. 16, The Drawn Exhibition featuring artwork by artist and designer Nicholas Dal Pra.

Chicago

ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-443-3600 or visit www.artic.edu. Hours: Memorial Day-Labor Day: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday (with free admission after 5 p.m.), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Target Free Thursdays 5 to 8 p.m. Admission: $12 adults; $7 for students and seniors, free for children 12 and younger. Special exhibitions may require extra admission fee.

CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago, 312-742-1148, www.egov.cityofchicago.org. Schedule: through June 29, Tony Fitzpatrick: The Wonder – Portraits of Remembered City; through June 29, Dean Sharp: Photographs of the Chicago Picasso; through July 6, Three Hours Between Planes: Contemporary Photography from Leipzig and Chicago; through July 20, Motion Pictures: An Exhibition of Orthopaedics in Art; July 5 through Sept. 28, Martin Koenig: Voices and Images from Bulgaria, 1966-1979; July 12 through Oct. 5, Stephen Wilkes: Ellis Island.

COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO, A&D Gallery, 619 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, 312-344-8687 or www.colum.edu/adgallery. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. Schedule: through July 23, Busted AMP.

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. Target free Tuesdays. Admission: $10 adults, $6 students and seniors, free for children 12 and younger, members of the military and museum members. Schedule: through June 30, Takashi Murakami: Jellyfish Eyes; through Sept. 21, Jeff Koons.

WALSH GALLERY, 118 N. Peoria St., Chicago, 312-829-3312 or www.walshgallery.com. Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Schedule: through July 19, Portraying Food (And the Absence of It) exhibition curated by Wu Hung.

ZYGMAN VOSS GALLERY, 222 W. Superior, Suite 1E, Chicago, 312-787-3300 or www.zygmanvossgallery.com. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, by appointment Sunday and Monday. Schedule: through Sept. 6, Freedom of Color by Lithuanian-born artist, Moshe Rosenthalis.

ARTS, CRAFTS & COLLECTIBLES

Kane County

ARTS & CRAFTS AT THE FARM, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 28-29, Garfield Farm Museum, on Route 38 and Garfield Road, five miles west of Geneva. Featuring paintings, pottery, folk art, dried florals, garden art, photography, jewelry, woodworking, fiber arts, music, food and more. Free admission. Information: 630-584-8485 or www.garfieldfarm.org.

AUDITIONS

Chicago

LUVABULLS, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 20, United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. Seeking new members of the female dance team to perform at all Chicago Bulls home games and other events. Must be at least age 21. Registration and information: 630-668-7915 or www.bulls.com.

CRUISE NIGHTS

McHenry County

CRUISIN’ CARY, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, downtown Cary. Music, food. Schedule: June 25, Chevelle/Camaro Night; July 2, Street Rod Night; July 9, Import Sports Car Night; July 16, Mopar Car Night; July 23, Rag Top Night; July 30, Cobra/Mustang Night; Aug. 6, GM Night; Aug. 13, Emergency & Military Vehicle & Truck Night; Aug. 20, Land Yachts, Minis & Macros Night; Aug. 27, People’s Choice Night. For information, call the Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce: 847-639-2800.

STATION HOUSE SUBS, 6 to 9 p.m. first Saturdays, 2397 S. Randall Road, Algonquin, 847-844-7305. Cruisers can bring their antique, custom, modified and classic cars and motorcycles.

AUTO EVENTS

Kane County

BLOOMINGTON GOLD CORVETTE SHOW, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 27-29, Pheasant Run Resort, 4015 E. Main St., St. Charles. Display of thousands of Corvettes, swap meet, exhibitors, auction and more. Admission: $15 adults in advance, $20 at the gate; $40 adults advance four-day pass, $50 at the gate, free for children age 13 and younger. Information: 309-888-4477 or www.bloomingtongold.com.

Regional

SKIP’S CAR SHOW & PARTS SWAP MEET, 15th annual, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 6, Lake County Fairgrounds, Route 45 & 120 Belvidere Road, Grayslake. For collectible and high performance cars and trucks. Admission: $7 adults, $2 children ages 6-11, free for children younger than age 6. Sponsor: Skip’s Fiesta Drive-In. Information: 630-876-1042 or www.skipsusa.com.

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. Showtimes: 8:30 p.m. Thursday & Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission: $15 for ages 21 and older. Reservations recommended. No drink minimum.

ZANIES-PHEASANT RUN RESORT, on North Avenue, St. Charles, 630-513-1761 or www.zanies.com. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday; 8 and 9:45 p.m. Friday; 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday. All shows require a two-item food/beverage minimum. Schedule: June 27-28, closed during Bloomington Gold Corvette weekend.

Regional

BOB NEWHART, tickets on sale for the 8 p.m. Nov. 22 performance, Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Tickets: $37.50-$65 at 312-559-1212, any Ticketmaster location 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. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday. Admission: $10.

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 http://www.myspace.com/forcefeedgrandpa. E-mail: urielsplan@hotmail.com.

CHICAGO IMPROV, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg, 847-240-2001 or www.improv.com. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 & 10:15 p.m. Friday, 7 & 9:15 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $15-$19. Schedule: June 27-29, Doug Benson; July 3 & July 5-6, T.J. Miller.

COMEDY CAVE, at Fat Man Bowl, 13860 Rockland Road (east of Interstate 294 on Route 176), Lake Bluff. Featuring improv comedy every Wednesday night with a 7 p.m. family show and 9 p.m. adult show. Admission: $10 adults at the door, $7 seniors, students and military. Information: 847-968-4529; 847-362-1623 or www.improvplayhouse.com.

IMPROV PLAYHOUSE, Black Box Theater, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, 847-968-4529 or www.improvplayhouse.com. Improv Smackdown 8 to 9 p.m. every Saturday with a different IP Smackmaster hosting and audience rating the performers. General admission: $8 adults, $5 students.

LAUGH OUT LOUD THEATER, Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale Road, Suite 171, Schaumburg, 847-240-0386 or www.LOLTtheater.com. Schedule: 8 p.m. Thursdays through June 26, Hopelessly Devoted comedy about two Catholics clinging to their faith in a world gone absurd. Tickets: $18.

WEIRD AL YANKOVIC, 7 p.m. Aug. 10, MetroCentre, 300 Elm St., Rockford. Straight Outta Lynwood Tour. Tickets: $36.50 at 815-968-5222 or www.metrocentre.com.

ZANIES-VERNON HILLS, 230 Hawthorn Village Commons, 847-549-6030 or www.zanies.com. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Thursday; 8 and 9:45 p.m. Friday, 7 & 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Schedule: June 27-28, Ken Sevara.

Chicago

BLUE MAN GROUP, Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted St., Chicago, 773-348-4000. Performances: 2 & 5 p.m. Monday; 2, 5 & 8 p.m. Wednesday; 2, 5 & 8 p.m. Thursday; 4, 7 & 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 1, 4 & 7 p.m. Sunday. 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 for all ages. 8 p.m. Friday; 6, 8 & 10 p.m. Saturday; 8 p.m. Sunday. 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, Between Barack and a New Show (Chicago Mainstage.) Tickets: $19 Tuesday through Thursday & Sunday, $25 Friday & Saturday.

THE SECOND CITY E.T.C., 1608 N. Wells St., 312-337-3992 or www.secondcity.com. Schedule: 8 & 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 7 & 10 p.m. Sunday, 30th revue Pratfall of Civilization. Tickets: $19, $24.

ZANIES-CHICAGO, 1548 N. Wells in Old Town, 312-337-4027 or www.zanies.com. Showtimes: 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday & Sunday; 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. Friday; 7, 9, & 11:15 p.m. Saturday. All shows require a two-item food/beverage minimum. Schedule: June 27-29, Sonya White.

DANCE

McHenry County

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: 815-728-1026 or 847-395-1108.

DANCE! with Frank & Jackie Penze, ballroom, Latin and swing dance instructors, 847-639-8699. Cary Park District: 12:45-2:15 p.m. through June 29, Beginning Swing, Fox Trot, Merengue, Tango; 2:30-4 p.m. Intro to Intermediate; 4-5:30 p.m. Intermediate/Advanced, at Cary Park District Center, 255 Briargate Road. Cost: $73 resident couple, $80 non-resident, 847-639-6100. Crystal Lake Park District: 7-8:15 p.m. or 8:15-9:30 p.m. to July 9, Beginning Swing, Waltz, Salsa, Tango ($99 couple resident, $149 couple non-resident); 7-8:15 p.m. to July 10, Advanced with Double-Time Swing, Waltz, Salsa, Tango; 8:15-9:30 p.m. Introduction to Intermediate with East Coast Swing, Waltz, Tango, Salsa, at Grand Rotary Building in Veteran Acres Park, 131 N. Walkup, Crystal Lake ($99 couple resident, $149 couple non-resident). Call 815-459-0680 or www.crystallakeparks.org. Health Bridge Fitness Center: 8-9:30 p.m. to July 7, Beginning to Intermediate Swing, Salsa & more, at 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. Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department: 6:30-7:30 p.m. to July 11, Beginning Swing, Waltz, Salsa, Merengue; 7:30-8:30 p.m. Intro to Intermediate Swing, Waltz, Salsa, Merengue ($65 resident, $75 non-resident); 8:30-10 p.m. Advanced Double-Time Swing, Waltz, Tango, Salsa ($92 resident, $102 non-resident), at LaBahn-Hain House, 149 Hilltop Drive. Call 847-960-7460. McHenry Parks: 7-8:30 p.m. to Aug. 5, Swing, Waltz, Tango, Merengue, at Duker School, 3711 W. Kane Ave., McHenry ($140 resident, $150 non-resident). Call 815-363-2166, #234135A.

GREATER FOX VALLEY CHAPTER OF USA DANCE, 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: $8 members, $12 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: July 12, Red Hot Rumba.

Chicago

HUSTLE DANCE PARTY, 8 to 10 p.m. June 27, Chicago Dance Latin & Ballroom School, River North Studio, 415 W. Huron, Chicago. West Coast Swing. Cost: $10. Free mini-lesson at beginning. Information: 312-337-9503 or www.chicagodance.com.

TANGO & SALSA LESSONS, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays, The Silver Room, 1442 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. With live music. Salsa lessons 7 to 9 p.m. with Tango lessons immediately following. Cost: $10 a person per lesson. Information: 773-278-7130.

FAMILY EVENTS

Kane County

“HAMILTON WINGS’ SCORE!”: 7 p.m. July 12, Visual & Performing Arts Center at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Students Creating Opera to Reinforce Education! Original opera created and performed by children ages 10 to 13. Tickets: $6 at 847-622-0300 or www.elgin.edu/arts.

YOUNG EAGLES FLIGHTS, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 29, Aurora Municipal Airport, Highway 30 & Route 47, Sugar Grove. Free flights in a general aviation airplane for children ages 8 through 17. All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Weather permitting. Sponsor: Fox Valley Sport Aviation Association, Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 579. Information: 630-466-4579 or www.EAA579.org.

McHenry County

A DAY AT THE PETERSEN FARM, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 29, Petersen Farm, on McCullom Lake Road, one-mile West of Route 31, McHenry. Agricultural heritage fair featuring tractors, farm equipment and animals, new garden crop, canning and baking demonstrations, hay rides, bluegrass music and more. Free admission. Presented by the Landmark Commission of the City of McHenry. Information: 815-381-0191 or www.ci.mchenry.il.us.

AMERICA’S CARDBOARD CUP REGATTA, 24th annual, 9 a.m. June 28, Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake. Participants build boats from cardboard and compete for awards such as “Most Spectacular Sinking” and “Ugliest Boat.” Races begin at noon. Admission: $3 a person, $15 per family. Information: 815-455-8000 or www.cardboardcup.com.

“BACK TO THE 80’S”: July 11-20, Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Musical presented by Woodstock Summer Theatre. Story of senior class of William Ocean High School graduated in the 1980s as remembered and seen through the eyes of Corey Palmer, now 30-something. Schedule: 7 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $18 adults, $15 seniors and students Friday & Saturday; $15 adults, $12 seniors and students Sunday at 815-338-5300 or www.woodstockoperahouse.com.

CHAIN O’ LAKES EAGLES AIR SHOW, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 28, in the field on Pioneer Road just north of Ringwood & Pioneer roads, Ringwood. Radio-controlled aircraft show featuring a variety of planes, flight demonstrations, aircraft display and model flight training at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Free admission. Sponsor: Chain O’ Lakes Eagles. Information: www.coleagles.com.

CRYSTAL LAKE GALA, 22nd annual, July 3-6, Lippold Park, 851 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake. Carnival, games, food court, parade, children’s events, live music and more. Schedule: 3 to 11 p.m. Thursday, noon to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Fireworks 9:15 p.m. Saturday, July 5. Admission: $5 adults, $3 seniors, free for children ages 12 and younger and military with ID. Information: 815-334-7761 or www.clgala.com.

DAY IN THE PARK, 4 to 10:30 p.m. June 28, Indian Oaks Park, 825 Indian Oaks Trail, Marengo. Games, petting zoo, pony rides, flea market, children’s events, youth theater, live music and fireworks. Admission: $5 per car or $1 a person walk-ins. Sponsor: Marengo Park District. Information: 815-568-5126.

“HURRICANE SMITH – The Musical”: 7 p.m. July 10-12, Marengo Community High School, 110 Franks Road, Marengo. Marengo Park District Summer with the Arts Program presentation. A two-act musical spoof of the movie industry. Tickets: $6 available at the door. Information: 815-568-5126.

LAKESIDE FESTIVAL, June 26-29, Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Taste by the Lake, art shows, carnival, live music with Bad Medicine, Smoking Popes, American English and Dot Dot Dot. Schedule: 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $3 adults, $2 seniors, free for active military and children age 12 and younger. Information: 815-455-8000 or www.lakesidelegacy.org.

OLD-FASHIONED COUNTRY FAIR, first, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 28, Milky Way Park, 300 Lawrence Road, Harvard. Family-friendly games, kite-flying contest, music, petting zoo, food and more. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic blanket. Free admission. Sponsor: City of Harvard. Information: 815-333-2146.

Regional

“LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS”: through July 27, Starlight Theatre at Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford. Book by Howard Ashman. Based on the film by Roger Corman. A down-and-out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Schedule: 8 p.m. July 23-27. Tickets: $16 adults, $15 seniors and students at 815-921-2160 or www.rvcstarlight.com.

“PLAYHOUSE DISNEY LIVE!”: tickets on sale for the 12:30 p.m. Oct. 11 performance at MetroCentre, 300 Elm St., Rockford. First live touring stage production featuring favorite characters from four shows in Disney Channel’s popular Playhouse Disney program. Tickets: $15, $19, $32, $45 at 815-968-5222 or www.metrocentre.com.

“PLAYHOUSE DISNEY LIVE!”: tickets on sale for the Oct. 17-18 performances at Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. First live touring stage production featuring favorite characters from four shows in Disney Channel’s popular Playhouse Disney program. Schedule: 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Oct. 17; 2 & 5 p.m. Oct. 18. Tickets: $15, $24.50, $33.50, $45 at 312-559-1212 or www.ticketmaster.com.

“THE WIZ”: through July 20, Starlight Theatre at Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford. Musical version of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum. Music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls. A familiar story presented with a contemporary flair. Schedule: 8 p.m. July 16-20. Tickets: $16 adults, $15 seniors and students at 815-921-2160 or www.rvcstarlight.com.

Chicago

“LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE”: through July 13, Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. By Bernard Waber. Lifeline Theatre KidSeries family musical adaptation. The Primm family is moving into their new house when suddenly they find a crocodile in their bathtub. He quickly becomes a treasured member of the family. Appropriate for children ages 5 to 10. Schedule: 1 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays. Tickets: $10 adults and children at 773-761-4477 or www.lifelinetheatre.com.

FESTIVALS & FAIRS

McHenry County

FIESTA DAYS, July 11-20, Petersen Park, Veterans Memorial Park and other locations in McHenry. Carnival, arts and crafts, parade, sports tournaments, car show, live music, food and more. For performance times and admission fees visit www.mchenrychamber.com. Information: 815-385-4300.

LAKESIDE FESTIVAL, through June 29, Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Taste by the Lake, art shows, carnival, live music with Bad Medicine, Smoking Popes, American English and Dot Dot Dot. Schedule: 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $3 adults, $2 seniors, free for active military and children age 12 and younger. Information: 815-455-8000 or www.lakesidelegacy.org.

ROCKIN’ ROTARY RIBFEST, July 10-13, Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills. Several varieties of ribs, food, live entertainment and car show. Schedule: 6:30 to 10:30 pm. Thursday & Friday, noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $3 Thursday & Friday, $3 Saturday before 5 p.m., $5 Saturday after 5 p.m., $5 Sunday, free for children 12 and younger. Sponsor: Lake in the Hills Rotary Club. Information: www.rockinrotaryribfest.com.

Regional

BRISTOL RENAISSANCE FAIRE, 21st annual, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays, July through Sept. 1, West of Interstate 94, Russell Road exit, Kenosha, Wis. Visitors take a rollicking romp through Elizabethan England, complete with 16th Century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music and one-of-a-kind encounters with a cast of characters. Tickets: $18.95 adults, $9.50 children ages 5-12. Rain or shine. Information: 847-395-7773 or www.renfair.com.

EYES TO THE SKIES BALLOON FESTIVAL, noon to 11 p.m. July 3-6, Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St., Lisle. Carnival, hot air balloons, live entertainment, food, fireworks and more. Admission: $5 adults ($7 after 5 p.m.), $2 children ages 5-12, free for children younger than 5. Information: 630-963-4280 or www.eyestotheskiesfestival.com.

Chicago

TASTE OF CHICAGO, 28th annual, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. through July 6, Columbus Drive from Monroe to Balbo, Chicago. Culinary offerings of ethnic to exotic food, six stages of free entertainment and more. Free admission, $8 strip of 12 food tickets. Information: 312-744-3370.

FILM

Kane County

GENEVA FILM FESTIVAL, Geneva Cultural Arts Commission is accepting entries for the Nov. 8 film festival in Geneva. Entry fees: $10-$45 depending on category. Earlybird deadline is July 15. All submissions must be received no later than Sept. 15. Entry forms and information: 630-232-7494; e-mail: cklein@genevafilmfestival.org or www.genevafilmfestival.org.

McHenry County

MOVIE IN THE PARK, 8:45 p.m. June 27, Indian Trail Beach, 228 Indian Trail, Lake in the Hills. Screening of “Bee Movie.” Free. Rain date June 28. Sponsor: Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department. Information: 847-960-7460 or www.lith.org.

MOVIES IN THE PARK, Main Beach Band Shall, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake. Movies start at dusk. All rated PG. Free. Information: 815-459-0680, Ext. 213. Schedule: July 18, “Bee Movie;” Aug. 1, “Shrek the Third.”

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: June 27, “Laura,” “Monsieur Verdoux,” “California Dreamin’;” June 28, “Laura,” “Monsieur Verdoux,” “Fallen Angel,” “The Damned;” June 29, “Sandra,” “Monsieur Verdoux,” “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days;” June 30, “Monsieur Verdoux,” “California Dreamin’;” July 1, “Monsieur Verdoux,” “The Damned;” July 2, “Fallen Angel,” “Monsieur Verdoux,” “Sandra;” July 3, “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days,” “Monsieur Verdoux.”

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: $20 adults, $19 seniors, $14 children ages 3 to 11 (includes museum admision). Tickets for museum and film must be purchased together. Schedule: through Oct. 9, “Dinosaurs Alive! 3D” through Dec. 31, “African Adventure 3D Movie,” “Sharks 3D Movie;” “Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk.”

MUSIC BOX THEATRE, 3733 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. Show times and information: 773-871-6604 or www.musicboxtheatre.com. Schedule: June 27, “My Winnipeg;” June 27-28, “Deep Red,” “Commando;” June 28-29, Meet Me in St. Louis;” July 2, “The Mother of Tears;” July 4-5, “Stop Making Sense,” “Rocky IV;” July 5-6, “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.”

NAVY PIER IMAX THEATRE, 700 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: “Wild Ocean 3D;” “Speed Racer: The IMAX Experience;” “Kung Fu Panda: The IMAX Experience.”

MUSEUMS

Kane County

FABYAN VILLA MUSEUM & JAPANESE GARDEN, Fabyan West Forest Preserve, Route 31 just north of 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. Japanese Garden open 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays & Sundays.

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. Schedule: July 4, Red, White and Blue Dollar Day (all riders will be charged just $1).

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.

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 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. Public hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Admission: $3 a person general public, free for members.

DONLEY’S WILD WEST TOWN, Route 20 & 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; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. 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.

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: $8 adults weekdays, $4 children, $25 families; $10 adults Sundays in April, weekends in October, $7 children, $38 families; $12 adults weekends/holidays May through September, $8 children, $45 families.

McHENRY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM, 6422 Main St., Union, 815-923-2267 or www.mchsonline.org. 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.

Regional

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. Watch the restoration of the turn of the century railroad station baggage cart from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Schedule: to Aug. 11, Going Places exhibit.

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: $6 for resident adults ($7 non-resident), $5 for children ages 3-17 ($6 non-resident), free for members and children younger than 3, Wednesdays free to all.

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. Memorial Day to Labor Day hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Thursdays to 7 p.m., noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $6 adults, $5 children ages 2 to 17, free for children younger than 2 and museum members. Schedule: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 20, Toybox of Science; through Sept. 28, Toys: The Inside Story exhibition; 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 27, Expedition to Adventure; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 4, Kaboom!

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: $7.50 ages 1-59, $6.50 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, $4 seniors, $3 children ages 3-17, $15 family (two adults with children).

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT HOME AND STUDIO TOURS, 951 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, 708-848-1976, www.gowright.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. Daily guided tours 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekends. Extended summer hours Thursdays with tours on the hour 3 to 6 p.m. Admission: $12 adults, $10 children ages 7-18 and seniors age 65 and older, $5 children ages 4-10.

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S FREDERICK C. ROBIE HOUSE, 5757 S. Woodlawn, Hyde Park, 708-848-1976, www.gowright.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. Open late Wednesdays with tours departing on the hour 3 to 6 p.m. Admission: $12 adults, $10 children ages 7-18 and seniors age 65 and older, $5 children ages 4-10.

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: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 students ages 6-15, 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. Schedule: through Aug. 31, Chagall for Children interactive exhibit.

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.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Mondays. General admission: $6 adults, $4 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: 6:30 p.m. June 27-28, Varmints & Villains audience participation mystery dinner ($45 a person, reservations required); through June 29, The Purse & the Person: A Century of Women’s Purses traveling exhibit.

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 July 20, A Revolutionary in Milwaukee: The Designs of George Mann Niedecken; through Sept. 1, Gilbert & George; through Jan. 4, 2009, On Site: Santiago Cucullu; through October 2009, Sensory Overload: Light, Motion, Sound and the Optical in Art since 1945.

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, $9 seniors age 60 and older, $7 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. An outdoor 1,700-acre museum with collections of several thousand varieties of trees, shrubs and other plants from around the world. Open daily. Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier. Admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors, $6 children ages 3-17, free for children younger than 3, free for members. Schedule: through July 20, Big Bugs exhibit of David Rogers’ bug sculptures; 6 to 9 p.m. July 12, Paula Cole concert (tickets $32-$42 at 630-725-2066).

NAPER SETTLEMENT, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, 630-420-6010 or www.napersettlement.org. 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. Summer hours through Oct. 31: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Summer admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors, $5.50 children ages 4-17, free for members.

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: $6 adults, $3 seniors/students, $2 group rate, free for children younger than 12. Free admission 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. Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday, 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, astronomy artifacts, StarRider Theater shows and more. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, 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.

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.ChiChildrensMuseum.org. Interactive exhibits for children. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday & Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday & Saturday. Admission: $9 adults and children, $8 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. Kraft Free Family Night 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday evenings (free admission for everyone).

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: $14 adults, $12 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: through Aug. 3, Big Picture: A New View of Painting in Chicago; through Dec. 7, Chicago@40: The Band and its City; through Jan. 4, 2009, Catholic Chicago; 10 a.m. to noon July 4, 49th Annual Star-Spangled Independence Day outdoor celebration (free).

THE FIELD MUSEUM, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, 312-922-9410 or www.fieldmuseum.org. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas. General admission: $14 for adults; $11 seniors and students with ID; $9 children ages 4-11 (Gold Pass and Platinum Pass ticket options available). Permanent exhibits: What is an Animal? Africa; Sue the Tyrannosaurus rex; Inside Ancient Egypt; Nature Walk; Underground Adventure; Pawnee Earth Lodge; Pacific Spirits; Evolving Planet; The Ancient Americas; Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice DNA Discovery Center and many other exhibits. Schedule: through July 6, Melting Ice/A Hot Topic: Envisioning Change; to July 8, George Washington Carver; through Sept. 1, Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids; through Sept. 9, Celebrating Women; through Jan. 4, Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters.

GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY, 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, 312-746-5100 or www.garfield-conservatory.org. Featuring the Sugar from the Sun new permanent exhibit. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Thursdays until 8 p.m. Free admission. Schedule: through summer 2008, Chicagoasis: The Greenest Show on Earth.

HANCOCK OBSERVATORY, 875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Admission: $12 adults, $10 seniors 62 years and older, $8 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: $9 adults, $5 seniors and students. 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. Schedule: 1 to 3 p.m. July 1 Tuesdays & Saturdays through Aug. 26, Family Fun on the Plaza outdoor family workshops.

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 & Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Schedule: through Aug. 23, Beyond the Backyard.

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: $13 adults, $12 seniors, $9 children ages 3-11, free for children younger than 3 (other exhibit admission combination options available). Permanent exhibits: Petroleum Planet; The Great Train Story; Toymaker 3000; U-505 Submarine; Earth Revealed; Fast Forward. Special exhibits: Networld; Ships through the Ages; Reusable City; and more. Schedule: through July 6, Exploring the Collection: Photographs by Terry Evans; through Sept. 1, free general admission for children ages 11 and younger; through Sept. 1, The Glass Experience; through Jan. 4, Smart Home: Green & Wired.

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: July 4 through Sept. 7, A Declaration of Immigration exhibition.

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: $9 adults, $7 seniors and college students with ID, $6 children ages 3-12, free on Thursdays. Featuring permanent exhibits such as The Extreme Green House and Hands-on Habitat. Schedule: through Sept. 7, Lawn Nation: Art and Science of the American Lawn.

SHEDD AQUARIUM, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 312-939-2438 or www.sheddaquarium.org. Summer hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily to Sept. 2. Admission: $27.50 adults $20.50 seniors and children ages 3-11 (Premium Day Pass); $23 adults, $16 seniors and children (Day Pass); $18 adults, $14 seniors and children (Mini Pass); $8 adults, $6 seniors and children (Aquarium only) and discounted admission for special exhibits; free for members. Permanent exhibit: Wild Reef. Schedule: 6 to 10 p.m. through Aug. 28, Jazzin’ at the Shedd concerts ($10 adults, $8 seniors and children ages 3-11); through Sept. 2, 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 year, $10 family rate. Free admission second Tuesday of every month.

SINGLES EVENTS

McHenry County

BABY BOOMER SINGLES, new singles club geared toward singles older than 45. No membership, pay as you go. Information: 815-529-8139, e-mail: babyboomersingles@comcast.net or www.babyboomersinglesclub.com. Schedule: 8 to 11:30 p.m. June 27, singles dance at Property Owners Association Banquet Hall, 1212 Crystal Lake Road, Lake in the Hills. DJ Scott Pastorino. No jeans or gym shoes. Cash bar. Massage raffle. Cost: $10 a person.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Kane County

McHenry County

McHenry County - Ongoing

McHENRY COUNTY CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE, 7:30 p.m. second Tuesdays, McHenry County Historical Society, 6422 Main St., Union. Programs are free. Schedule: June 28, Battle of Cold Harbor discussion group meeting at Borders Books, 6000 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake. Information: www.mchenrycivilwar.com.

Regional

CANINE WEDDING, third annual, 1 p.m. June 28, Cody & Carla’s Boulevard at The Foundry, 756 W. Northwest Highway, Barrington. Benefit for Animal House Shelter featuring the canine bridal party, reception, singing dog, disc jockey, dancing, reception and pet adoptions. Free. Information: 847-304-7140.

YOUTH MAKE A DIFFERENCE 5K RUN/WALK, fourth annual, 8 a.m. June 29, Gallery Park on West Lake Avenue, Glenview. Fundraiser for a new Youth Services facility for GLenview/Northbrook Youth Services. Entertainment, prizes, food. Entry fee: $25. Information: 847-729-5605. Registration: www.youthmakeadifference.org or www.signmeupsports.com.

Regional - Ongoing

KLEHM ARBORETUM & BOTANIC GARDEN, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, 815-965-8146 or www.klehm.org. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Labor Day through Memorial Day, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission: $4 adults, free for children younger than 16. Master gardeners will be on site noon to 3 p.m. every Saturday to answer gardening and plant-related questions. Schedule: 4 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Sept. 22, Farmers Market.

VOLO BOG STATE NATURAL AREA, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, west off Route 12 between Routes 120 & 134, Ingleside, 815-344-1294; www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks or e-mail: dnr.volobog@illinois.gov. An Illinois Department of Natural Resources site. Site open daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day. Visitor Center open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Guided tours 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. most Saturdays and Sundays. Registration required.

Chicago

LUX5 LUXURY LIFESTYLE TOUR, 3 to 10 p.m. June 28, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Showcase of the best in luxury, fashion, exotic cars, yachts, jewelry, and goods and services. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Tickets and information: www.lux5events.com.

ZOOS

Regional

BROOKFIELD ZOO, 31st Street and First Avenue, Brookfield, 708-485-0263 or www.brookfieldzoo.org. Featuring more than 2,000 exotic and familiar animals on 216 acres. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day zoo hours at 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: $11 adults, $7 seniors and children 3-11, free for zoo members and children 2 and younger. Parking: $8.

Chicago

LINCOLN PARK ZOO, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, 312-742-2000 or www.lpzoo.org. General hours: Grounds 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. buildings and farm 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer weekends: Memorial Day through Labor Day (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays). Grounds open until 7 p.m. buildings and farm open until 6:30 p.m. Houses more than 2,000 birds, mammals and reptiles, including the world’s largest collection of gorillas in the great ape house. Also, orangutans, chimpanzees, a children’s petting zoo and Farm-in-the-Zoo. Free admission. There is a charge for parking.

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