Entertainment Calendar
What's happening in the county, the region and Chicago
ART
Kane County
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: through Nov. 1, 10th Annual “Timeless X” senior citizen exhibit.
McHenry County
LAKESIDE LEGACY ARTS PARK, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, 815-455-8000 or www.lakesidelegacy.org. Dole Gallery hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Schedule: Oct. 2-29, “Inspiration”, an Art Exhibition, with a 5 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 opening reception. Information: 815-356-9925 or 815-404-2904.
McHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. The college has several events scheduled to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month including an Oct. 7 art event. Schedule: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 7, two lectures and live painting event: “Aztec/graffiti Art & Culture” by Nino “Tsel One” Rodriguez, Aztec designer and graffiti artist. Information: 815-455-8728 or www.mchenry.edu.
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. Schedule: through Nov. 1, Woodstock Weavers Annual Members Show and Clayworkers Guild of Illinois Annual Members Show, with an Oct. 11 artists reception for both shows; through Nov. 8, smallE/r works group art show and sale of six regional artists, with a 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 11 gala opening reception.
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.
SUN CITY ART & CRAFT FAIRE, ninth annual, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18, Prairie Lodge at Del Webb Sun City, 12860 Del Webb Blvd., Huntley. Visitors may view and purchase artwork from approximately 100 Sun City fine artisans and crafters. Free admission. Information: 847-515-7160.
VALLEY ART CLUB, Lakeside Legacy Arts Park (Dole Mansion) lower level Gullick Studio, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Featuring life drawing workshops 7 to 10 p.m. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. Membership fee: $40 (membership not required to attend). Workshop schedule: Oct. 13 & 27; Nov. 10 & 24; Dec. 8 & 22. No workshop during the holidays. Information: 847-426-8532.
WOODSTOCK OPERA HOUSE, 121 Van Buren St., 815-338-4212 or 815-338-5300. Hours: noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and during theater performances. Come and view a new exhibit each month presented by local artists in the Community Room of the Woodstock Opera House.
Regional
BARRINGTON/NORTHWEST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATES OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 847-358-3011. Schedule: Oct. 2, trip to Chicago to tour the Antiques Fair at the Merchandise Mart. Registration and information: 847-540-1103.
ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF ART SCHAUMBURG, Ruth Ray Memorial Gallery, 1000 Plaza Drive, Schaumburg, 847-619-3450 or www.artinstitutes.edu/schaumburg. Gallery hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Schedule: through Oct. 23, United States Air Force Art Program exhibition by President David Ray.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM, Altgeld Galleries, College & Castle drives, DeKalb, 815-753-1936 or www.niu.edu/artmuseum. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Schedule: through Oct. 10, Technology and Art Exhibition Suite.
Chicago
2ND FRIDAYS GALLERY NIGHT, 6 to 10 p.m. second Fridays, featuring a myriad of works shown in 35 galleries in the Chicago Arts District surrounding South Halsted and 18th streets, Chicago. Free. Gallery listing, location map and information: 312-377-4444 or www.chicagoartsdistrict.org.
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-443-3600 or visit www.artic.edu. Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday (with free admission 5 to 8 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 younger than 12. Special exhibitions may require extra admission fee.
CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago, 312-742-1148, www.egov.cityofchicago.org. Viewing hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Free admission. Schedule: through Oct. 4, Stateless: New Work by Nicole Gordon; through Oct. 4, Twisted Ambience: An Installation by Nnene Okore; through Jan. 10, 2010, Tim Long: Daniel Burnham’s Enduring Vision for the Phillipines exhibition of photographs; through October 2010, Contemporary Sculptures from China exhibit in Millennium Park; Oct. 3 through Dec. 27, Jane Fulton Alt: After the Storm; Oct. 3 through Jan 10, 2010, Barbara Crane: Challenging Vision; Oct. 6 through Nov. 16, David Blaisdell: Mind and Anti-Mind.
COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO, A&D Gallery, 619 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, 312-369-8687 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 Nov. 7, Found: Contemporary China Design.
DORIAN ALLWORTHY, 4223 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. The Objects of Our Journey: The Evolution of Chicago Artist Dorian Allworthy. Schedule: through Oct. 2. Free. Information: 773-259-8737 or www.dorianallworthy.com.
GALLERY KH, 311 W. Superior St., Chicago, 312-642-0202 or www.gallerykh.com. Schedule: through Oct. 27, Color! New Abstract Works by Carolyn Cole and the works by Hans Hofmann will be on display.
METROPOLITAN CAPITAL BANK, 9 E. Ontario St., Chicago, 312-640-2327. Schedule: through Jan. 14, 2010, Art Works Chicago - A Progressive Corporate Exhibition of Chicago Artists program with a new exhibit featuring contemporary quilt artist, Jane Sassaman. An artists reception is planned for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15 (call 312-640-2333 for reservations).
SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 37 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, 312-899-5100 or www.saic.edu. Schedule: through Oct. 2, Katie Waugh: Stutter, Interrupt, at LG Space; through Oct. 3, Liliya Lifanova: Anatomy is Destiny, at Gallery X; through Jan. 9, 2010, Learning Modern.
VALE CRAFT GALLERY, 230 W. Superior St., Chicago, 312-337-3525 or www.valecraftgallery.com. Hours: 10:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Schedule: through Oct. 31, Steve Rebora’s Magic Show painted wood sculpture.
AUDITIONS
Kane County
RIVERSIDE CHORUS OF SWEET ADELINES, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main St., West Dundee. Local barbershop singing chorus seeking women who like to sing. Rehearsals are like having voice lessons every week. Information: Lisa, 847-437-3310 or www.riversidechorus.com.
Regional
METROPOLIS YOUTH SYMPHONY, 4 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 6, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Auditions for the Metropolis Youth Symphony. Audition appointments and information: Colleen, 847-577-5982, Ext. 244 or www.metropolisarts.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.
HOWIE MANDEL, tickets on sale for the 8 p.m. Nov. 13 performance, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets: $45-$85 at 847-931-5900 or www.hemmens.org.
LILY TOMLIN, 8 p.m. Oct. 2, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $45.50, $55.50, $65.50 at 630-896-6666; all Ticketmaster locations or www.paramountaurura.com.
MIDWEST COMEDY SHOWCASE, Clearwater Theater, 96 W. Main St., West Dundee. Show designed to bring local stand-up comics to West Dundee. Hosted by Matt Drufke. Schedule: 8 p.m. every Thursday night (no holidays or on dates of major shows). Doors open 7 p.m. Information: 815-762-9749 or www.clearwatertheater.com.
THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS SHOW, 4 p.m. Oct. 11, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Featuring Tom and Dick Smothers with special guest The Yo Yo Man. Tickets: $32.50-$59.50 at 630-896-6666 or www.paramountaurora.com.
ZANIES-PHEASANT RUN RESORT, on North Avenue, St. Charles, 630-513-1761 or www.zanies.com. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday. All shows require a two-item food/beverage minimum. Schedule:
McHenry County
DUKE’S COMEDY NIGHTS, Saturdays in September, Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, 110 N. Main St., Crystal Lake, 815-356-9980 or www.thedukeabides.com. Featuring stand-up comedians in partnership with The Edge Comedy Club. Free with a two-drink minimum.
GREENROOM THEATER, Cosman Cultural Center, 12015 Mill St., Huntley. Schedule: 7 p.m. Oct. 3, Unscripted improv show. Tickets: $12 adults, $8 seniors and students at the door. Tickets and information: 847-931-4233 or www.greenroomtheater.com.
Regional
BILL COSBY, tickets on sale for the 4 and 8 p.m. Nov. 14 performances, Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Tickets: $39.50 to $75 at 800-982-2787, all Ticketmaster outlets or www.ticketmaster.com.
CHICAGO IMPROV, 5 Woodfield Road, Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 847-240-2001 or www.symfonee.com/improv/chicago. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 & 10:15 p.m. Friday, 7 & 9:15 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday. Schedule: Oct. 2-4, Hal Sparks ($19); Oct. 8-11, John Heffron ($19, $22).
GALLAGHER, 8 p.m. Oct. 16, Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Tickets: $25.50, $34.50, $42.50 at 800-982-2787, all Ticketmaster outlets or www.ticketmaster.com.
MIDWEST COMEDY SHOWCASE, 8 p.m. every Thursday, Penny Road Pub, 545 S. Penny Road, South Barrington. Focusing on the best comedians from Chicago and the surrounding areas to the suburbs. Co-produced by Matt Drufke. Tickets: $6. Information: 815-762-9749; www.midwestcomedyshowcase.com or matt@midwestcomedyshowcase.com.
VERKA SERDUCHKA, tickets on sale for the 7 p.m. Nov. 8 performance, Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Russia’s number one comedian and pop singer. Tickets: $55-$60 at 800-982-2787, all Ticketmaster outlets or www.ticketmaster.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:
Chicago
BLUE MAN GROUP, Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted St., Chicago, 773-348-4000. Daily performances. Performance times vary and subject to change. Tickets: $49-$64. Tickets and information: 312-902-1500 or www.ticketmaster.com.
CHICAGO SKETCH COMEDY FESTIVAL, Lukaba Productions accepting applications through Oct. 15 for the ninth annual festival scheduled for Jan. 7-17. The 2010 Chicago SketchFest will showcase 100 sketch comedy groups performing 125 shows in 8 days at the Theatre Building Chicago, on Belmont Avenue just West of Racine. For details and application forms, visit: www.chicagosketchfest.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: $21.
MARY LYNN RAJSKUB, 7:30 & 10:30 p.m. Oct. 2, Lakeshore Theater, 3175 N. Broadway, Chicago. An Evening with Mary Lynn Rajskub. Tickets: $20 at 773-472-3492 or www.lakeshoretheater.com.
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, America: All Better! (Mainstage). Tickets: $20 Tuesday through Thursday & Sunday, $25 Friday & Saturday.
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.
DANCE
Kane County
DANCE CONNECTION, ballroom dance club meets 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sundays at St. Charles School of Dance, 1429 W. Main St., St. Charles. Newcomers always welcome ages 18 and older. Cost: $8 a person. Information: 630-202-3222 or e-mail: dupageflute@aol.com or www.chrisburdick.com.
SUGAR SQUARES DANCE CLUB, Waubonsee Community College, Route 47 at Waubonsee Drive, Sugar Grove. Featuring modern square dancing lessons 7 p.m. Sundays. Couples, singles and teenagers all invited. Cost: $40 a person for 10 weeks of lessons. Registration and information: 815-286-9702 or 630-377-3695.
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. Oct. 11 to Nov. 1, Beginning Swing, Waltz, Cha Cha; 2:30-4 p.m. Intermediate East Coast Swing, waltz, Cha Cha; 4-5:30 p.m. Advanced Waltz, Cha Cha, Argentine Tango, at Cary Park District, 255 Briargate Road, Cary. Cost: $58 resident couple, $64 non-resident, 847-639-6100. Crystal Lake Park District: 7-8:15 p.m. or 8:15 to 9:30 p.m. to Oct. 14, Beginning Salsa, Fox Trot, Swing, Tango; 7 to 8:15 p.m. to Oct. 15, Advanced Fox Trot, Argentine Tango, Samba, Lindy Hop; 8:15 to 9:30 p.m. to Oct. 15, Intermediate Salsa, Fox Trot, Argentine Tango, Samba, at 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: 6:30-7:30 p.m. to Oct. 16, Cha Cha, Fox Trot, Swing, Merengue; 7:30-8:30 p.m. Intermediate Fox Trot, Merengue, Argentine Tango, Intro to Lindy Hop ($70 resident, $80 non-resident); 8:30-10 p.m. Advanced Lindy Hop, Argentine Tango, Fox Trot, Samba ($97 resident, $107 non-resident), at LaBahn-Hain House, 149 Hilltop Drive. Call 847-960-7460. Lake Villa: 7 to 8 p.m. or 8 to 9 p.m. to Oct. 20, Beginning Swing, Waltz, Merengue, Rumba; 9 to 10 p.m. Intermediate East Coast Swing, Waltz, Cha Cha, Argentine Tango, at American Stars of Dance Studio, 133 Cedar Ave. ($90 a couple). Call 847-838-1234. McHenry Parks: 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 10, workshop for Salsa & Tango, at Duker School, 73711 W. Kane Ave. Cost: $35 resident, $45 non-resident. Call 815-363-2160.
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, $10 seniors, $12 non-members. Dances take place 7:30 to 11 p.m. Saturdays at McHenry VFW Hall (Normandy Room), 3002 W. Route 120, McHenry. Dances include a free dance lesson at 7:30 p.m., cake and snacks. Dance schedule: Oct. 17, American Bandstand (East Coast Swing lesson).
McNULTY IRISH DANCE CLASSES, through Nov. 24, Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, 110 N. Main St., Crystal Lake, 815-356-9980. Featuring various levels of dance 4:45 to 7 p.m. Register for a complimentary class. Fees, schedule, registration and information: 224-639-8644 or www.mcnultyirishdancers.com.
PERFORMING ARTS OF SPRING GROVE, 2222 Pierce Drive, Spring Grove. Offering the Rising Stars Dance Program classes for ages 3-7 (class days and times vary). Cost: $62.50 a month. Ballroom dance classes (7 to 8 p.m. Saturdays for adults, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Sundays for youth). Cost: $200 adults, $100 youth. Registration and information: 815-675-9359 or www.dancepasg.com.
Chicago
DISCO DANCING, Boutique Cafe & Lounge, 1324 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, 773-292-0585. Featuring disco dancing 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. every Friday.
FAMILY EVENTS
Kane County
“THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO”: through Oct. 17, Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. Steel Beam Children’s Theatre presentation. Story of the woodcarver Geppetto whose puppet Pinocchio has many adventures and turns into a real boy. Schedule: 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays; 3 p.m. Oct. 3, 10 & 17. Tickets: $12 adults, $10 children 16 and younger at 630-587-8521 or www.steelbeamtheatre.com.
“WORKING”: through Oct. 18, Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. A musical celebration of the extraordinary lives of ordinary Americans based on the book by Chicago’s Studs Terkel. Schedule: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $25 adults, $23 seniors and students, $22 groups of 10 or more at 630-587-8521 or www.steelbeamtheatre.com.
McHenry County
ANTIQUE TRACTOR, TRUCK AND CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT SHOW, fifth annual, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 3-4, Petersen Farm, McCullom Lake Road, McHenry. Festival will feature tractor pulls, petting zoo, pig raffle, hay rides, corn maze, food and a Saturday performance by Double Shot. Admission: $3 adults, $1 children. Sponsored by Tractors for Charity; all proceeds benefit FISH of McHenry Food Pantry. Information: 847-628-6152 or www.tractorsforcharity.com.
“BREAKING LEGS”: Oct. 2-24, Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Woodstock Musical Theatre Company comedy presentation. The story takes place in an Italian restaurant owned by a successful mobster and managed by his beautiful daughter. Her former college professor arrives to ask for money to produce his new play. Schedule: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $23 adults, $20 seniors and students at 815-338-5300 or www.woodstockoperahouse.com.
CIDER FEST, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4, McHenry County Historical Society Museum, 6422 Main St., Union. Cider pressing demonstrations, entertainment, barn raising, tractor contest, White Elephant and used books, homemade baked apple treats. Lunch available or bring a picnic. Free fest and museum admission. Information: 815-923-2267 or www.mchsonline.org.
“INTO THE WOODS”: 1 p.m. Oct. 3-4, First Congregational Church of Huntley, Main and Grove streets, Huntley. By Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. Outdoor performance by the First Congregational Church Players. Audience members invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets or a picnic lunch. Refreshments. Everyone is invited. Tickets: $10 at the door. Information: 847-669-3691.
“INTO THE WOODS”: 7 p.m. Oct. 8-10 and 3 p.m. Oct. 11, Huntley High School Performing Arts Center, 13719 Harmony Road, Huntley. Huntley High School Theatre fall musical presentation. Play combines the well-known fairy tales with the story of the Baker and his Wife who have been cursed with childlessness by a witch. Tickets: $8 adults, $6 seniors and students with ID at 847-659-6515 or www.district158.org/pac.
“LONG STORY SHORT”: 5 p.m. Oct. 4, Christian Fellowship Church, 3419 Walkup Road, Crystal Lake. Theater Arts Ministry of Christian Fellowship Church presentation. The comedy runs the audience through the Bible in less than 90 minutes. Laughs and entertainment for all ages. Free. Information: 815-459-9473 or www.christianfellowship.us.
“MUSIC 101”: 7 p.m. Oct. 2-3, St. John’s Lutheran Church & School Activity Center, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. A dinner theatre/musical with class. New Horizons is in need of a music teacher - enter Miss Moselle. Her goal for the school year is to help all students gain a respect of, and interest in, music. Come find out if she succeeds. Tickets: $15 a person. Tickets and information: 847-767-3705.
Regional
LONG GROVE APPLE FESTIVAL, 17th annual, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 2-4, Long Grove Historic Village, 307 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Apple-themed celebration with activities for the entire family, food, live entertainment, shopping and more. Information: 847-634-0888 or www.longgroveonline.com.
Chicago
UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS, 16th annual, through Oct. 18, Washington Park, 5531 S. King Drive, Chicago. “The World in One Ring” show featuring clowns, aerialists, acrobats, dancers, contortionists, animals and more. Various day and evening performance times. Tickets: $17.50-$31 adults, $15.50-$29 children one year and older. For information, visit: www.universoulcircus.com. Tickets: 800-316-7439; all Ticketmaster locations or www.ticketmaster.com.
FESTIVALS & FAIRS
Kane County
SCARECROW FESTIVAL, Oct. 9-11, downtown St. Charles. Annual fest features more than 100 hand-crafted scarecrows, music, carnival rides, craft show and more. Schedule: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 9-10 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 11. Information: 800-777-4373 or www.scarecrowfest.com.
SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL, Oct. 21-25, downtown Sycamore. Features a pumpkin display and contest, carnival, food, crafts and more. Information: www.sycamorepumpkinfestival.com.
McHenry County
ANTIQUE TRACTOR, TRUCK AND CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT SHOW, fifth annual, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 3-4, Petersen Farm, McCullom Lake Road, McHenry. Festival will feature tractor pulls, petting zoo, pig raffle, hay rides, corn maze, food and a Saturday performance by Double Shot. Admission: $3 adults, $1 children. Sponsored by Tractors for Charity; all proceeds benefit FISH of McHenry Food Pantry. Information: 847-628-6152 or www.tractorsforcharity.com.
CIDER FEST, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4, McHenry County Historical Society Museum, 6422 Main St., Union. Cider pressing demonstrations, entertainment, barn raising, tractor contest, White Elephant and used books, homemade baked apple treats. Lunch available or bring a picnic. Free fest and museum admission. Information: 815-923-2267 or www.mchsonline.org.
SETTLERS’ DAYS, Oct. 8-12, downtown Marengo. Festival features parade, crafts, petting zoo, carnival rides, antique tractor display and more. Information: 815-568-6680.
Regional
FRIGHT FEST, Oct. 3-31, Six Flags Great America, 542 N. Route 21, Gurnee. The theme park is transformed into a Halloween playground with shows, street entertainment, haunted houses and more. Information: www.sixflags.com.
HARVEST FESTIVAL, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 3-4, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. Features a marketplace of fresh baked goods, roasted nuts, cut flowers and more, plus activities, a straw bale maze and leaf rubbing crafts. Information: 847-835-5440 or www.chicagobotanic.org.
LONG GROVE APPLE FESTIVAL, 17th annual, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 2-4, Long Grove Historic Village, 307 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Apple-themed celebration with activities for the entire family, food, live entertainment, shopping and more. Information: 847-634-0888 or www.longgroveonline.com.
Chicago
ELI’S CHEESECAKE FESTIVAL, 13th annual, Oct.3-4, 6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive, Chicago. Annual festival benefits the New Horizon Center for Developmentally Disabled and the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Features live music, children's activities and plenty of cheesecake. Schedule: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 3 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 4. Information: 773-308-7000 or www.elicheesecake.com.
FIERA ITALIANA, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 5-9, Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington Ave., Chicago. Outdoor festival-style event featuring food, wine tasting, culinary demonstrations, performing arts, entertainment, music, fashion events, and more in celebration of the culture of Italy. Free admission. Host: Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. Information: 312-994-2620 or ww.jccia.com.
FILM
Regional
GENESEE THEATRE FILM SERIES, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Schedule: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2, “Rear Window;” 2 p.m. Oct. 8 & 7 p.m. Oct. 9, “Spartacus;” 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15 & 2 p.m. Oct. 18, “Titanic.” Tickets: $6 adults, $3 seniors, children younger than 12 and military personnel in uniform with ID. Tickets and information: 847-782-2366 or www.geneseetheatre.com.
Chicago
GENE SISKEL FILM CENTER, 164 N. State St., Chicago. Information, movie times and tickets: 312-846-2600, www.siskelfilmcenter.org. Tickets: $10 adults, $7 students with ID, $5 film center members. Schedule: Oct. 2, “Vision in Motion Program 2,” “Crude,” “Radical Disciple;” Oct. 3, “Ninotchka,” “Crude,” “Superstar,” “The Glass House;” Oct. 4, “Superstar,” “Crude,” “The Glass House;” Oct. 5, “Crude,” “Radical Disciple;” Oct. 6, “Ninotchka,” “Crude;” Oct. 7, “Crude,” “Radical Disciple;” Oct. 8,” “Book of Mirrors: Joost Rekveld,” “Crude,” “Radical Disciple.”
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 admission). Tickets for museum and film must be purchased together. Schedule: through Oct. 22, “Wild Ocean;” through Feb. 11, 2010, “Mysteries of the Great Lakes.”
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: “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: An IMAX 3-D Experience;” “African Adventure;” “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.”
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 March 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. Admission: $2 adults, $1.50 seniors, $1 children ages 3-11, free for children younger than 3.
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 through Oct. 15, 2009. Japanese Garden open 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 15. Museum admission: $2 adults, $1 children. Garden museum: $1 a person.
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 to Nov. 1. One-ride fares: $3.50 adults, $2 seniors and children ages 3-11, free for children younger than age 3 or $7 all-day ticket. Schedule: Oct. 10-11, 17-18, Trolleyfest and Pumpkin Trolley.
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 for drop-in tours. All other times by appointment year round. Guided tours: $3 adults, $2 children younger than 13. Schedule: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 2, Student Harvest Days ($5 adults, $4 students); 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4, 28th Annual Harvest Days ($6 adults, $3 children younger than 12).
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 through December). Admission: $4 adults, $2 seniors, $1 children ages 3-16. Featuring changing exhibits, museum store and a public meeting room.
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.
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: $15 a person, free for children age 2 and younger when accompanied by a paying adult.
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.
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: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays through October 24; 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sundays through October 25. A museum in motion. The nation’s largest rail museum operating steam, diesel and electric trains. Featuring nearly 400 historic locomotives and railcars. Fares: $8 adults, $4 children, $25 families weekdays; $10 adults, $7 children, $38 families weekends April and October; $12 adults, $8 children, $45 families weekends May through September. Schedule: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 3, museum celebrates World War II veterans with re-enactors showing how railroads played their part in the events of the Second World War.
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, May through October. 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. Featuring an exhibit titled “Arrival: the 1890s.” Schedule: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4, 32nd Annual Cider Fest (free admission).
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.
BURPEE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, 815-965-3433 or www.burpee.org. Hours: noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 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. Donation Day will be on Mondays. Schedule: 3 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 11, Critter Camp lecture series on Reptiles & Insects, Bearded Dragons & Turtles.
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN, 385-acre living museum, 1000 Lake Cook Road (a half mile east of the Edens Expressway), Glencoe. Open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset. Free admission. Parking $20, $7 for seniors 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 in the off-season; $14.95, $12.95 and $7.95 during performance season.
CZECHOSLOVAK HERITAGE MUSEUM, 122 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, 630-472-0500 or www.csafraternallife.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 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. Admission: $5 adults, $3 seniors and students, $10 per family, $3 a person in groups (five or more).
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. Also featuring a variety of home and after school classes. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 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: 3 p.m. Oct. 3, “Behind the Myths,” Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford. Featuring an appearance by Grant Imahara and Kari Byron from the Discovery Channel hit show, “MythBusters.” Show benefits the Discovery Center Museum. Prior to the event there will be a 2 p.m. VIP reception Tickets for the 90-minute interactive talk can be purchased online. Tickets: $100 (includes VIP seating and reception), $55, $40 and $20 at 815-968-0595 or www.coronadopac.org.
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. 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. Interior house tour admission: $15 adults, $12 seniors and youth ages 4-17, free for children ages 3 and younger. Other tour packageks available. Schedule: Oct. 4-7, Architecture Fantasy Camp workshop for architecture and design enthusiasts ($850 Preservation Trust members, $900 non-members).
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S 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 in preparation of the home’s 100th annivesary in 2010. To accommodate the magnitude of interior restoration construction and maintain a safe guest environment, tour offerings at the Robie House will be limited through Oct. 31, 2009. Public tours will be conducted 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Other tour packages available. New programming for Robie House will offer public access from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday through Monday through December. Interior house tour admission: $15 adults, $12 seniors and youth ages 4-17, free for children ages 3 and younger. Schedule: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 5, Designing Spaces Workshop (tickets $25 Preservation Trust members, $30 non-members); Oct. 6, Fall volunteer training; 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 9, After Hours at Wright’s Robie House cocktail soiree ($30 Preservation Trust members, $35 non-members).
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.
KLEHM ARBORETUM & BOTANIC GARDEN, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, 815-965-8146 or www.klehm.org. Explore every season in the heart of the Arboretum district with majestic colors of fall, hundreds of blooming crabapples in spring, butterfly gardens in summer and snow-covered evergreens in winter. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 1 to Oct. 31; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday, Nov. 1 to March 31. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, New Year’s Eve and Day. Admission: $6 adults, $3 seniors and children age 3-18, free for children 2 and younger. Every Monday is Donation Day and entry is free to the public with donations always welcome.
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.com. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday. 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.
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. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday and holidays. Admission: $6 adults, $5 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. Tuesday through Sunday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays. General Admission: $12 adults, $10 seniors and students, free for children 12 and younger accompanied by an adult, free for members. Feature exhibit tickets: $12 adults, $10 seniors and active duty military, free for children 12 and younger and members. Schedule: through October, Sensory Overload: Light, Motion, Sound and the Optical in Art since 1945; through Jan 3, 2010, Warhol.
MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM, 800 W. Wells St., Milwaukee, 414-278-2700 or www.mpm.edu. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Closed July 4, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission: $12 adults, $10 seniors age 60 and older, $10 children ages 3-17, $8 children ages 3-12, 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: $11 adults ($7 on Wednesday), $10 seniors ($6 on Wednesday), $8 ($5 on Wednesday) children ages 2-17, free for children younger than 2 and members. Schedule: through Nov. 11, Birth of Coffee exhibition; Oct. 3 through Nov. 1, Scarecrow Trail; through Nov. 15, Animal Houses exhibition; through January 2010, “Darwin’s Flowers: Unlocking Natural Selection” at the Sterling Morton Library.
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 April through October: 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: 3 to 10 p.m. Oct. 2-3, Oktoberfest ($8 in advance, $10 at the gate); 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 10, Cool Ride, Clean Choice Vehicle Show.
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 (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, sky shows and more. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. first Fridays. General admission (exhibits only): $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. Schedule: through Dec. 31, Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass.
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. daily, 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday evenings. Admission: $10 adults and children, $9 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; Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows for PlayMaze; Treehouse Trails, 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 Jan. 4, Bertha Honoré Palmer.
DANK-HAUS GERMAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER, 4740 N. Western Ave., 4th Floor, Chicago, 773-561-9181 or www.dankhaus.com. Schedule: Oct. 2 through October 2011, Lost German Chicago exhibition, with a 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Oct. 2 free opening night.
THE FIELD MUSEUM, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, 312-922-9410 or www.fieldmuseum.org. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. General admission: $15 for adults; $12 seniors and students with ID; $10 children ages 3-11 (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 Oct. 25, Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship; through Feb. 28, 2010, Bunce Island: A British Slave Castle in Sierra Leone; through July 12, 2010, Travels of the Crow: Journey of an Indian Nation.
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, Wednesdays until 8 p.m. Free admission.
HANCOCK OBSERVATORY, 875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 888-875-8439 or www.hancock-observatory.com. Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. General admission tickets: $15 adults, $10 children ages 3-11, free for children age younger than 3.
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: $12 adults, $7 students and seniors, free for children 12 and younger, members of the military and museum members. MCA Free Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Schedule: through Dec. 23, Reversed Images: Representations of Shanghai and Its Contemporary Material Culture.
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, 773-684-1414; 800-GO-TO-MSI or www.msichicago.org. Hours: 9 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 packages 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 Jan. 3, 2010, Smart Home: Green and Wired, Powered by ComEd (tickets $23, adults, $22 seniors, $14 children 3-11 includes museum general admission); through March 15, 2010, Art & Science = Architecture LEGO structure exhibit; opening Oct. 8, You! The Experience, a new permanent exhibit.
NATIONAL HELLENIC MUSEUM, 801 W. Adams St., Chicago, 312-655-1234 or www.hellenicmuseum.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission: $5 adults, free for children younger than 12. Schedule: through Jan. 10, 2010, Neolaia/Pathos exhibition.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART, 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 Dec. 13, 23rd Annual Camino a Casa: Coming Home on Day of the Dead.
PEGGY 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 Birds of Chicago, Mysteries of the Marsh, The Extreme Green House, Hands-on Habitat, as well as science and nature workshops and a variety of ongoing programs. Schedule: through Oct. 25, Fish Tales; through April 11, 2010, National Geographic Crittercam: The World Through Animal Eyes.
RICHARD H. DRIEHAUS MUSEUM, 40 E. Erie St., Chicago, 312-932-8665 or www.driehausmuseum.org. Housed in the historic Samuel Mayo Nickerson Mansion, built from 1879 to 1883, the museum is a showcase for late 19th and early 20th century art and design. The Marble Palace, as the house became known, was one of the grandest residential buildings of the 19th century Chicago. Museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday for tours at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission: $25 adults, $17.50 seniors, $12.50 students with valid ID and children ages 12 to 16. Due to the fragile nature of the historic interiors, children younger than age 12 are not admitted and those younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
SHEDD AQUARIUM, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 312-939-2438 or www.sheddaquarium.org. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends. Featuring Caribbean Reef Dives and Wild Reef Dives, Fantasea, Animal Encounters, Camp Shedd and more. The 4-D theater features “Planet Earth: From Pole to Pole,” and “SpongeBob SquarePants” shows. Shedd pass admission: $17.95-$24.95. Visit the web site for other admission options. Schedule: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Oct. 3, Sea Otter Awareness Week.
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. Monday 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.
UKRAINIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM, 2249 W. Superior St., Chicago, 312-421-8020 or www.ukrainiannationalmuseum.org. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, by appointment only Monday through Wednesday. Admission: $5 adults, free for children younger than 12.
SINGLES EVENTS
Kane County
INTRO2SINGLES, western suburbs’ premier event planning company for singles events such as dating parties, social mixers and wine tastings. No membership fee. Information: 630-845-8684. Calendar of events: www.intro2singles.com.
ST. CHARLES SINGLES CLUB, LTD., a social non-profit group welcomes ages 30 and older to dances at Riverside Receptions, 35 N. River Lane, Geneva. Dances are 7 to 11 p.m. on second, fourth and fifth Mondays. Lessons available at 6:30 p.m. Proper attire required. Admission: $6 members, $8 non-members on second and fourth Mondays; $8 members, $10 non-members on fifth Mondays with live band. Information: 630-340-6647 or www.stcharlessinglesclub.com.
Regional
FALL SINGLES DANCE, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Oct. 17, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St., Rockford. Alcohol-free and nonsmoking dance presented by Singles Together Across Rockford (STAR) and Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries. Live music by local band, Missing Links. Open to all single and re-singled adults regardless of any religious affiliation. Tickets: $5 in advance, $8 at the door. Tickets and information: 815-962-4279 or RALMmail@aol.com.
SPECIAL EVENTS
McHenry County
ANTIQUE TRACTOR, TRUCK AND CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT SHOW, fifth annual, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 3-4, Petersen Farm, McCullom Lake Road, McHenry. Festival will feature tractor pulls, petting zoo, pig raffle, hay rides, corn maze, food and a Saturday performance by Double Shot. Admission: $3 adults, $1 children. Sponsored by Tractors for Charity; all proceeds benefit FISH of McHenry Food Pantry. Information: 847-628-6152 or www.tractorsforcharity.com.
CIDER FEST, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4, McHenry County Historical Society Museum, 6422 Main St., Union. Cider pressing demonstrations, entertainment, barn raising, tractor contest, White Elephant and used books, homemade baked apple treats. Lunch available or bring a picnic. Free fest and museum admission. Information: 815-923-2267 or www.mchsonline.org.
FIT FOR LIFE 5K WALK/RUN, 7 a.m. Oct. 4, Lippold Park, on Route 176 west of Route 14, Crystal Lake. Walk/run starts at 8:30 a.m. Host: The Fitness Center at McHenry County College. Cost: $30. Proceeds will go toward purchasing equipment for the MCC Fitness Center. Registration and information: Nikki Lewis, 815-455-8551.
PAUL SERENO, 10 a.m. Oct. 15, Woodtock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Creative Living Series paleontology presentation. Tickets: $23 all seats at 815-338-5300 or www.woodstockoperahouse.com.
McHenry County - Ongoing
McHenry COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT, 18410 Route 14, Woodstock, 815-338-6223 or www.mccdistrict.org. Featuring programs at various Conservation District locations. Registration required for all programs. Schedule: through Oct. 31, The Healing Power of Plants special traveling exhibit on display at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake (free, open to the public).
MORAINE HILLS STATE PARK & McHENRY DAM, 1510 S. River Road, between Routes 120 & 176, McHenry, 815-385-1624 (park information); 815-344-1294 (registration); www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks or e-mail: dnr.volobog@illinois.gov. An Illinois Department of Natural Resources site. Registration required. Schedule: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 4, Photo Contest Awards Ceremony at Moraine Hills State Park; 8 a.m. Oct. 10, Bird Walk at McHenry Dam.
Regional
BEHIND THE MYTHS, 3 p.m. Oct. 3, Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford. Fundraising event featuring an appearance by Grant Imahara and Kari Byron from the Discovery Channel hit show, “MythBusters.” The show will benefit the Discovery Center Museum. Prior to the event there will be a 2 p.m. VIP reception Tickets for the 90-minute interactive talk can be purchased online. Tickets: $100 (includes VIP seating and reception), $55, $40 and $20 at 815-968-0595 or www.coronadopac.org.
FESTIVAL OF PIANOS, 16th annual, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 4, Northbrook Court Shopping Center, 2171 Northbrook Court (on Lake Cook Road), Northbrook. 400 Student pianists of all ages and levels will perform throughout the day, 12 at a time, on six Steinway grand pianos. They will play classical, pop, jazz, patriotic, show tunes and boogie-woogie. Free. Information: 847-304-1004 or www.northbrookcourt.com.
LONG GROVE APPLE FESTIVAL, 17th annual, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 2-4, Long Grove Historic Village, 307 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Apple-themed celebration with activities for the entire family, food, live entertainment, shopping and more. Information: 847-634-0888 or www.longgroveonline.com.
TAKE A CHANCE ON CHILDREN CASINO NIGHT, 5 to 11 p.m. Oct. 2, The Millrose Restaurant & Banquets, 65 S. Barrington Road, South Barrington. Fundraiser for The Children’s Advocacy Center of North and Northwest Cook County featuring poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, big wheel and/or a Texas Hold’em tournament. Cost: $30 includes a free brew and $10 worth of poker chips. Proceeds will be used to help stop child abuse. Registration and information: 847-885-0100 or www.cachelps.org.
WINDY CITY CORNHOLE CLASSIC, third annual, Oct. 3, Arlington Park, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Schedule: 10 a.m. Competitive Doubles and Social Singles divisions begin play; 12:30 p.m. Competitive Singles and Social Doubles division begin play. Music, food and prizes. Presented by BestCornBags.com. Registration and information: 847-829-4513 or www.chicagocornholeclassic.com.
Regional - Ongoing
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. Schedule: 8 a.m. Oct. 2, Bird Walk; 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 3, Garden Ponds - Preparing for Winter; 9 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 4, Bog Saunters with naturalist Stacy Iwanicki; 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 10, Ghost Stories Plus sponsored by the Friends of Volo Bog ($5 adults, $2 children donation at the door); 10 a.m. Oct. 10, Of Bogs & Books book discussion group on “Planetwalker - How to Change Your World One Step at a Time” by John Francis, Ph.D.
Chicago
A STERLING EVENT, fifth annual, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 3, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, 2233 S. Martin L. King Drive, Chicago. Black tie gala fundraiser for A Silver Lining Foundation for treatment options to underserved individuals affected by cancer. Cocktails, dinner, dancing to the music of Rhythm City, live and silent auctions. Tickets: $300 a person. Tickets and information: 312-345-1322 or www.asilverliningfoundation.org.
BREATH OF LIFE GALA, third annual, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9, The Ritz Carlton, 160 E. Pearson St., Chicago. Black tie evening with cocktails, silent auction, live auction, live entertainment, dinner and dancing. Emcee will be Jackie Bange of WGN News. Host: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Greater Illinois Chapter. Tickets: $500 a person. Proceeds benefit CF Foundation research and programs. Tickets and information: 312-236-4491 or www.cff.org/chapters/grillinois.
COCKTAILS FOR CASA, third annual, 6 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 7, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. Fundraiser for CASA: Stepping Out for Our Children featuring an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live jazz by the Uptown Strings, silent auction and a private viewing of the museum. Tickets: $100 a person. PRoceeds benefit CASA of Cook County. Tickets and information: 312-622-3055 or www.casacookcounty.org.
FIERA ITALIANA, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 5-9, Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington Ave., Chicago. Outdoor festival-style event featuring food, wine tasting, culinary demonstrations, performing arts, entertainment, music, fashion events, and more in celebration of the culture of Italy. Free admission. Host: Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. Information: 312-994-2620 or ww.jccia.com.
IT’S RAINING CATS & DOGS BENEFIT, ninth annual, 6:30 to 10 p.m. Oct. 2, The Anti-Cruelty Society, 510 N. LaSalle St., Chicago. Celebration of 110 years of preventing cruelty to animals and advancing humane education. Featuring food, live entertainment, auctions and raffle. NBC5 Meteorologist, Andy Avalos, will serve as master of ceremonies. Tickets: $125 in advance, $140 at the door. Tickets and information: 312-644-8338, Ext. 319 or www.anticruelty.org.
UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS, 16th annual, through Oct. 18, Washington Park, 5531 S. King Drive, Chicago. “The World in One Ring” show featuring clowns, aerialists, acrobats, dancers, contortionists, animals and more. Various day and evening performance times. Tickets: $17.50-$31 adults, $15.50-$29 children one year and older. For information, visit: www.universoulcircus.com. Tickets: 800-316-7439; all Ticketmaster locations or www.ticketmaster.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. Admission: $12 adults, $8 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 5 p.m. buildings and farm 10 a.m. to 4:30 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.
