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.
NORRIS GALLERY, Dellora A. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles, 630-584-7200 or www.norrisculturalarts.com. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Free admission. Schedule: through Nov. 14, Vicinity ’09 annual juried exhibition of art in all media from artists residing within a 50-mile radius.
McHenry County
ADULT ART CLASS TOUR & INFORMATION, 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 30-31, Creative Artistry Fine Arts School, 400 Highland Ave., Crystal Lake. Watercolor, oil and acrylic painting, mosaic, glass painting, calligraphy, basketry, stained glass and jewelry. Next session starts Nov. 2. Information: 815-404-6520 or arttart13@hotmail.com.
AUTUMN SHOWCASE, Nov. 5-29, Brink Street Market, Suite 30F, 40 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Featuring original artwork by more than 40 artist members of the Northwest Area Arts Council. Art is available for purchase with a portion of proceeds to be donated to Northern Illinois Food Bank. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Information: 815-363-8260.
CAFFÉ LUNA, 6230 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, 815- 444-0444. Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Schedule: through December, La Bella Vita exhibit featuring the works of Brian Stuart, Jeanine Hill-Soldner and Lynn Carlson.
McHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE ART CLASSES, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Classes are offered by the MCC Continuing Education Department. Schedule: 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 6 through Dec. 18, I Can Draw! ($65); 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 6 through Dec. 18, Oil Pastel Painting ($65); 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 9 through Dec. 14, Color My World ($65). Information: 815-455-8559. Registration: 815-455-8588.
NORTHLAND AREA ART LEAGUE, Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Meetings at 7 to 9 p.m. second Tuesdays, September through April, at the Opera House. New members welcome. Schedule: 7 p.m. Nov. 10, featured guest will be Cindy Romano, well known in the Woodstock area for her photography. Refreshments. All are welcomes. Information: 815-337-2027.
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; through Nov. 8, smallE/r works group art show and sale of six regional artists.
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: 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. Schedule: through Nov. 2, Halloween on the Square: An Exhibition of Frightful Photographs by graphic designer and local resident Michael Stanard, with a 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 31 informal reception.
Regional
BARRINGTON/NORTHWEST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATES OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 847-358-3011. Schedule: Oct. 30, trip to Chicago for an 11 a.m. Combined Community Associates Annual Lecture featuring architect Linda Roy, followed by lunch at Kinzie Chop House. Members only event. Registration and information: Sandra, 815-455-7677.
GALLERY 200, 200 Main St., West Chicago, 630-293-9550 or www.gallery200.org. Schedule: Nov. 1-30, Sharing Our Passion artist exhibit, with a 6:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 7 free opening reception.
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 Dec. 5, NIU School of Art Faculty Biennial exhibition.
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 Nov. 16, David Blaisdell: Mind and Anti-Mind (Project Onward Gallery); through Dec. 27, Jane Fulton Alt: After the Storm (Michigan Avenue Galleries); through Jan. 3, Rosilene Luduvico: Paintings and Drawings (Michigan Avenue Galleries); through Jan. 3, Josue Pellot: New Work (Michigan Avenue Galleries); through Jan. 10, Tim Long: Daniel Burnham’s Enduring Vision for the Philippines exhibition of photographs (Historic Water Tower); through Jan 10, Barbara Crane: Challenging Vision; through October 2010, Contemporary Sculptures from China exhibit (in Millennium Park).
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.
GALLERY KH, 311 W. Superior St., Chicago, 312-642-0202 or www.gallerykh.com. Schedule: Oct. 30 through Dec. 1, Uncommon Times, Common Places by Scott Addis, with a 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30 opening reception.
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.
SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 37 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, 312-899-5100 or www.saic.edu. Schedule: through Nov. 6, Ingrid Olson & Olivia Wendel: Together Apart (Gallery X); through Nov. 6, Clare Rosean: Good Clean Fun (LG Space); through Nov. 20, Hypothetical Planets (Rymer Gallery); through Jan. 9, 2010, Learning Modern (Sullivan Galleries); Oct. 31 through Nov. 14, Fall Undergraduate Exhibition (Sullivan Galleries).
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.
Kane County
CRAFT FAIR, SILENT AUCTION & BAKE SALE, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 14, St. Peters Lutheran Church North Plato, 43W301 Plank Road, Hampshire. Turkey casserole lunch 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ($7 adults, $3 children). Proceeds benefit the church preschool and missionary work. Free admission. Information: 847-464-5721.
DOORWAY TO THE HOLIDAYS CRAFT FAIR & TURKEY LUNCHEON, 23rd annual, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 7, Good Shepherd Christian Life Center, 195 Nesler Road, Elgin. Homemade craft items, bake sale and cookie walk. Turkey luncheon 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: 847-741-7795.
McHenry County
ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 14, The Fountains of Crystal Lake, 965 N. Brighton Circle West, Crystal Lake. Information: 815-477-6582.
ANNUAL HOLIDAY BAZAAR, 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 6 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 7, Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, 10805 Main St., Huntley. Decorations, knitted/crocheted items, kitchen/wood items, toys, doll clothes, greeting cars, bakery goods, silent auction and more. Information: 847-669-9448.
HOLIDAY GIFT BAZAAR, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 17-18, Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St., Algonquin. Fundraiser for the Algonquin Preschool featuring many vendors. Information: 847-658-2232.
HOLIDAY ONE-STOP SHOP & FUNDRAISER, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 14, Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way, Huntley. Featuring Pampered Chef, Homemade Gourmet, Tupperware, Tastefully Simple, Mary Kay, Lia Sophia, Discovery Toys and more. Proceeds benefit Faith Community Care Ministries including the food pantry, Coats for Kids event and Feed My Lambs. Free admission. Information: 224-523-1608.
HOLIDAY VENDOR & CRAFT FAIR, fourth annual, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 7, Joyful Harvest Church, 5050 Johnsburg Road, Johnsburg. Also featuring raffle items and Sunday school students bake sale. Information: 847-497-4569.
SETON CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY BAZAAR, 30th annual, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 21, Crystal Lake South High school, 1023 McHenry Ave., Crystal Lake. Juried show featuring more than 75 crafters, bake and candy sale, raffles, food court and more. Information: 815-477-9258.
Regional
A HOLIDAY HAPPENING CRAFT & ART FAIR, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 7 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 8, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Featuring 150 exhibits of handcrafted items from a five-state area. Admission: $350 adults, free for children 12 (online discount coupon available), free for children younger than 12. Information: 815-878-2728 or www.craftproductions.yackley.org.
CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW, 30th annual, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 14 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 15, Sandwich High School, Sandwich Middle School and Lynn Haskins Grade School, South of Route 34 on Wells, Lions and Dayton Street, Sandwich. Featuring 150 crafters, bake sale, door prizes, lunch available. Shuttle bus service between schools. No strollers. Admission: $2 benefits band programs. Information: 630-466-4546.
WONDERFUL WORLD OF CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW, 21st annual, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 8, Genoa-Kingston High School, 980 Park Ave. (Route 72), Genoa. More than 75 area crafters and businesses will feature furniture, hand-painted apparel, candles, bake sales, food booths and more. Santa will visit 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Admission: $1 adults, 50 cents children. Proceeds benefit the high school scholarship fund. Sponsor: Genoa Community Women’s Club. Information: 815-761-0515.
AUDITIONS
Kane County
ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Nov. 12 and Nov. 14, Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. ECC Musical Theatre auditions for the spring production of “Seussical.” Prepare a musical number from any Broadway show and bring sheet music for provided accompanist. Comfortable attire. Open auditions: 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 12 and 1 p.m. Nov. 14 (ages 16-60); 10 to 11 a.m. Nov. 14 (ages 10-16). Appointments: 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 12 and 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (ages 16-60). Callbacks 7 p.m. Nov. 18. Appointments and information: Tanya Moore, 847-530-3264; tlbmoore@aol.com or www.eccartscenter.com.
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
CHORAL-AIRES CHORUS, featuring a series of guest nights 7 to 10 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 9 through Dec. 14, Elmhurst Presbyterian Church, 367 Spring Road, Elmhurst. Women of all ages who love to sing and perform are invited to join the chorus to prepare for the group’s guest appearance in the Dec. 19 Christmas show. Information: 630-665-8387 or www.choral-aires.org.
AUTO EVENTS
Regional
SKIP’S AUTO/TRUCK PARTS SWAP MEET, 17th annual, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 1, Lake County Fairgrounds, Route 45 & 120 Belvidere Road, Grayslake. Collectible cars also for sale. Admission: $7 adults, $2 children ages 6-11, free for children younger than 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.
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.
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.
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: Oct. 30-31, Michael Palascak & Prescott Tolk.
McHenry County
GREENROOM THEATER, Cosman Cultural Center, 12015 Mill St., Huntley. Schedule: 7 p.m. Nov. 7, 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. 30-Nov. 1, Jeremy Hotz ($17, $20).
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: Oct. 30-31, Dr. Bill Miller.
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.
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.
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. Schedule: Oct. 30-31, Dan Chopin.
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.
BALLROOM DANCE CLASSES, McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Offered by the MCC Continuing Education Department. Schedule: 7 to 8 p.m. or 8 to 9 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 30 through Dec. 18, Ballroom Dance ($125 a couple); 9 to 10 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 30 through Dec. 18, Intermediate Ballroom Dance ($125 a couple). Information: 815-458-8559. Registration: 815-455-8588.
DANCE! with Frank & Jackie Penze, ballroom, Latin and swing dance instructors, 847-639-8699. Cary Park District: 12:45-2:15 p.m. 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 Dec. 9, Beginning Cha Cha, Waltz, Swing, Rumba; 7 to 8:15 p.m. to Dec. 10, Advanced Rumba, East Coast Swing, Waltz, Cha Cha; 8:15 to 9:30 p.m. Intermediate Cha Cha, Rumba, Waltz, Intro to Lindy Hop, at Rotary Building in Veteran Acres Park, 131 N. Walkup, Crystal Lake. Cost: $99 couple resident, $114 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. 30 to Dec. 11, Beginning Salsa, Waltz, Swing, Rumba; 7:30-8:30 p.m. Intermediate East Coast Swing, Waltz, Salsa, Rumba ($70 resident, $80 non-resident); 8:30-10 p.m. Advanced Salsa, Rumba, Waltz, American Tango ($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 Dec. 8, Beginning Swing, Salsa, Fox Trot, Tango, Rumba; 9 to 10 p.m. Intermediate Salsa, Fox Trot, Rumba, Samba, at American Stars of Dance Studio, 133 Cedar Ave. ($90 a couple). Call 847-838-1234. McHenry Parks: 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 14, workshop for Waltz & Cha Cha, 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: Nov. 7, Chilly Cha Cha & Silent Auction (Cha Cha 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
“PLAID TIDINGS”: Nov. 11 through Dec. 27, Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage Theater, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Noble Fool Theatricals presents the funny and nostalgic “Forever Plaid” holiday spectacular. Schedule: 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 5 & 8:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $29 Wednesdays through Fridays, $39 Saturdays and Sundays. Matinees: 2 p.m. Dec. 2-3, 9-10; and 10 a.m. Dec. 19. No performances Nov. 26, Dec. 24 or Dec. 25. Dinner show packages available at $49 and $59. Tickets and information: 630-584-6342; www.noblefool.org or www.ticketmaster.com.
McHenry County
“ASK ANY GIRL”: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6-7, Marian Central Catholic High School, 1001 McHenry Ave., Woodstock. Comedy by Winifred Wolfe presented by Marian Central Catholic High School. Meg Wheeler, a recent college graduate, has her eye set on the ultimate prize: a husband. She persuades her parents into allowing her move to New York where she attempts to make herself irresistible to the dashingly handsome but lazy brother of the head of an advertising agency. Tickets: $8 adults, $4 seniors and students available at the door. Information: 815-338-4220.
“BACKSTAGE”: 7 p.m. Nov. 6-7 and 2 p.m. Nov. 8, Richmond-Burton Community High School Auditeria, 8311 N. Route 31, Richmond. Presented by the Richmond-Burton Community High School Drama Club. Laura Armbruister is posing as her own substitute teacher because the school administration wants to put an end to all this drama nonsense, but they can't close down the upcoming play until they find Ms. Armbruister to fire her. Meanwhile, fellow teacher and admirer, Steve Clarkson is doing what he can to help Laura keep her job. But one of the students gets the wrong idea and thinks the two teachers are eloping at lunchtime! Tickets: $7 adults, $5 seniors and students at 815-678-6585.
“CHARLOTTE’S WEB”: Oct. 30 through Nov. 15, Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. Steel Beam Children’s Theatre musical about Wilbur the Pig who is saved from the slaughterhouse by the magical friendship of Charlotte the Spider. Schedule: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 10:30 a.m., 1 & 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $12 adults, $10 age 16 and younger at 630-587-8521 or www.steelbeamtheatre.com.
“HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL”: Oct. 30 through Nov. 8, Huntley High School Performing Arts Center, 13719 Harmony Road, Huntley. Students ages 8-18 of Christian Youth Theater Chicago (McHenry) present Disney’s “High School Musical.” Schedule: 9:30 & 11:45 a.m. Oct. 29; 7 p.m. Oct. 30; 2 & 6 p.m. Oct. 31; 2 p.m. Nov. 1; 9:30 & 11:45 a.m. Nov. 3; 7 p.m. Nov. 6; 2 & 6 p.m. Nov. 7; 2 p.m. Nov. 8. Tickets: $8-$12 in advance, $2 extra at the door. Tickets and information: 847-516-2298 or www.cytchicago.org.
“LEADING LADIES”: Nov. 6-22, Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. TownSquare Players presentation. Two English Shakespearean actors are down on their luck. When they hear an elderly lady in York, Pennsylvania is about to die and leave the majority of her fortune to two long-lost nephews, they decide to pass themselves off as her beloved relatives and get the cash. 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.
“LITTLE WOMEN”: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5-7 and 2 p.m. Nov. 8, Johnsburg High School, 2002 W. Ringwood Road, Johnsburg. Presented by Johnsburg High School Theatre. Musical version of the classic story about the March sisters. Tickets: $10 adults, $7 seniors and students available at the door. For reserved seat tickets, call: 815-385-9233.
“MAME”: 7 p.m. Nov. 12-14 and 1:30 p.m. Nov. 15, Drendall Ballroom of Sun City Huntley, 12940 Del Webb Blvd., Huntley. Musical version of “Auntie Mame” presented by the Theatre Company of Sun City. Story of an eccentric, wealthy woman from New York raising her Midwestern nephew, Patrick, her only living relative, after his father dies. Tickets: $15 adults, $10 children 12 and younger at 847-515-8545 or 847-515-1583.
Regional
“1-2-3 IMAGINE! WITH ELMO & FRIENDS”: 7 p.m. Nov. 10; 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 11, MetroCentre, 300 Elm St., Rockford. Sesame Street Live touring production. When Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and friends wish to visit exciting locations, Sam the mail carrier shares her secret on how they can do it as easy as 1-2-3 Imagine! Tickets: $10, $13, $18 at 815-968-5222 or www.metrocentre.com.
FRED GARBO INFLATABLE THEATRE, 7 p.m. Nov. 7, Ramsey Auditorium in Wilson Hall at Fermilab, Pine Street at Kirk Road, Batavia. Blends classic vaudeville shtick with new inventions to surprise, engage and amuse the audience. Special free workshop with Mr. Freeze at 6 p.m. Tickets: $26 adults, $13 ages 18 and younger at 630-840-2787 or www.fnal.gov/culture.
Chicago
“DOOBY DOOBY MOO”: through Dec. 6, Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. Children’s musical based on the book by Doreen Cronin. Lifeline Theatre KidSeries presentation. The county fair is coming and the grand prize in the talent competition is a trampoline. Duck wants that prize, but with Farmer Brown watching around every corner, how will he hold singing and dancing rehearsals for Cow, Pig and Ewe? Schedule: 1 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $12 at 773-761-4477 or www.lifelinetheatre.com.
“GOSSAMER”: Nov. 5 through Dec. 5, Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble St., Chicago. By Lois Lowry. Presented by Adventure Stage Chicago. Story explores the power of dreams and the magical creatures that create them using colorful projections and enchanting puppetry. Recommended for ages 8 and older. Previews: 10:30 a.m. Nov. 5-6. Preview tickets: $10. Performance schedule: 10:30 a.m. weekdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays. Tickets: $17 adults, $12 children ages 14 and younger, $8 school groups at 773-342-4141 or www.adventurestage.org.
“THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET”: through Nov. 1, Steppenwolf Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago. By Tanya Saracho and based on the novel by Sandra Cisneros. The play recounts a young girl’s colorful memories of growing up in one of Chicago’s culturally-diverse neighborhoods. Presented by Steppenwolf for Young Adults. Schedule: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 3 & 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays (10 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays for school groups only). Tickets: $20 adults, $15 students at 312-335-1650 or www.steppenwolf.org.
FILM
McHenry County
REGAL SHOWPLACE 16, 5000 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake. Schedule: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 4, “Hillsong United: We’re All in This Together” International Christian Music event. Tickets: $15 at 815-455-1005 or www.fandango.com.
Regional
GENESEE THEATRE FILM SERIES, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Schedule: 1 & 6 p.m. Oct. 31, “ET;” 2 & 7 p.m. Nov. 5, “American Graffiti.” 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. 30, “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” “Loren Cass,” “The Hurt Locker,” “Harmony and Me;” Oct. 31, “The Hurt Locker,” “Harmony and Me,” “Loren Cass,” “Kandahar,” “The Iranian Cinematographers;” Nov. 1, “The Iranian Cinematographers,” “Harmony and Me,” “Loren Cass,” “Kandahar;” Nov. 2, “Harmony and Me,” “The Hurt Locker,” “Loren Cass;” Nov. 3, “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” “Harmony and Me,” “Loren Cass;” Nov. 4, theater closed; Nov. 5, “Harry Dodge and Stanya Kahn,” “Loren Cass,” “Harmony and Me,” “The Hurt Locker.
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 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.
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.
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: 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 8, Volunteer Party for those who helped out at the farm.
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.
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.”
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. Nov. 8, Critter Camp featuring Rats & Mice, Hamsters & Gerbils.
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. Check the web site for a variety of home school 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: 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 7, Smashing Pumpkins.
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 packages available.
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. Self-guided interior tours available 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday and Saturday through Monday through December. Interior house tour admission: $15 adults, $12 seniors and youth ages 4-17, free for children ages 3 and younger.
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. 1, Scarecrow Trail; through Nov. 11, Birth of Coffee exhibition; 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.
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, 2010, Bertha Honoré Palmer.
DANK-HAUS GERMAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER, 4740 N. Western Ave., 4th Floor, Chicago, 773-561-9181 or www.dankhaus.com. Schedule: through October 2011, Lost German Chicago exhibition.
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 Feb. 28, 2010, Bunce Island: A British Slave Castle in Sierra Leone; through March 28, 2010, The Nature of Diamonds; 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; You! The Experience, 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.
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; through Feb. 14, 2010, Rastros y Cronicas: Women of Juarez.
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 Nov. 1, 10th Anniversary Celebration with 10 free days filled with daily programs for the whole family; 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: 6 to 10 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. Oct. 30, Spooky Seas annual family Halloween celebration ($25 child/adult evening only, $20 Shedd members, free for children ages 2 and younger; $60 overnight child age 5 or older/adult, $50 Shedd members with registration required at 312-692-3206).
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. Schedule: Nov. 6-29, Pastes by Tatijana Jacenkiew art exhibit, with a 7 p.m. Nov. 6 opening reception.
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.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Kane County
BAL MASQUE GALA, Nov. 1, Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Featuring a masquerade ball theme benefit for the Elgin Choral Union with food prepared by the Elgin Community College Culinary Arts program. Formal wear is optional, costumes and masks encouraged. Schedule: 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. "Overture"with gourmet hors d'oeuvres (tickets $30); 5:30 to 8 p.m. "Finale" includes a three-course dinner served in the ECC Spartan Restaurant, live and silent auctions (tickets $80); $100 both events. There is also a 3:30 p.m. Elgin Choral Union concert between the Overture and Finale (tickets $23 adults, $18 seniors, $15 students, $5 children). Tickets and information: 847-622-0300 or www.elginchoralunion.ort.
McHenry County
MONSTER BASH, 6 p.m. Oct. 31, McHenry VFW, 3002 W. Route 120, McHenry. A celebration of life after cancer featuring three live bands, costume contest, silent auction, raffles, prizes and more. Benefit for Tony “C,” a local musician afflicted with cancer. Admission: $5 donation. Food available. Proceeds will help pay his medical expenses not covered by insurance. Information: LueDayton@yahoo.com.
TOYS FOR TATS HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE, Nov. 1-29, Redwood’s Wildside Tattoo, 9307 Highway 12, Richmond. Accepting new, unwrapped toys to be distributed to area children. No tattoo required to participate. All donations welcome and appreciated. Information: 815-678-4600.
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: 8 a.m. Nov. 7, Bird Walk at McHenry Dam.
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: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 7, Bog Saunters; 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 7, Dried Prairie Flower Arranging; 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 8, Mammals of Volo Bog (age 6 and older).
Chicago
HOWARD ZINN, 7 p.m. Nov. 7, University of Chicago, Mandel Hall, 1132 E. 57th St., Chicago. Author Howard Zinn will speak on “The Power of the People” at the national convention of the Campaign to end the Death Penalty. Tickets: $10. For tickets and information, visit: www.nodeathpenalty.org.
KICKOFF FOR THE CURE: SALUTING THE LEGACY OF WALTER PAYTON, 10th annual, 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. Nov. 7, Soldier Field, 200 N. Columbus Drive, Chicago. Gala features music and dancing courtesy of City Lights Orchestra silent and live auctions. Mike Adamle, NBC 5 Chicago sports anchor, will emcee. Guest speaker will be author Don Yeager. Host: Walter Payton Center Guild at the University of Illinois Medical Center. Proceeds benefit liver and gastrointestinal disease research, education and patient care. Tickets: $300 a person at 312-996-0141 or www.wpcguild.org.
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