WEEKEND+ for Thursday 5/11 to Wednesday 5/17.

THIS WEEK:  Chicagoland Events  | Fairs and Festivals  | Fitness / Charity Race Events |  Summer Fun Starts Here | On Stage |   And More!

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HAPPY MOTHER DAY

This week’s Chicagoland Area Events…

FRIDAY, MAY 12

• CONCERT Spring Concert – The Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale will present “Dream of Flight”. 7:30PM.
  

  

  College Church, Wheaton. More info at gewchorale.org           

• PLANTS Spring Flower and Plant Sale – Annuals in pots. flats, premium hanging baskets and more. 12-5PM. Bloomingdale Park District Maintenance Building. bloomingdalegardenclub.org
• THEATER Alyce In Wonderland – Presented by Illinois Youth Dance Theatre. Crystal Lake. Rauecenter.org
• ACCESSIBLE Accessible Birding – Making birdwatching available to all. Slower pace and hard surfaces to accommodate wheelchairs and walking aids. 11AM. Cantigny Park. Cantigny.org
• ART Art on the Mart – The 30-minute program of projections will be shown nightly at 8:30 and 9:00 p.m. thru May 14. artonthemart.com
• EXHIBIT Inspiration Faberge: Gemstone Carving – Through June 18. Features carvings of birds, animals and flowers in Germany and Russia. Lizzadro Museum. Oak Brook. Lizzadromuseum.org
• EXHIBIT Ready, Set, Go! Lake County’s Racing History – Inspired by local racing artifacts, the exhibit examines boat, motor and foot racing in Lake County. Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County. Through 9/5. Libertyville. Lcfpd.org
• EXHIBIT Of the Earth – Explore 5 exclusive works from naturally downed reclaimed tree branches and other natural materials. Included with timed-entry admission. Morton Arboretum, Lisle. mortonarb.org
• NATURE Spring Bird Walk – May is the month for songbird migration. Bring binoculars to Independence Grove for a walk with a skilled birder. 7-9AM. Libertyville. lcfpd.org

SATURDAY, MAY 13

• ADULTS Ballpark Brew Fest – 100+ beers and 50 breweries. 2-6PM. Wintrust Fields, Schaumburg. Tickets and info at ballparkbrewfest.com
• ADULT McHenry Downtown Spring Sip – Stroll McHenry’s downtown and visit a variety of shops, enjoy sipping wines at each. 1-5PM. Business.mchenrychamber.com
• ADULTS Barrington Wine Walk – Enjoy a “Sipping Saturday” while visiting many unique stores. 2-6PM. Downtown Barrington. purchase tickets in advance at barringtonchamber.com
• CONCERT Spring Concert – The Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale will present “Dream of Flight”. 7:30PM. College Church, Wheaton. More info at gewchorale.org
• FAMILY Cultural Crossroads Celebration – Celebration of cultural diversity featuring performances and special guests. Elmhurst History Museum Elmhurst. Elmhursthistory.org
• FAMILY Coppelia – A&A Ballet’s PJ Party, World Premiere & Ballet Favorite. 2PM. Athenaeum Theater, Chicago. aacenterfordance.org
• FAMILY Schaumburg Park District 60th Anniversary Celebration – Food, entertainment, family activities and more. 4PM-Dusk. Bock Park, Schaumburg. Parkfun.com
• FAMILY Spring Fun Fest – Visit Parkway Bank Park for an afternoon for fun-filled outdoor activities, such as bounce houses and petting zoo. Free. 1-5PM. Rosemont. Rosemont.com
• MOVIE Drive-In-Movie: Happy Gilmore – Rent a golf cart to watch a movie at the White Pines Driving Range. Movie starts at Dusk. Bensenville. Bvilleparks.org
• NATURE Wildflower Walk – Join a naturalist to view many wildflowers. Ages 16 and up. 10–11:30AM. napervilleparks.org
• OUTDOORD Mother’s Day Celebration – Bring the kids to Heritage Farm to create a handmade flower gift for mom and stay to enjoy the grounds. 12-3PM. Free. Schaumburg. Parkfun.com
• OUTDOOR Spring Fling and Market – A day of spring activities and a greenhouse tour. 10AM-4PM. Cantigny Park. Wheaton. Cantigny.org
• PLANTS Spring Flower and Plant Sale – Annuals in pots and flats, premium hanging baskets, grasses and more. 9 AM-5PM. Bloomingdale Park District Maintenance Building, 259 Springfield. bloomingdalegardenclub.org

Happy Mother’s Day                      

SUNDAY, MAY 14

• ADULT Mother’s Day Celebration – Bring the kids to Heritage Farms to create a handmade flower gift for mom and stay for the grounds and trails. 12-3PM. Heritage Farm. Schaumburg. Parkfun.com
• BRUNCH Mother’s Day Brunch – Brunch buffet in the Grand Ballroom of the Chevy Chase Country Club. 11:30AM-2PM. Wheeling. Wheelingparkdistrict.com
• FAMILY Mother’s Day Brunch and Flowers – Brunch and beautiful surroundings at Blackberry farm. 10:30AM-12PM. Aurora. Blackberryfarm.info
• NATURE Healing Gardens – A two-acre expanse of woodland and perennial gardens. 11 AM-4 PM. 2nd Sunday of the month May thru October. Stone Hill Farm, St. Charles. Fee. healinggardensatstonehillfarm.com
• ART Bloomingdale Artists Association Exhibit and Reception – Featuring a diversity of talent and artistic media. Bloomingdale Park District Museum. May 7 through June 4. Contact Lois bpetrosius@gmail.com for more information. Villageofbloomingdale.org

MONDAY, MAY 15

• CONCERT Handbell Concert – Chicago Bronze English Handbell Ensemble performs at Friendship Village. 3PM. Schaumburg. Chicagobronze.org

TUESDAY, MAY 16

• EDUCATION ONLINE Let’s Talk About It: Approaching Uncomfortable Conversations About Mental Health – Maggie Nash, Director of Mental Health Education discusses strategies to begin this difficult conversation. 11AM-12PM. Nsymca.org
• FAMILY Spring Fest – Food, jewelry, pottery, art, health products, books and more. 9A-5PM.  Lithuanian World Center Picnic Grounds, Lemont. lcenter.org/events/spring-fest
• FUNDRAISER Taco Crawl Aurora – Marie Wilkinson food pantry hosts the spring Taco Crawl fundraiser. 4-8PM. Tickets required. Mariewilkinsonfoodpantry.org
• LECTURE ONLINE Learning and Growing Through Nature Play: Past, Present and Future – Dave Becker highlights past, present and future trends of nature play and its importance. Sponsored by Brookfield Zoo. Czs.org

This week’s  Fair’s and Festival’s…

• Buffalo Creek Brewing Maifest – 5/12-13. Spring’s answer to Oktoberfest. Buffalocreekbrewing.com
• Aurora Greenfest – 5/13. 10AM-4PM. Learn about being green and living sustainably. Aurora. Auroragreenfest.com
• Spring Fun Fest – 5/13. Outdoor family activities, bounce houses, petting zoo and live entertainment. Rosemont. Parkwaybankpark.com

Upcoming Fair’s and Festival’s…

Blooming Fest | May 20 – 9AM-3PM. Downtown garden festival, includes West Chicago Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale along with over 50 gardens, craft vendors, kidZone, live music, food vendors and more! Downtown West Chicago. www.westchicago.org/Blooming-fest

Fairs and Festivals (May ~ June)

This week’s Fitness / Charity Race Events…

THURSDAY, MAY 11

• USole Four Mile Classic Run/Walk. Chicago. universalsole.com

SATURDAY, MAY 13

• Elim Eagles’ Wings 5K Run, Walk, and Roll. Crestwood. elimcs.org
• Pink 5K Run/Walk. Oak Brook. obparks.org
• Highlander Assault 4, 8, 12 and 24-Mile Obstacle Course Races. Holiday Hills. highlanderassault
• Lemont Quarryman Challenge. Lemont. quarrymanchallenge.com
• Starved Rock Country Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K. Ottawa.starvedrockcountrymarathon.org
• Color Run 2K. Arlington Heights. Saltcreekpd.com

SUNDAY, MAY 14

• Mother’s Day 5k and Kids’ Run. Barrington. allcommunityevents.com/mothersday5k

Upcoming Fitness/Charity Races…

Western Springs 46th Annual Tower Trot – Sat. 5/27 8:30 AM. 10K, 5K, & Fun Run, plus Double Run (10K & 5K). Benefits Healing Hearts for Ashley. Grand Avenue Community Center, 4211 Grand Avenue, Western Springs. 708-246-9070. www.wsprings.com/towertrot

Fitness / Charity (May ~ June)

Summer Fun Starts Here…

No matter your age, the summer season has wonderful things to partake in. We’ve gathered many great activities in this issue to add to your bucket list. The summer fun starts here…

Kane County Cougars ~ HOME OPENER THURSDAY, MAY 11. There’s something special for everyone at a Cougars game! Bring the entire family and join the best fans in baseball as the Kane County Cougars play their fifty-game home schedule at beautiful Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva. Since 1991, the Cougars have been at the forefront of affordable family-fun, great food and fireworks. Every Cougars game is packed with exciting baseball action and between inning on-field events and contests. Select games feature post-game fireworks and free pre-game concerts in the music garden. And, the youngsters will love the Cougar’s Kid Zone. Visit www.KCCOUGARS.COM for more information or call 630-232-8811.

Spend the Day in Downtown Lemont ~ Lemont has the most picturesque terrain in Chicago and the best outdoor activities in the Midwest. Bike along the canal to The Forge to zipline through their world-class aerial courses. Grab a beer from Pollyanna, indulge in a pizza from Wooden Paddle, or stop by one of the taverns or shops housed in iconic limestone buildings. Lemont’s signature summer events include Car Shows, Sunset Soiree concerts, and more. Plan your visit at www.lemontdowntown.com.

Brew Avenue Events ~ Calling all Foodies! We bring the region’s best Food Trucks together at events throughout the suburbs. Join us Brew Avenue Events ~ Calling all Foodies! We bring the region’s best Food Trucks together at events throughout the suburbs. Join us May 6, May 26,  & June 10 and June 24 at our festivals in Naperville, North Aurora, Montgomery & Deer Park! Each event has a unique food truck lineup to tempt your taste buds plus vendors, activities, craft beer, music and more! Looking to bring a food truck to your corporate or private event? We are your food truck broker – booking any type of truck is easy with Brew Avenue Events. Visit us at www.brewavenueevents.com for details & festival info. at our festivals in Naperville, North Aurora, Montgomery & Deer Park! 

Volo Museum ~ The world-famous Volo Museum’s 45 exhibits guarantees to have something rare and amazing for everyone including hundreds of rotating classic and modern collector cars, movie/TV vehicles, an indoor dinosaur experience, a carousel hall, ice cream parlor, military museum, Disney Gallery and one of the largest antique malls in the midwest. This spring check out our new Titanic Experience, Hollywood Train Museum, train tours of the property, a mini golf course, animatronic ice age exhibit and an all new party/event space for up to 100 people! Open daily 10a to 5p. Visit www.volofun.com. 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo, IL. 

Downtown Naperville Alliance ~ A Great Gift for Moms, Dads, Grads… and Everyone Else On Your List! Downtown Naperville gift cards are accepted at 150+ downtown merchants and make for excellent gifts for anyone on your list! Moms, dads, grads…and don’t forget gifts for teachers and coaches too! Spring is the perfect time to do some shopping for yourself as well. Downtown Naperville has a wonderful mix of locally owned boutiques and big-name stores for your spring shopping adventures! For more information, visit www.downtown naperville.com!

Celebrate the summer in Tinley Park ~ Stock up on the sunscreen now, because Tinley Park is bringing the fun this summer! Those who love live concerts will want to come to Music in the Plaza, and classic car aficionados won’t want to miss Cruise Nights. Add in the Block Party and the Independence Day Celebration in July, the Farmers Market on Saturdays, the ongoing Benches on the Avenue, and the Art and Garden Market in May, and summer fun is a sure thing here in Tinley Park! www.TinleyPark.org/SpecialEvents

Mountain View Adventure Center, Des Plaines Park District ~ Open daily, our 18-hole mini-golf course is fun for all ages!  Practice your swing at our 6 batting cages. Skate Park for boards, bikes and blades. Group reservations are available. 510 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL. 847-391-5733. www.DPParks.org

Lake Park Golf Course & Marina, Des Plaines Park District ~ This sporty 18-hole, par-3 has beautiful greens and strategically placed bunkers, all set around picturesque Lake Opeka. At the north end of the beautiful 73-acre Lake Park, the marina offers paddle boat, kayak, and swan boat rentals, and special events all season. 1015 Howard Avenue, Des Plaines, IL. 847-391-5730. www.DPParks.org   | Golf Course | Marina

Fischer Farm Fun ~ Among the oldest remaining homesteads in DuPage County, Fischer Farm was established in 1836, and the property is home to three pre-Civil War structures. Through the years, the family-built barns and then a large farm house in 1919. The grounds, open daily dawn-dusk, are home to summer camps, Little Lambs, campfires and campouts and special events. It’s open for volunteers the second Saturday each month as well as for birthdays and special event rentals. www.BvilleParks.org/FischerFarm

Sonny Acres Farm ~ Summer Fun is ON at Sonny Acres! In addition to Spring flowers and outdoor amusements, the farm is proud to present the Sonny Acres Pro Rodeo experience Father’s Day weekend (June 17/18). The weekend will feature Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Saddle Bronc Riding, Girls Breakaway Roping, Cowgirls Barrel Racing, Bull Riding and more. Tickets on sale online now at www.sonnyacres.com. 29W310 North Ave., West Chicago, IL 60185. (630) 231-3859

Reed’s Canoe Trips ~ Reed’s Canoe and Kayak Trips are an ideal recreational activity for groups of any size, from a family adventure to large church, school, or park district outing with an adventure close to home. The three trips we offer range in length from approximately 2 hours to a full 6 hours on the water, and are suitable for either new or experienced canoeists. Since the Kankakee River is located only an hour south of Chicagoland, even our longest trip will fit into a one-day outing! 907 N. Indiana Ave, Rt. 50, Kankakee, IL  Call for information or reservations: (815)WE CANOE or visit: www.reedscanoetrips.com

Aurora Downtown ~ Summer fun in Aurora has begun. Enjoy art, live music, and activities for all ages at First Fridays on the first Friday evening of the month (no July). Explore Music and Market on Stolp Avenue every Wednesday from July 12 to Aug. 16. Join the lively Stolp Block Party on Aug. 2. Alley Art Festival returns with fun for the whole family on August 26. Follow us on Facebook at Aurora Downtown. www.auroradowntown.org 

Cavalcade of Planes ~ Bolingbrook’s Clow International Airport’s open house event on June 3rd and 4th will include static displays of all types of airplanes, Warbirds, new planes, helicopters, Fly–in, Vietnam re-enactors, and others. The Museum will be open.  Various airplanes will be selling rides, including a warbird T-6, and helicopter and open cockpit Stearman. Food & drink throughout including the beer canteen. This is a great family event. Folding chairs blankets allowed. No tents or pets. For more information and online pre-sale tickets go to www.cavalcadeofplanes.com.

Arlington Heights invites you to join us this summer! ~ Discover some of the best boutique shopping in the Chicago area. Live music, theatre, and comedy are all showcased at the intimate Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, including Xanadu running from July 13th through August 19th. Enjoy free, family-friendly live music with the Sounds of Summer concert series. And savor Chicagoland’s best outdoor dining experience with Arlington Alfresco, beginning Friday, April 28th.  To learn more, visit www.DiscoverArlington.com!

Pottawatomie Park ~ The 47-acre Pottawatomie Park along the east bank of the Fox River in the heart of downtown St. Charles is a one-stop super fun destination. There’s truly something for everyone, from tennis buffs to golfing duffers, and from people who like to fish to those who swim like fish. In one summer day, you can golf, minigolf, swim, cruise on the river, have a snack, play tennis, sand volleyball, baggo, bocce ball and much more! www.stcparks.org/pottawatomie-park/ 

Camp Local! ~ Forest Preserve District of Kane County campgrounds are open May 1 – October 15. Visit the forest preserves and enjoy a quiet walk, picnic with friends and family, learn about nature, fish, golf, ride, or embark on a camping weekend. Big Rock Campground at Big Rock Forest Preserve, 46W499 Granart Rd., Big Rock. Paul Wolff Campground at Burnidge Forest Preserve, 38W235 Big Timber Rd., Elgin. Call our campground hotline at 630-444-1200 or visit www.kaneforest.com

Naper Settlement ~ Infrastructure: Creating 19th Century Clothing Then & Now. Explore the fascinating stories behind the creation and recreation of 19th-century clothing at Naper Settlement’s new exhibit from May-November. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to view rarely seen 19th-century clothing and accessories from both the Naperville Heritage Society and the Winnetka Historical Society’s costume collections. The exhibit is included in the museum’s general admission. General admission is free for Naperville residents with proof of residency. For more information, please visit NaperSettlement.org/Infrastructure.

Air Classics Museums of Aviation ~ Explore up close the history of military aviation from the 1930’s to the present.  Our outdoor airpark is the home to eleven aircraft including veterans of Vietnam and the Gulf War. The indoor exhibits include aviation memorabilia including aircraft engines, historical displays and a full-size interactive mockup of an Airbus A320 cockpit. A gift shop is on the premises. The museum is open Saturday & Sunday from 10:00AM to 3:00PM. Located at 44W546 W. US Rt. 30 Sugar Grove, just west of the Aurora Airport entrance. For more information, please call 630 466 0888 or visit www.airclassicsmuseum.org.   

Visit Kenosha ~ Plan a getaway to Kenosha, WI. You’ll find world-class museums to explore, and at least a half dozen places to create your own art as a family. Fresh air and fun go hand-in-hand with miles of hiking trails, bike paths, disk and traditional golf courses, baseball games and more! Enjoy adventure beyond the expected north of the border. For more info and to plan your trip, go to www.visitkenosha.com

Summer in Naperville ~ Explore Naperville for incredible events, summer fun and mouth-watering dining!  Discover talented artists at the Fine Art Festival or live music at Naper Nights. Enjoy the best of summer at our Classic Car Show, Ale Fest, Kite Festival, farmers markets or by simply dining alfresco.  Get active hiking, biking, kayaking, or paddle boating.  So many choices!  See www.VisitNaperville.com for event and attraction details, www.DineNaperville.com to explore our 300+ restaurants, or call the Naperville CVB at 630-305-7791.

The 2023 Video Game Summit ~ 80+ booths of classic and modern video game dealers as well-known people in the video game business like Q*bert Designer,’ Jeff Lee and Artist of Mortal Kombat, Paul Niemeyer. Plus, Arcades from Galloping Ghost Arcade. The Video Game Summit will be held at the McCook Athletic and Exposition at 4750 S. Vernon Avenue, McCook.IL 60525 on July 8th from10am to 5pm.  Admission $10.00. www.videogamesummit.net

Pirates’ Cove Children’s Theme Park,  Elk Grove Park District ~ Pirates’ Cove stimulates the imagination of children as they explore the attractions. A pirate ship is the centerpiece of the park, along with a merry-go-round, carousel and the Soarin’ Schooner ride. There’s a train ride, paddle boats, a plunge slide and more. Pirates’ Cove is open daily from June 3 to August 13 from 9am-2pm. It is always best to call ahead to make sure the Park is open; we do close for extreme weather conditions since we are an outdoor play space. The park serves ages one to nine, the admission charge is only $15 for children. Adults are always free. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food. It’s a great deal for the whole family. 901 Leicester Road, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. 847-439-COVE. www.elkgroveparks.org 

Midwest Pond & Koi Society ~ The Midwest Pond & Koi Society, MPKS, are families with a common hobby: koi ponds, garden ponds, koi keeping, and plants. MPKS members range from the novice to experienced water gardener. The club has monthly meetings with topics about plants, ponds, and fish. Other activities include; auctions, road trips, and a pond tour. You do not have to be a member to attend a meeting. Visit our web site www.mpks.org for more information.

On Stage

ON STAGE

George Williams College, Williams Bay, Wisconsin – Music by the Lake

• Linda Eder … June 27
• Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players … June 25
• Martina McBride … July 8
• Lake Geneva SymphonyOrchestra … July 16
• The Guess Who … July 22
• BritBeat … July 29

Des Plaines – Live at the Lake

• New bands weekly. 3 Locations: The Greens Series, 1015 Howard Avenue, Lake Park Clubhouse; The Central Park Series, 1555 E. Thacker Street, at the Gazebo; and The Pavilion Series 2200 Lee Street, at Fargo Avenue. Des Plaines, IL.

Overshadowed Theatrical Productions –

• Singin’ In The Rain … July 7-29

Concerts in the Park | 7pm Wednesdays in July – FREE
River Park, 151 N. River Lane, Geneva

• Good Clean Fun … July 5
• The Wayouts … July 12
• Wild Daisy … July 19
• Mr. Myers … July 26

Up and Coming Theatre and The Hemmens Cultural Center presents Fame.

• Fame … July 14, 15, 21 and 22

Denny Diamond Entertainment

Denny Diamond Lunch Shows…

• at White Fence Farm in Romeoville … May 11 and June 14
• at Fermenting Cellars Winery, Janesville, WI … June 28
• at Hickory Hall in Crystal Lake … July 7

STARLIGHT TOURS

STARLIGHT TOURS  provides Motorcoach transportation to many musical events and tours, such as…

• Barbara Streisand Tribute … July 24
• Galena Adventure … July 26
• Fergetaboutit Vineyar & Winery … August 29
• Marie Osmond Show … September 23 & 24
• French Lick Indiana … October 2-4

Summer Camp Source

It’s no exaggeration to say that the one event kids really look forward to all year is a Summer Camp.  Simply click Summer Camp Source to  find  many wonderful camps to pique your child’s interest and expand their abilities.

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