ART AND ANTIQUES
• BEAUTY BORN OF FIRE: THE ART OF GLASS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, through Sept. 26, Fine Line Creative Arts Center, Kavanagh Gallery, 6N158 Crane Road, St. Charles. The show will include the work of glass artists from the Fox Valley and Chicago area: Dean Allison, Chicago; Cheryl French, Aurora; Ellen Jung and Mizuhno Mishina, Geneva; Victoria Orrico and David Stevens, St. Charles; and Amanda Schleede, Glen Ellyn. Information: www.fineline.org.
• DAVID HETTINGER/JOHN CORNELISSEN: Sept. 4-20, Paramount Theater Grand Gallery, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Opening reception: 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 4.Information: 630-723-2465 or www.ParamountAurora.com.
• DAVID L. PIERCE ART AND HISTORY CENTER: Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, 20 E. Downer Place, Aurora. Donation: $3 adults, $1.50 students and seniors. Children younger than 12 and members admitted free. Information: 630-906-0654.
• FERMILAB ART GALLERY: Open before and after arts series events and by appointment, Kirk Road and Pine Street, Batavia. Information: www.fnal.gov/pub/Art_Gallery, georgia@fnal.gov or 630-840-6825.
Art in the Abstract: Through Sept. 23. Featured artists are Guy Bellaver, Kate Friedman, John Slavik, Shawn Slavik and Ana Zanic.
• FINE LINE CREATIVE ARTS CENTER: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 6N158 Crane Road, St. Charles. Information: www.finelineca.org or 630-584-9443.
• KANE COUNTY FLEA MARKET: First Saturday and Sunday of the month, March through December, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Kane County Fairgrounds, Randall Road between Routes 64 and 38, St. Charles. Admission: $5 each day. Children younger than 12 admitted free. Free parking. Information: 630-377-2252 or www.kanecountyfleamarket.com.
• NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Altgeld Hall, DeKalb. Information: 815-753-1936 or www.vpa.niu.edu/museum.
• ORLEANS STREET GALLERY: Noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays, noon to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays, Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Information: 630-524-5048 or art@OrleansStreetGallery.com.
• AURORA UNIVERSITY STUDENT ART EXHIBIT: Through September, Dunham Hall, 1400 Marseillaise Place, Aurora. Free. Information: 630-844-5402.
AUDITIONS
• "CHARLOTTE'S WEB": 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 15, Steel Beam Children's Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. Open to ages 9 to 16. Dress in comfortable clothing. Readings will be from the script and all actors will be taught a song. Tuition is $295 if cast. Performances will be weekends Oct. 30 through Nov. 15. Rehearsals will be Saturday mornings beginning Sept. 12. Information: 630-587-8521 or www.SteelBeamTheatre.com.
• "THE NUTCRACKER": 11 a.m. ages 5-6, noon ages 7-8, 1 p.m. ages 9-11, 2 p.m. ages 12 and older, 3 p.m. adults, Aug. 23, State Street Dance Studio, 9 N. Fourth St., Geneva. Arrive 20 minutes prior to adution, dress in ballet attire. Adults can wear comfortable clothing and leather soled street shoes. Rehearsals: Sept. 13-Nov. 29. Performances Dec. 19-20 at Norris Arts Center. Information and registration: 630-232-0444. Information: www.statestreetdancestudio.com.
• "THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW": 7:30 p.m. Aug. 30-31, Albright Theatre Company, Batavia Government Center, 100 N. Island Ave., Batavia. Auditions will be for six male and six female roles, teens to 40s, and will consist of cold readings from the script. Show dates are Oct. 16-17, 23-24. Information: 630-406-8838, www.albrighttheatre.com
• ACAPPELLAGO: By appointment. The a cappella chamber choir seeks singers, altos, sopranos, tenors and basses. Rehearsals are Sunday evenings at Naperville Congregational Church, 1 Bunting Lane. Appointments: 708-484-3797. Information: www.Acappellago.org.
• CONTEMPORARY CHILDREN'S CHOIR OF MCHENRY COUNTY: By appointment. Open to children in second through eighth grades who love to sing and live in McHenry County and surrounding areas. Members are divided into groups by experience and age. Information or appointments: 815- 356-6296 or www.mcmusic.org.
• DUPAGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: By appointment. Players are needed for all string sections and for select woodwind, brass and percussion sections, oboe, clarinet, trumpet, trombone and percussion. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings. Appointments: Barbara Schubert, 630-778-1003.
• ELGIN CHILDREN'S CHORUS: By appointment. Open to children with unchanged voices, ages 7 through 16. Rehearsals are Monday evenings at Elgin Community College. Information: wwwlelginchildrenschorus.org. Appointments: 847-931-7464 or akepley@elgin.edu.
• ELGIN CHORAL UNION: By appointment, Elgin Community College Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Room 191D. Bring three copies of audition music. Accompanist will be provided. Rehearsals are 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the college. Information or appointments: 847-214-7513 or 847-214-7225.
• FOX VALLEY FLUTES: By appointment. Open to middle school and high school students. Rehearsals are 3 to 4 p.m. Sundays at Aurora Christian School, 2255 Sullivan Road, Aurora. Information: www.fvyso.org.
• FOX VALLEY PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: By appointment. Open to string players. Information and appointments: Jamie Palmer, 630-879-8018 or e-mail musicdirector@fvacademy.org.
• FOX VALLEY YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: By appointment through Aug. 22. Openings for strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion. Information: www.fvyso.org or 630-879-8018.
• FOX VALLEY SWEDISH CHILDREN'S CHORUS OF ST. CHARLES: Open to children ages 7-14. No prior musical experience required. Rehearsals are in Geneva. Information: 630-365-0032.
• FOX VALLEY YOUTH SYMPHONY: By appointment. Positions are available for string, woodwind, brass and percussion students. Information: www.fvys.org or 630-879-8018.
• GIRL AND BOY CHOIRS: By appointment. Cantabile is a choir for girls ages 9-14, Dolce is for girls ages 6-9 and Forte is for boys ages 6-11. Information: Denise Beiermann, 847-464-1207.
• GLEN ELLYN-WHEATON CHORALE: By appointment. Open to men only. Rehearsals: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Information and directions: 630-415-3066.
• HEARTLAND VOICES: By appointment. Openings are in alto, tenor and bass sections. Appointments: 847- 429-9486. Information: www.heartlandvoices.org.
• SWEDISH AMERICAN CHILDREN'S CHOIR OF ST. CHARLES: Open to children ages 7-16. No musical experience required. The chorus is the largest of its kind in the Midwest and performs at many local venues. Information: 630-365-0032.
• WHEATON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Openings available in all voice parts but especially tenors and basses. Membership is open to high school, college and adult singers without audition. Application and information: 630-790-1430.
BARS/CLUBS/RESTAURANTS
• CHORD ON BLUES/RIVERSIDE ROADHOUSE: 106 S. First Ave., St. Charles.
• HOTEL BAKER: 8:30 p.m. 100 W. Main St., Rainbow Room, St. Charles. Cover: $10. Information: 630-845-5878 or www.hotelbaker.com.
• JAMBALAYA RESTAURANT: Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles. Karaoke, 10 p.m. Thursdays. Information: 630-584-6300.
• McNALLY'S IRISH PUB: 201 E. Main St., St. Charles. All bands start at 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Open Mic Nite, 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Live acoustic entertainment and Ladies Night, 8:30 p.m. Thursdays. Pub quiz, 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Schedule: Aug. 13, Acoustic Green; Aug. 14, Cirrus Falcon; Aug. 15, Boxx Elders; Aug. 20, Bill St. John; Aug. 21, 80's Untapped; Aug. 22, Automatic Fixx; Aug. 27, Cirrus Falcon; Aug. 28, Mike Heaton; Aug. 29, 1-Sam-10; Every Tuesday, Pub Trivia 8pm; Every Wednesday, Karaoke 9pm; Every Thursday, Ladies Night; Every Saturday, Live Music & Dinner from 5-8pm; 4 to 7 p.m. Sundays, Irish music icon Maurice Lennon & Friends. No cover charge. Information: 630-513-6300 or www.mcnallysirishpub.com.
• ONESTI DINNER CLUB/O LOUNGE: 18 N. Fourth St., St. Charles. Reservations: 630-584-1888. Information: www.oshows.com.
• OPEN MIC NIGHT: 7 to 9 p.m., last Thursday of the month, Starbucks, 1441 S. Randall Road, Geneva. Musicians of all levels welcome.
• PHEASANT RUN RESORT AND SPA: Bourbon Street Jazz, 8 to 11 p.m. Fridays; 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Information: 800-474-3272.
• PUB 222: Live entertainment Fridays and Saturdays, 222 W. Main St., St. Charles. No cover. Information: 630-584-4222.
• RIVER LANE PUB: Thursdays, karaoke; 65 N. River Lane, Geneva. Information: www.riverlanepub.com or 630-845-9633.
• ROOKIES ALL-AMERICAN PUB AND GRILL: Karaoke on Wednesdays, live bands on Saturdays monthly, 1545 W. Main St., St. Charles. Information: 630-513-0681 or www.rookiespub.com.
Cruise Night - St. Charles: 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays through August.
Cruise Night - Elgin: 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays through August, 1725 N. State St.
Car and Bike Show: Aug. 8 in Elgin, Sept. 12 in St. Charles.
• SERGIO'S CANTINA: Live entertainment Saturdays; 30 W. State St., Geneva. Information: 630-845-9200 or www.sergioscantina.com.
• SUGO ITALIAN RISTORANTE: 1307 E. Main St., St. Charles. No cover. Information: 630-377-3303.
• UPPER CLUB AT VILLA VERONE RESTAURANT: 416 Hamilton St., Geneva. Information: 630-232-2201 www.villaverone.net.
• THE VILLAGE SQUIRE: Entertainment: 7:30 to 11 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesday, 8:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, 480 Randall Road, South Elgin. Information: 847-931-0400 or www.thevillagesquire.com.
• WALTER PAYTON'S ROUNDHOUSE: 205 N. Broadway, Aurora. Schedule: Aug. 13: 7 p.m., Spoken Symphony; Aug. 14: 10 p.m., Painkiller Hotel; Aug. 15: 10 p.m., Mike & Joe; Aug. 16: 3:30 p.m., Sitticus, Without a Breath, Wyatt & American Autumn (ALL AGES); Aug. 19: 7 p.m., Fundamentals; Aug. 20: 7 p.m., Late Night Hooligans Riff Raff; Aug. 21: 10 p.m., DeadStockAudio; Aug 22: 10 p.m., Epic; Aug. 23: Just Sum Poets w/ Ray Silkman ; Aug. 26: 7 p.m., The Jim Warren Band; Aug. 27: 7 p.m., The Swing Assembly; Aug. 28: 10 p.m., ARRA / Lisa's Revenge; Aug. 29: 8:30 p.m., UFC 102 (Couture v. Nogueria) 10 p.m., 7th Heaven. Cover: $0-$10. Ages 21 and older only. Cover charge. Information: 630-264-2739.
COMEDY
• PAUL RODRIGUEZ: 8 p.m. Sept. 18, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $39.50-$49.50 at 630-896-6666 or Ticketmaster. Information: www.ParamountAurora.com.
• IMPROV: 7 p.m. Thursdays, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Fridays, 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Information: 847-240-2001 or www.chicagoimprov.com.
• THE SECOND CITY: 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 8 and 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. Sundays, 1616 N. Wells St., Chicago. Tickets: $17-$19 at 312-337-3992. Information: www.secondcity.com.
• WALTER PAYTON'S ROUNDHOUSE: 205 N. Broadway, Aurora. Schedule: Aug. 14: 8:30 p.m., Graham Elwood; Aug. 15: 8 p.m., Graham Elwood; Aug. 20: 8:30 p.m., New Talent Comedy Showcase;.Aug. 21: 8:30 p.m., Bob Jay w/ Jessica Richeson; Aug. 22: 8 p.m., Bob Jay w/ Jessica Richeson; Aug. 27: 8:30 p.m., Patti Vasquez w/ Brian Hicks; Aug 28: 8 p.m., Patti Vasquez w/ Brian Hicks
All shows are 21 and older. Thursday shows: $5. Friday and Saturday shows: $15. Reservations recommended: 630-264-2739.
• ZANIES COMEDY NITE CLUB - ST. CHARLES: 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 and 9:45 p.m. Fridays, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturdays, Pheasant Run Resort and Spa, North Avenue. Schedule: Aug. 13-14, Tim Cavanagh; Aug. 15, Walt Willey; Aug. 19-20 and 22, Larry Reeb; Aug. 21, Jamie Kaler; Aug. 16-19, Dave Goldstein and Andy Woodhull. Cover: $23-$25 and two food or beverage minimum. Information: 630-584-6342 or www.zanies.com.
CONCERTS
• CASEY MCGRATH: 7 p.m. Aug. 15, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Aurora. Benefits Fox Valley Philharmonic Orchestra. The program will include works by Dvorak, Beach, Barber and Franck and selections from George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess." Tickets: $10 at 800-838-3006 or www.fvyso.org. Information: 630-879-8018.
• ANI DIFRANCO: 7 p.m. Sept. 13, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $39.50 at 630-896-6666 or Ticketmaster. Information: www.ParamountAurora.com.
• BLUEGRASS JAM: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 20, Dickson-Murst Farm, 2550 Dickson Road, Montgomery, one mile east of Route 47, 2 miles west of Orchard Road. The event is an unstructured jam for bluegrass musicians with artists' displays and a quilt show. Rain or shine. Free. Information: Mary, 630-272-0686.
• CONCERTS IN THE PARK: 7 p.m., Lincoln Park gazebo, Main Street between Fourth and Fifth streets, St. Charles. Schedule: Aug. 13, Hello Dave; Aug. 20, Howard and the White Boys. In the event of rain, the concert will be moved to the Carson Pirie Scott court of Charlestowne Mall, 3800 E. Main St. Musicians are subject to change without notice. Information: www.stcparks.org or 630-513-6200.
• ELGIN OPERA: Kimball Street Theatre, Elgin Academy, 261 Dundee Ave., Elgin. Tickets: $18 adults, $15 seniors and students. Tickets and information: 847-695-5014 or www.elginopera.org.
• JOURNEY UNAUTHORIZED/SEASON KICK-OFF PARTY: Party, 4:30 to 7 p.m., concert 8 p.m. Sept. 11, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. The party is free to subscribers, $15 for nonsubscribers. Concert: $15 or $25 combination party/concert. Tickets: 630-896-6666 or Ticketmaster. Information: www.ParamountAurora.com.
• RANDY TRAVIS: 8 p.m. Sept. 4, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $48.50-$63.50 at 630-896-6666 or Ticketmaster. Information: www.ParamountAurora.com.
DANCING
• BALLET FOLKLORICO QUETZALCOTL: 7 p.m. Sept. 26, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $23.50 adults, $16.50 children at 630-896-6666 or Ticketmaster. Information: www.ParamountAurora.com.
• BACHELOR 'N' BACHELORETTES SQUARE DANCING CLUB: 8 to 10:30 p.m. second and fourth Fridays, Free Methodist Church, Third and Walnut streets, St. Charles, near Routes 64 and 31. Single dancers and couples invited. Information: 630-584-1343 or 630-896-7133.
• DANCE CONNECTION BALLROOM DANCE CLUB: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sundays, St Charles School of Dance, 1429 W. Main St., St. Charles. Information: Chris, 630-202-3222 or dupageflute@aol.com.
• ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING: 2 p.m. first Sunday of the month, Fermilab, Kuhn Barn, Sauk Boulevard, just north of Batavia Road, Batavia. Dances taught and walked through. New members invited. Partners not required. No admission fee; donations accepted. Information: 630-584-0825 or 630-840-8194, e-mail folkdance@fnal.gov or www.fnal.gov/orgs/folkclub/folkdance.html.
• FERMILAB FOLK CLUB: 6:30 p.m. second Sundays, 3 p.m. third Sundays, Warrenville Community Building, 3S240 Warren Ave., Warrenville. Group does not meet in summer. Traditional square and contra dancing featured. Co-sponsored by Fox Valley Folklore Society, Chicago Barn Dance Company and Warrenville Park District. Admission: $6 adults, $3 seniors older than 65 and children ages 12-18. Children younger than 12 admitted free. Information: 630-840-2061, 630-840-2971 or www.fnal.gov/orgs/folkclub.
• FERMILAB INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCERS: 7:30 to 10 p.m. Thursdays, Kuhn Barn, Sauk Boulevard, just north of Batavia Road, Fermilab, Batavia. Admission by donation. Newcomers invited. Previous experience and partners not required. Enter from east or west gates. Information: 630-584-0825 or 630-840-8194 or e-mail folkdance@fnal.gov or www.fnal.gov/orgs/folkclub/folkdance.html.
• FOX VALLEY MIXERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB: 8 to 10:30 p.m. second and fourth Saturdays, Baker Community center, 101 S. Second St., St. Charles. Information: 630-584-1194 or www.foxvalleymixers.org.
• SILK AND THISTLE SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Kuhn Barn, Sauk Boulevard, just north of Batavia Road, Fermilab, Batavia. Admission by donation. Newcomers invited. Previous experience and partners not required. Enter laboratory through east or west gate. Information: 630- 584-0825 or 630-840-8194 or e-mail folkdance@fnal.gov or www.fnal.gov/orgs/folkclub/folkdance.html.
• ST. CHARLES SINGLES CLUB LTD. DANCES: 7 to 11 p.m. second, fourth and fifth Mondays of the month, Riverside Receptions, 35 N. River Lane, Geneva. Open to ages 30 and older. Proper attire required. Admission: $6 members, $8 nonmembers on second and fourth Mondays; $8 members, $10 nonmembers on fifth Monday (live band.) Activities also include pinochle brunches, breakfasts, dinners, movies, game nights, house parties, trips and more. Information: 630-340-6647 or www.stcharlessinglesclub.com.
• TANTALIZING THURSDAYS: 8 p.m. Thursdays, La Sierra De Aurora Restaurant and Banquets, 2121 E. New York St., Aurora. Free salsa lesson offered. No gym shoes, caps or athletic wear. Open to ages 21 and older. Cover: $5. Information: Jed Walker, 630-251-3906, thebaron@sultrysalsa.com or www.sultrysalsa.com.
• TITILLATING TUESDAYS: 9 p.m. salsa lesson, 10 p.m. dancing, Blu Razz, 558 Randall Road, South Elgin. Open to ages 21 and older. Cover: $5. Information: 630-251-3906, thebaron@sultrysalsa.com or www.sultrysalsa.com.
• YORKVILLE BIG BAND: Information: 630-553-0153 or www.yorkvillebigband.com.
FESTIVALS
• ELBURN DAYS: Aug. 21-23. Sponsored by Elburn Lions Club. Information: www.elburnlions.com.
• MAPLE PARK FUN FEST: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 5. Information: Cathy Lay, 815-827-4018.
• FOX VALLEY FOLK MUSIC AND STORYTELLING FESTIVAL: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 6-7, Island Park, Geneva. Information: www.FoxValleyFolk.com.
• FESTIVAL OF THE VINE: Sept. 11-13, downtown Geneva. Information: www.genevachamber.com.
• SCANDINAVIAN DAY FESTIVAL: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 13, Vasa Park, Route 31, South Elgin. Traditional food, crafts, games, gifts and entertainment. Admisison: $10 adults. Children 12 and younger admitted free. Free parking. Rain or shine. Information: www.vasaparkil.com or 847-695-6720.
• ST. CHARLES SCARECROW FESTIVAL: Oct. 9-11, Lincoln Park, Main and Fourth streets, St. Charles. Information: 630-377-6161 or www.scarecrowfest.com.
• FISH BOIL/HARVEST FESTIVAL: 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 17, Vasa Park, Route 31, South Elgin. Fish boil at 2 p.m., served immediately. Music and entertainment offered Reservations by Oct. 10 at 847-695-6720. Information: www.vasaparkil.com.
• BATFEST: 10 a.m. Oct. 24, downtown Batavia and Riverwalk. Information: www.downtownbatavia.com.
MUSEUM EXHIBITS
• ADLER PLANETARIUM: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. first Friday of month, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Admission (exhibits only): $10 adults; $6 ages 4-17; $8 ages 65 and older. Information: www.adlerplanetarium.org.
Cosmic Collisions: 10:45 a.m., 12:15, 1:45 and 4 p.m. daily.
Fly Me to the Moon (3D Space Show): 11:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10:45 and 11:45 a.m., 12:45, 1:45, 2:45 and 3:45 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Skywatchers of Africa: 11:30 a.m., 1:130 and 3:30 p.m. daily.
The Zulu Patrol: Under the Weather: 10 a.m., 1 and 3:15 p.m. daily.
Time Space ... Time Travel Only at the Adler: 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. daily.
Night Sky Live!: 10:30 a.m., 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. daily.
• ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-443-3600 or visit www.artic.edu. Hours: Labor Day-Memorial Day: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Memorial Day through Labor Day: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission: $12 adults; $7 for students and seniors, free for children 12 and younger. Special exhibitions may require extra admission fee.
• AURORA HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, Aurora. Admission: $3 adults, $1.50 students and seniors. Members and children younger than 12 admitted free. Information: 630-906-0650 or www.aurorahistory.net.
• BATAVIA DEPOT MUSEUM: 2 to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 155 Houston St., Batavia. Exhibits relating to railroad history, Mary Todd Lincoln and local history are housed in an 1854 Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad depot. Other buildings are a turn-of-the-century gazebo, Burlington caboose and an 1856 bank. Donation: $1. Information: 630- 406-5274 or www.bataviahistoricalsociety.org.
• CANTIGNY PARK: 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Parking: $7 Tuesdays through Fridays, $8 Saturdays and Sundays. Information: www.cantignypark.com or 630-668-5161.
• CHICAGO CHILDREN'S MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Admission: $7 children and adults; $6 seniors; free for children younger than 1 and members. Information: 312-527-1000.
• CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays; 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago. Research center: (Through May 28) 1 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; (May 29 to Sept. 3) 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Admission: $14 adults, $12 seniors ages 65 and older and students ages 13-22. Free to members and children ages 12 and younger. Information: 312-642-4600 or www.chicagohistory.org.
• DUPAGE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. Admission: $7.50 ages 1-59; $6.50 ages 60 and older; free for members and children younger than 1. Information: 630-637-8000 or www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org.
• DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago. Admission: $3 adults, $2 students and seniors, $1 children ages 6-13. Children younger than 6 admitted free. Sundays free. Information: 773-947-0600.
• ELGIN PUBLIC MUSEUM: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays (Labor Day to Memorial Day), 225 Grand Blvd., Elgin. Admission: $2 adults, $1 children ages 3-11, $1.50 seniors ages 65 and older. Children ages 3 and younger admitted free. Information: 847-741-6655 or www.elginpublicmuseum.org.
• ELMHURST ART MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, 1 to 4 p.m. Fridays and Sundays, 150 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. Admission: $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 students. Members and children younger than 12 admitted free. Information: 630-834-0202 or www.elmhurstartmuseum.org.
• ELMHURST HISTORICAL MUSEUM: 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. Free admission. Information: 630-833-1457 and www.elmhurst.org/elmhurst/museum.
Visions of Home: Ongoing. The exhibit tells the story of Elmhurst from its beginnings as a prairie village to a modern Midwestern suburb.
From Mansion to Museum: Ongoing. The display traces the evolution of the Glos Mansion from private residence to public institution as both city hall and a museum. The exhibit includes drawings and furnishings from various time periods.
• FIELD MUSEUM: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Labor Day, 1400 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Admission: $12-$14 adults; $8-$9 children ages 3-11; $10-$11 seniors and students; children younger than 2 and members free. Last admission at 4 p.m. Information: 312-922-9410 or www.fieldmuseum.org.
Evolving Planet: Visitors take a journey through four billion years of life on earth, to view fossils, animated videos, interactive displays and recreated seas and landscapes.
Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship: Through Oct. 25.
• FOX RIVER TROLLEY MUSEUM: 361 S. LaFox St. (Route 31), South Elgin. Fares: $3.50 adults, $2 seniors and children ages 3-11. Children younger than 3 ride free. Information: 847-697-4676.
• GARFIELD FARM MUSEUM: 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays, five miles west of Geneva off Route 38 on Garfield Road. The farm is a 370-acre historically intact former 1840s Illinois prairie farmstead and teamster inn that is being restored by donors an volunteers from 37 stats as a working farm museum. Admission: $3 adults, $2 chldren ages 13 and younger. Information: 630-584-8485 or info@garfieldfarm.org.
• GENEVA HISTORY CENTER: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 4 Sundays (through Dec. 20), 113 S. Third St., Geneva. Archive hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Appointments recommended for researchers. Admission: Donation. Information: 630-232-4951 or www.genevahistorycenter.org.
Geneva Historic Home Association: 7 p.m. third Thursday of the month. Open to anyone interested in old homes.
Kane County Genealogical Society: 7:30 p.m. fourth Thursday of the month. Membership not required to attend.
Bennett Kindblade's Civil War Era Photos: Through September. Kindblade was a Swedish immigrant who lived in Geneva in the 1850s and 1860s. His subjects included civilians and soldiers alike. When he moved to Batavia in the 1870s, he abandoned photography and began making fine musical instruments, receiving a gold medal from King Oscar of Sweden for his artistry.
• SCI TECH HANDS-ON MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, 18 W. Benton, Aurora. Admission: $8, $7 seniors 60 and older and children younger than 3. Information: 630-859-3434 or www.scitechmuseum.org.
Super Science Show: Through Aug. 14. Mary "Kaboom" Hawthorne uses balloons, torches, liquid nitrogen and other props to demonstrate scientific concepts, such as pressure and the effects of extremely low temperature from liquid nitrogen. Included with admission.
• JOHN G. SHEDD AQUARIUM: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends, Labor Day through Memorial Day, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors and children ages 3-11, aquarium only; $18 adults, $14 seniors and children ages 3-11, oceanarium mini-pass. Information: 312- 39-2438 or www.sheddaquarium.org.
Invasive Species: Local Waters Gallery. Permanent exhibit highlights species such as Asian carp, round gobies, zebra mussels and others that threaten the Great Lakes.
Trainer for a Day: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays. Experience what it is like to be a marine mammal trainer. Must be at least age 12 to participate. Students ages 12-15 must be accompanied by a paying parent or guardian. Group size is limited to three people per session. Fee: $350 per person. Registration: 312- 92-3224.
• KLINE CREEK FARM: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays, 600 N. County Farm Road, Winfield. The living history farm depicts life as it was on this site in 1890s DuPage County. Information: 630- 76-5900.
• LITTLE WHITE SCHOOL MUSEUM: Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Jackson and Polk streets, Oswego. The museum features exhibits on Oswego area history, including the prehistoric era, the history of education and farming. Research and archival collections open 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Free admission. Donations accepted. Information: 630- 54-2999 or www.littlewhiteschoolmuseum.org.
• MIDWEST MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, 425 W. State St., Sycamore. Admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors and children ages 3-12. Children ages 2 and younger admitted free. Information: 815- 95-9777 or www.mmnh.org.
Safari Sprouts: 10 to 11 a.m. Mondays except holiday weekends. Open to children ages 3-6 to develop an awareness of the natural world through activities, play, songs, stories, crafts and museum exhibits. No registration necessary. Fee: $1.
• MORTON ARBORETUM: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Admission: $11 adults, $10 ages 65 and older, $8 children ages 3-17; $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children Wednesdays. Children 2 and younger admitted free. Free parking. Most attractions and events free with admission. Information: www.mortonarb.org.
Tram Tours: Daily, weather permitting. Tickets: $5 members, $6 nonmembers, $4 children ages 3-17, $5 nonmember children at the visitor center. Children younger than 2 ride free. Tram tour times: 630-968-0074.
Guided Walks: Weekends and Wednesdays, weather permitting. Times available at the visitor center. Walks are 45 minutes.
• MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. Admission: $10 adults; $6 students and seniors; free for children younger than 12, MCA members, military personnel or from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Information: 312-280-2660 or www.mcachicago.org.
• MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays, 600 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Admission: Free. Information: 312-663-5554 or www.mocp.org.
• MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Admission: $13 adults; $12 ages 65 and older; $9 ages 3-11. Underground parking: $14. Free admission: Dec. 24-25. Information: www.msichicago.org.
• NAPER SETTLEMENT: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Admission: $4.25 adults, $3.75 seniors, $3 ages 4-17. Information: 630-420-6010 or www.napersettlement.org.
• NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Altgeld Hall, DeKalb. Information: 815-753-1936 or www.vpa.niu.edu/museum.
• NATIONAL VIETNAM VETERANS ART MUSEUM: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, 1801 S. Indiana Ave., Chicago. Information: 312-326-0270 or www.nvvam.org.
• NEWBERRY LIBRARY: 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, 8:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 60 W. Walton St., Chicago. Free admission. Information: 312-255-3700 or www.newberry.org.
• NORTHERN ILLINOIS ART MUSEUM: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 214 W. Superior St., third floor, Chicago. Free. Information: 312-642-6010.
• ORIENTAL INSTITUTE MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, noon to 6 p.m. Sundays, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago. Free. Closed Mondays. Information: 773-702-9507.
• PEACE MUSEUM: 1 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 100 N. Central Park Avenue, Chicago. Admission: $5. Information: 773-638-6450 or www.peacemuseum.org.
"Dreams in a Box": Ongoing. The exhibit includes works by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Bono, Joan Baez, Stevie Wonder and Pete Seeger.
• PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. Admission: $7 adults; $5 seniors and ages 13-22; $4 children ages 3-12; free on Thursdays. Information: 773-755-5100 or www.naturemuseum.org.
• PLATO TOWNSHIP DEPOT MUSEUM: Open by appointment, Stonecrest Drive off Russell Road, Plato Center. The depot is a 1940s era Class B Illinois Central building near the I.C. Iowa Division West Line. Scout, school and church groups also invited. Free admission. Donations accepted. Information and appointments: 847-902-5498.
• ST. CHARLES HERITAGE CENTER: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, 215 E. Main St., St. Charles. Information: 630-584-6967 or www.stcmuseum.org.
• SCHINGOETHE CENTER FOR NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURES: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays during academic year, 347 S. Gladstone Ave., Aurora. Admission: Free to Aurora University students, staff, faculty, members of the Friends of the Schingeothe Center, members of the American Association of Museums, Illinois Association of Museums and ICOM; $3 adults, $2 students and seniors, $1 children younger than 12, maximum of $7 per family. Information: 630-844-5402 or www.aurora.edu/museum.
• SCI-TECH HANDS-ON MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, 18 W. Benton St., Aurora. Closed Mondays except Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 21), Presidents Day and Columbus Day (Oct. 13). Admission: $8 adults and children, $7 seniors, free for members and ages 3 and younger. Information: 630-859-3434 or www.scitech.museum.
Space Exploration Center of Excellence: The new permanent exhibit includes Mars Rocket, What is Gravity, Escape Velocity and Heavy Air, Spectrum of the Stars and Plasma and never-before-seen images from the Hubble Space Telescope.
• SPERTUS MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, 618 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Admission: $5 adults, $3 children, students and seniors, $10 family, free on Fridays. Information: 312-322-1747 or www.spertus.edu.
• SWEDISH AMERICAN MUSEUM CENTER: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago. Admission: $4 adults, $3 children, students and seniors, $10 family. Free admission on the second Tuesday of the month. Information: 773-728-8111 or www.samac.org.
• WEST CHICAGO CITY MUSEUM: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, 132 W. Main St., West Chicago. Free admission. Information: 630-231-3376 or www.westchicago.org.
SPECIAL EVENTS
• SPRING GROVE HORSE SHOW: 8105 Blivin, Spring Grove, 1/2 mile north of Route 12. Schedule: Sept. 12, Hunter Show; Sept. 19, Clover Rockets Speed Show; Sept. 26, English/Western Pleasure Show; Oct. 3, Fun Show. Information: Kathy@meadowsweetranch.com.
• CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD TOURS: Departs from Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. Check-in: 9:30 a.m., room behind Randolph Cafe. Tickets: $30 adults, $25 children, seniors, students with valid identification. Tickets and information: 312-742-1190 or www.chicagoneighborhoodtours.com or 77 E. Randolph St., Chicago.
• ELBURN LIONS CLUB BINGO: Fridays, 6 p.m. doors open, 6:30 p.m. early bird bingo, 7 p.m. regular games, 500 Filmore St. Play includes 13 regular games, two progressive games and one split the pot game. Food and drink are available for purchase. Proceeds go to Campaign SightFirst II, a worldwide Lions fundraising campaign to fight preventable and reversible blindness. Information: 630-365-6315.
• POETRY OPEN MIC: 6 p.m. sign up, 7 p.m. readings, first Thursday of the month, Fat Bean Coffeehouse and Bistro, Route 59 and 87th Street, Naperville. Authors invited to present poems, short stories and prose. Smoke-free. Information: 630-922-9821 or www.fatbean.com.
• FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT'S ROBIE HOUSE: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, 5757 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago. Tour group size limited. Reservations recommended. Tickets: $12 adults, $10 youth (11-18) and seniors older than 65, $5 children (4-10). Children ages 3 and younger receive free tickets. All guests must have a ticket to enter the museum. Tickets and information: www.gowright.org or 708-848-1976.
THEATER
• NOBLE FOOL THEATRICALS 2009:"Married Alive," Aug. 19 through Oct. 31; "Plaid Tidings" through Dec. 27; Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Show times: 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 5 and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Season subscriptions for all 2009 productions start at $60 for show only tickets at 630-584-6342. Full-priced single tickets for each production will go on sale at a later date. Information: www.noblefool.org.
• "PUT THE NUNS IN CHARGE": 8 p.m. Fridays, 5 p.m. Saturdays, open run, Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted St., Chicago. In a spin-off of the comedy, "Late Nite Catechism," sister is back in the classroom to teach the funniest refresher course in etiquette. Tickets: $30 at 312-988-9000.
• "THUMBS": 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 11-26, Albright Theatre Company, Batavia Government Center, 100 N. Island Ave. The often hilarious murder mystery is set in Vermont where a serial killer is on the loose. The victims are left without thumbs. Tickets: $13 adults, $10 students and seniors at www.albrighttheatre.com or 630-406-8838.
• "THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW": Oct. 16-17, 23-24 Albright Theatre Company, Batavia Government Center, 100 N. Island Ave. The headless horseman will haunt the theater in a spooky children's show, part of Batavia's "Batfest." Tickets: $7 adults, $5 students and seniors. Show times: www.albrighttheatre.com or 630-406-8838.
• "THE LION IN WINTER": 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 6-21, Albright Theatre Company, Batavia Government Center, 100 N. Island Ave. King Henry II struggles with his estranged wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, over which one of their three sons will inherit the English throne. Tickets: $13 adults, $10 students and seniors at www.albrighttheatre.com or 630-406-8838.