Looking for something to do? We have suggestions ranging from a free garden walk to a barbecue fundraiser for the troops, a school's four-day SummerFest, a free theater lecture by "Saturday Night Live" alum Nora Dunn and a Monday night concert series.
GARDEN WALK
WHERE: Villa Park and surrounding towns
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 19
COST & INFO: Free, with donations welcome; www.homegardening.org
ABOUT: As a visual bouquet, the Men's Garden Club of Villa Park will present its annual Garden Walk, opening up eight inventive landscapes in Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Lombard and Bensenville. The club was founded in 1936, and is open to men and women gardeners, age 15 or older, actively interested in home gardening. Monthly meetings start at 7:30 p.m. each fourth Tuesday.
NORA DUNN LIVE
WHERE: 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 22
COST & INFO: Free, with reservations required at 708-246-3380; www.theatrewesternsprings.com
ABOUT: "An Evening with Nora Dunn" brings the television, stage and film star to Theatre of Western Springs for a community lecture about theater and the arts. She's a veteran of "Saturday Night Live" and "Sisters" amid countless comedic and dramatic credits. Her appearance is part of the Cattell Series, curated by TWS Artist in Residence Greg Kolack of Elmhurst, and chaired by Edward Wavak of Hinsdale.
BBQ FOR THE TROOPS
WHERE: Packey Webb Ford, 2150 W. Ogden Ave., Downers Grove
WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 18
COST & INFO: Varies; www.packeywebbford.net, www.usoofillinois.org
ABOUT: Packey Webb Ford partners with the USO of Illinois to host BBQ for the Troops, featuring food, raffle tickets and prizes. Donations also will be accepted. All proceeds from the raffle and donations will go to the USO of Illinois to provide services to help wounded, ill and injured troops, as well as the families of fallen troops. The business is one of more than 50 participating dealerships in the Chicago area. "First of all, Packey Webb Ford would like to thank the men and women of the United States Armed Forces for their service," General Manager John Webb said.
SUMMERFEST
WHERE: 30th Street and Raymond Avenue, La Grange Park
WHEN: Thursday to Saturday evenings, July 16 to 18; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 19
COST & INFO: Varies; 708-352-7388, www.slmparish.org/summerfest
ABOUT: St. Louise de Marillac School presents a SummerFest highlighting carnival and amusement ride attractions, a variety of edibles, beer garden and live music by such artists as American English, the noted Beatles tribute band. A $50 MegaPass will offer unlimited amusement rides each day.
OUTDOOR MUSIC MONDAYS
WHERE: Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton
WHEN: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, July 20 and 27
COST & INFO: Free; www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/musicmondays
ABOUT: Monday nights in July rock, when The Niche band focuses on British and U.S. hits from the 1960s on July 20, followed July 27 by bluesman "Brother John" Kattke, a resident musician at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago for 25 years, who has played with Eric Clapton, Steve Miller and The Black Crowes. Kattke's show caps the Wheaton Park District's "Music Mondays" outdoor series. Picnics are welcome, and snacks will be available.
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