By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald
Friday, Aug. 14
69th annual Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Aug. 14-16, at the Taylor Marshall Farm, 27707 Lukens Road, off Plank Road, Sycamore. Hosted by the Northern Illinois Steam Power Club. All of the engines whistle at noon. Parade at 1:30 p.m. daily. See steam engines, gas engines, antique car display, World War II display, lawn and garden tractor display, windmills, and demos on threshing/baling, corn shelling and flour mills. Also, fresh produce, flea market, FFA zoo, live music and Fay’s BBQ. $10, free for kids younger than 12. sycamoresteamshow.com.
48th Mid-America Bonsai Exhibition: Noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Sponsored by the Midwest Bonsai Society, one of the largest regional shows in the nation featuring over 80 world-class trees from across the Midwest and beyond. Thirty vendors selling trees, tools, pots, stands, scrolls, soil/fertilizers, etc. Workshops, demonstrations, bonsai tour, tree raffle and society gear available. Included in general admission. midwestbonsai.org.
Cary Children’s Entertainment: Noon Friday, Aug. 14, at Lions Park Rotary Bandshell, 1200 Silver Lake Road, Cary. Wendy and DB will perform. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free. carypark.com
The International Gem & Jewelry Show: Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive North, Schaumburg. Vendors of gems, jewelry, jewelry making equipment, precious metals, imports and more. Children under 9 not permitted. $6 online, $8 at the door. intergem.com
Lake Zurich Farmers Market: 3-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at Henry J. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Fresh produce, baked goods, sauces, spices, honey, cheese, eggs, meats and more. With live music, pop-up events, kids’ activities and more. Free. lakezurich.org/366/Farmers-Market.
Kurt Russell is one of the scheduled celebrity guests at Fan Expo Chicago, Friday through Sunday, Aug. 14-16, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. (Scott A Garfitt/AP)
Fan Expo Chicago: 4-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Comic and pop culture convention featuring celebrity guests, cosplay, comics, gaming, anime, events, vendors and more. Scheduled guests include Kurt Russell, Mel Gibson, Jared Padalecki, Elijah Wood, Karl Urban, Mr. T, John Carpenter, Miranda Otto and more. Tickets start at $41 per day, $89 for three days. fanexpohq.com/fanexpochicago
West Dundee French Market: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at The Pump House, 98 Oregon Ave., West Dundee. Fresh produce, honey, greens, soaps, breads, cheeses, flowers, artwork, wearables and more. wdundee.org.
The Little Bear Ribfest in Vernon Hills offers ribs and live music Friday and Saturday, Aug. 14-15, in the Century Park Arboretum. (John Starks/Daily Herald)
Little Bear Ribfest: 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 14-15, in the Century Park Arboretum, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. Local rib vendors, beer, wine and bourbon-tasting. Music lineup: Friday: Kickin’ It with Carol Line Dancing at 5 p.m., McKenzie O’Brien Band at 7 p.m. and Vegas McGraw at 9 p.m.; Saturday: A Patch of Blues at 5 p.m.; Stefan Hillesheim at 7 p.m.; and The Grady Experience at 9 p.m. $6, free for kids 5 and younger; $75 VIP experience includes all-you-can-eat rib buffet from 6-9 p.m. Saturday (must be purchased in advance). vhparkdistrict.org/little-bear-ribfest.
FRIDAYS ROCK! & Roll in Meadows: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, in Kimball Hill Park, 3286 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Performances include No Limit Sound at 6 p.m. and Motown Nation at 8 p.m. Free. cityrm.org
Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days runs Friday through Sunday, Aug. 14-16, on State Street in downtown Hampshire. (Paul Valade/Daily Herald)
Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days: 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, Aug. 14; 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 15; and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, on State Street in downtown Hampshire. Nightly entertainment, carnival, beer garden, food vendors, craft show and more. Touch-A-Truck from 1-3 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday, parade at noon along State Street, free corn roast starting at 1 p.m. and ice cream-eating contest at 3 p.m. Kids’ activities throughout the weekend. Music lineup: Friday: Hillbilly Rockstarz at 6:30 p.m. and Semple at 9:30 p.m.; Saturday: Trending Time at 1:30 p.m., Back Country Roads at 5:30 p.m. and Modern Day Romeos after the 9:15 p.m. fireworks; and Sunday: Whiskey Romance Band at 1:30 p.m. Free. hcccd.com.
Carpentersville Movies in the Park: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. A rotating lineup of local food vendors and a movie starting at dusk. Free popcorn, snow cones and cotton candy from the Carpentersville Clergy Commission. Free. cville.org. cville.org/calendar.aspx.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. Free. eastdundee.net
Shakespeare on the Grass: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the downtown gazebo, 201-261 S. Walnut St., Itasca. Overshadowed Theatrical Productions in partnership with the village of Itasca presents Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Food trucks on site. Free with registration: overshadowed.org.
Printer’s Row Art Fest: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16, at Necessary & Sufficient Coffee — Printers Row, 728 S. Dearborn St., Chicago. 95 juried artists from across the country. Free. amdurproductions.com/printers-row-art-fest-new.
Wine and Art Walk: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16, along Meadow Lake Trail at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Juried art show features photography, woodturning, jewelry, painting, ceramics, fused glass, fiber arts, and more artworks created by about 70 artists in the Midwest and beyond. Included with Arboretum general admission. mortonarb.org.
BACC Family Fest: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, in Citizens Park, 511 Lake Zurich Road, Barrington. Kids’ activities, giveaways, magic show, music, food, entertainment and more. Free. barringtonchamber.com.
“I Saw It at Lords Park Zoo — Animals From the Zoo’s Early Years”: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at Lords Park Zoo, 325 Hiawatha Drive, Elgin. Lords Park Zoo, opened in 1895, was once home to bears, snakes and even a lion. Visit the modern Tefft Farm Zoo and make crafts to remember past zoo residents. Elgin Area Historical Society program for kids 3-8. elginil.gov
Morton Arboretum walking play: 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16, starting at Thornhill Shelter at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs approximately 90 minutes and includes a 1.5-mile walk, with no intermission. Suitable for all ages, with some crass humor and romantic situations. $27 for 18 and older, $17 for kids 2-17. mortonarb.org
Celebrate the career of Olivia Newton-John with “Always Olivia” with Annie Aiello Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake. (Raue Center For The Arts)
Always Olivia: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Olivia Newton-John tribute starring Annie Aiello featuring opening act Jack Aiello. $31.50-$65. rauecenter.org
Summer Breeze Concert Series: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. 16 Candles will perform. Free. parkfun.com.
Sunday, Aug. 16
Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Food vendors, live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. farmersmarketatthedole.org.
Honey Fest: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at Heritage Farm at Spring Valley, 201 S. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg. Honey tastings, historic demonstrations, interactive displays and bee-inspired crafts. Honey-themed treats, beeswax crafts and beverages for purchase. Free. parkfun.com.
Monarch Fair: 12:30-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Main Beach Pavilion, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake. Learn about monarchs, with butterfly and pollinator plants information, a monarch art show, science and art activities, and information from 16 exhibitors and more. A Community Band Showcase at 1 p.m. Free. hackmatacknwr.org
Elgin’s Shakespeare in the Park: 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Lords Park picnic shelter, 100 Oakwood Blvd., and 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at Wing Park band shell, 1010 Wing St., Elgin. Goodly Creatures Theatre’s annual production features the comedy “As You Like It.” Bring chairs, blankets and snacks. Rain dates: 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at Wing Park. Free. goodlycreatures.com.
Monday, Aug. 17
Plein Air St. Charles: Monday to Sunday, Aug. 17-23. St. Charles Arts Council’s weeklong event welcomes 55 artists from across the U.S. who will set up outside, all around town, to paint picturesque scenes of St. Charles. There also will be activities for the public to participate in, including a plein air demonstration, a “Quick Paint” competition, Mindful Creativity for area children, and a Writers Event. Free. stcharlesil.gov.
Tuesday, Aug. 18
Wauconda Cruise Nights: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Route 176 and West Mill Street, Wauconda. Cars on display and family-friendly activities. Free. waucondacruisenight.com.
Wednesday, Aug. 19
Arbor Evenings: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Live music on Frost Hill. Opens at 5:15 p.m. The Throwbacks will perform. Cocktails, wine, beer, water and other beverages, along with food truck options, will be available for purchase. $15 for 13 and older; $5 for kids 4-12, and free for kids 3 and younger. Tickets: mortonarb.org.
Car Fun on 21: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, on Church and Cook streets, Libertyville. Classic car show featuring cars, trucks and motorcycles 25 years and older, music and food. Free. mainstreetlibertyville.org.
Bensenville Music in the Park: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Village Hall Lawn, 12 S. Center St., Bensenville. The Boy Band Night will perform. Classic car cruise night begins at 6 p.m. weekly at Green and Center streets. Free. bensenville.il.us.
Thursday, Aug. 20
Barrington Thursday Night Out: 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at the BMO Lot, 210 W. Station St., Barrington. Local vendors, classic cars, live music, family activities and more. Free. barrington-il.gov/events/thursday-night-out
Geneva Classic Car Show: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, around the historic Kane County Courthouse, off Fourth and James streets, Geneva. Music, food, and vote for your favorite make and model. To display your vehicle, arrive after 4:30 p.m. and find a spot in the lot behind the courthouse. Free. genevachamber.com/events/classic-car-show.
Thursday Nights Live: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at Wheeling Town Center, 351 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. Free concerts in the plaza with food and beverage options from local restaurants. Funk Tonic will perform. Free. thewheelingtowncenter.com/events.
Sounds of Summer Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at Harmony Park, 7 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. The Disco Circus will perform. Free. vah.com/explore/sounds_of_summer_concerts.php.
Summer Sounds on the Green Concert Series: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, Heartache Tonight will perform. Food and beverages for sale. Free. hoffmanestatesarts.com/summer-concert-series
Ongoing
Dinos! at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 25 at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. See 35 life-sized dinosaurs and more. $20.95-$29.95 and free for kids 2 and younger. brookfieldzoo.org/events
Bristol Renaissance Faire: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day through Sept. 7 at the Bristol Renaissance Faire, 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, Wisconsin. 16th-century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music, characters and more. $48, $45 for 62 and older and military with ID, $23 for kids 5-12, and free for kids 4 and younger. renfair.com/bristol.
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