Entertainment Calendar

What to do in the county, the region and Chicago

ART

Kane County

ARTISTIC BITS ARTS CENTER & GALLERY, 316 N. River St., East Dundee, 847-844-8140 or www.artisticbits.org. Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday.

AURORA UNIVERSITY, Dunham Hall, 1400 Marseillaise Place, 630-844-5402 or www.aurora.edu. Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, closed Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday (September through May). Schedule: through Sept. 5, Eighth Annual Aurora University Student Art Show; Sept. 9 through Nov. 6, “not for the season” featuring Tyler Hennings, with a 4:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9 opening reception.

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 Sept. 28, Timeless IX senior citizen exhibit.

NORRIS GALLERY, Dellora A. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles, 630-584-7200 or www.norrisculturalarts.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. Schedule: through Sept. 25, “Invitational” art exhibition, with a 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 14 artists’ reception.

McHenry County

CAFFÉ LUNA, 6230 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, 815- 444-0444. Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Schedule: through September, Nature Photography Exhibit featuring the work of Lori Indovina-Valus.

McHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE ART GALLERIES, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake, 815-455-8785. Schedule: through Oct. 5, Sarah Smelser prints in Gallery 1 and Gallery 2.

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. Information: President, Joe Bjork, 815-337-2027. Schedule: 7 p.m. Sept. 9, wet on wet oil painting demonstration. 

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. Featuring a variety of artwork in permanent and traveling exhibits. Schedule: through Sept. 28, Workshop for Contemporary Artists 21st Annual Exhibition “Continuum,” “Real People 2008” figurative exhibition and Clay Mirth “Collaborations in Clay” pottery show.

Regional

DEER PARK TOWN CENTER, 20530 N. Rand Road, Deer Park. Schedule: through Sept. 14, Britto Tours America exhibition. Information: 847-726-7755 or www.britto.com.

ELMHURST ART MUSEUM, 150 Cottage Hill, Elmhurst, 630-834-0202 or www.elmhurstartmuseum.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday; 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, 1 to 4 p.m. Friday & Sunday; closed Monday. Schedule: through Sept. 19, Sirens exhibit of photographs by McHenry County College adjunct photography instructor Doug Manley.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GLEN ELLYN, Sept. 6-8 & Sept. 10-14, 550 N. Main St. Hosting  the “World Vision Experience: AIDS” multimedia, interactive tent exhibit. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 6, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 7, noon to 10 p.m. Sept. 8, 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 10, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sept. 12, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 13, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 14. Free admission. Information: 630-469-2007; www.firstpresge.org or www.worldvision.org.

HORSING AROUND TOWN, through September, downtown Lake Geneva, Wis. Outdoor public art exhibition featuring 80 life-size fiberglass colts transformed into works of art by area artisans. The ponies will be auctioned at an Oct. 4 event at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa with proceeds benefiting Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills Inc. in Darien, Wis. Information: 800-345-1020 or www.lakegenevawi.com.

ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF ART SCHAUMBURG, Ruth Ray Memorial Gallery, 1000 Plaza Drive, Schaumburg, 847-619-3450 or www.artinstitutes.edu/schaumburg. Gallery hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Schedule: through Sept. 5, Anna Wodecki and Carol Zack exhibition on display.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM, Altgeld Hall 116, 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 Oct. 3, Global and Local Perspectives Exhibition Suite, Global Matrix II, an International Print Exhibition, with a 4:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 18 reception and 6 p.m. panel discussion.

Chicago

2ND FRIDAYS GALLERY NIGHT, 6 to 10 p.m. 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: Memorial Day-Labor Day: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday (with free admission after 5 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 12 and younger. Special exhibitions may require extra admission fee.

CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago, 312-742-1148, www.egov.cityofchicago.org. Schedule: through Sept. 21, Life as a Legend: Marilyn Monroe; through Sept. 28, Martin Koenig: Voices and Images from Bulgaria, 1966-1979; through Sept. 28, Art from Illinois Prisons; through Oct. 5, Stephen Wilkes: Ellis Island; Sept. 11 through Oct. 16, David Holt: Strong Perfection.

CONVERGENCE, 7 p.m. Sept. 12 & 8:30 p.m. Sept. 13, 2300 S. Archer Ave., Chicago. A major multi-disciplinary art event eaturing choreographed episodes that interact with a suite of four architectural installations through interactive media technology featuring The Seldoms dance company. Movement of both performers and the audience are digitally captured, translated into an organic representation and then transferred onto architectural surfaces and enclosures. Tickets: $20 suggested donation. Tickets and information: 312-328-0303 or www.theseldoms.org.

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. Target free Tuesdays. Admission: $10 adults, $6 students and seniors, free for children 12 and younger, members of the military and museum members. Schedule: through Sept. 21, Jeff Koons.

WICKER PARK/BUCKTOWN FALL ARTS FESTIVAL, Sept. 12-14, Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago (and other venues in Wicker Park and Bucktown). Wicker Park fall art festival of visual arts featuring more than three dozen artists and another 40-50 juried guest artists will be showcased. Schedule: 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 12, noon to 10 p.m. Sept. 13, noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 14. Suggested donation: $5 at the door. For information visit: www.smartshow.org.

ZYGMAN VOSS GALLERY, 222 W. Superior, Suite 1E, Chicago, 312-787-3300 or www.zygmanvossgallery.com. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, by appointment Sunday and Monday. Schedule: through Sept. 6, Freedom of Color by Lithuanian-born artist, Moshe Rosenthalis.

ARTS, CRAFTS & COLLECTIBLES

McHenry County

COUNTRY MEADOWS, 16th annual, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 14, Petersen Park, McHenry. Crafts, farmers market, antique appraisals, vendor fair. “For What It’s Worth” appraiser Karl Gates will discuss antiques in general. Each attendee may bring one item for appraisal (no coins, stamps or weapons). Sponsor: McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce. Information: 815-385-4300 or www.mchenrychamber.com.

UNION ANTIQUE, CRAFT & GARAGE SALES, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 6-7, at various locations in Union. Information: 815-923-2273.

Regional

ARTS & CRAFTS ADVENTURE II, 18th annual, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 20, Hodges Park, Prospect, Touhy & Northwest Highway intersections, Park Ridge. Juried event featuring paintings, pottery, glassworks, fiber arts, demonstrations and more. Free admission. Information: 847-991-4748 or www.americansocietyofartists.org.

AUDITIONS

Kane County

FOX VALLEY FLUTES, a flute choir for middle school and high school musicians. Auditioning for the 2008/09 season. Ensemble focuses on developing chamber ensemble skills with special emphasis on listening skills to improve intonation, phrasing, articulation and tone quality. Rehearsals 3 to 4 p.m. Sundays at Aurora Christian School, 2255 Sullivan Road, Aurora. Auditions by appointment. Detailed criteria for admission and information on auditions available at: www.fvyso.org. Information: 630-879-8018.

FOX VALLEY YOUTH STRINGS, ensemble designed to provide the first orchestral experience for young string musicians. Students should be playing at a level equal to Suzuki mid-Book 2. Rehearsals 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. Sundays at Aurora Christian School, 2255 Sullivan Road, Aurora. Auditions by appointment. Fall term begins Sept. 14. Detailed criteria for admission and information on auditions available at: www.fvyso.org. Information: 630-879-8018.

HEARTLAND VOICES, through September. Choral ensemble auditioning for 2008-2009 concert season. Openings in soprano, alto, tenor and bass sections. Any experienced choral singer looking for an excellent choir with which to sing should consider auditioning. Auditions by appointment. Rehearsals start Sept. 23. Appointments and information: 847-429-9486 or www.heartlandvoices.org.

NOBLE FOOL THEATRICALS PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY, noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 7 & 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 10, Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Open auditions for “Godspell” for local youth ages 11-18. Children should prepare and memorize a one-minute monologue and 16 bars of a song that best displays their talent. No appointment necessary. Performance dates between Nov. 29 and Dec. 20. Information: 630-364-0550 or www.noblefool.org.

McHenry County

McHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE, 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 8-9, Black Box Theatre, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. For the English comedy “Table Manners” by Alan Ayckbourn. Bring a two- to three-minute comedic monologue and use a British accent. If you do not have a monologue, a reading will be provided. Roles available for three men and three women. No experience necessary. Callbacks 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 11. Scripts available at MCC library. Rehearsals begin week of Sept. 15. Performances take place first three weekends of November. Information: Jay Geller, 81-5455-8746 or e-mail: jgeller@mchenry.edu.

TOWNSQUARE PLAYERS, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 8-9, Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Auditions for “Harvey” by Mary Chase. Casting six men and five women, stage ages 21-65. Auditionees will be asked to read from the script and participate in some improv activities. No appointment necessary. Callbacks 7 p.m. Sept. 11. Performance dates Nov. 7-23. Information: Deb Spitzbart, 815-338-5407.

Regional

ILLINOIS YOUTH DANCE THEATRE, Sept. 12, 2222 Pierce Drive, Spring Grove. Auditions for the “The Nutcracker” for pre-ballet to Level 5. Information: Janice Lewis, 815-675-9359 or e-mail: deenas@mchsi.com.

IMPROV PLAYHOUSE ADULT TRAINING  PROGRAM, Improv Playhouse Black Box Theatre, 116 W. Lake St., Libertyville. Now registering for beginning to advanced adult fall classes and workshops for On-Camera Commercial and Film Acting, Commercial Voice Over, Intro to Improv, Advanced Performance Improv, The Actor’s Arsenal, Intro to Improv. Class details and information: 847-968-4529 or www.improvplayhouse.com.

IMPROV PLAYHOUSE SHOWSTOPPERS, 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 5 & noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 6, 116 W. Lake St. & 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Auditions for “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” for youth ages 11-17. Rehearsals begin Sept. 13 through Dec. 6. Performance dates Dec. 12-21. Appointments and information: 847-968-4529 or e-mail: info@improvplayhouse.com.

IMPROV PLAYHOUSE YOUTH TRAINING PROGRAM, Improv Playhouse Black Box Theatre, 116 W. Lake St., Libertyville. Now registering for beginning to advanced fall classes for the Young Actors Workshop, Acting Conservatory for Teens, Preschool Playhouse, Fashion and Print Modeling and more. Class details and information: 847-968-4529 or www.improvplayhouse.com.

TRILOGY PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL, 490 E. Route 22, Lake Zurich. Registering for musical theater and improv classes. Schedule: 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 6 through Dec. 6, Showstoppers registering for Disney’s “High School Musical;” 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 6 through Oct. 18, Imagine Action creative drama and theater games; 11 a.m. to noon Sept. 6 through Dec. 6, Broadway Bound presents Disney’s “Aristocats.” Information: 847-438-6324 or www.trilogydance.com.

Chicago

MOSCOW BALLET, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 9, S.P.A.C.E., 3433 W. Peterson Ave., Chicago. Auditions for children’s roles in the “Great Russian Nutcracker” to take place 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at Rosemont Theatre. Information: Altin Naska, 773-880-1701 or www.nutcracker.com.

PROTÉGÉ PHILHARMONIC OF CHICAGO, Sept. 6-7, Classical Symphony Orchestra Hall, 218 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago. Auditions for high school and advanced junior high school youth orchestra for the 2008-2009 season. Appointments and information: 312-341-1521 or www.classicalsymphonyorchestra.org.

AUTO EVENTS

McHenry County

CHARITY CAR SHOW, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 14, Liberty Plaza on Route 31, between Gary Lang Auto Group & The Shaw Center, McHenry. All makes and models welcome. Food available. Free T-shirt to first 50 cars. No entry fee. Free admission to the public. All donations welcomed to support Fite Center for Independent Living. Sponsors: Gary Lang Auto Group, Nanas restaurant, Northern Illinois Streeters Car Club, Cars in Miniature. Information: 815-675-0688.

FOX VALLEY PT CRUISER CLUB MEETING, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9, behind Culver’s, 1101 Adams Drive, McHenry. Open to anyone interested in learning more about the club. Information: 815-344-6091 or www.foxvalleyptcruisers.com.

UNION-MARENGO ROAD RALLY, first, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 19, in Union and Marengo. Adult scavenger hunt on wheels with hidden clues for checkpoint locations and list of items to collect along the way. Teams of 2-6 people will follow the directions given in rhymes and clues helping them get to the next stop. Prizes. Entry fee: $40 a car/truck (2-6 passengers). Registration and information: 815-568-6680 or e-mail: chamber@marengo-union.com.

Regional

LAKEMOOR DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS ANNUAL CAR SHOW FUNDRAISER, 8 a.m. Sept. 7, Morrison Park on Route 120, Lakemoor. Classic cars and trucks, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, prize raffle, disc jockey and food. Entry fee: $15, free for spectators. Proceeds benefit scholarship fund. Information: Ralph Brindise, 847-970-0669.

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.

D. L. HUGHLEY, 8 p.m. Sept. 6, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Fresh off his HBO Comedy Special. Rated R. Tickets: $36.50, $46.50 at 630-896-6666 or www.theparamounttheatre.com.

ZANIES-PHEASANT RUN RESORT, on North Avenue, St. Charles, 630-513-1761 or www.zanies.com. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday; 8 and 9:45 p.m. Friday; 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday. All shows require a two-item food/beverage minimum. Schedule: Sept. 3-6, John Roy; Sept. 10-11 & 13, Pat DeGuire and Marla Shulz.

McHenry County

GREENROOM IMPROV SHOWS, Cosman Theater inside the Huntley Park District’s Rec Center, 12015 Mill St., Huntley. Schedule: 7 p.m. Sept. 6, Unscripted show & 9 p.m. Improvised Musical show. Tickets: $12 adults, $8 seniors and students at the door. Graduates get in for free this Saturday. Information: 847-931-4233 or www.greenroomtheater.com.

Regional

BILL ENGVALL, tickets on sale for the 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 performance, Northern Illinois University Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb. Tickets: $37 at 312-559-1212; any Ticketmaster outlet or www.ticketmaster.com.

BOB NEWHART, tickets on sale for the 8 p.m. Nov. 22 performance, Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Tickets: $37.50-$65 at 312-559-1212, any Ticketmaster location or www.ticketmaster.com.

CHICAGO IMPROV, 5 Woodfield Road, 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: Sept. 5-7, Lynne Koplitz (tickets $17 & $19); Sept. 11-14, Harland Williams (tickets $22 & $24).

COMEDY CAVE, at Fat Man Bowl, 13860 Rockland Road (east of Interstate 294 on Route 176), Lake Bluff. Featuring improv comedy every Wednesday night with a 7 p.m. family show and 9 p.m. adult show. Admission: $10 adults at the door, $7 seniors, students and military. Information: 847-968-4529; 847-362-1623 or www.improvplayhouse.com.

IMPROV PLAYHOUSE, Black Box Theater, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, 847-968-4529 or www.improvplayhouse.com. Improv Smackdown 8 to 9 p.m. every Saturday with a different IP Smackmaster hosting and audience rating the performers. General admission: $8 adults, $5 students.

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: Sept. 4-6, Sally Edwards/Jim McHugh.

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: $19.

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, No Country for Old White Men (Mainstage). Tickets: $19 Tuesday through Thursday & Sunday, $25 Friday & Saturday.

THE SECOND CITY E.T.C., 1608 N. Wells St., 312-337-3992 or www.secondcity.com. Schedule: 8 p.m. Thursday, 8 & 11 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday, 31st revue Campaign Supernova! or How Many Democrats Does it Take to Lose An Election? Tickets: $19, $25.

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: Sept. 5-7, Darryl Lenox with special guest Marla Shulz; Sept. 8, 15 & 22, Rising Star Showcase; Sept. 9-14, John Roy.

DANCE

Kane County

SUGAR SQUARES DANCE CLUB, Kaneville Community Center, 2S101 Harter Road, Kaneville. Featuring modern square dancing lessons 7 p.m. Sundays starting Sept. 14. Couples, singles and teenagers all invited. First two lessons (Sept. 14 & Sept. 21) are free. 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 CLASSES, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 5 through Oct. 10, Svalander School of Ballet, 83 E. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake. Adult class, taught by Michael Kim, includes basic Fox Trot, Waltz and Swing. Cost: $90. Registration and information: 815-455-2055 or www.jsvalander.com.

DANCE! with Frank & Jackie Penze, ballroom, Latin and swing dance instructors, 847-639-8699. Cary Park District: 12:45-2:15 p.m. Sept. 14 to Oct. 19, Beginning Swing, Fox Trot, Cha Cha, Tango; 2:30-4 p.m. Intermediate Swing, Fox Trot, Cha Cha, Tango; 4-5:30 p.m. Advanced Fox Trot, Cha Cha, Samba, Argentine Tango, at Cary Park District Center, 255 Briargate Road. Cost: $87 resident couple, $96 non-resident, 847-639-6100. Crystal Lake Park District: 7-8:15 p.m. or 8:15-9:30 p.m. Sept. 17 to Oct. 22, Beginning Swing, Waltz, Salsa, Tango; 7-8:15 p.m. Sept. 18 to Oct. 23, Advanced East Coast Swing, Waltz, Argentine Tango, Merengue; 8:15-9:30 p.m. Intermediate Waltz, East Coast Swing, Tango, Merengue, at Rotary Building at Veteran Acres Park, 131 N. Walkup, Crystal Lake. Cost: 99 couple resident, $149 couple non-resident. Call 815-459-0680 or www.crystallakeparks.org. Health Bridge Fitness Center: 8-9:30 p.m. Sept. 8 to Oct. 13, Beginning to Intermediate Swing, Salsa & more, at Aerobics Studio of Crystal Lake, 200 E. Congress Pkwy., Crystal Lake. Cost: $50 members, $75 non-members. Call 815-788-2266 or www.healthbridgefitness.com. Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 to Oct. 17, Beginning Swing, Waltz, Salsa, Merengue; 7:30-8:30 p.m. Intermediate Waltz, Salsa, Tango, Merengue ($65 resident, $75 non-resident); 8:30-10 p.m. Advanced East Coast Swing, Waltz, Merengue, Argentine Tango ($92 resident, $102 non-resident), at LaBahn-Hain House, 149 Hilltop Drive. Call 847-960-7460. Lake Villa: 7 to 8 p.m. or 9 to 10 p.m. Sept. 16 to Oct. 21, Beginning Swing, Fox Trot, Salsa, Merengue; 8 to 9 p.m. Intermediate Fox Trot, Salsa, Samba, Tango, at American Stars of Dance Studio, 133 Cedar Ave. ($90 a couple). Call 847-838-1234.

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, $12 non-members. Dances take place 8 p.m. at Dole Mansion’s Sage Ballroom, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Dances include a free dance lesson at 7:30 p.m., cake and snacks. Dance schedule: Sept. 20, Two to Tango.

NIA TECHNIQUE CLASSES, starting Sept. 9, at Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St., Woodstock. Schedule: 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesdays and/or Fridays, Nia Technique mind-body-spirit-emotions movement class designed holistically to music for any age adult; 4 to 5:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Nia Technique for Kids (kindergarten through fourth-grade) or 4 to 5:15 p.m. Thursdays (for fifth- through eighth-grade). Cost: $10 a class. Registration and information: 815-206-0490.

SATURDAY FALL WORKSHOPS, 7 to 9 p.m. Saturdays, Duker School, 3711 W. Kane Ave., McHenry. Taught by Frank and Jackie Penze. Schedule: Sept. 13, Cha Cha & Swing; Oct. 4, Salsa & Fox Trot; Nov. 1, Waltz & East Coast Swing; Dec. 6, Single Time Swing & Tango. Cost: $35 a couple in district, $45 a couple out of district. Sign up through McHenry Parks & Recreation at 815-363-2160.

Chicago

TANGO & SALSA LESSONS, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays, The Silver Room, 1442 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. With live music. Salsa lessons 7 to 9 p.m. with Tango lessons immediately following. Cost: $10 a person per lesson. Information: 773-278-7130.

FAMILY EVENTS

Kane County

“FORBIDDEN BROADWAY”: Sept. 12 through Nov. 2, Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. Musical revue on spoofs of Broadway musical numbers from shows such as “Wicked,” “Hairspray,” “Fiddler on the Roof” and more. Schedule: 8 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $23 adults, $23 seniors and students at 630-587-8521 or www.steelbeamtheatre.com.

“THE LITTLE MERMAID”: Sept. 13 through Oct. 18, Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. By Hans Christian Andersen. Musical version presented by Steel Beam Children’s Theatre. Story of the little mermaid who longs to become human and marry her prince. Schedule: 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. Saturdays, with 3 p.m. shows Oct. 11 & 18. Tickets: $10 at 630-587-8521 or www.steelbeamtheatre.com.

“SOME ENCHANTED EVENING: The Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein”: Sept. 11 through Nov. 1, Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage Theater, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Music revue of family-friendly music from “The Sound of Music,” “Oklahoma!,” “South Pacific” and more. Presented by Noble Fool Theatricals. Schedule: 8 p.m. Thursdays & Fridays, 5 & 8:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $27 Thursdays & Fridays, $38 Saturdays & Sundays. Dinner show packages available. Tickets and information: 630-584-6342; www.noblefool.org or www.ticketmaster.com.

McHenry County

FAMILY FUN DAY, 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 6, Main Stay Therapeutic Riding farm, 6919 Keystone Road, Richmond. Family games, music, 2:30 p.m. student and equine demonstrations, stories, food and more. Host: Donors and Friends of Main Stay. Registration and information: 815-653-9374.

STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHED SHOWCASE, second annual, 8 p.m. Sept. 6, Cary-Grove High School, 2208 Three Oaks Road, Cary. Charity fundraiser dance concert featuring more than 50 dancers and 20 choreographers of the Cary-Grove Performing Arts Centre CGPACtion Service Club. Admission: $10. Proceeds benefit area service agencies. Information: 847-639-3800 or www.cgpac.com.

Regional

“PLAYHOUSE DISNEY LIVE!”: tickets on sale for the 12:30 p.m. Oct. 11 performance at MetroCentre, 300 Elm St., Rockford. First live touring stage production featuring favorite characters from four shows in Disney Channel’s popular Playhouse Disney program. Tickets: $15, $19, $32, $45 at 815-968-5222 or www.metrocentre.com.

“PLAYHOUSE DISNEY LIVE!”: tickets on sale for the Oct. 17-18 performances at Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. First live touring stage production featuring favorite characters from four shows in Disney Channel’s popular Playhouse Disney program. Schedule: 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Oct. 17, 2 & 5 p.m. Oct. 18. Tickets: $15, $24.50, $33.50, $45 at 312-559-1212 or www.ticketmaster.com.

FESTIVALS & FAIRS

Kane County

FOX VALLEY IRISH FESTIVAL, 13th annual, Sept. 5-7, St. Catherine of Siena Church, Routes 31 & 72, West Dundee. Featuring a variety of Irish and American food vendors, musical entertainers, shopping and more. Rain or shine. Schedule: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Daily admission: $8 adults, two-day pass: $13; three-day pass: $20; $6 seniors; free for children younger than 12 with paid adult. Information: 847-426-2217 or www.foxvalleyirishfest.com.

McHenry County

HUNTLEY FALL FEST, 4 to 11 p.m. Sept. 12 & 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 13, 12015 Mill St., Huntley. Featuring live music, food vendors, car show, children’s events, craft show, petting zoo, book sale, fireworks and more. Admission: $5. Free shuttle buses. Information: 847-421-9191 or www.huntleyfallfest.org.

WINE TASTING FESTIVAL, 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 13 & 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 14, Veterans Memorial Park, on Park Street, McHenry. City of McHenry’s Downtown Business Association will feature wines from around the world, grape stomping, grape toss, live music, hors d’oeuvres and pastries. Information: 815-578-8360.

Regional

KETTLE MORAINE JAZZ FESTIVAL, 11th annual, 4 to 11:30 p.m. Sept. 5 & 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sept. 6, along the banks of the upper Milwaukee River at Riverside Park, West Bend, Wis. Featuring internationally recognized jazz musicians and vocalists, juried decorative arts marketplace and more. Tickets: $75 one day, $125 both days. Tickets and information: 877-271-6903 or www.kmjazz.com.

LAKE GENEVA WINE FESTIVAL, second annual, through Sept. 7, at various restaurants and Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva, Wis. Fine dinners paired with fine wines at 10 area restaurants, grand tasting celebration, series of seminars and more. Ticket prices vary. Event details and information: 262-245-8635 or www.lakegenevawinefestival.com.

SANDWICH FAIR, 121st annual, 9 a.m. through Sept. 7, Sandwich Fairgrounds off Pratt Road from the Somonauk Blacktop & Route 30, Sandwich. Livestock and horse shows, demolition derby, children’s activities, rides, displays, entertainment, food and more. Gates open 8 a.m. General admission: $8 adults, $4 children ages 6-12, free for children younger than 6. Grandstand admission: $10-$20. Information: 815-786-2159 or www.sandwichfair.com.

Chicago

LAKEVIEW EAST FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS, fourth annual, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 13 & 10 a.m. to 5 p.m Sept. 14, on Broadway Avenue from Belmont to Roscoe, Chicago. Showcase of more than 140 juried artists featuring paintings, sculpture, photography, furniture, jewelry, art demonstrations, entertainment stages and more. Free admission. Information: 773-348-8608 or www.lakevieweast.com.

FILM

Kane County

DOCUMENTARY FILM SCREENING, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 6, River Park, 75 River Lane, Geneva. Screening of “Garbage: the Revolution Starts at Home” on the global impact of local waste. Free admission. Sponsors: Geneva GreenMarket and Geneva Film Festival. Information: 630-208-9321; 708-860-1785; www.genevagreenmarket.org or www.genevafilmfestival.org.

Chicago

CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL REEL SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL, Sept. 11-14, at Mother’s, Columbia College and Mahoney’s Pub & Grille, Chicago. Schedule: 8 to 10 p.m. Sept. 11, at Mother’s, 26 W. Division, 312-642-7251; Sept. 12-13, Columbia College’s Film Row Cinema, 1104 S. Wabash, 312-344-8829; and 8 to 11 p.m. Sept. 14, Mahoney’s Pub & Grille, 551 N. Ogden Ave., 312-733-2121. Tickets: $5 available at the door.

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 admision). Tickets for museum and film must be purchased together. Schedule: through Oct. 9, “Dinosaurs Alive! 3D” through Dec. 31, “African Adventure 3D Movie,” “Sharks 3D Movie;” through Feb. 28, 2009, “Grand Canyon Adventure.”

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: “Fly Me to the Moon 3D.”

MUSEUMS

Kane County

FABYAN VILLA MUSEUM & JAPANESE GARDEN, Fabyan West Forest Preserve, Route 31 just north of Fabyan Parkway, Geneva, 630-377-6424 or www.ppfv.org. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays. Japanese Garden open 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays & Sundays.

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 and holidays. Fares: $3.50 adults, $2 seniors and children ages 3-11, free for children younger than age 3. 

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. Guided tours: $3 adults, $2 children younger than 13.

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-December). Admission: $4 adults, $2 seniors, $1 children ages 3-16. Featuring changing exhibits, museum store and a public meeting room. Geneva Historic Homeowners Association meets 7 p.m. third Wednesdays. Geneva History Center’s Quilt Guild meets 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. last Tuesdays.

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.

CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER, 222 Church St., Woodstock, 815-338-7722 or www.challengerillinois.org. Featuring a Meteorite and Earth Science Exhibit, interactive EdVenture Center and educational programs. Public hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Admission: $3 a person general public, free for members.

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: $14 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 Sundays: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. April through October; Saturdays: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. May through October; Weekdays: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day. A museum in motion. The nation’s largest rail museum operating steam, diesel and electric trains. Featuring nearly 400 historic locomotives and railcars. Admission: $8 adults weekdays, $4 children, $25 families; $10 adults Sundays in April, weekends in October, $7 children, $38 families; $12 adults weekends/holidays May through September, $8 children, $45 families.

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. 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. “Arrival - The 1920’s” will be at the museum for the next two years.

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. Watch the restoration of the turn of the century railroad station baggage cart from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. 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: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. 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, Wednesdays free to all.

CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN, 385-acre living museum, 1000 Lake Cook Road (a half mile east of the Edens Expressway), Glencoe. Open 8 a.m. to sunset daily except Christmas. Free admission. Parking $15, seniors $7 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.

CZECHOSLOVAK HERITAGE MUSEUM, 122 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, 630-472-0500. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Free admission. 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.

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. Memorial Day to Labor Day hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Thursdays to 7 p.m., 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: through Sept. 28, Toys: The Inside Story exhibition; through Sept. 30, Bad Dog Contest.

DuPAGE COUNTY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville, 630-637-8000 or www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org. Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $7.50 ages 1-59, $6.50 seniors, free for members. Featuring a variety of creative arts programs, storytelling and more. Fees apply to some programs.

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, 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. 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. Extended summer hours Thursdays with tours on the hour 3 to 6 p.m. Admission: $12 adults, $10 children ages 7-18 and seniors age 65 and older, $5 children ages 4-10.

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S FREDERICK C. 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. Guided interior tours weekdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., weekends from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Open late Wednesdays with tours departing on the hour 3 to 6 p.m. Admission: $12 adults, $10 children ages 7-18 and seniors age 65 and older, $5 children ages 4-10.

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.

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: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Mondays. 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. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed on holidays. Admission: $5 adults, $4 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. daily; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays. General Admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students, free for children 12 and younger accompanied by an adult, free for members. Feature exhibit tickets: $14 adults, $12 seniors, $10 students, free for children younger than 12. Schedule: through Nov. 30, Unmasked and Anonymous: Shimon & Lindemann Consider Portraiture; through Jan. 4, 2009, On Site: Santiago Cucullu; through October 2009, Sensory Overload: Light, Motion, Sound and the Optical in Art since 1945.

MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM, 800 W. Wells St., Milwaukee, 414-278-2700 or www.mpm.edu. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed July 4, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission: $11 adults, $9 seniors age 60 and older, $7 children ages 3-17, 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: $9 adults, $8 seniors, $6 children ages 3-17, free for children younger than 3 and members. Schedule: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 7, “Rising from Ashes: Furniture from Lost Trees” exhibition; weekends through Sept. 21, “The Taming of the Shrew” Theatre-Hike performances (tickets $13-$47).

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 through Oct. 31: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Summer admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors, $5.50 children ages 4-17, free for members. Schedule: Sept. 5 through Dec. 14, “The Power of Music: Photographic Portraits of Americans and their Musical Instruments, 1860-1915” exhibit.

ROCKFORD ART MUSEUM, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, 815-968-2787 or www.rockfordartmuseum.org. Gallery Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday (until 7 p.m. Thursday), noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $6 adults, $3 seniors/students, $2 group rate, free for children younger than 12. Free admission Tuesdays.

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. Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday, 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. Admission: General: $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.

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. Sunday through Wednesday & Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday & Saturday. Admission: $9 adults and children, $8 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 Dec. 7, Chicago@40: The Band and its City; through Jan. 4, 2009, Catholic Chicago.

THE FIELD MUSEUM, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, 312-922-9410 or www.fieldmuseum.org. Hours:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas. General admission: $14 for adults; $11 seniors and students with ID; $9 children ages 4-11 (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 Sept. 9, Celebrating Women; through Jan. 4, Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters.

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, Thursdays until 8 p.m. Free admission.

HANCOCK OBSERVATORY, 875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Admission: $12 adults, $10 seniors 62 years and older, $8 children ages 5-12, free for children age 4 and younger. Information: 888-875-8439 or www.hancock-observatory.com.

INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF SURGICAL SCIENCE, 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 312-642-6502 or www.imss.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, May through September; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Tuesday through Saturday, October through April. Admission: $9 adults, $5 seniors and students. Featuring: The Universal Condition: Enduring and Alleviating Pain; Supporting Structure: Understanding the Spine and Spinal Surgery; Milestones in Medical Imaging: From X-ray to Nuclear Medicine.

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: $10 adults, $6 students and seniors, free for children 12 and younger, members of the military and museum members. Target 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. weekdays & Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Schedule: Sept. 5 through Nov. 1, Dave Anderson: Rough Beauty; On the Road: Farm Security Administration; Dorothea Lange.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, 773-684-1414; 800-GO-TO-MSI or www.msichicago.org. Hours: 9:30 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 exhibit admission combination options 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; and more. Schedule: through Sept. 14, Earth from Space; through Jan. 4, Smart Home: Green & Wired; Sept. 2-30, free weekday general admission in celebration of the Museum’s 75th Anniversary.

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 Sept. 7, A Declaration of Immigration exhibition.

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 The Extreme Green House and Hands-on Habitat. Schedule: through Sept. 7, Lawn Nation: Art and Science of the American Lawn.

SHEDD AQUARIUM, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 312-939-2438 or www.sheddaquarium.org. Summer hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily to Sept. 2. Admission: $27.50 adults $20.50 seniors and children ages 3-11 (Premium Day Pass); $23 adults, $16 seniors and children (Day Pass); $18 adults, $14 seniors and children (Mini Pass); $8 adults, $6 seniors and children (Aquarium only) and discounted admission for special exhibits; free for members. Permanent exhibit: Wild Reef.

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. Tuesday 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.

SINGLES EVENTS

McHenry County

BABY BOOMER SINGLES CLUB, geared toward singles older than 45. No membership, pay as you go. Information: 815-529-8139, e-mail: babyboomersingles@comcast.net or www.babyboomersinglesclub.com. Schedule: 8 to 11:30 p.m. Sept. 12, Singles Dance at Property Owners Association Banquet Hall, 1212 Crystal Lake Road, Lake in the Hills. Free East Coast Swing and Cha Cha dance lessons with Greg Frank. DJ Scott Pastorino. No jeans or gym shoes. Raffle prizes. Cash bar. Cost: $10 a person.

Regional

YOUNG AT HEART SINGLES CLUB, 773-777-2210. Hotline: 630-415-3449. Event location information: 847-678-7068. A club for singles who are ballroom dancers of all ages. Ladies to dress semi-dressy to dressy and men to wear sport jackets or suits, ties not required, but no jeans. Members $7, guests $9. All dances from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Dance schedule: Sept. 5, American Legion Hall, 9757 Pacific, Franklin Park, with The Music Men.

SPECIAL EVENTS

McHenry County

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA HOUSE, second annual, 6 p.m. Sept. 13, Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, music of John Hegner, silent auction, dinner, a variety of music and dance entertainment and 50/50 raffle. Tickets: $150 a person. Proceeds benefit the Woodstock Opera House. Presented by Friends of the Opera House. Tickets and information: 815-338-5300 or www.woodstockoperahouse.com.

FAMILY FUN DAY, 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 6, Main Stay Therapeutic Riding farm, 6919 Keystone Road, Richmond. Family games, music, 2:30 p.m. student and equine demonstrations, stories, food and more. Host: Donors and Friends of Main Stay. Registration and information: 815-653-9374.

SAUFEN UND SPIEL, 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7, Johnsburg. Germanfest celebration featuring a parade starting at Johnsburg Junior High School parking lot and ending at Johnsburg Community Club grounds where the festival continues with games, music, cow drop raffle and more. Information: 815-344-5821.

McHenry County - Ongoing

McHENRY COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT, featuring programs at various Conservation District locations. Registration required for all programs: 815-479-5779. Schedule: 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 11, Migratory Madness program at Glacial Park, Ringwood. Dress for a short hike. Refreshments.

McHENRY COUNTY CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE, 7:30 p.m. second Tuesdays, McHenry County Historical Society, 6422 Main St., Union. Programs are free. Information: www.mchenrycivilwar.com. Schedule: Sept. 9, Frank Crawford will speak on “Defense of Ambrose Burnside at Antietam.”

Regional

PASSION FOR PINK GALA, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 6, Renaissance Hotel, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Cocktail reception and silent auction at 6:30 p.m.; dinner, dancing and raffle at 7:30 p.m.; piano lounge entertainment provided by High Society at 9 p.m. Tickets: $250 a person. Proceeds benefit Good Shepherd Hospital Breast Care Center. Host: Advocate Charitable Foundation. Reservations and information: 847-381-9103 or www.advocatehealth.com.

Regional - Ongoing

KLEHM ARBORETUM & BOTANIC GARDEN, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, 815-965-8146 or www.klehm.org. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Labor Day through Memorial Day, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission: $4 adults, free for children younger than 16. Master gardeners will be on site noon to 3 p.m. every Saturday to answer gardening and plant-related questions. Featuring 1, 3 & 3 p.m. Wednesday & Sunday docent-led 45-minute riding tours ($8 per rider). Schedule: 4 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Sept. 22, Farmers Market.

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: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 6, Late Summer Wetland Botany.

Chicago

HIT A HOME RUN FOR ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL, by attending a baseball game 7:11 p.m. Sept. 10 at U.S. Cellular Field, 333 W. 35th St., Chicago. Chicago White Sox take on the Toronto Blue Jays. Tickets: $32 with half of proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Tickets and information: 773-784-6704 or www.friendsofstjude.org/chicago.

RED BULL FLUGTAG, 1 p.m. Sept. 6, North Avenue Beach, North Lake Shore Drive & West LaSalle Drive, Chicago. A human-powered flying competition known as Red Bull Flugtag will once again soar over the Windy City. Teams will pilot their contraptions off a 30-foot high deck in hopes of achieving flight. Free to spectators. Gates open 11 a.m. For information visit www.redbullflugtagusa.com/Chicago2008.

WALK FOR LUPUS NOW, seventh annual, 9 a.m. Sept. 6, Grant Park, corner of Columbus & Balbo, Chicago. Awareness and fundraiser for Lupus Foundation of America, Illinois Chapter, features a one- or three-mile walk starting at 10 a.m. Cost: $25 advance registration, $30 on-site, $10 children ages 12 and younger. Information: 312-542-0002 or www.walkforlupusnowil2008.kintera.org.

WELLMOBILE TOUR STOP, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 6, Fifth Third Bank South Shore, 1606 E. 79th St., Chicago. Be Clear About Your Health tour featuring free health screenings for chronic health issues that affect the African-American community, kid’s corner, food samplings and healthy recipes. Sponsored by Clear Channel Radio Chicago and the Illinois Department of Public Health Center for Minority Services.

ZOOS

Regional

BROOKFIELD ZOO, 31st Street and First Avenue, Brookfield, 708-485-0263 or www.brookfieldzoo.org. Featuring more than 2,000 exotic and familiar animals on 216 acres. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day zoo hours at 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: $11 adults, $7 seniors and children 3-11, free for zoo members and children 2 and younger. Parking: $8.

Chicago

LINCOLN PARK ZOO, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, 312-742-2000 or www.lpzoo.org. General hours: Grounds 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. buildings and farm 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer weekends: Memorial Day through Labor Day (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays). Grounds open until 7 p.m. buildings and farm open until 6:30 p.m. Houses more than 2,000 birds, mammals and reptiles, including the world’s largest collection of gorillas in the great ape house. Also, orangutans, chimpanzees, a children’s petting zoo and Farm-in-the-Zoo. Free admission. There is a charge for parking.