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. Schedule: call for artists by April 28 for River St. Art Fair scheduled for Sept. 16. Call or visit the web site for more information or to receive an application.
CALL FOR CRAFTERS, by May 18 for the May 19 Craft Fair at Trinity Episcopal Church, 218 E. Benton, Aurora. Booth rental fee: $35. Information: (630) 897-7283 or e-mail: Trinity_Aurora@ sbcglobal.net.
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 June 1, Art For All exhibit.
DISTRICT 300 ART SHOW, 27th annual, April 19-25, Center Court of Spring Hill Mall, Routes 31 & 72, West Dundee. View original artwork in various media created by District 300 students during mall hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Information: (847) 428-2200 or www.springhillmall.com.
ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE, 1700 Spartan Drive, (847) 214-7405. Gallery hours: 9 a.m. to noon & 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday. Free admission. Schedule: through May 11, 16th Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition in the E. Max vonIssler Gallery of Art, with a 5 to 6:30 p.m. April 26 free artist’s reception; through May 23, Mid-America Print Council Members Exhibition in Safety-Kleen Gallery One.
ART WALL AT BETHANY, Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake, (815) 459-2690. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, other times by appointment.
BEANS & BOOKS, 215 S. Harrison St., Algonquin, (847) 658-5600 or www.beansandbooks.net. Schedule: 7 p.m. third Tuesdays, Art Talk, an informal gathering to talk about art.
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.
HUNTLEY BANKING CENTER, 11700 S. Route 47, Huntley. During regular banking hours. Schedule: through April 21, Sun City Pencil & Palette Club art display. Club information: (847) 515-2890.
JAILHOUSE POTTERS, 103 N. Johnson St., Suite A, Woodstock, (815) 337-9487 or www.jailhousepotters.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Featuring classes in handbuilding and wheelthrowing for children and adults.
KAREN FLECK PHOTOGRAPHY, INC., 11023 Woodstock St., Huntley, (847) 515-3335. Schedule: April 21 through May 10, The Alternative Process exhibition featuring photographic works by advanced students of McHenry County College’s Photography Department, with a 3 to 5 p.m. April 21 reception.
McHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE ART GALLERIES, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8785. Schedule: through April 26, Fox Valley High School Art Show in Epping Gallery, artspace 144 and MCC Art Department display cases; April 20 through May 25, MCC Juried Student Art Exhibit in Gallery One and Two.
NORTHLAND AREA ART LEAGUE, meetings at 7 to 9 p.m. second Tuesdays, September through April, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Currently looking for new members to join. Program fee of $4 charged to non-members. Information: President, Joe Bjork, (815) 337-2027.
STARLINE GALLERY, 307 W. Front St., Harvard. Art Exhibition closing 7 to 11 p.m. April 21. Private tours available by appointment. Featured artists: Amanda Aleman, Rahmaan Statik Barnes, Gregory Gantner, Oliver Gantner, Ashley Gallegos, Zack Goulet, Gabriel Karagianis, Eric Kinney, Czr Prz, Bobby Joe Scribner, Josh Tree and Justin West. Information: (815) 382-3540 or www.gabrielshorn.org.
TELFLEUR STUDIO ART SHOW, third annual, 5 to 9 p.m. April 27 & noon to 4 p.m. April 28, 109 Heritage Drive, McHenry, (815) 715-1527 or www.telfleur.com. Free admission. Featuring artwork of 26 local and Northern Illinois artists including art instructor Mary Telfer Holden, music and food.
VALLEY ART CLUB, River Art Studio & Gallery, 121 Madison St. (two blocks south of Route 62 on Route 31), Algonquin. Information: (847) 426-8532 or (847) 658-9094. Featuring Life Drawing workshops on the second and fourth Mondays of each month ending on May 14.
WOODSTOCK OPERA HOUSE, 121 Van Buren St., (815) 338-4212 or (815) 338-5300. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and during Opera House performances.
BARRINGTON AREA ARTS COUNCIL GALLERY, The Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington, (847) 304-1996. Schedule: through April 30, Navigating the Color of Man artwork display by Randy Kottke.
BARRINGTON/NORTHWEST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATES OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, (847) 358-3011. Schedule: 9:15 a.m. April 24, depart by bus from Langendorf Park for a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago to tour the Department of Prints and Drawings including areas not generally open to the public. Members only trip. Cost: $35. Reservations and information: (847) 359-1255.
CALL FOR ARTISTS, the Glenview Art League invites interested artists of original fine art to become an exhibitor at their 54th annual Outdoor Art Fair to take place July 28-29 at Lyon School in Glenview. Entry fee: $100 and $5 jury fee. Application deadline: May 1. Glenview Art League, P.O. Box 463, Glenview, IL 60025. E-mail: galartfair06@aol.com . Application forms and information: (847) 724-4007.
LITTLE CITY FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS, Northwest Cultural Council, 5999 New Wilke Road, Suite 307, Rolling Meadows. Schedule: through April 24, Achieving Creativity, a collaborative exhibit between Little City Foundation Center for the Arts and Northwest Special Recreation Association. Information: (847) 221-7888 or www.littlecity.org.
MAINSTREET ART CENTER, 16 E. Main St., Lake Zurich, (847) 550-0016 or www.mainstreetartcenter.com. Schedule: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 27-28, Watercolor Workshop by Joe Fettingis ($120).
NIU ART MUSEUM, 110 Altgeld Hall, Northern Illinois University, College & Castle drives, DeKalb, (815) 753-1936 or www.vpa.niu.edu/museum. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, and by appointment for group tours. Get-on-the-Bus Trip schedule: 9:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. April 27, Atropolis: International Antiques Fair & Art Chicago at The Merchandise Mart ($35, $33 seniors/students, $30 members). Schedule: through April 21, High & Low Chicago Hand Bookbinders Exhibition 2007; through May 12, The Uncertainty Principle: Drawing in the Golden Age of Worry; through May 12, Josef Albers Formulation: Articulation.
NORTH SHORE UNITARIAN CHURCH ART FAIR, 38th annual, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 28 & 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 29, 2100 Half Day Road, Deerfield, (847) 234-2460 or www.nsuc.org. Juried show includes works by artists from the Midwest with wearable art, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, ceramics, painting, photography, wood and glass. Admission: $3 adults, free for children.
UNFORGETTABLE ART, 6 to 10 p.m. April 28, Valley Expo & Displays, 4950 American Road, Rockford. Fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Illinois Chapter. Watch 50 artists convert blank canvases into works of art. Hors d’oeuvres. Silent bid on your favorites throughout the evening. Live auction at 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $50. Tickets and information: (815) 484-1300 or www.alzheimers-illinois.org/art.
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, (312) 443-3600 or visit www.artic.edu. Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed Thanksgiving day and Christmas day. Suggested admission: $12 for adults; $7 for students, seniors and children age 5 and older, free for children younger than age 5. Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday evenings 5 to 8 p.m. are free. Special exhibitions may require extra admission fee. Schedule: to May 12, Cézanne to Picasso: Ambroise Vollard, Patron of the Avant-Garde.
THE DAVID WEINBERG COLLECTION, 300 W. Superior, Suite 203, Chicago, (312) 529-5090 or www.davidweinbergcollection.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Schedule: through May 5, Inflorescence.
ILLINOIS STATE MUSEUM, Illinois Artisans Shop, James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph St., Suite 1-100, Chicago, (312) 814-5321 or www.museum.state.il.us. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call for artists deadline submission April 20 (visit the web site for an application and information). Schedule: through April 30, April Showers exhibition.
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. Marshall Field’s Free Tuesday Evenings 5 to 8 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, $6 students and seniors, free for children 12 and younger, members of the military and museum members. Schedule: through July 29, MCA Exposed: Defining Moments in Photography, 1967-2007.
ONE OF A KIND SHOW & SALE, seeks applicants to apply by May 1 for the seventh annual Dec. 7-9 event to take place at The Merchandise Mart, Chicago. Need high-quality fine art and fine craft, handmade by the artist, one piece at a time. Information: (312) 527-7642. Application: www.merchandisemart.com/oneofakindshow.
WALSH GALLERY, 118 N. Peoria St. #2, Chicago, (312) 829-3312 or www.walshgallery.com. Gallery hours: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Schedule: through April 27, From China with Love: The Gao Brothers.
SPRING CRAFT BAZAAR, April 20-21, Clearbrook Plaza, 1835 W. Central Road, Arlington Heights. Handmade gift items including greeting cards, picture frames, jewelry boxes, home decorations, fabric bags, baked goods and more. Schedule: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. Proceeds benefit people with disabilities. Information: (847) 310-9141, Ext. 222.
FOX VALLEY YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 21 & 1 to 5 p.m. April 22, Aurora Christian School, 2255 Sullivan Road, Aurora. All new and returning students required to audition for placement for its summer 2007/08 season. Placement based on ability rather than age. Students must be high school seniors or younger in the fall of 2007. Eligibility details and audition procedures are on the web site at www.fvyso.org. Audition appointments and information: (630) 879-8018.
JANUS THEATRE COMPANY, 1 to 4 p.m. April 21, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., Elgin. Auditions for “Measure for Measure” by William Shakespeare. Production directed by Terry Domschke. One classical monologue preferred, but sides will be available. Audition appointments and information: (847) 841-1713 or www.janustheatre.org.
RISING STAR THEATREWORKS, April 25 & 27-28, 1770 S. Randall Road, Suite A#204, Geneva. Auditions for the musical “Seussical.” April 25 auditions for students in grades 4-6. April 27-28 auditions for high school and college students. Performance dates: July 15-15 at Arcada Theatre in St. Charles. Audition details: (630) 262-5027 or www.risingstartheatre.org.
“SOFT RAINS”, 5 to 8 p.m. April 22 & 7 to 10 p.m. April 23, American Legion, 2nd & Main streets, St. Charles. Secular rock opera based on the story of Noah. Directed by Jamie Ellis. Choreographed by Jennifer Meek of Chicago’s Lucky Plush. Need five male and three female principles, 4 to 6 male and female dancers, ages 17 and older. Prepare a verse/chorus of a contemporary pop/rock tune. Accompanist provided. Dress to move. Performances: July 12-15, 19-22 at Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles. Information: (630) 505-6339, (630) 208-1347 or (630) 363-7703.
NORTHWEST COMMUNITY MUSIC ACADEMY, May 15-17, First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake. Casting performers ages 13-21. Auditioning for Youth Theatre production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” Auditionees will sing a vocal solo from a Broadway show, recite a prepared monologue and learn a group dance number. Accompanist provided. No a capella or karaoke auditions. Rehearsals late May through early July. Performance dates: July 12-14, 19-21. Audition appointments and information: (815) 356-7464 or www.ncmusica.org.
NORTHWEST COMMUNITY YOUTH CHOIR, May 12, 19 & 21, for the 2007-2008 season for ages 7 through high school. Choir consists of Aria (grades 2 and higher); Bella Voce (intermediate for grades 4-8); Cantabile (advanced for grades 6-8) and Di Canto (high school choir). Auditions consist of reading a poem (provided at audition) and singing a familiar song. Appointments and information: (815) 356-7464 or www.ncmusic.org.
RELAY FOR LIFE IDOL, entry deadline is 5 p.m. May 15. Calling all McHenry County amateur singers. Relay for Life Idol Karaoke Voice Competition Event accepting entries for adults ages 20 and older and teens aged 13-19. Prizes and chance to win recording studio time from Roger Adler and his StudioA Recording Studios of Crystal Lake. Relay for Life of North McHenry County Event fundraiser is June 22-23 at McHenry Township, 3703 N. Richmond Road, Johnsburg. Entry forms and information: (815) 385-9212 or www.RelayForLifeIdol.org.
SUMMER THEATER OPPORTUNITY. Residents of District 158 who have completed grades 5-12 welcome to participate in the production of “Alice in Wonderland” camp June 12 to July 13 at Huntley High School. Rehearsals: 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. No rehearsals the week of July 2. Show dates: July 13-15. Camp cost: $150. Registration and information: Tom George, (847) 659-6635 or e-mail: tgeorge@district158.org .
BROTHERHOOD OF HARMONY CHORUS, men’s a cappella chorus is looking for men who love to sing. Tenors and basses wanted. Music is composed of contemporary, Broadway and show tunes, jazz and blues, patriotic and religious numbers. Rehearsals: 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. every Tuesday at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 202 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Information: 1-888-494-8705 or www.brotherhoodofharmony.org.
THEATRE ON THE HILL, 7 to 10 p.m. April 20, Bolingbrook Performing Arts, 375 W. Briarcliff, Bolingbrook. Auditioning for “We Will Rock You” musical. Based on the classic rock group Queen. Rehearsals begin April 23. Show opens June 29. E-mail: Craig Engel at baccaruda1@aol.com . Information: (630) 783-9108 or www.tothbolingbrook.com.
WEST SUBURBAN THEATRE CONNECTION, third annual, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 22 & 7 to 10 p.m. April 23, Comedy Shrine, 22 E. Chicago Ave., Suite 205, Naperville. More than 10 theaters will be represented. Unified auditions open to all non-equity adult actors ages 18 and older. Prepare a two-minute monologue (or two contrasting for a total of two minutes). Singers can sing 16 bars in addition to their monologues. Accompanist provided. Bring sheet music. Bring a headshot/resume. Audition appointments may also be made by calling: (630) 896-6666.
LUVABULLS DANCE TEAM, on or before May 29, accepting applications for the 2007-08 dance team. Looking for female dancers age 21 and older to join the Luvabulls dance team. Auditions 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 2 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. Application forms available at www.bulls.com. Information: (630) 668-7915.
NATIONAL TEEN FILMMAKING PROGRAM, through May 7. Call for entries for teen filmmaking program called Samsung Fresh Films. Teens will create, shoot and edit a short film during the summer on location in Chicago and eight other major cities. Teen crews will be assigned a specific film assignment. Three jury-selected films will then go on to compete for the prize of Fresh Film of the year. Information: (773) 334-8380, Ext. 111 or www.fresh-films.com.
CLASSICS & CHROME CAR SHOW, April 21-22, Indoor Sports Center, 8800 Riverside Blvd., Rockford. Pre- and post-war classics, sports cars, muscle cars, hot rod and custom cars, exotic and race cars, specialty cars and motorcycles. Schedule: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $6 adults a day, free for children younger than 12. Information: (8150 399-8823 or www.classicsandchrome.com.
SPRING CAR CORRAL & FESTIVAL, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 12, Volo Auto Museum, 27582 W. Volo Village Road, Volo, (815) 385-3644 or www.volocars.com. Sell your collector car free. No registration fee. More than 200 muscle, antique and classic cars expected. Music, antiques, crafts and food. Rain date May 13. Outdoor event with free admission.
CAR SHOW & FUN FAIR, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 28, La Petite Academy, 4540 Algonquin Road, Lake in the Hills. Featuring classic cruisers, activities for all ages, dancing, face painting, games, prizes, food and more. Proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation for children with life threatening medical conditions. Cost: $10 suggested donation for a family of four. Information: (847) 669-6111 or www.lapetite.com.
STATION HOUSE SUBS, 5 to 9 p.m. third Saturdays starting April 21, 2397 S. Randall Road, Algonquin, (847) 844-7305. Cruisers invited to bring their antique, custom, modified and classic cars throughout the spring, summer and fall.
BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS, Spring Hill Mall, Routes 31 and 72, West Dundee, (847) 426-5614. Schedule: 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Storytimes for ages 2-5.
DUNDEE TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, 555 Barrington Ave., East Dundee, (847) 428-3661. Schedule: 7 to 8:30 p.m. first Wednesdays, Teen Café; 7 to 8:30 p.m. last Wednesdays, Book Discussion Group; 7 to 8:30 p.m. last Wednesdays, Spanish Book Discussion Group.
ELLA JOHNSON MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, 109 S. State St., Hampshire, (847) 683-4490. Schedule: 10 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:15 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, regular Storytimes (no registration); 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Dinosaur Bedtime Stories.
ALGONQUIN AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, Main Library, 2600 Harnish Drive, (847) 458-6060 or www.aapld.org. Schedule: 4 to 5 p.m. first Thursdays, Everyone Loves a Mystery Book Club for grades 4-8; Read to Succeed program for grades 1-8; Books are Cool program for children age 2 to kindergarten.
BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS, 5380 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, (815) 444-0824 or (815) 444-0833. Schedule: 7 p.m. Fridays, Open mic night, featuring singing, reading, playing musical instruments and more; 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Storytime and crafts for preschool children.
BEANS & BOOKS, 215 S. Harrison St., Algonquin, (847) 658-5600 or www.beansandbooks.net. Coffee house and book store. Featuring Art Talk 7 p.m. second Tuesdays, an informal gathering of people interested in art issues of the day. Free.
BORDERS BOOKS, MUSIC & CAFÉ, 6000 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-0302. Schedule: 7 p.m. second Mondays, Metaphysics Discussion Group, open to all interested in exploring the metaphysical; 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Storytime for preschool children; 7 p.m. third Thursdays, Flicks and Picks discussion about the latest Hollywood offerings with film critic Jeffrey Westhoff.
BORDERS BOOKS, MUSIC & CAFÉ, 2221 N. Richmond Road, McHenry, (815) 578-9330. Schedule: 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Tiny Tots Storytime for children ages 2-4; 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, Kids’ Craft Corner for children ages 2-4; 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays, McHenry Area Chess, (815) 578-9330; Bob, (815) 459-4856 or www.McHenryArea Chess.org.
CRYSTAL LAKE PUBLIC LIBRARY, 126 Paddock St., (815) 459-1687. Schedule: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Book Chat; 9:30 a.m. third Wednesdays, Bookies.
FOX RIVER GROVE MEMORIAL LIBRARY, 407 Lincoln Ave., (847) 639-2274. Schedule: through April 21, National Library Week events; 7 p.m. April 18, Master Gardeners; noon April 21, “Charlotte’s Web” screening; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 25, teen and youth program featuring a Creative Writing session; to May 31, Patch Club for children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION GROUP OF CRYSTAL LAKE, 7:15 p.m. every other Tuesday, Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce building, 427 W. Virginia St. Information: Jerrold Michaels, (815) 459-4317 or Deborah Wright, (815) 459-8319.
HARVARD DIGGINS LIBRARY, 900 E. McKinley, (815) 943-4671. Schedule: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Parents As Teachers, District 50 drop-in story time for children to age 5 (for information call Sandra or Pat, (815) 943-6367).
HUNTLEY AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY, 11000 Ruth Road, (847) 669-5386 or www.huntleylibrary.org. Schedule: 2 p.m. last Mondays, Monday Club book club; 7 to 7:30 p.m. first Thursdays, Bedtime Stories, for the whole family.
JOHNSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY, 3000 N. Johnsburg Road, (815) 344-0077 or www.johnsburglibrary.org. Schedule: 2 p.m. April 15, Tall Tales & Kitchen Band free performance by Mike Offutt to kick off National Library Week (program for all ages with registration required).
MARENGO PUBLIC LIBRARY, 200 S. State St., (815) 568-8236. Schedule: 7 to 7:45 p.m. Mondays, Preschool Storytime for children ages 3-5; 7 to 7:45 p.m. fourth Mondays, Bilingual Preschool Storytime for children ages 3-6; 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Preschool Storytime for children ages 3-5; 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesdays, Preschool Storytime for children ages 3-5; 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. first Fridays, Adult Book Discussion Group.
McHENRY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 809 N. Front St., (815) 385-0036 or www.mchenrylibrary.org. Schedule: noon to 2 p.m. third Sundays, McHenry County Genealogical Society assistance; 10 to 11 a.m. April 28, Cereal Kids Book Club with a Eggs-citement activity theme.
NEW LIFE BOOKSTORE, 16W Crystal Lake Plaza, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-2700. Schedule: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Storytime for children of all ages.
WOODSTOCK PUBLIC LIBRARY, 414 W. Judd St., (815) 338-0542 or www.woodstock-il.com. Schedule: 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, drop-in programs for middle school students in grades 6-8; 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays through April 18, drop-in storytimes for children ages 3 through kindergarten.
WAUCONDA AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, 801 N. Main St., (847) 526-6225 or www.wauclib.org. Summer programs: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Fridays, ABC: After Baby Comes (for infants not yet walking), 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, 123: Look at Me! for toddlers who can walk.
IRISH AMERICAN HERITAGE CENTER, 4626 N. Knox Ave., Chicago, (773) 282-7035 or www.irishamhc.com. Schedule: 2 p.m. April 22, book discussion and signing by Rita Emmett on “The Clutter-Busting Handbook: Clean It Up, Clear It Out, and Keep Your Life Clutter Free.” Cost: $7.
NEWBERRY LIBRARY, 60 W. Walton St., Chicago, (312) 255-3700 or www.newberry.org. Schedule: 10 a.m. April 21, “Much Ado About Nothing” by William Shakespeare with The Shakespeare Project of Chicago; 6 p.m. April 25, The Plan of Chicago: Daniel Burnham and the Remaking of the American City presented by Carl Smith of Northwestern University.
PRITZKER MILITARY LIBRARY, 610 N. Fairbanks Court, 2nd Floor, Chicago, (312) 587-0234 or www.pritzkermilitarylibrary.org. Event registration suggested. Schedule: 5 p.m. April 24, Mumford Exhibit and discussion by Steve Mumford on A Baghdad Journal and “Drawn To War;” 6 p.m. April 26, discussion and signing by Jerry Crimmins on “Fort Dearborn;” 9:30 a.m. April 28, discussion and signing by James S. Robbins on “Last in Their Class;” 11 a.m. April 28, discussion and signing by Fred Chiaventone on “A Road We Do Not Know.” Free.
COMEDYCOMEDY AT WALTER PAYTON’S ROUNDHOUSE COMPLEX, 205 N. Broadway Ave., Aurora, (630) 264-2739 or www.walterpaytonsroundhouse.com. Live stand-up comedy. Show times are 8:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission: $15 for ages 21 and older. Reservations recommended. No drink minimum.
OPEN MIC NIGHT, 7 p.m. third Sundays, First Street Playhouse, 160 S. Water St., Batavia, (630) 406-6367 or www.firststreetplayhouse.com. Stand-up comedy, music, sketches, dance and any other style of entertainment welcome. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for performers to sign up, first-come, first-served basis, with performances presented in order of the sign-up list.
SATURDAY IMPROV SHOWS, first Saturday of every month, Judson College Fine Arts Performance Hall, 1151 N. State St., Elgin. Two shows in one night. All shows 7 & 9 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, $7 seniors, students and children at the door. Child care available. Information: www.greenroomtheater.com.
ZANIES-PHEASANT RUN RESORT, on North Avenue, St. Charles, (630) 513-1761 or www.zanies.com. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Thursdays; 8 and 9:45 p.m. Fridays; 7:30 and 9:45 Saturdays. Cover charge: $18 plus two-drink minimum; $20 special events. Schedule: April 20, Don Friesen; April 21, Jon Reep; April 25-27 & 28, Jimmy Pardo; April 27, Gilbert Gottfried.
BONKERZ COMEDY CLUB, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, in the Loramoors lower level of the main lodge, Highways 50 & 12, Lake Geneva, Wis., (262) 249-4788 or www.grandgeneva.com. Show times are 8 p.m. Admission: $15 general, $10 resort guests.
CHICAGO COMEDY COMPANY, Chicago Comedy Company Theatre, Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale Road, Suite 171, Schaumburg, (847) 240-0386 or www.chicagocomedyco.com. Improv comedy. Schedule: 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays ($17 adults ages 21 and older, $11 students); 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
CHICAGO IMPROV, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg, (847) 240-2001 or www.improv.com. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 & 9:45 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday.
HARPER COLLEGE, Room A242 of the Student Center, Roselle & Algonquin Roads, Palatine, (847) 925-6100 or www.harpercollege.edu. Schedule: 7:30 p.m. April 24, Dan Cummins and Prescott Tolk. Tickets: $7 general admission, $6 students, $5 Harper students, faculty, staff and seniors.
JOAN RIVERS & DON RICKLES, 8 p.m. May 4, Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Tickets: $40, $45, $55, $75 at (312) 559-1212 or www.ticketmaster.com.
ZANIES-VERNON HILLS, 230 Hawthorn Village Commons, (847) 549-6030 or www.zanies.com. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 and 9:45 p.m. Fridays and 7:30 and 9:45 Saturdays. Ticket prices start at $20. Schedule: April 20, Jon Reep; April 21, Don Friesen; April 27, Jimmy Pardo; April 28, Gilbert Gottfried.
BLUE MAN GROUP, Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted St., Chicago, (773) 348-4000. Performances: 8 p.m. Tuesdays; 2 & 8 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays; 4, 7 & 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 1, 4 & 7 p.m. Sundays. Performance schedule subject to change. Tickets: $49 balcony, $59 main floor. 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. 8 p.m. Thursdays & Fridays; 6, 8 & 10 p.m. Saturdays (performance times may vary). Tickets: $19.
LAKESHORE THEATER, 3175 N. Broadway, Chicago, (773) 472-3491 or www.lakeshoretheater.com. Schedule: 7 p.m. April 27-28, Sit ‘n’ Spin comedy act from Los Angeles. Tickets: $15.
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, 94th revue Between Barack and a Hard Place. Tickets: $19 Tuesday through Thursday & Sunday, $24 Friday & Saturday.
THE SECOND CITY E.T.C., 1608 N. Wells St., (312) 337-3992 or www.secondcity.com. Schedule: 8 p.m. Thursdays, 8 & 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, 29th revue Disposable Nation. Tickets: $19, $24. 8 p.m. April 24, Greg Shapiro’s Going Dutch. Tickets: $15.
ZANIES-CHICAGO, 1548 N. Wells in Old Town, (312) 337-4027 or www.zanies.com. Showtimes are 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and Sundays; 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Fridays and 7, 9, 11:15 p.m. Saturdays. Ticket prices start at $20. Schedule: April 20-22, Patti Vasquez; April 23, Chicago Style Stand-Ups; April 24, Comedy Class Graduation - Dobie Maxwell; April 25-29, Dobie Maxwell; April 26, Gilbert Gottfried; April 30, Rising Star Showcase.
STATE STREET DANCE STUDIO, 9 N. Fourth St., Geneva. Joined forced with Girl Scouts-Fox Valley Council in support of the Girl Scout/Dove Self-Esteem Program to offer girls ages 6-17 the opportunity to perform onstage at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora. Previous experience or Girl Scout membership not required. Register by April 21. Rehearsals 4 to 5 p.m. Saturdays beginning April 28. Performance date: June 23. Fee: $10 non-Girl Scouts, free for Girl Scouts. Registration and information: (630) 232-0444 or www.statestreetdancestudio.com.
A FOX VALLEY OF ILLINOIS CHAPTER OF USA DANCE, formerly United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association. 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: $7 members, $10 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: April 21, April in Paris (Cha Cha).
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) 356-728-1026 or (847) 395-1108.
DANCE! with Frank & Jackie Penze, ballroom, Latin and swing dance instructors, (847) 639-8699. Crystal Lake: 8 to 9:30 p.m. to May 14, beginning to intermediate Swing, Salsa and more at Health Bridge Fitness Center, 200 E. Congress Pkwy., Crystal Lake. Cost: $50 members, $75 non-members. Call (815) 788-2266 or www.healthbridgefitness.com.
Crystal Lake Park District: 7:15-8:30 p.m. or 8:30-9:45 p.m. to May 16, beginning class, Salsa, Rumba, Tango and more Swing; and 7:30-9 p.m. to May 17, intermediate class, Rumba, Cha Cha, Peabody (Quick Step), Waltz, 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. Cary Park District: 12:45-2:15 p.m. introduction to intermediate, 2:30-4 p.m. beginning, 4-5:30 p.m. intermediate to May 6, Swing, Salsa, Rumba at Cary Park District Center, 255 Briargate Road. Cost: $58 resident couple, $64 non-resident couple. Call (847) 639-6100 or (847) 639-8118. Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department: 7-8:30 p.m. to May 18, beginning Swing, Waltz, Rumba, Merengue, and 8:30-10 p.m. intermediate class with Rumba, Cha Cha, Samba, Waltz, East Coast Swing at Labahn-Hain House, 149 Hilltop Drive. Cost: $87 resident couple, $96 non-resident couple. Call (847) 960-7460. Lake Villa: 7 to 8 or 9 to 10 p.m. to May 22, beginning Swing, Fox Trot, Salsa, Merengue, and 8 to 9 p.m. intermediate, Swing, Tango, Waltz, Cha Cha at American Stars of Dance Studio, 133 Cedar Ave. Cost: $90 couple. Call (847) 838-1234. Algonquin Park District: 10:30 a.m. to noon to May 19, beginning Swing, Fox Trot, Salsa & Merengue at Algonquin Public Works Building, 110 Meyer Drive. Cost: $45/$55 a person. Call (847) 658-2700, Class #322.
WOODSTOCK SQUARES, host square dances second Fridays, September through June, Verda Dierzen Early Learning Center, Route 47, Woodstock. Information: (815) 477-7319.
“JUNIE B. JONES”: 10 a.m., 12:30 & 7:30 p.m. April 20, Paramount Theate, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Fast-paced musical about new friends, new glasses and other various first-grade angst-ridden situations. Tickets: $8 at (630) 896-6666 or www.theparamounttheatre.com.
ASTRONOMY DAY, 5:30 p.m. April 21, Harper College, Building Z, Algonquin Road entrance, Palatine. Indoor displays and lectures, craft projects for children, planetarium dome and observing the moon and Saturn through telescopes. All ages welcome. Free admission. Sponsor: Northwest Suburban Astronomers and Harper College Astronomy Department. Information: www.nsaclub.org.
BROOKFIELD ZOO, 31st Street and First Avenue, Brookfield, (708) 485-0263 or www.brookfieldzoo.org. More than 2,000 exotic and familiar animals on 215 acres, plus Tropic World rain forest environment, dolphin show, children’s zoo with animal demonstrations. Also, Windows into the Zoo programs for children and adults. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays & 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends. Effective May 26, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The zoo will remain open until 7:30 p.m. Sundays May 27 to September 2. Exhibits close at 7:00 on summer Sunday nights. Admission: $10 adults, $6 seniors and children 3-11, free for zoo members and children 2 and younger. Parking: $8 cars. Exhibits: The Living Coast: A World of Surprising Connections, 2,000-square-foot exhibit that “plunges” visitors into ocean depths off the western coast of South America (Chile and Peru), where the driest desert in the world meets one of the most fertile ocean systems; American Bison. Schedule: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 22, Earth Day celebration, featuring various events throughout the zoo.
DNEWSMAN’S MAGICAL HISTORY TOUR, 1 to 8 p.m. April 29, departing from the north end of the Mobil Gas Station parking lot on North Main Street, Rockford. Limo bus history tours of Rockford’s north end. Tours offered hourly on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets: $15 adults, $12.50 seniors and students age 18 and younger, free for children 5 and yonger, available on site, cash only. Private group tours $195 based on groups up to 15. Information: (815) 243-9832 or www.rrstar.com.
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. Parking: $12. Schedule: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 22, Earth Day celebration featuring the Green Apple Music and Arts Festival Concert Series (free).
SHEDD AQUARIUM, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, (312) 939-2438 or www.sheddaquarium.org. Regular hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and holidays to May 28. Summer hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, May 28 to Sept. 3. Aquarium only admission: $8 adults $6 seniors and children ages 3-11, free for members. Wild Reef mini pass: $18 adults, $14 seniors and children. All-Access admission: $23 adults, $16 seniors and children. Permanent exhibit: Wild Reef. Featuring SpongeBob SquarePants in 4-D special FX Theater every half-hour 10:15 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. ($5 a person at the Aquarium gate, $6 at the theater door, $4 Shedd members). Schedule: through summer 2008, Lizards and the Komodo King.
LATINO FILM FESTIVAL, through April 22, Perry Theatre in the Aurora Foundation Center for Community Enrichment, 1305 Kenilworth Place, Aurora. Featuring two Spanish-language films with English subtitles. Schedule: 4 & 6 p.m. April 22 respectively, “Buscando a Leti (Looking for Leti)” and “Cuando Rompen las Olas (When the Waves Break).” Tickets: $3 a person per movie, $5 a person double feature, $10 family per movie, $15 family double feature. Host: Aurora University. Information: (630) 844-6259.
TRAVELOGUE FILM, McHenry County College Conference Centers, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Schedule: 3 p.m. April 22, “Postcards from Italy.” Tickets: $8 available at the door. Information: (815) 479-7570.
CHICAGO LATINO FILM FESTIVAL, 23rd annual, through April 25, Pipers Alley, 1608 N. Wells, (312) 642-7500; Facets Cinematheque, 1517 W. Fullerton, (773) 281-4114; and Landmark Century Centre cinema, 2828 N. Clark, (773) 509-4949. Admission: $10 general, $9 students & disabled, $8 members, $80 festival pass for 10 shows. Sponsor: International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago. Film schedule and information: (312) 431-1330 or www.latinoculturalcenter.org.
ELGIN AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM, 360 Park St., Elgin, (847) 742-4248 or www.elginhistory.org. Hours: noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, through December. Admission: $2 adults, $1 seniors and children younger than 12.
ELGIN PUBLIC MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY AND ANTHROPOLOGY, Lords Park, 225 Grand Blvd., Elgin, (847) 741-6655 or visit www.elginpublic museum.org. Winter hours: noon to 4 p.m. Saturday & Sunday.Admission: $2 adults, $1.50 seniors, $1 children 3-11, free to children younger than age 3. Special interactive exhibits are featured, as well as a children’s discovery room. Educational programs and birthday parties available. Schedule: April 22, Earth Day event on the Willow Creek Nature Trail ($5 adults, $2 children). Registration required.
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 12, $2.50 youth groups age 12 and younger by appointment.
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. 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. Schedule: to May 12, Lincoln Through the Years Exhibit; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 21 & noon to 4 p.m. April 22, Lego Train Show; to Nov. 3, Home on the 5:05 Exhibit.
SCITECH HANDS-ON MUSEUM, 18 W. Benton St., Aurora, (630) 859-3434 or www.scitech .mus.il.us. Winter hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.Admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors; $12 adults, $10 seniors, free for children younger than 2.
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 now under construction and will be an ongoing project 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. Open to the public 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Featuring a Meteorite and Earth Science Exhibit, interactive EdVenture Center and educational programs. Admission: $3 a person general public, free for members. Registration now open for summer Cosmic Camps. All camps require a $50 non-refundable deposit.
CHESTER GOULD-DICK TRACY MUSEUM, Old Courthouse on the Square, 101 N. Johnson St., Woodstock. Permanent collection of original art, memorabilia and valuable items from the Chester Gould family, including Gould’s drawing board, contributions from fans and friends and changing exhibits. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. Open Saturdays only during January. Admission: $2 adults, $1 seniors, free for children younger than age 12.
DONLEY’S WILD WEST TOWN, Route 20 and 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.
ILLINOIS RAILWAY MUSEUM, 7000 Olson Road, east of Union. Information: (815) 923-4000; 1-800-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: $6.50 adults weekdays, $4.50 seniors and children, $22 families; $9.50 adults Sundays in April, weekends in October, $7.50 seniors and children, $37 families; $10.50 adults weekends/holidays May through September, $8.50 seniors and children, $42 families.
McHENRY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM, 6422 Main St., Union, (815) 923-2267 or www.mchsonline.org. May through October 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.
ARTWORKS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, 130 Washington St., Ingleside, (847) 587-7882 or www.artworks4kids.org. Admission: $5 children ages 1-18, free for infants and adults. Parent-child craft time all day Tuesdays through Thursdays. Participation is free with admission or membership.
BARRINGTON AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Old Barrington Centre, 212 W. Main St., Barrington, (847) 381-1730 or www.barringtonareahistoricalsociety.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday. 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: $5 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-17, free for members and children younger than 3, Wednesdays free to all. Schedule: 9 to 11 a.m. April 21, Breakfast at Burpee: “Ribbit, Ribbit, Ribbit - The Wonders of Frogs” ($10 a person for public, $8 members).
BYRON MUSEUM OF HISTORY, 106 N. Union St., Byron, (815) 234-5031 or www.byronmuseum.org. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, evenings and weekends by appointment. Special evening and weekend hours during events and the summer months, call for details.
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 $12, 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. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $5 adults, $4 children ages 2 to 17, free for children younger than 2 and museum members.
DISCOVERY WORLD MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, ECONOMICS AND TECHNOLOGY, 818 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, Wis., (414) 765-9966. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
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 ages 1-59, $6 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, $3 seniors, $2 children ages 3-17, $15 family (two adults with children). Schedule: 11:30 a.m. April 26, Friends of Öland, Stockholm Inn; May 5, rhubarb dinner; May 20, monthly program; 11:30 a.m. May 29, Friends of Öland, Stockholm Inn.
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT HOME AND STUDIO TOURS, 951 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, (708) 848-1976, www.wrightplus.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. Guided tours of the Home and Studio weekdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., weekends 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Guided exterior walking tour of the neighborhood surrounding the Home and Studio, weekends only. Admission: $12 adults, $10 children ages 7-18 and seniors age 65 and older. Schedule: 4 p.m. April 21, Preservation Trust Naturally Wright tour ($20 non-members, $16 members); 7 p.m. April 27, Preservation Trust Twilight Tour ($16 non-members, $14 members).
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S FREDERICK C. ROBIE HOUSE, 5757 S. Woodlawn, Hyde Park, (708) 848-1976, www.wrightplus.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. Admission: $12 adults, $10 children ages 7-18 and seniors age 65 and older. Historic Neighbors Walking Tours at 2 p.m. Saturdays. Tickets: $12 adults, $10 seniors and children ages 7-18. Wright 3 tours 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. second and third Saturdays ($4 a person) led by junior interpreters, specially trained 5th-10th graders.
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: $8 adults, $7 seniors, $6 students ages 6-17, 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: $5.50 adults and children, $5.50 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.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Mondays. General admission: $5 adults, $3 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. Schedule: noon to 5 p.m. April 21-22, Rockmania show and sale sponsored by the Rock River Valley Gem & Mineral Society ($6 adults, $4 children 3 to 17).
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 May 6, Currents 33: Gregor Schneider; through May 28, Craftways: English Artisans in Seventeenth-Century New England.
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, $8 seniors age 60 and older, $6 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. Open 7 days a week. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. January, February, November and December; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. March through October. Admission: $7 adults, $5 seniors, $4 children ages 3-12, free for children younger than 3, free for members. Wednesdays: $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children, free for children 2 and younger. Children’s Garden hours: daily 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (DST); 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CST). Schedule: through April 27, Unique Wooden Sculpture Celebrates Trees: Art in Nature, Nature as Art by artist Patrick Dougherty.
NAPER SETTLEMENT, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, (630) 420-6010 or www.napersettlement.museum. 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. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors, $5.50 children ages 4-17, free for members. Schedule: April 21-22 & April 28-29, Discover Victorian beauty secrets; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 27-28, Weed Ladies Spring Show & Sale.
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. thursda6), noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $5 adults, $3 seniors, free for members, students and children, free on Tuesdays. Schedule: through July 8, He & She: Vallien & Hydman-Vallien glass artists exhibit.
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. daily, except 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. Featuring the Messerschmitt 109 airplane cockpit on display for the first time in the United States. Schedule: Spring Car Corral & Festival, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 12 (outdoor event with free admission). Rain date May 13.
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. Major collection of artifacts on the history of astronomy. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. first Fridays. Admission: Ultimate Universe Adventure: $18 adults, $17 seniors, $16 children 4-7, includes admission and two sky shows; Galaxy Passport: $13 adults, $12 seniors, $11 children 4-17, includes admission and one Sky Show. Features four exhibit galleries, the world’s first StarRider Theater, Galileo’s Café and the Shooting Star gift shop. StarRider Theater shows: Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity; TimeSpace. Sky Theater: Egyptian Nights: Secrets of the Sky Gods; Night Sky Live! Newest permanent exhibit is Shoot for the Moon.
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 5p.m. Sunday through Wednesday & Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday & Saturday. Admission: $8 adults and children, $7 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; featuring the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows for PlayMaze; Treehouse Trails, Under Construction, Kraft 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.
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: $12 adults, $10 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. Schedule: through May 20, Chicago Roots Music; through May 27, Dior: The New Look; through July 23, Colonia to Community: The Southeast Side.
THE FIELD MUSEUM, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, (312) 922-9410 or www.fieldmuseum.org. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission: $17 for adults; $14 seniors and students with ID; $8 for children ages 3-11, free for children 2 and younger and museum members. Permanent exhibits: Life Over Time; What is an Animal? Africa; Brachiosaurus, outside of the museum; SUE; Inside Ancient Egypt; Nature Walk; Underground Adventure; Pawnee Earth Lodge; Pacific Spirits; Evolving Planet; The Ancient Americas. Exhibits: free program 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily, Museum Highlight Tours. Schedule: through June 3, Treasures of the Titans; through June 17, Eskimo & Inuit Carvings: Collecting Art from the Arctic; through July 7, Impressions of Tsavo; through Sept. 3, Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries; through Dec. 31, Cheyenne Visions.
GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY, 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, (312) 746-5100 or www.garfield-conservatory.org. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Thursdays until 8 p.m. Free admission. Schedule: through May 24, Spring Flower Show; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 28, 15th Annual Green and Growing Fair; May 5 through Oct. 31, Niki in the Garden, sculptures of Niki de Saint Phalle.
HANCOCK OBSERVATORY, 875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Admission: $9.50 adults, $7.50 seniors 62 years and older, $6 children ages 5-12, free for children age 4 and younger. Information: 1-888-875-8439 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 Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday from May through September. Guided tours: 2 p.m. Saturdays. Admission: $8 adults, $4 seniors and students, free admission Tuesdays. 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. for the entire year. Schedule: through May 20, Rudolf Stingel.
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, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Free admission. Schedule: through May 25, Monika Brandmeier; through May 25, Tim Roda; through June 2, Barbara Probst: Exposures.
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, (773) 684-1414; 1-800-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. Admission: $11 adults, $9.50 seniors, $7 children ages 3-11, free for children younger than 3. Permanent exhibits: Petroleum Planet; The Great Train Story; Toymaker 3000; U-505 Submarine. Special exhibits: Networld; Ships through the Ages; Reusable City and more. Schedule: through April 29, Gunther Von Hagens’ Body Worlds 2: The Anatomical Exhibition of Real Human Bodies (hours for Body Worlds will be 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through April 29).
This is cache, read story here
