Dinosaurs Alive!

Dinosaurs Alive! They're back at Brookfield Zoo, and they're bigger and better than before. Some favorites are returning but many are new! Brookfield Zoo guests can take a trip back millions of years and experience Dinosaurs Alive!, presented by Dominicks. Come and enjoy this unique, fun, and educational exhibit of Tyrannosaurus proportions that will feature supersized animatronic dinosaurs, including favorites like Stegosaurus and Triceratops, as well as obscure dinosaur species with unusual characteristics, like feathers.

CITY: Brookfield

Boeing, Boeing

Boeing, Boeing was revived in 2007 after an undeniably successful seven-year run in the West End. The Wall Street Journal hailed Boeing-Boeing as one of "the funniest plays to hit Broadway in ages" and The Daily Telegraph said it was "the funniest show on the London stage." This charming revival focuses on Bernard, a jet setting architect living in Paris. He has been successfully juggling three flight attendant fiancés with the help of his reluctant housekeeper who keeps track of everyone's comings and goings. Mayhem follows soon after the arrival of an old college pal as flights are delayed, schedules change and chaos ensues. The laughs come fast and furious when Bernard finds himself struggling to keep up with his overwhelming amorous lies. Audiences will have to fasten their seat belts for a roaring ride that will take them up, up and away!

CITY: Oakbrook Terrace

Young Frankenstein

Young Frankenstein is a wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend based on Mel Brooks' classic comedy masterpiece, hailed by the American Film Institute as one of the funniest movies of all time. The story follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein as he attempts to complete his grandfather's masterwork and bring a corpse to life. Together with his oddly shaped and endearing helper Igor, his curvaceous lab assistant Inga, and, in spite of his incredibly self-involved madcap fiancée Elizabeth, Frankenstein succeeds in creating a monster - but not without scary and quite often hilarious complications. Young Frankenstein is scientifically-proven, monstrously good entertainment. It’s ritzy, glitzy and blitzfully funny!

CITY: Oakbrook Terrace

Boo! at the Zoo

Halloween fun awaits families at Brookfield Zoo’s annual Boo! at the Zoo celebration. The popular daytime event, presented by Fisher-Price, features a Costume Parade, Costume Showcase, professional pumpkin-carving demonstrations, not-so-scary games and activities, special animal Zoo Chats, and haunted hayrides. For more information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000.

CITY: Brookfield

Matteson Family Days

The Village of Matteson is proud to present the 29th Annual Matteson Family Days. The event will take place over a 2 day period on Friday from 5pm – 10pm & Saturday from 1pm – 10pm. Matteson Family Days will be an extravaganza of music, food and entertainment for people of all ages. The event will provide the community with family entertainment, activities for children, appetizing food and much more.

CITY: Matteson

Next to Normal

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - We are honored to present the regional premiere of Next To Normal, one of only eight musicals in history to win the Pulitzer Prize for drama. This riveting story is an intricate dissection of a "normal" American family. Driven by an incredible score (which won Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations) the narrative burrows into family secrets long since buried. This is a musical that asks the question: Can the seemingly perfect family survive an insurmountable event and tender the untenable. A story whose mere description would destroy it. See it before anyone reveals its secrets. Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey and Music by Tom Kitt.

CITY: Oakbrook Terrace

Warrenville Holly Days

Holly Days, sponsored by the Warrenville Park District is the City's annual holiday celebration that marks Santa's official entry into Warrenville. Guests can enjoy a warm bonfire, raffles, free horse and carriage rides, hot cider and cookies, and, of course, a visit with Santa. Local Park District and school dance troops, singers, and bands entertain attendees during the event. It is at this event that Warrenville officially turns on its holiday lights creating an array of colors for passersby along Route 56 to see. Holly Days, primarily for Warrenville residents, gives the community an opportunity to come together and kick off the holiday season.

CITY: Warrenville

Sapphire and Crystal Exhibition and Opening Reception

An exhibition of artworks by Chicago area African-American women artists who are members of Sapphire and Crystals, including Joyce owens, Felicia Grant Preston, and Pearlie Taylor. Show includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, mixed media works. Artists will be present at reception.

CITY: Chicago Heights

3rd Annual DownTown District MidSummer Madness

Visit participating Downtown businesses to qualify for fabulous raffle prizes. Free event! Food, fun & super goodie bags to first 100 attendees!

CITY: Park Forest

Hello, Dolly!

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - Hello, Dolly! has become one of the most enduring musical theater hits, enjoying three Broadway revivals and international success that included being made into the film that was nominated for seven Academy Awards. Hello, Dolly! is the story of turn-of-the-century widowed matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi, who, after cunningly negotiating marriages for others through a series of comic romantic entanglements, ultimately finds her own match. Hello, Dolly! is a magical piece of musical theater filled with memorable songs such as "Put On Your Sunday Clothes," "Before the Parade Passes By," and "It Only Takes A Moment." Show-stopping dance numbers like "Dancing" and "The Waiter's Gallop" are combined with beautiful turn-of-the-century costumes to create a musical the whole family will enjoy.

CITY: Oakbrook Terrace

Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm

You'll experience hours of enjoyment including a relaxing tractor pulled hayrack ride, pumpkins of course, a completely animated haunted barn and a giggling animated fun barn, the famous action packed pig races (running 10x a day on the 1/2 hour), an adorable petting & feeding zoo, the giant crazy corn maizey and pony rides. Enjoy a variety of entertaining animation throughout the barnyard and farm.

CITY: Homer Glen

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

December 18th & 19th December 26th - 31st January 1st 4-9pm Start a new family tradition at Chicagoland's largest light festival featuring over 120 animated light displays and million twinkling lights. Come celebrate the holiday season with family and friends during Brookfield Zoos 29th annual Holiday Magic. Enjoy live entertainment, amazing animals, model trains and a train ride, special Dolphin Show, Sing to the Animals and professional ice carvers. Call or visit website for more info.

CITY: Brookfield

Moraine Chorale and Chamber Singers-Summer Patriotic Concert

The Moraine Chorale celebrates its 15th season performing five themed concerts, including Broadway music, operatic, patriotic, and holiday selections with a small chamber orchestra. The Chorale is a community-based choir with more than 60 members. The Chamber Singers is an ensemble featuring Moraine Valley students.

CITY: Palos Hills

ILGRA Windy City Rodeo

The International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) is an organization comprised of numerous regional Gay Rodeo Associations from across the United States and Canada. Illinois has a chapter and is hosting the Windy City Rodeo in Create, IL.

CITY: Crete

Taste of Lombard 2013

Celebrate summer fun and Independence Day with live music, family activities, great food, carnival, arts & crafts fair, and more. Don't miss the fireworks concert on July 4th at approximately 9:30pm.

CITY: Lombard

Hamlet

What do you get when you combine the ghost of a murdered king, his ambitious brother-in-law, a betrayed lover, and a prince hell-bent on revenge? Hamlet. Come celebrate the tenth anniversary of Moraine Valley's "Shakespeare Under the Stars" with our ambitious and creative interpretation of Shakespeare's masterpiece. Bring your picnic dinner and beach chairs to the Gateway Arch and experience our production of what many critics believe to be the greatest play ever written. Free admission. Thursday, August 1-Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013.

CITY: Palos Hills

"Concerts On The Hill" 39th Season

Relax on the big grassy hill while enjoying a variety of free family entertainment. Enjoy tasty, affordable concessions in a scenic setting along the waterway. Great $2 hot dogs! Picnic baskets welcome. Bring blankets and chairs for hill seating. Free parking. Visit the park’s website for the week’s line-up. Every Thursday night at 6:30pm.

CITY: Joliet

Summer Solstice Indie Music and Craft Beer Festival

"Summer Solstice", the ultimate pairing of ground to glass brewed beverages and independent minded musicians on the cusp of greatness. The scenic Fox River will serve as the backdrop for this unique event in historic downtown Yorkville.

CITY: Yorkville

Kidzfest

Kidzfest is held on the first Saturday of August from 10am until 3pm each year. The event includes many types of interactive, educational and fun activities sponsored by a variety of vendors, i.e. Lewis University Kids Campus, Joliet Park District, Rialto Square Theatre, the Library, the Forest Preserve District and numerous other vendors planning special activities for kids. Food and entertainment provided.

CITY: Joliet

Oak Brook Polo

Polo has been played for more than 80 years at the historic Oak Brook Polo Grounds and everyone is invited to come out and watch the exciting "game of kings!" Polo is an exciting team sport played on a large grass field. Players on horseback attempt to score by driving a small ball into the opposing team's goal using a long-handled wooden mallet. The Oak Brook Polo Club has six match dates scheduled for 2013.

CITY: Oak Brook

Aurora Puerto Rican Heritage Festival

This festival is more than music and food, it is the celebration of Puerto Rican heritage. Traditional Puerto Rican music attracts island traditionalists, while the more modern music entertains the youth. The festival is a family event providing a social atmosphere for families to mingle and enjoy authentic foods while allowing time for the kids to play games. The main focus is the parade which provides an opportunity for the Puerto Rican community and friends to celebrate its culture.

CITY: Aurora

Glen Ellyn Farmer's Market

Visit downtown Glen Ellyn every Friday, late May through October to find locally grown produce, organic meats, fresh flowers, baked goods, jewelry and more.

CITY: Glen Ellyn

Cruisin' Lockport Classic Car Show

Sponsored by the City of Lockport, Lockport Township Park District, and Lockport Township Government, the Cruisin’ Into Lockport Classic Car Show will return for our 10th season. Come see the finest classic cars of not only Lockport, but from a tri-county area. There will be a different featured car every week (although all makes and models are welcome). Also, we will have live bands; a clown for face painting and balloons; free snowcones and/or popcorn; an inflated obstacle course for children; food vendors, plus much more. Every Monday night 6:30pm-8:30pm!

CITY: Lockport

Hickory Hills Street Fair and Concert

The Hickory Hills Street Fair has been an annual event for over 26 years. It includes a beer tent with entertainment; food booths and craft fair. There are also bingo and rides for the kids - something for everyone.

CITY: Hickory Hills

7th Annual Kops N Kidz Day

Tons of activities! Tons of fun! Event starts at Timberline Park with a bike parade to Lemont Park District. Activities and refreshments follow at Centennial Park, Lemont Park District. For more information, call the Lemont Police Department at (630) 257-2229.

CITY: Lemont

Homer Community Festival

The 3rd Annual Homer Community Festival is a 4 day event featuring a huge outdoor carnival, beer tent, live bands, great food and a bean bag tournament. Great family entertainment and free parking!

CITY: Homer Glen

"Family Fiesta" by Joliet's Spanish Center

Celebrate Spanish heritage with a wide variety of entertainment, food and activities for all ages. For event details, visit the Spanish Center’s website. Hours: Saturday 1:00pm- 11:00pm & Sunday 1:00pm- 10:00pm.

CITY: Joliet

Antique Tractor and Steam Engine Show

This mid-July gathering commemorates Will County's agricultural heritage and the tradition of neighbors gathering to thresh wheat after harvest. Those who attend the Will County Threshermen's Association Show can expect to be transported back to yesteryear. Steam engines, antique gasoline tractors, gas engines, antique automobiles, and other machines provide a working testimonial to the genius of previous generations. Visitors can also view live demonstrations of: an antique, steam-powered sawmill, antique plowing demonstrations, wheat threshing, corn shelling, and a tractor parade and tractor pull. Food is available for purchase and there is an on-site flea market.

CITY: Manhattan

Bluegrass on the Green Fest

The Frankfort Bluegrass Fest is a free 2 day event for the whole family highlighting national touring and regional bluegrass bands performing this great style of acoustic American music. Vendors, kids activities, food & more.

CITY: Frankfort

2013 Celtic Fest

Come to Will County for a day of celebrating Celtic tradition! There will be food, games, crafts and a step dancing competition! The event runs from 9:00am - 10:00pm and costs $5 for adults and children over 12.

CITY: Joliet

Mokena Food & Wine Festival

Join us for our 10th Annual Festival of Food and Wine on the grounds of historic McGovney-Yunker Farm. Taste a variety of wines specially paired with dishes from local restaurants. Enjoy the festival atmosphere, browse the artisan booths and listen to live performances. Ages 21 and over only. All ticket sales final. (This is an outdoor event. For your comfort please dress accordingly).

CITY: Mokena

Bug-A-Palooza 10

All VW's are welcome to our 10th anniversary show at D'Arcy VW. Attendees are free. You can enter your VW in our show for only $15.00. The first 120 entrants will recieve an event T shirt, dash plaque and Goody Bag. Awards will be given for the Best of Show, Top 15, Best Paint, Engine, Interior, Rust Bucket, and Sponsor's Choice. Kids will enjoy the free Jumper, and writting on the Chalk-a-Bug. Great door prizes, 50/50 raffle. All proceeds will go to support Gigi's Playhouse, a Down syndrome awareness center in Aurora.

CITY: Joliet

Discovery Dinner

Dr. Dennis Cremin, Associate Professor of History at Lewis University, will present his new historical work, "Grant Park: The Evolution of Chicago’s Front Yard." Discovery Dinners are held periodically on the 2nd Thursday of selected months in The Gaylord Building. Doors open at 5:45pm with a cash bar reception. The full service dinner begins at 6:15pm with the lecture following at 7:00pm. Discovery Dinners conclude with book signings, providing guests with a chance to get up-close and personal with presenters.

CITY: Lockport

Main Street Nights

The Village of Park Forest hosts free entertainment in it's downtown center. The family oriented Main Street Nights features local and regional entertainers on stage in the Village Green located at Cunningham and Victory Boulevard. Vendors include civic groups selling snacks and beverages. So grab a blanket or grab a lawn chair and enjoy the free entertainment under the stars!

CITY: Park Forest

Community Conversations: The Future of Libraries in America

The Future of Libraries in America will examine the role of public libraries in the United States with a “paperless society” that continues to evolve in our age of electronic media. Presenters include Scott Pointon, Executive Director of the White Oak Library District; Paul Mills, Director of Fountaindale Public Library District; and Jennie Mills, Director of the Shorewood-Troy Public Library District. Admission: $10 per person.

CITY: Lockport

19th Annual Native American Pow Wow

Enjoy our Native American heritage through dancing, drumming, cultural displays, art and craft vendors and native food! Highlights include a special Veterans honoring, childrens crafts and games, bird of prey exhibit, native flute player and a tipi and elm bark wigwam. Tour the Naper Settlement and its buildings from 1:00-4:00pm daily. Discount prices available online. Visit our website for latest updates.

CITY: Naperville

Frankfort Fall Fest

Each year over Labor Day weekend, over 250,000 visitors flock to the charming village of Frankfort to enjoy the Frankfort fall festival. With over 300 (from 30 different states) participating artisans, unlimited entertainment & food options; the festival continues to thrive and grow. The Festival has received continued recognition for the “Best shows in the United States” by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Throughout fall festival weekend you won’t want to miss the special events sponsored by many of our local civic and community organizations. This includes an entertainment tent with dance area, a food court offering a wide assortment of refreshments and live stage entertainment. This annual fall fest provides a chance for visitors to enjoy one of the region’s most charming and distinctive communities. Wander our streets, parks and businesses. Enjoy the warm hospitality that our community extends to each & every guest that visits our village.

CITY: Frankfort

Heritage Village Fest

This event takes place on I & M Canal trail path between Lincoln Landing, 9th Street and Heritage Village (HV)Park, 2nd Street in Lockport. Various historical societies from Wll County will be represented, along with free hot dogs and chips for all, musical events, HV park tour, buggy rides, children's activities and much more.

CITY: Lockport

Liberty Days

Celebrate the American Independence with concerts, the Liberty 5K Run/Walk, antique autos, children's activities and much more!

CITY: Morris

Fall on the Green Festival

The annual Fall on the Green Festival is held the weekend after Labor Day. This family friendly event has everything you look for in a festival, great food, wonderful entertainment, games, and vendors of all types. This event takes place on the village green located at 95th Street & Cook Avenue. There is no charge for admission, parking or rides. The only cost to attendees is the purchase of food and drink.

CITY: Oak Lawn

Geico 400

The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup will begin at Chicagoland Speedway on Sunday, September 15. Last year, Brad Keselowski won this race, which catapulted his Chase run to help him win the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup. Who will win this year? Find out. Join us for the 2013 Geico 400! The race is from 1:00pm-11:00pm. Tickets start at $55.

CITY: Joliet

Lemont's 23rd Annual Heritage Fest

Outdoor Street Festival. Food, music and tons of family fun in Historic Downtown Lemont! For more information, please contact the Lemont Village Hall at (630) 243-2700. Hours: 1:00pm- 11:00pm

CITY: Lemont

Hoop It Up Chicago

The world's largest 3 on 3 basketball tour! For all ages and skill levels. Awards for 1st and 2nd place for each division; Minimum of 3 games: t-shirt and swag bag, free samples, prizes and shooting contests for players and spectators; Invitation to play in the Hoop It Up World Championship and a chance for Top Gun and u18 division winners to represent USA Basketball in FIBA International Tournaments

CITY: Matteson

Dutch Festival

Your family will enjoy exploring traditional Dutch food, crafts and entertainment at this year's Dutch Festival.

CITY: Palos Heights

Autumn in the Park Festival

Autumn in the Park Festival has something for the entire family and then some. Two Chili Cook-Off's, BBQ Rib Competition, entertainment, food, drinks and fun.

CITY: Palos Park

Hickory Hills Pumpkin Fest

Rides, games, music, face painting, balloon animals, pony rides, candy and much more all at our annual Pumpkin Fest in Hickory Hills.

CITY: Hickory Hills

Homer Harvest Days

The event will feature food, live music, old-fashioned entertainment and games, children's activities, living history and pioneer demonstrations, a petting zoo, pony rides, antique tractors, hay rides, artisan & unique craft vendors, and other amusements and diversions from a simpler and more rural era.

CITY: Homer Glen

Manteno Oktoberfest

The festivities include village garage sale days, carnival, craft show, live entertainment, food and street vendors, bean bag tournament and the premier lighted parade, plus much more.

CITY: Manteno

Grundy County Corn Festival

65th annual Grundy County Corn Festival will be held September 25-29. This year's theme "Corn Festival- Where Good Friends Meet". The event celebrates the rich agricultural history in Grundy County and offers everything from a farm fair, craft shows, carnival, music and food, food, food.

CITY: Morris

1st Annual Summer Pow-wow

Come join the American Indian Center and enjoy a day out in the country air. Learn about the Native American Indians and their culture. There will be dancers, drummers, music, elder story telling and archery training. We will also have plenty of food to eat. This will be fun for the whole family. Admission is $10 per Adult $7.50 per Children 2 and under are free.

CITY: Crest Hill