Weekend picks: Relive the past at Civil War Days

Civil War Days

Watch re-enactments of famous Civil War battles, learn about the lives of Civil War soldiers in their camps, and look for costumed re-enactors starring as famous, historical figures during the annual Civil War Days at the Lakewood Forest Preserve on Route 176, just west of Fairfield Road, Wauconda. $4-$8. Kids ages 3 and younger admitted free. Visit lcfpd.org. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 10

Postcards, papers and more

Visitors can browse through a variety of antiques and collectibles at the Grayslake Premiere Antique Market and Fabulous Post Card and Paper Show at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Items include country furniture, estate jewelry, Victorian items, postcards, advertising, old toys, paintings and more. $6. (715) 526-9769 or zurkopromotions.com. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 10

Heritage Fair

Step back in time during Union's annual Heritage Fair, featuring an antique auction, music, food, a plant sale, a baked-goods sale, a fruit pie-baking contest and more. The McHenry County Historical Society Museum's “The James” mobile bus museum will be open for tours at the McHenry County Historical Society Museum, 6422 Main St., Union. The mobile museum features an exhibit about Civil War soldiers and what they did with their time between battles. Free admission. (815) 923-2267 or mchsonline.org. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 10; mobile museum will be open from 1 to 4 p.m.

Yo ho & huzzah

The Bristol Renaissance Faire returns in its 24th annual edition with a special “Pirates of the Renaissance” theme this summer. Get in on the Elizabethan fun starting this weekend just west of the I-94 Russell Road exit, near Kenosha, Wis. Admission is $18.95-$19.95; $8.95-$9.95 kids ages 5-12; kids ages 4 and younger admitted free. (847) 395-7773 or renfair.com. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 5

Can do!

People with disabilities, seniors, caregivers and more can find new products and services at the Abilities Expo this weekend at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Free admission. (847) 303-4100 or abilitiesexpo.com/chicago. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 10

Greek to me

Get your fill of Greek culture and tasty Mediterranean treats like gyros, souvlaki, saganaki and more this weekend at the St. Sophia Church Greek Fest at 525 Church Road (Route 31 and I-90), Elgin. $2 admission. (847) 888-2822 or St-Sophia.com. Noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 10

Infinity and beyond

Explore the far reaches of the universe with dramatic space imagery at the brand new “Deep Space Adventure” experience starting today in the newly renovated Grainger Sky Theater at the Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Adler pass: $27; $21 kids; $16 parking. (312) 922-7827 or adlerplanetarium.org. Daily summer hours from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call for exact screening times.

From Beijing to Moscow

World traveler Bill Helmuth presents “Beijing to Moscow: A Trans-Siberian Train Trip,” a program featuring stories about his travels through China, Mongolia, Siberia and Russia at the Lisle Public Library, 777 Front St., Lisle. Free. (630) 971-1675 or lislelibrary.org. 2 p.m. Sunday, July 10

Operatic Spain

Members of the Elgin Opera Training and Performing Ensemble celebrate Spain operatically in the concert “Ole! La Fuerza de la Musica” this weekend at The Rider Center's Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy, 350 Park St., Elgin. $10. (800) 838-3006 or elginopera.org. 3 p.m. Sunday, July 10

Fox Valley Philharmonic Orchestra

The Fox Valley Philharmonic Orchestra presents an outdoor afternoon concert at Aurora's Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for seating. Concert is free, but there is a $3.75-$7 admission fee to enter the park. Children younger than 2 admitted free. (630) 476-9072 or foxvalleyparkdistrict.org. 3 p.m. Sunday, July 10

May I have this dance?

The 16-piece Bobby Sanders Orchestra performs at a Big Band Dance for the public at the Metropolis Ballroom, 6 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Guests can dance or just listen to the concert. Couples and singles are welcome. Admission is $15. Call (847) 392-0918 for information. 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 10

Eye on India

The best of Indian music, theater, literature, film, visual art and more will be celebrated during the Eye on India Festival at various Chicago locations ranging from Millennium Park's Harris Theater for Music and Dance (205 E. Randolph Drive), to the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.), to the Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan Ave.). Many events are free, though some require museum admission ($35-$70 and $25-$50 for Harris Theater events). (312) 334-7777 or eyeonindia.com. Sunday, July 10, through Saturday, July 16