Sunday picks: Step back in time at Civil War Days

Civil War Days

Step back in time at the annual Civil War Days, at the Lakewood Forest Preserve, on Route 176, just west of Fairfield Road, Wauconda. Battle re-enactments feature infantry, cavalry and artillery re-enactors, as well as musicians, sutlers (merchants), medical personnel and civilians. Ongoing drills, kids' activities, and Civil War-era shopping available. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for ages 4-17 and seniors, and free for kids under age 3. Admission includes parking. Call (847) 968-3400 or visit lcfpd.org. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 8

Frontier Days

The Arlington Heights Frontier Days Festival features food, a carnival, games, contests, live entertainment on three stages and other family activities. The festivities take place at Recreation Park, at 500 E. Miner St., in Arlington Heights. Free general admission. Shuttle buses from downtown Arlington Heights are available. (847) 577-8572 or frontierdays.org. 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 8

Anime attractions

Die-hard fans of “Japanamation” and other Japanese pop art won't want to miss the weekend-long festival Anime Midwest 2012 at the Wyndham Hotel, 3000 Warrenville Road, Lisle. $35 for a weekend pass; $25 for single-day admission. (630) 226-9700 or animemidwest.com. Runs through 6 p.m. Sunday, July 8

Dog Days of Summer

Dogs and their human pals can spend quality time together at the Dog Days of Summer event, at Milwaukee and Cook avenues in downtown Libertyville. Both professional and nonprofessional dogs will jump into a 27,000-gallon-pool for prizes and rankings as part of the national championships in extreme dog jumping. Don't miss the dog-friendly events, contests and activities. Free admission. Visit pamperedpupz.com. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 8

Tropical plant show

Tropical plants, exotic foliage and a goldfish pool are featured in the Tropical Plant Show at the Wilder Park Conservatory, 225 Prospect, Elmhurst. A new playground is also on-site in the park. Admission is free. (630) 993-8900 or epd.org. Show runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Saturday, Sept. 1

Party like it's 1599

Celebrate the rituals and pageantry of Tudor England when the Bristol Renaissance Faire returns this weekend for another season just across the Illinois-Wisconsin border. Head north to 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, Wis. $19.95; $9.50 kids. (847) 395-7773 or renfaire.com. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, July 7 through Sept. 2

Cultural China

Ancient Chinese music and dance are showcased on a lavish scale when the Shen Yun Performing Arts returns for a weekend engagement at the Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. $60-$200. (800) 515-3468 or shenyunperformingarts.org. 2 p.m. Sunday, July 8

Worldly festival

Terra Sounds, a Glenview-based art/music school, will host the Terra Sounds Music Festival at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. The all-day event will include an eclectic mix of musical styles, from Russian folk choir Golosa to Chicago funk-rock band Kick The Record. $30. Go to durtynellies.com. 2 p.m. Sunday, July 8

Broadway belter

Tony Award-winning Broadway veteran Idina Menzel (“Wicked,” “Glee”) teams up with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and conductor/composer Marvin Hamlisch for a splashy Sunday concert featuring show tunes and pop hits at Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. $90 reserved; $10 lawn seating. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org. 5 p.m. Sunday, July 8

Rocking the vote

Acclaimed Chicago-based rock band Wilco will headline a special show at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark (home of the Kane County Cougars), near the intersection of Roosevelt and Kirk roads in Geneva. The band, known for its literate, multitextured country-tinged rock, will be joined by fellow Chicagoan Andrew Bird and soul group The Congregation. Head Count, a national nonpartisan voter registration group, will hold a voter-registration drive at the show as well. A fireworks display will take place afterward. Tickets start at $50. Go to jamusa.com. 5:30 p.m. Sunday, July 8

'Spooky' summertime walk

The Ghost Lore of Palatine group hosts a Palatine Ghost Walk, beginning at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. Participants hear a brief lecture, and then walk around reportedly haunted areas of downtown Palatine. Cameras are welcome. Cost is $5, with proceeds going toward the Haitian Relief Fund. Reservations are requested. Send email to ghostloreofpalatine@gmail.com. 7 p.m. Sunday, July 8