Budget-friendly events: Free Rockin' in the Park concerts return to Rosemont
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Go Rockin' in the Park
Rosemont's Rockin' in the Park summer concert series kicks off with Johnny Russler and The Beach Bums Band performing rock, reggae, surf and calypso music at MB Financial Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. The concert is followed by fireworks. Free. rosemont.com. 7 p.m. Sunday, May 24
Free
Meadows Cruise Night
See classic cars, listen to music, dig in to ice cream and more as the fourth annual Meadows Cruise Night season kicks off Friday. Cruise nights, which take place in the Meadows Christian Fellowship parking lot at 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows, continue through Friday, Sept. 4. Free. (847) 255-8764 or meadowsfamily.org. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 22
Prairie Arts Festival
Art enthusiasts won't want to miss the 28th Annual Prairie Arts Festival featuring works by more than 130 artists at the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center grounds, adjacent to the Prairie Center for the Arts, 101 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. There's more than just the fine art and craft exhibition and sale. Enjoy live entertainment, children's activities, food and more. Free; takes place rain or shine. prairiecenter.org. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 23-24
Family Field Day
St. James Farm Forest Preserve, at Winfield and Butterfield roads in Warrenville, celebrates its heritage with the annual Family Field Day featuring hayrides, canine and equestrian performances, a dairy exhibit, tours, kids' activities, archery, fishing, food and more. Free; fees for some activities. No registration required. (630) 933-7248 or dupageforest.com. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 23
$15 and under
Combs' country
Country and pop songwriter and guitarist Andrew Combs headlines The Union, 129 W. Benton Ave., Naperville. $15 at the door; free with a North Central College ID. (630) 637-7469 or theunionnetwork.com. 7 p.m. Friday, May 22
What a gem!
Shop for rocks, gems, minerals, crystals, fossils, handmade jewelry, beads, books and more at the Chicagoland Gem & Mineral Association's Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. The show also features hands-on demonstrations of jewelry making, geode cracking and gold panning, along with guest speakers, kids' activities and silent auctions. One-day admission is $5 for adults; $3 for seniors and students (ages 13-18); free for kids younger than 13, scouts in uniform and military personnel (with ID). cgma.squarespace.com. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 23, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 24
Car Show-Car Corral and Swap Meet
The Waukegan-North Shore Chapter of the Antique Car Club of America teams up with the Volo Auto Museum to host the 50th Annual Car Show-Car Corral and Swap Meet at the Volo Auto Museum, 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo. See a wide variety of classic cars and trucks from the 1950s. Guests can also sell a car or car parts or buy a car at the event. Refreshments available at the beer and wine garden and the Betty Boop Outdoor Grill. General admission for the museum and car show is $8.95-$14.95. (815) 385-3644 or volocars.com. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 24
Mac's Corner for ALS
Mac's Corner for ALS, a fundraising evening of live music, food, raffles and more, happens May 28 at Grassroots, 211 Park Ave., Barrington. Musical artists include Mac Dralle, Penfield Transmission, Rick Vines and others. $5; for $10, guests receive admission and two raffle tickets. Proceeds go to the ALS Association. For information, call Mac Dralle at (847) 732-0922 or email macdralle1@gmail.com. 7 p.m. to midnight Thursday, May 28