Upcoming events -- city and suburbs
Fish to fly
Performers in Disney's stage production of "The Lion King" have to wear all sorts of odd puppet contraptions. But they have nothing on the touring cast of the Disney on Ice production of "Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo," who perform in similarly strange outfits -- on ice no less! See how cleverly and creatively the costumes help human ice skaters devolve into tropical fish in this multimedia ice rink adaptation of the hit 2003 Academy Award-winning computer-animated film.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday through Sept. 23 and Sept. 26-30 in Chicago
Where: Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont, and United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago
Cost: $12-$65
Info: (312) 559-1212 or www.disneyonice.com
Fairs & festivals
This weekend
17th Annual Arts and Crafts Adventure, Hodges Park, Prospect and Vine, Park Ridge: Crafts, art, food and more. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. (847) 318-5200.
Chili Cookoff, Paulus Park, Routes 12 and 22, Lake Zurich: Beer garden opens at 11 a.m. Saturday. Crafts and activities for children from noon to 3 p.m., including "Touch a Truck" from noon to 2 p.m. Public chili tasting at 2 p.m. Free admission. (847) 438-5146.
Depot Days, Lisle Station Park, 915-925 School St., Lisle: Demonstrations, tours of buildings, brick-oven baking, model trains and children's activities. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free admission. (630) 964-3410.
DuPage Convalescent Fall Festival and 5K, DuPage Convalescent Center, 400 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton: Festival with food, activities, vendors, and open house for DuPage County Animal Care and Control. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. www.dupageco.org or (630) 665-6400.
Festival of the Vine, Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 South Third St., Geneva: Autumn harvest festival featuring food, music, wine tasting, craft show, children's game area and antique carriage rides. Today through Sunday (hours vary). Free admission. (866)443-6382 or www.genevachamber.com.
Fiesta Salsa and Parade, Festival Park, 130 S. Grove Ave., Elgin: Celebrate Latino cultures with a Salsa Challenge, 2 Hot 2 Spicy Vehicle Show, Haitian Festival, children's activities, Latino music, a jalapeno-eating contest, food and a beer/margarita garden. Parade steps off at noon Saturday. Festivities until 11 p.m. Free admission. (847) 931-6111 or www.fiestasalsa.org.
HainesvilleFest, Union Square Park, Hainesville Road, Hainesville: Children's activities, food and more. 11 a.m. Saturday. Free admission. (847) 223-2032.
Harvestfest and Fiddler's Contest, Woodstock Square, Van Buren and Benton streets, Woodstock: 12th annual HarvestFest with a farmers market, crafters showcase, historical re-creation of pioneer life and a fiddling contest. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. (815) 338-2436.
Heritage Fest, Route 72 and the bank of the Fox River, West Dundee: Fireworks and entertainment, live music, food, craft show, car show, Civil War encampment and antique show at Grafelman Park and more. 6 to 11 p.m. today; 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Pancake breakfast Saturday. Free admission. (847) 551-3800 or www.wdundee.org/Heritagedays.
Mainstreet's Annual Fundraiser Street Dance, MainStreet Libertyville, various sites, Libertyville: Music with food, beer and more at this fundraiser formerly known as Oktoberfest; takes place downtown at the Metra commuter rail parking lot from 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday. $12.50-$15. (847) 680-0336 or www.mainstreetlibertyville.org.
Mexican Independence Festival, Lake Park, on Lee Street between Howard Street and Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines: Hosted by Des Plaines Park District to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. Featuring food, music, singing, dancing and games. 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. (847) 391-5700 or www.desplainesparks.org.
Naperville Wine Festival, Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville: Wine tastings, food and wine seminars, vendor displays, cooking demonstrations. 4 to 10 p.m. today and 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday. $25. (847) 382-1480 or www.napervillewinefestival.com.
River Street Art Fair, Route 72 to River Street, East Dundee: Fine art and crafts including oils, watercolors, drawings, photography, glass, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, wood and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. (847) 844-8140 or www.artisticbits.org.
Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, Naperville Riverwalk, Main and Jackson streets, Naperville: Art, food and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free admission. (630) 355-2530.
West Chicago Mexican Heritage Festival, Reed-Keppler Park, National and Arbor streets, West Chicago: Food, music, dancing, parade, carnival and more. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. Parade at 1 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. (630) 293-5903.
Wheaton Autumnfest, Memorial Park, Hale Street and Karlskoga Avenue, Wheaton: Features a carnival at Liberty and Main, then children's activities, food and crafts in Memorial Park. Today through Sunday (hours vary). (630) 668-6464 or www.ewheaton.com.