Go guide
Freebie!
Ice is nice
Learn about the importance of ice in the 1800s - before refrigeration - during the "Ice Harvesting" program. See an exhibit of ice-cutting tools and get a peek into an icehouse to see how ice was stored in blocks that lasted farmers until summer. If weather permits, participants can help cut and transport ice from Timber Lake.
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, Winfield. Free. Reservations are not required. (630) 876-5900 or dupageforest.com.
This afternoon
I think I've got a bite!
Try your hand and your fishing line at the Huck Finn Trout Pond, an indoor pool stocked with large trout for catching, at the 79th annual "Chicago Boat, RV and Outdoors Show." The show, one of the largest in the Midwest, features hundred of RVs, boats and marine accessories, along with exhibits end educational activities. Visitors can view the world's fastest offshore racing boat. And don't forget those trout!
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at McCormick Place North, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Admission is $4-$10. Children ages 12 and younger are free. Visit ChicagoBoatShow.com.
Those who fight for us
See "The American Soldier: A Photographic Tribute," an exhibition of 116 photographs that captures the stories of American soldiers during the last 150 years.
1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Lake County Discovery Museum, 27277 N. Forest Preserve Drive, Wauconda. $2.50-$6. (847) 968-3400 or lakecountydiscoverymuseum.org.
Just a swingin'
The Gina Knight Orchestra provides live swing music during the "Swing Dance" event. Complimentary swing dance lessons are offered.
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Lessons run from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. No jeans or gym shoes. $10. (708) 839-1000.
'Beauty and the Beast'
Winnetka Theatre presents an interactive version of "Beauty and the Beast," the classic fairy tale about a hideous beast and the woman who gradually comes to fall in love with him. The program is geared toward children ages 3-10. After the show, audience members can meet-and-greet the cast.
Noon and 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka. $10. (847) 446-0537 or winnetkacommunityhouse.org.
This evening
Pablo in the spotlight
Comedian Pablo Francisco brings his special brand of comedy to Schaumburg.
7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at The Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, in Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg. $24-$26. (847) 240-2001 or improv.com.
A big event with the big band
Dancers of all ages are invited to step out on the dance floor for the "Yorkville Big Band Dance," featuring the tunes of the 21-piece Yorkville Big Band. Dance lessons are offered, along with free hors d' oeuvres.
5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at Parkview Academy, 201 W. Center St., Yorkville. Dance lesson from 5 to 6 p.m. Admission is $15 per person. Visit yorkvillebigband.com.
This week
It's Styx - not the Stones
The legendary pop/rock band Styx headlines at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan.
8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $55-$80. (312) 559-1212 or geneseetheatre.com.
'On Golden Pond'
Big Noise Theatre and Ouroborous Theatre Company present "On Golden Pond," Ernest Thompson's classic family drama about a senior couple, dealing with their divorced daughter and her new family.
2 p.m. Sunday Jan. 18; 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, and Sat. Jan 24, at the Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. $12-$20. (847) 604-0275.