'Girls on the Town' event in downtown Palatine

The Downtown Palatine Business Association hosts a Girls on the Town event with 29 Palatine businesses offering a variety of complimentary food and beverages, raffles and special events for women. Durty Nellie's Irish pub is offering beer tastings, for example; Mint Julep Bistro offers a Mother-Daughter Tea, with fare including finger sandwiches, clotted cream, baked scones, pastries and jams.

Facts: Runs 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, April 24, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at various venues in downtown Palatine. Free. Visit downtownpalatine.org.

'Special Dinner Night'

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 25, as Scott Dogs All American Grill & Catering in Lake Villa hosts its Special Dinner Night. Entrees include a filet mignon tower, herb-crusted cod and chicken artichoke Florentine. Dine in or pick up. Entree prices range from $12.99 to $24.99. Appetizers, soup, salad and desserts (try some cheesecake on a stick!) will also be available.

Facts: 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Scott Dogs All American Grill and Catering, 895 E. Grand Ave., Lake Villa. (847) 356-6600 or scottdogs.com.

Drop-in cooking

The Olive Tap Gourmet Market in Long Grove is offering drop-in cooking classes. The cooking series, titled Spring Vegetables, Spring Greens, focuses on preparing tasty, quick dishes with cool season vegetables. Recipes will be available for participants to take home. Guests can also stock up on balsamic vinegar and various olive oils, as the market will offer special promotions during the class times.

Facts: Noon to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, at the Olive Tap Gourmet Market, 201 Robert Parker Coffin Road, Long Grove. Free and open to public. (847) 478-8741.