Buffalo Grove Days feature carnival, entertainment, art and food
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Buffalo Grove Days
The annual Buffalo Grove Days celebration features a carnival, entertainment, food, arts and crafts, a beer garden, parade and fireworks. Other highlights include special events for people with disabilities and their families.
Runs 6 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3; 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, Sept. 4; 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 5; 8 a.m. to midnight Sunday, Sept. 6; 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, at Buffalo Grove Village Campus, Raupp Boulevard and Lake-Cook Road, Buffalo Grove. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6. Free admission. Visit vbg.org. (847) 459-2500.
This afternoon
Happy anniversary!
Help celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Vernon Area Public Library District at the library's "Monster Truck Show and Birthday Bash" family event. Guests of all ages can get an up-close look at some emergency and service vehicles, including a monster truck, semitruck, fire engine, ambulance and garbage truck. The Triple Threat Band performs live at the event.
Runs noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at the Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. The Triple Threat Band performs at 12:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Watch Merv's fingers fly
Have a cup of coffee, tea or cider while listening to the tunes of finger-style guitarist Merv Collins. Collins will perform a selection of classic and modern pop/rock songs.
2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at the Beans & Leaves Coffee House, 320 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Admission is free. (847) 821-0011.
Cars for a cause
The Alumni Club and the Woodfield Area Children's Organization host the Ninth Annual Charity Car Show fundraiser. See a variety of cars, trucks and motorcycles, as they are judged and awarded trophies in various categories. Event also includes music, an outdoor barbecue, prizes and raffles.
8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at the Alumni Club, 871 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg. Registration for those who want to display their vehicles runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon. There is a $20 registration fee. Event is for ages 21 and older. General admission is free (for those not showing a vehicle). There is a charge for food. Proceeds will assist the programs of the Woodfield Area Children's Organization. (847) 397-3100 or visit alumniclubchicago.com.
This week
'The Duck Variations'
Theatre-Hikes presents "The Duck Variations," its bike hike production of David Mamet's comedy about two elderly men who argue in the park.
5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Tickets $10-$25. (630) 968-0074 or mortonarb.org.
Calling all vampire fans
Meet author Richelle Mead as she signs copies of her new book, "Blood Promise," the fourth installment of the best-selling series "Vampire Academy."
7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. (630) 355-2665.
The 'Idols' come to town
See the top 10 finalists from the most recent season of television's "American Idol" as they perform in the "American Idols Live! Tour 2009."
7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Tickets are $42.50-$68.50. Parking is $20 (cash only). Call (800) 745-3000.
'Repeat w/Madeline'
Janus Theatre presents "repeat w/Madeline," Hurt McDermott's romantic comedy about a man who falls in love with a woman he has only seen on a bus.
8 p.m. Thursday Sept. 3, through Saturday, Sept. 5, at Al's Cafe and Creamery, 43 DuPage Court, Elgin. $12. Dinner seating begins at 6 p.m. (847) 742-1180 or janustheatre.wordpress.com.