Cheap fun: Arts fest, toy show, 'Nutcracker' in brief
$10 and under
'An Enemy of the People'
See "An Enemy of the People," Henrik Ibsen's drama about a scientist who refuses to be silenced when he discovers that a tourist town's water supply is contaminated.
7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, and Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. $7-$9. (847) 543-2300 or jlcenter.clcillinois.edu.
Festival of Arts and Crafts
The DuPage Expo Center's Festival of Arts and Crafts features more than 170 booths of handcrafted original arts and crafts, including watercolor paintings, calligraphy, jewelry, clothing, home decorations and outdoor yard accents.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at the DuPage Expo Center, 4050 E. Main St., St. Charles. $2. Children under age 12 are free. Visit stepbystepcraftshows.com.
Toys and games galore
Check out the latest in the toy and game industry, and meet some inventors at The Chicago Toy and Game Fair. Other fair highlights include entertainment from Radio Disney and a "Star Wars" breakfast.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. $5-$10. Visit chitag.com.
A shortened 'Nutcracker'
The Schaumburg Park District Dance Troupe performs a one-hour condensed version of the classic "Nutcracker Ballet."
7 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, in the gymnasium of the Schaumburg Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. $6. (847) 490-7015 or parkfun.com.
Free
Elizabeth's art
Dogs, horses and people with their canine and equine friends are the primary subjects of the paintings in "The Elizabeth Cameron Art Exhibit," featuring the works of Barrington-area artist Elizabeth Cameron.
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily (including Thanksgiving Day) though Sunday, Nov. 29, in The Gallery at The Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. Free admission. (847) 756-3000.
Keep on rolling
Get a taste of model railroading as a hobby at the Lake County Model Railroad Club's Fall Open House. View the club's permanent operating model railroad - occupying more than 1,500 square feet. The layout is now 35 years old, but the club uses the latest digital technology to operate and simulate real railroad activity.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, and Sunday, Nov. 22, at the rear entrance of the Honey Hill Coffee Company building at 107 S. Main St., two blocks north of Route 176, Wauconda. Admission is free. Visitors are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for donation to a local food pantry. (847) 736-1489 or visit lcmrr.org.
Christmas at the Mill
Local artisans sell handmade gifts and holiday ornaments at the Christmas at the Mill event. While visitors browse through the holiday items, strolling carolers will entertain with music.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, and Sunday, Nov. 22, at the Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 S. York Road, Oak Brook. Free admission. (630) 920-9720 or grauemill.org.
Reindeer greetings
Youngsters of all ages are invited to get an up-close look at some of Santa's holiday helpers at the Meet Santa's Reindeer event at Knupper Nursery. Visitors can feed and pet live reindeer and learn fun facts about these animals. Santa Claus will join his reindeer friends for the event. Guests are invited to bring their cameras.
1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Knupper Nursery. 1801 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Free. (847) 359-1080. (847) 359-1080 or knuppernursery.com.