Cheap stuff: Pets compete, carving show, Long Grove chocolate fest
$10 and under Teens' night to shineThe Buffalo Grove Arts commission hosts its Teen Limelight Cafe, where teens can perform for their peers, ages 14-19. Acts can be instrumental or vocal, comedy, solo, duets or bands.7 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, April 30, at Eskape, 350 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Admission to view program is $5. For information, call (847) 821-9000, or send e-mail to BGArts@vbg.org.Rocking with The NicheStep back in musical time as The Niche performs '70s and '80s rock tunes.9 p.m. Friday, April 30, at Peggy Kinnane's Irish Restaurant and Pub, 8 N. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. $3. (847) 577-7733. Visit peggykinnanes.com.Rover Rescue Pet Dog ShowThe Aurora Turners Club hosts the Rover Rescue Pet Dog Show. Dogs can compete in 20 show categories including "fastest eater" and "most kisses." Other highlights include activities for kids, pet merchandise, raffles and adoptable dogs.10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 1, at the Aurora Turners Club, 1335 Mitchell Road, Aurora. Entry fee is $5 per dog for three categories, and $1 for each additional category. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. Dogs must be checked in by 9:45 a.m. if they are to compete. Free admission for spectators without dogs. (630) 897-7454 or visit roverrescue.org.Wooden creationsThe North Suburban Carvers group hosts its annual spring Artistry in Wood carving show. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 1, and Sunday, May 2, at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. Donations accepted for admission. (630) 848-3613 or northsuburbancarvers.org.Jackie's worldActress and historian Leslie Goddard portrays former first lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy in the History Speaks Lecture "Jacqueline Kennedy." The program looks at Kennedy's marriage to Sen. John F. Kennedy in 1953, her life as first lady, her historical restoration of the White House and her life as a single mother after the death of her husband.4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 2, at Century Memorial Chapel at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster, Naperville. The program is for all ages. Advance tickets are $5-$6. Tickets at the door are $6-$7. Call for reservations. (630) 420-6010 or napersettlement.museum.Free Chocolate and more chocolate!Dig into chocolate treats galore at the annual Long Grove Chocolate Fest. Sample everything from chocolate-covered strawberries to chocolate doughnuts and cake. Other highlights include live musical performances and children's activities. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, April 30, through Sunday, May 2, in historic downtown Long Grove, at the crossroads of Old McHenry and Robert Parker Coffin roads, Long Grove. Free admission and parking. (847) 634-0888 or visit longgroveonline.comSmell the lilacsMore than 1,200 lilacs and 25,000 tulips are featured at the annual Lilac Time celebration in Lombard. The event, which opens on Saturday, May 1, features a craft show, live entertainment, a plant sale, a parade and much more. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, from Saturday, May 1, through Sunday, May 16, at Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave., Lombard. Free admission. (630) 620-7322 or visit lombardparks.com for full schedule.Going greenCantigny's GreenhousEffect open house event has an eco-friendly theme that takes visitors behind the scenes to the park's 18,000-square-foot greenhouse where more than 1,000 varieties of flowers are grown annually. The event features tours, workshops, kids' activities and plant sales. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 2, at Cantigny Park and First Division Museum, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Visitors should enter through the east gate on Shaffner Road. Free admission and parking. (630) 668-5161 or cantigny.org.False320214Chocolate treats are the stars of the day at the annual Long Grove Chocolate Fest. False