Cheap stuff: Book sale, art show, stand-up comics
Free
Have books to spare?
Bring some gently used children's books to donate at the Children's Chautauqua in the Park. This interactive, educational outdoor festival for all ages features live entertainment, children's activities, books and more. The event is sponsored by Bernie's Book Bank, an organization dedicated to the collection and redistribution of nonutilized children's books to needy children in the Chicago area and beyond. Guests are encouraged to bring as many gently used books for donation as they can.
Info: Noon to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 22, in Viking Park, Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee. From noon to 1 p.m., anyone who donates at least one book will receive a free ice cream cone. Free general admission. (847) 623-7788 or visit berniesbookbank.org.
Bloomin' Buffalo Grove
The Buffalo Grove Arts Commission presents its Bloomin' Buffalo Grove art show featuring everything from paintings and sculptures to one-of-a-kind birdhouses. Sweet treats will be available for purchase. Visitors may also sign up for a raffle.
Info: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 22, at the Buffalo Grove Village Hall, 50 Raupp Blvd., Buffalo Grove. Admission is free. Call (847) 459-2518 or send e-mail to bgarts@vbg.org.
'The Audition'
Noble Fool Theatricals Youth Ensemble presents "The Audition," a musical comedy about 24 teenagers auditioning for the next play at high school.
Info: 7 p.m. Sunday, May 23, at Noble Fool Theatricals at Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Free admission. (630) 584-6342 or noblefool.org.
Monday night laughs
See local stand-up comedians step into the spotlight at Jon Griffin's Comedy Night & Zinger Showcase. Comics performing include Mike Sheehan, Lauren Maul, Shaun Reinert, Joe Podwol, Adam White, Peter Hendryx, Stacey Norgren, Melissa Dentner and Adam Grant.
Info: 8 p.m. Monday, May 24, at Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Free admission. For ages 21 and older. (773) 489-3160 or doubledoor.com.
$10 and under
Antiques in the country
More than 50 dealers from Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan will display their antique goods and original artwork at the A Day in the Country Antiques and Vintage Spring Faire. Other highlights include a farm-style auction.
Info: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 22, at the Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 S. York Road, Oak Brook. Auction begins at 1 p.m. $5 per person; $10 per family. (630) 920-9720 or grauemill.org.
Visit the Viking Ship
The Friends of the Viking Ship group hosts its Viking Visitor's Day, where guests can view the Viking Ship, Illinois' largest remaining artifact from the 1893 World's Colombian Exposition. Learn about the ship's voyage from Bergen, Norway, and its subsequent adventures.
Info: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 22, at Good Templar Park, 528 East Side Drive, Geneva. $3-$5. Children ages 12 and under are free. Visit vikingship.us.
Breweriana collectibles
The Bullfrog Chapter of the Brewery Collectibles Club of America hosts its annual Spring Beer Can and Breweriana Trade Show. The group promotes the collection and trading of breweriana objects. More than 50 tables of items, including brewery signs and beer cans are featured at the show. The public is invited.
Info: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, May 23, at the American Legion Hall, 514 S. Main St., Wauconda. Admission is $1. Call Ken for information at (847) 202-1877.
Fairs & festivals
Des Plaines 175th Anniversary Community party, Lake Park, on Lee Street between Howard Street and Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines: Runs 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 21. Barbecue dinner, live entertainment, raffles, historic photos of Des Plaines. Hosted by Des Plaines Historical Society and Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce and Industry. $40 per person, or $280 for a table of eight. For reservations, call (847) 391-5399 or visit desplaineshistory.org.
Mount Prospect Jaycees Memorial Day Carnival, Rand and Central roads, Mount Prospect: Runs Wednesday, May 26, through Monday, May 31. Events open at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, through Friday, May 28. Events open at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 29, through Monday, May 31. Ticket prices vary. Parking is free. (224) 366-7575 or mountprospectjaycees.org.
Niagara Community Festival, First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 23. Event features crafts, the Jesse White Tumbling Team, Turkish and American fare, entertainment and family activities. Free and open to the public. There is a charge for food and some activities. (815) 459-6010.
Spring Fling, Bonner Heritage Farm, north side of Sand Lake Road, west of Route 45, Lake County Forest Preserve, Lindenhurst: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 23. Activities, crafts, demonstrations, hands-on exhibits, tours, food, entertainment and more. $3; free for children ages 3 and younger. (847) 968-3400 or lcfpd.org.
Taste of Glen Ellyn, Main Street parking lot on Main between Duane Street and Hillside Avenue, Glen Ellyn: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 21, and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 22. Food vendors, musical entertainment, business expo, craft show, carnival and more. Free admission. (630) 469-0907 or glenellynchamber.com.
Touch-a-Truck, Hanover Park commuter parking lot, Church and Lake streets, Hanover Park: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 22. See the inside of the cars and trucks of the police department, fire department, public works and park district. Free admission. The Hanover Park Veterans Committee will have a collection box where you can drop off items to be sent to the troops. Call the Public Works at (630) 372-4440 for a complete listing of items needed. Visit hanoverparkillinois.org.