Weekend picks: Carlos Mencia brings laughs to Improv

Manic Mencia

If you miss the Comedy Central series “Mind of Mencia,” then don't skip your chance to see comedian Carlos Mencia perform standup live this weekend at the Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $35. (847) 240-2001 or improv.com. 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25

Starry Legos

Big and little fans of George Lucas' “Star Wars” films and their many spinoffs won't want to miss the return of Lego “Star Wars” Days this weekend at Legoland Discovery Center Chicago, 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg. $19; $15 kids admission. (847) 592-9700 or LEGOLANDdiscoverycenter.com. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26

Strawberry treats and more

Dig in to everything from strawberry doughnuts and strawberry shortcakes to chocolate-covered strawberries at the annual Long Grove Strawberry Fest at the crossroads of Old McHenry and Robert Parker Coffin roads, Long Grove. Other highlights include live music at various venues and children's activities. Free general admission. (847) 634-0888 or longgroveonline.com. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 25, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 26

Fun with fiber

More than 75 workshops are featured in the Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Fair, a weekend event for anyone interested in fabric artworks. Get knitting this weekend at the Expo Center at the Lake County Fairground, 1060 Peterson Road, Grayslake. $10 daily admission; $25 three-day pass; workshop prices vary. (847) 303-4100 or fiberandfolk.com. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 25, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 26

Cookie cameo

Help celebrate the 78th birthday of the cockatoo Cookie by singing a special chorus of the birthday song and signing a big card this Saturday at Brookfield Zoo, First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield. $13.50-$26.50; $9.50-$20.50 seniors or kids. (708) 688-8000 or CZS.org. 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 25

‘A Global Groove'

Fox Valley Theatre Company and Children's Theatre of Elgin present “A Global Groove,” a musical revue highlighting songs from around the world. Experience it at the Visual and Performing Arts Center at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. $10. (847) 622-0300. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25, and 3 p.m. Sunday, June 26

Mimi + Rodolfo

Puccini's classic 1896 opera “La Boheme” receives a special concert staging by the combined forces of the West suburban Symphony, the Amiga youth singers and the chorus of Hinsdale on Saturday at North Central College's Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. $20-$27. (630) 637-7469 or westsubsymphony.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, June 25

Toy stories

It truly is a play day when the Toy Fair Extravaganza is held at the Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. Free admission, but fees for some activities. (630) 833-1457 or elmhursthistory.org. 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 26

‘Oklahoma!'

Rising Star Theatreworks presents “Oklahoma!” — the classic 1943 Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway musical about a farm girl who is emotionally torn between a handsome cowboy and a brutish farmhand in pre-statehood Oklahoma. See it at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $10-$12. (630) 587-8400 or oshows.com. 2 p.m. Sunday, June 26

Meet the children's poet laureate

Meet author/poet Jack Prelutsky at a reception honoring him with the 2011 Kermit Myers Award. Prelutsky, named the first children's poet laureate by the Poetry Foundation, will recite his poetry at the event. Prelutsky's award-winning books include “The New Kid on the Block” and “The Dragons are Singing Tonight.” Children in attendance will be invited to select a copy of one of Prelutsky's books to take home. The event, which is hosted by Book Worm Angels, takes place at the Evanston Historical Society, Charles Gates Dawes House, 225 Greenwood St., Evanston. Admission is $35 for adults; children accompanied by an adult admitted free. Tickets will be available at the door. (773) 332-8091 or bookwormangels.org. 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 26

‘Rocket' concert

Electro-pop group A Rocket to the Moon headlines a concert bill that also features The Downtown Fiction on Sunday at Six Flags Great America, I-94 and Route 132, Gurnee. The concert is included with park admission of $56.99; $36.99 kids under 48 inches; $20 parking. (847) 249-2133 or sixflags.com. 9:30 a.m. ticket distribution; 6 p.m. concert general admission Sunday, June 26

Hall and Oates

The legendary 1980s rock duo Daryl Hall and John Oates play their hits in the Pavilion at Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. $80; lawn seats $32. Park opens at 4 p.m. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org. 7 p.m. Sunday, June 26

A ghostly summer walk

The Ghost Lore of Palatine Organization hosts a Palatine Ghost Walk, beginning at the Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. The 1½-mile walking tour includes local lore of the supernatural. Learn about supposed hauntings in the downtown Palatine area. The tour is for all ages, although some material may be frightening for younger guests. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera. $5 donation requested. Limited space, so reservations are requested. Call Linda at (847) 358-6091 or email ghostloreofpalatine@gmail.com. 7 p.m. Sunday, June 26