The Suburbs This Weekend: Heavy metal, kites, Arlington Park and chocolate
Arlington Park opening, heavy metal, kites and chocolate everything are among choices from Sean Stangland and Richard Battin for The Suburbs This Weekend.
Sean offers up another season of horse racing at Arlington Park starting Friday with Opening Day and Kentucky Derby Day on Saturday at 2200 Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Free admission on opening day; $10 Derby Day. (847) 385-7500 or arlingtonpark.com. 10:45 a.m. gates open, first race at 3 p.m. Friday, May 4; Derby Day: 10:45 a.m. gates open, 12:15 p.m. first race Saturday, May 5
Sean also recommends Rammstein, an industrial metal band from Berlin, which will make a stop in the suburbs this weekend. Rammstein is hugely popular around the world, and the group has become known for over-the-top live shows that feature plenty of pyrotechnics and outrageous costumes. The band is touring behind its recent greatest-hits release, “Made in Germany.” Friday, May 4, at the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $49.50 to $92.50. Go to ticketmaster.com.
On a kinder, gentler and chocolatier side, Richard recommends the annual Long Grove Chocolate Festival, at the crossroads of Old McHenry and Robert Parker Coffin roads, in downtown Long Grove. Sample chocolate fare galore — everything from chocolate cake and popcorn to chocolate-covered strawberries (double-dipped in dark chocolate) or a chocolate martini. Other highlights include chocolate demonstrations and workshops, music, kids activities and more. Free admission. (847) 634-0888 or longgroveonline.com. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, May 4, through Sunday, May 6.
Richard also suggests a day of kite flying and other family activities at the Barrington Area Kid Fest at Citizen’s Park, 511 Lake Zurich Road, Barrington. Other highlights include food and raffles. Free. For information and to register, visit barringtonbreakfastrotary.org. (847) 381-0687. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 5. In the event of rain, event will take place on Sunday, May 6.