Cheap events: Doggone fun at free CSBarks Dog Fest
Free
CSBarks Dog Festival
Calling all dog lovers: Spend the day with your pooch at the Carol Stream Park District's eighth annual CSBarks Dog Festival in the Carol Stream Town Center, at Gary Avenue and Lies Road. See canine agility and obedience activities, K-9 police demonstrations, Skydogz Frisbee dog performances and “wiener dog” races and take part in a parade of breeds and contests, including best-dressed dog and dog and owner look-alike. Visitors can also shop for dog-related supplies. Dogs should be of good temperament and not afraid of crowds or children. All dogs should be on a 6-foot (max) nonretractable leash and have updated vaccinations and rabies tags. Pets other than dogs are not allowed. Free. csparks.org. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18
'Urban Flora'
See works by Glendale Heights artist Justin Suico in his debut solo exhibit, “Urban Flora,” in the Conde Art Studio, fourth floor of Zhou B Art Center, 1029 W. 35th St., Chicago. Complimentary snacks and drinks will be served. Free. (773) 523-0200 or zhoubartcenter.com. 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16
Sports Card Show
Buy, sell and trade baseball, football, basketball and hockey cards at the Sports Card Show at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Chicago Northwest, 495 Airport Road, Elgin. Free. For details, call Corky at (847) 815-5810 or email collectable2@yahoo.com. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17
Pioneer Day
Make like a pioneer at the annual Pioneer Day celebration on the grounds of the Elk Grove Historical Museum, 399 Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village. Participate in historical crafts and games, plus there's a petting zoo, music and dancing, historical demonstrations, farmhouse tours and scarecrow-making. Hosted by the Elk Grove Park District and the Elk Grove Historical Society. Free. The $10 fee for the scarecrow-making benefits the Elk Grove Garden Club. (847) 439-3994 or elkgroveparks.org. 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18
The Johnny Burnett Band
The Johnny Burnett Band blends pop, fusion and blues in a Concert in the Park event at Capannari Ice Cream, 10 S. Pine St., Mount Prospect. Guests are invited to bring a picnic dinner and dance along to the music. Bring lawn chairs for seating. Free. (847) 392-2277 or capannaris.com. 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18
$15 and under
Chicago Pet Show
Meet animals from local rescue organizations, shelters and humane societies at the Chicago Pet Show at the Libertyville Sports Complex, 1950 Route 45, Libertyville. Guests can get an up-close look at dogs, cats, birds and other animals who are in need of homes. More than 100 pet-related companies will be offering pet services and products. Adults $7; free for kids younger than 18 and seniors older than 65. Note: an adult ticket is good for the entire weekend. chicagopetshow.com. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17-18
Sons of the Never Wrong
Take the three-part harmony of Sue Demel, Deborah Lader and Bruce Roper and mix it with folk and you get Sons of the Never Wrong, who perform in a Lake County Folk Club-sponsored concert at Primo Restaurant, 720 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee. Suggested admission donation is $15; $12 seniors; $10 club members. Call (847) 602-8882 for reservations. thelakecountyfolkclub.org. 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18
'Inception'
See the 2010 action film “Inception,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ellen Page, at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Admission to this rated PG-13 film is $1. Tickets are available at the door. Concessions available for purchase. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com. 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19