Best Bets: Angela Ingersoll, Big Bounce America, Irish Days and more
Get happy
Joseph Jefferson Award winner Angela Ingersoll returns to the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, with her acclaimed Judy Garland tribute as part of the Artists Lounge Live series. In her show “Get Happy: Angela Ingersoll Sings Judy Garland,” Ingersoll pairs such standards as “The Man That Got Away,” “Over the Rainbow” and “The Trolley Song” with stories about the beloved actress. $45, $49. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com/. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31
A bounce house for everyone
The Skokie Sports Park, 3459 Oakton St., Skokie, hosts what is reported to be the world’s largest bounce house as part of the Big Bounce America tour. Explore seven inflatables, including the customized sports arena Sports Slam; a space-themed wonderland; a 900-foot-long obstacle course; and a 24,000-square-foot inflatable goliath that houses giant slides, climbing towers, ball pits and a stage presided over by a DJ. Tickets for three-hour sessions start at $22 for toddlers; $35 for kids; and $45 for adults. Advance registration recommended. thebigbounceamerica.com. Various hours Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 31-Sept. 1, and Sept. 6-8
Irish eyes are smiling
Long Grove hosts its annual Irish Days festival, a family-friendly celebration of Irish culture that includes folk bands, bagpipers and Irish dancers along with food, beer and a best men’s legs in a kilt contest, at 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Entertainment includes The Shannon Rovers, Kathleen Keane & Jim Conway, Without U2, Trinity and McNulty schools of Irish dance and more. Free. longgrove.org/festivals/irish-days. 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1; and 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2
Alley Art Fest
Aurora hosts its 14th free Alley Art Festival showcasing works by 90 local artists at the Water Street Mall and Downer Place, between Stolp Avenue and Water Street. The festival follows the farmers market, which takes place from 8 a.m. to noon., and includes live music, kids’ activities and food vendors. alleyartaurora.com. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31
Hail to Arlington High School
Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights, is among several agencies — including the Arlington Heights Memorial Library and the Arlington Heights Historical Museum — holding events in September commemorating the 40th anniversary of the closing of Arlington High School. To that end, Hey Nonny presents “Death of the Cardinals — the Closing of Arlington High School,” a show dramatizing the high school’s history, which will be accompanied by a live soundtrack featuring music from various eras of its more than 100-year existence. $15-$45. heynonny.com/#shows. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 4-5
‘Prospetto a Mare’
The Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago, 600 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, presents “Dawit L. Petros: Prospetto a Mare,” an exhibition devoted to works by the Eritrea-born Canadian artist Dawit L. Petros. The exhibition showcases Petros’ examination of the impact of Italian colonialism in Africa on the people and environments of Africa, Europe and North America. Free. mocp.org. Friday, Aug. 30, through Dec. 20