Things to do March 13-19: St. Patrick’s Day events, Chicago Sports Spectacular, Carlos Mencia and more

Starts before Friday

“Admissions”: 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 11; 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 12-14; and 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. This drama examines the lengths to which we’ll go to protect our kids and the complicated truths that surface when personal stakes hit close to home. $45. citadeltheatre.org.

“Little Shop of Horrors”: 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 11; 1 and 7 p.m. Thursday, March 12; 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 13; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday, March 14; and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. The story of plant store attendant Seymour, his co-worker crush Audrey and the man-eating plant that threatens the world. $78-$101. marriotttheatre.com.

CSO, Jakub Hrusa & Leif Ove Andsnes: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, March 12 and 14, and 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, at the Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Jakub Hrusa conducts the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in a program featuring Leif Ove Andsnes on piano. Tickets start at $49. cso.org.

All Downstage From Here — Woman’s Club of Evanston Revue: 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 12-14, at the Woman’s Club of Evanston, 1702 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Members of the club write, direct, choreograph, and perform parodies of show tunes and popular songs. $50. wcofe.org.

16th annual Lake County Film Festival: Thursday, March 12, through Monday, March 23, at College of Lake County in Grayslake, Gorton Center in Lake Forest and Antioch Theater in Antioch. The lineup includes 25 films, 14 documentaries and nine narrative features, as well as short films. Individual tickets are $10, with discounted day, weekend and full-festival badges. lakecountyfilmfestival.org.

Friday, March 13

Chicago Sports Spectacular: 3:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, March 13; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Sports collectibles and memorabilia convention. Scheduled guests include John Elway, Ben Zobrist, Eric Lindros, Dustin Poirier, Sean Astin, Shawn Kemp and more. $15 for Friday, $20 for Saturday or Sunday; three-day passes are $50. chicagosportsspectacular.com.

St. Patrick’s Weekend Festival: 4-10 p.m. Friday, March 13, and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 14, on Hubbard Street, between LaSalle and State, Chicago. Outdoor block party with a festival stage, tented areas, more than 20 DJs and live bands, outdoor bars and food vendors. Free entry with a suggested donation; ticket packages include drink and food vouchers plus entry to participating venues at eventbrite.com.

ShamROCK the Fox: 5-11 p.m. Friday, March 13; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 14; and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at Miller Point Park, 1202 N. Riverside Drive, McHenry. Heated festival tent with live music, food trucks and family activities. Fox River dyeing at 10 a.m. Saturday, the ShamROCK the Fox Parade at noon Saturday, and a fireworks finale at 7 p.m. Sunday. Music lineup: on Friday, Members Only (1980s tribute) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Rumor Hazit from 9-11 p.m.; on Saturday, The Messengers from 12:30-2:30 p.m., The Abby Kay Band from 3:15-5:15 p.m., Southbound from 6-8 p.m. and Beyond the Blonde from 9-11 p.m.; and on Sunday, Jess Irish Piano Bar from noon to 2 p.m. and Fast Times from 5-7 p.m. Free. naturallymchenrycounty.com.

2026 Wild & Scenic Film Festival: 7-9 p.m. Fridays, March 13 and 20, at Rotary International, 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston. Hosted by the Evanston Environmental Association, the fest features environmental and adventure films. The March 13 theme is “Wild Women.” $15-$20. evanstonenvironment.org.

“The Inseparables”: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 13-14, and 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at Playhouse 38, 321 Stevens St., Suite P, Geneva. Playhouse 38 adult production of TJ Young’s comedy, where a group of actors decide to stage a new adaptation of “The Three Musketeers.” $10 in advance, $15 day-of. genevaparks.org.

Michael Blackson: 7 and 9:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 13-14, and 6 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Stand-up comedy. $59.30-$78.58. improv.com.

Rendezvous Arts with St. Charles Singers: 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, at the Gorton Center’s Stuart Community Room, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Eight voices of St. Charles Singers will perform as Tina Druce-Hoffman paints live. $35. gortoncenter.org.

Sean Patton: 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 13-14, at the Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia. Comedy. 21+ event. $31. comedyvaultbatavia.com.

Andrew Callaghan, All Gas No Brakes x Channel 5 “Carnival” 2026 Tour: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, at the Riviera Theatre, 4746 N. Racine Ave., Chicago. Music, rap battles, a talent show and a forbidden video screening. $41-$190. jamusa.com.

Danceworks 2026 “Semiquincentennial”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 13; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14; and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at the Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts Josephine Louis Theater, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Danceworks 2026 gathers choreographers, dancers and audiences to ask: What does it mean to move together in a time of unraveling? $8-$25. wirtz.northwestern.edu.

“Dirty Turk aka Dirty Immigrant”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 13-14, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at Harper College Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Created by Harper College Theatre faculty member Ilknur Nilufer Ozgur and originally produced by her nonprofit Artstillery. $22-$27. events.harpercollege.edu/.

“The Lord of the Rings — The Fellowship of the Ring” 25th Anniversary in Concert: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. Experience the motion picture and Howard Shore’s Academy Award-winning score performed by 238 musicians, including symphony orchestra, chorus and soloists, beneath a 60-foot screen. Tickets start at $85.70. auditoriumtheatre.org.

One of the Girls: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Irish folk music with a twist of bluegrass-inspired arrangements and three-part harmonies. $30 or $35. woodstockoperahouse.com.

“Out of Order”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Thursdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, March 13-29, at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton. This classic British farce by Ray Cooney follows a junior government minister whose secret rendezvous at a London hotel spirals into a chaotic series of cover-ups and mistaken identities when a body is discovered. $25. wheatondrama.org.

Here Come the Mummies: 8 p.m. Friday, March 13, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Eight-piece funk-rock band performing as 5,000-year-old Egyptian mummies in “Terrifying Funk From Beyond the Grave.” Starts at $57. arcadalive.com.

Ivy Queen & India: 8 p.m. Friday, March 13, at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. Reggaeton and salsa. Tickets start at $84.45. rosemont.com/theatre.

Janus Theatre’s “The Alchemist”: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, March 13-29, at the Elgin Art Showcase, 18 Villa Court, Elgin. Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, this comedy follows a trio of con artists who transform a gentleman’s home into a den of criminal capitalism to dupe their unsuspecting neighbors. $25. janusplays.com.

LEVEL UP x ZINGARA: 8 p.m. Friday, March 13, at The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave., Chicago. “Parallel Spirits Tour.” Tickets start at $45.50. saltshedchicago.com.

“Tapestry Unraveled — The Music of Carole King”: 8 p.m. Friday, March 13, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Tina Naponelli and a five-piece band pay tribute to Carole King. $27.30-$59. rauecenter.org.

Saturday, March 14

St. Paddy’s Day 5K Run/Walk: 8 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at Centennial Beach, 500 Jackson Ave., Naperville. Naperville Sunrise Rotary Club’s 17th annual race through downtown Naperville to benefit local charities, including the Naperville YMCA, KidsMatter and the Grow Wellness Foundation. Costumes welcome. Register: napervillesunrise.com/events/5k.

Astound Irish Village Market: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Irish food, beverages, culture, and entertainment from The Dirty Wellies and Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dance. Free. irishvillagemarket.com.

Breakfast with the Bunny: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Cary Park District Community Center, 255 Briargate Road, Cary. Family-friendly pancake breakfast and Easter egg coloring. Bring a camera. $29 for residents and $44 for nonresidents; free for kids younger than 1. carypark.com.

Yorkville SOB Run: 9 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at Southbank Original Barbecue, 129 E. Hydraulic St., Yorkville. 10th annual St. Patrick’s Day-themed 5K, with proceeds benefiting CASA Kendall County. $35. Register: runsignup.com/Race/IL/Yorkville/RUNSOBRUN.

Yorkville St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at Riverfront Park, 131 E. Hydraulic Ave., Yorkville. This family-friendly celebration features a lucky leprechaun hunt, Procession Brass Band from 9:45-10:45 a.m., the annual “Clover Court” contest and the Irish Parade at 11 a.m. along Hydraulic Avenue. Free. yorkville.il.us.

DuPage Comic Con: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds Building 1, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Over 150 comic book dealers; toy, collectible and trading card vendors; artists and guests. Cosplay contest at 3:30 p.m. Food at Snoozle Cafe. $8. mcconventions.com/dupage-comic-con.

Festival of the Sugar Maples: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 14-15, at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset Drive, Marengo. Learn the history of maple sugaring and see the evolution of the sap collection process. Go on a half-mile guided hike through the woodland and purchase pure maple syrup and other treats at the sales tent. Free. mccdistrict.org.

Illinois Orchid Society Spring Show & Sale: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 14, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Orchids from the rarest of species to cultivated hybrids will be artistically arranged and compete in 128 classes. Also, orchid vendors, supplies and equipment, books, pins, clothing and the society’s custom bark mix and fertilizer for sale. Free with Botanic Garden admission. chicagobotanic.org.

Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 14, in downtown Naperville. West Suburban Irish hosts the parade, which steps off at Mill Street and Ogden Avenue, travels south on Mill to Jefferson Avenue, east through downtown to Main Street, south to Porter Avenue, and ends at the Naperville Central High School parking lot. wsirish.org/parade.

St. Patrick’s Party: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at The Quarry Cable Park & Grille, 5517 Northwest Hwy., Crystal Lake. Sixth annual family-friendly celebration features Irish festivities including a minimarket, fire pits and cornhole. Traditional Irish bagpiper from 11:30 a.m. to noon; live music from Jimmy Marquis from noon to 1:15 p.m. and 1:45-3:30 p.m.; and the Rebecca McCarthy School of Dance Irish Dancers from 1:15-1:45 p.m. $5. thequarrycablepark.com.

Sap’s Rising: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. The guided tour explores how sap is collected and turned into sweet syrup. Free, but registration is required. Register: fpdcc.com.

Palatine St. Patrick’s Parade: 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14, stepping off from the corner of Wood and Oak streets, Palatine. Before and after the parade, sponsoring establishments will host events. Free. durtystpats.com.

Lombard Wedding Expo: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Carriage House, 23 W. Maple St., Lombard. Local wedding vendors, including florists, makeup artists, venues and a selection of wedding dresses from Thomkat Fashion and Art Boutique. Hosted by the Lombard Historical Society. lombardhistory.org.

Maple Syrup Hikes: Noon to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, March 14-15 and 21-22, at Ryerson Conservation Area, 21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods. These naturalist-led hikes teach the history and science of maple syrup production, from identifying sap trees to the boiling process. $7 for Lake County residents and $9 for nonresidents. Register for a time slot: lcfpd.org.

Shamrock Beer Run & BrewFest Chicago: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Busse Woods, South Grove 28, Elk Grove Village. 5K run or walk and brewfest. For 21 and older. 5K and BrewFest starts at $40; BrewFest only and virtual 5K prices are available. chicago.shamrockbeerrun.com.

2026 Oscar Shorts: 1-9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Annual screening of the Academy Award-nominated short films. Live action at 1 p.m., animation at 4 p.m. and documentary at 7 p.m. $5-$25. gortoncenter.org.

Grayslake St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 14, in downtown Grayslake. Parade steps off from Gelatin Park and heads down Center Street, ending at Lake Street. Music, food, bagpipers, Irish dancers and more. Free. grayslakechamber.com.

St. Charles St. Patrick’s Parade: 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, in downtown St. Charles. Presented by the St. Charles Business Alliance, the parade travels down Main Street, stepping off at 6th Street and concluding at 4th Avenue. It begins with an opening ceremony at 11 a.m. at the 1st Street Plaza featuring live entertainment and face painting. Throughout the weekend, there will be a Shamrock Hunt, lucky photo stations at Riverside and Illinois avenues and themed specials at local businesses. stcstpatricksparade.com.

St. Patrick’s Celebration at The Dole: 2-11 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at The Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Family-friendly festivities including appearances by a leprechaun, traditional bagpipers and Irish dance troupes from 2-5 p.m.; live music from The Lilies of the Midwest from 2-3:30 p.m.; acoustic performance by Brett Gaertner from 4-6 p.m.; The King of Mars from 6:30-8:30 p.m.; and a 21+ After Party in Lou’s Lounge featuring DJ Dave of Entertainment Media from 8:30-11 p.m. Open to all ages until 7 p.m.; 21 and older after 7 p.m. Food and beverages for purchase. Free, but reserve tickets in advance. thedole.org.

Women of the Revolutionary War: 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn. Learn about the significant contributions of women in Colonial America and their roles during the Revolutionary War. $10 or free for members and students. gehs.org.

St. Matthew Passion: 4 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 49 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst. The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra joins the Apollo Chorus of Chicago and Spirito Singers and six soloists to perform J.S. Bach’s masterpiece. Also celebrates Stephen Alltop’s 30th anniversary as music director of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra. This program includes a 90-minute intermission between the two acts. Add a dinner reservation with the ESO ($75 per person, not included in the ticket) or make alternate meal plans during the break. Act 2 resumes at 6:30 p.m. $12-$45. elmhurstsymphony.org.

Windy City Elvis Kickoff Party: 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Arcada Theatre (Rock ’N Ravioli), 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Performance by Joe Elvis Tirrito at 6 p.m., followed by Elvis-themed karaoke in the lounge. Seating is first-come, first-served with a $10 donation at the door to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. windycitycontest.com.

The Ides of March featuring Jim Peterik and The Buckinghams: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Tickets start at $43.90. geneseetheatre.com.

“An Irish Heartbeat — A Tribute to Van Morrison”: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Soundtrack for a Generation presents a 10-piece band led by singer and harpist Derrick Procell. The show covers Van Morrison’s career, from soul and jazz to Celtic folk. Tickets start at $53. rauecenter.org.

2026 Chicago Harmony Sweepstakes: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. The best all-vocal ensembles in the Midwest will perform in front of a panel of celebrity judges to be crowned the 2026 Chicago Regional Champion. The winner moves on to the national finals in California. Featuring Vocalight from Dayton, Ohio, (2025 Chicago first place, 2025 National Finals second place) as special guest hosts, and two-time champion David Wilner as master of ceremonies. $35. harmony-sweepstakes.com/chicago.

The Best of Second City: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. The Second City performs iconic sketches, songs and improv. $40 or $45. woodstockoperahouse.com.

The Flatbed Fords: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Moonlight Theatre, 7 S. Second Ave., St. Charles. Performing the best of the Eagles. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $30. moonlighttheatre.com.

“Madama Butterfly”: 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, March 14 and 28; 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19, Tuesday, March 31, and Monday, April 6; and 2 p.m. Sundays, March 22 and April 12, Wednesday, March 25, and Thursday, April 9, at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. One of opera’s most beloved works in a bold reimagining by director Matthew Ozawa. Sung in Italian with projected English titles. Tickets start at $47. lyricopera.org.

Copley Comedy Series: 8 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Jeanie Doogan with Katie Meiners. $21; reserved seats. paramountaurora.com.

Wheatus: 8 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. The band will perform its debut album in its entirety. With special guest Life Looks Good. $28.75-$98.75. arcadalive.com.

Sunday, March 15

All Sports Car Swap Meet and Autojumble: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. The Chicagoland MG Club returns for its 29th annual event featuring hard-to-find car parts, accessories and complete vehicles for sale. $7 for 13 and older. chicagolandmgclub.com.

Maple Syrup Festival: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. Activities and more. Free. fpdcc.com.

Quinceañera Expo Chicago 2026: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at Hyatt Regency O’Hare, 9300 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont. Everything needed to plan a quinceañera, including vendors for dresses, venues, catering, photography and limousines; live entertainment; a fashion show; raffles; and the crowning of the new Miss Cover Girl. $14.64; free for quinceañeras registered in advance and kids younger than 5. quinceanerasmagazine.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with One of the Girls: 1 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Irish music. $16.26-$29.43. evanstonspace.com.

Gentlemen Farmers of DuPage County: 2-3:15 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at St. James Farm, 2S141 Winfield Road, Warrenville. The country estates of Francis S. Peabody, Arthur A. Cutten, and Dan and Ada Rice were transformed into public forest preserves. Learn about the history of these “gentlemen farmers” and their lasting impact on the DuPage County landscape. $5. Register: dupageforest.org.

14th annual Windy City Elvis Competition: 2 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Performances from Elvis tribute artists competing for prizes and the Windy City Championship. $46.75-$78.75. arcadalive.com.

CSO, Klaus Mäkelä: 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Klaus Mäkelä conducts the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in a program featuring Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” and Milhaud’s “Le Bœuf sur le toit.” Tickets start at $69. cso.org.

St. Matthew Passion: 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at the Church of the Holy Family, 1080 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago. Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra joins with Apollo Chorus of Chicago and six soloists to perform J.S. Bach’s masterpiece. $25-$47.50. apollochorus.org.

Monday, March 16

Movie Monday: 7 p.m. Monday, March 16, at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. “Sixteen Candles” (1984). Doors open at 6 p.m. $1 (cash only at the door). Concessions via cash or card. paramountaurora.com/series/movie-mondays.

Tuesday, March 17

Switchback — Travelin’ Down an Irish Road: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The Midday Matinee features Marty McCormack and Brian FitzGerald performing American roots and Celtic soul. $35. eccartscenter.org.

America at 250 — Leadership Through the Ages: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Presidential historian Michael Beschloss explores the triumphs, failures and defining moments that have steered the nation through crisis and change. Copies of his book “Presidents of War” will be available for purchase; book signing follows the lecture. $15; free for Elmhurst University students, faculty, staff and alumni. Tickets: elmhurst.edu.

Electroacoustic Music Concert: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at Armerding Concert Hall, 520 Kenilworth, Wheaton. Third annual concert will feature new works that blend electroacoustic media and techniques. The program includes compositions by Wheaton faculty and guest artists, with brief concert lectures offering insight into the techniques and musical meanings behind this innovative genre. $11.80-$17.70. tickets.wheaton.edu.

Beautiful Vision — The Songs of Van Morrison: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Singer-songwriter Steve Dawson brings Chicago musicians together for a tribute to Van Morrison. $20.63-$33.90. evanstonspace.com.

Wednesday, March 18

Critics Classics: 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at the Elk Grove Theatre, 1050 Elk Grove Town Center, Elk Grove Village. Screening of “For Your Eyes Only.” Hosted by the Chicago Film Critics Association. $9 or $7 matinee; $7-$6 for 60 or older, $1.50 booking fee. classiccinemas.com.

Midweek Matinees: 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Screening of “The Bucket List” starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. Part of the film series sponsored by AgeGuide. $5. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Illinois Humanities Community Conversations — History Belongs to All of Us: 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Learn about the Illinois Constitution of 1818 as part of a series of free, facilitated conversations that explore the founding of the United States through the lens of local history. Free. Register: napersettlement.org.

Aurora Film Society “Bicycle Thieves”: 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at The Venue, 21 S. Broadway, Aurora. Screening of the 1948 Italian neorealism classic by Vittorio De Sica. $10. themusicvenue.org/calendar.

Quiet Wings of the Watershed: 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at Baker Community Center, 101 S. Second St., St. Charles. Kane County naturalist Pam Otto will discuss the critical role pollinators play in local ecosystems and how individuals can help them flourish. Free. Register: theconservationfoundation.org.

Irish Session: 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at Quigley’s Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson, Naperville. A casual gathering of musicians playing traditional Irish music on their traditional Irish instruments. Hear live reels, hornpipes, slip jigs and traditional Irish tunes. wsirish.org/content.aspx.

“Billy”: 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. The 1970 magnum opus of experimental filmmaker Bruce Baillie. $15. chicagofilmsociety.org.

Thursday, March 19

Joseph Luzzi — A Grand Tour of Italy: 9 a.m. Thursday, March 19, at Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Author of “Botticelli’s Secret: The Lost Drawings and the Rediscovery of the Renaissance,” Luzzi shares insights into how art, music, literature and the humanities shape our world. Coffee and Conversation at 9 a.m. and program at 10 a.m. $33. woodstockoperahouse.com.

COD Film Series: 4 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at the College of DuPage Berg Instructional Center, Room 1437, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Series features a faculty-led introduction and a Q&A session for William Wyler’s “Dead End” (1937). Free; registration is not required. cod.edu/film.

Glow Wild, A Lantern Festival of Hope: 6-10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, March 19 through May 10, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 31st Street and Golfview Avenue, Brookfield. See over 70 handcrafted, larger-than-life lanterns depicting wildlife and mythology from around the world. Features live cultural performances, global music and dance, storytelling and food. Tickets include parking and rides on the carousel and Ferris wheel. Animal habitats are closed during the event. Thursdays: $9.95-$19.95; Fridays through Sundays: $14.95-$24.95. Advance tickets: brookfieldzoo.org/glow-wild.

Bensenville Short Film Festival: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at Center Theatre, 9 S. Center St., Bensenville. Annual festival showcases short films under 15 minutes from filmmakers around the world across all genres. $10. bensenvillearts.com/filmfest.html.

Beyond the Page with Percival Everett: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19, via Zoom. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Percival Everett discusses his genre-bending career, including his recent novel “James,” winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award, and “Erasure,” which inspired the Academy Award-winning film “American Fiction.” Moderated by “Chicago Tonight” anchor Brandis Friedman. Hosted by Illinois Libraries Present. Register through your local library. Free. illinoislibrariespresent.org.

Carlos Mencia: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 20-21; and 6 p.m. Sunday, March 22, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. “No Hate No Fear” comedy tour. $35.91-$65.73. improv.com/chicago.

Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood “Asking for Trouble”: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. The stars of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” perform an evening of improvised comedy based on audience suggestions. $47-$60. geneseetheatre.com.

Thursday Night Laughs: 7 p.m. Thursdays, March 19 and April 9, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Stand-up comedy series features local talent: Mike Maxwell, Lauren Hooberman, Chelsea Hood, St. James Jackson, Drew Frees and headliner Nick Cobb. Bar and doors open at 6:30 p.m. $20-$25. prairiecenter.org.

Revolutionary America!: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at Addison Village Hall, 1 Friendship Plaza, Addison. In this lecture and demonstration-style program, Rebecca Tulloch will explore life in Boston during the early days of the American Revolution through the eyes of John and Abigail Adams. Presented by the Addison Public Library and Addison Historical Museum. Free. Register: addisonlibrary.org.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Historian: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. To commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, the series is exploring major events in American history with a focus on the misunderstood or overlooked aspects. This month’s topic is Westward Expansion. $10. Register: napersettlement.org.

Cactus Tate: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 20-21, at the Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia. This rising Latina comedian and TikTok star delivers raw, authentic storytelling about family drama and modern life. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $31. comedyvaultbatavia.com.

Classical Blast in Kilts: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Rock versions of traditional Irish and Scottish folk music; songs by contemporary Irish rock bands like Dropkick Murphies, U2, Cranberries and Van Morrison; movie themes; dueling violins and more. Tickets start at $20. heynonny.com.

Ongoing

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”: 10 a.m. Wednesdays through Sundays through March 28, plus 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Tickets start at $18.75. marriotttheatre.com.

“Dear Evan Hansen”: 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sundays, and 1:30 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays through March 22; plus 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 12, at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Chicago-area premiere of the six-time Tony Award-winning musical. Tickets start at $31. paramountaurora.com.

“Hamilton”: 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays through April 26; plus 7 p.m. Tuesdays, March 31 and April 21 (no 7 p.m. show Sundays, April 5 and 26), at the CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago. The blockbuster musical about the life of Alexander Hamilton. Tickets start at $58.45. broadwayinchicago.com.

“The Importance of Being Earnest”: 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, through March 22, in the Studio Theatre, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. College Theatre production of Oscar Wilde’s comic masterpiece. Post-show discussion Friday, March 13. $16-$18. atthemac.org.

“On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan”: 7 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays, 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, and 1:30 and 7 p.m. Thursdays through March 22 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. This high-energy musical follows the inspiring true story of the Estefans’ journey from Cuba to international superstardom, featuring hits such as “Conga” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You.” Tickets start at $69.75. drurylanetheatre.com.

“The Play That Goes Wrong”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through March 29; plus 2 p.m. Thursday, March 19, and 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. A bungling troupe of thespians attempting to stage a 1920s murder mystery trip over everything, including their lines, and things quickly go from bad to disastrous. $25-$49. metropolisarts.com.

“Tuesdays With Morrie”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through March 28, at Overshadowed Theatrical Productions, 900 Foster Ave., Medinah. Follows the true story of Mitch Albom, a career-obsessed journalist who reunites with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz, during Morrie’s final months. Their weekly meetings evolve into a final class on the meaning of life. $20-$32. overshadowed.org.