Things to do May 8-14: Lombard Lilac Time, Glow Wild, Mother’s Day events and more

Starts before Friday

Lombard Lilac Time: Runs through Sunday, May 17, in Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave., Lombard. Annual 7-acre horticultural showcase featuring 700 lilacs and 25,000 tulips. On Thursday, May 7: Lombard Garden Club Lilac Sale from noon to 7 p.m. Lombard Park District plant sale from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 8. On Saturday, May 9: Kids day with Nanny Nikki from 2-4 p.m. On Sunday, May 10: Mother’s Day concert with The Yacht Rock-ettes from 2-3:30 p.m. Victorian Cottage Tours from 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Lilac Heritage Tour, $9, at 11 a.m., register at lombardhistory.org. lombardlilactime.com.

“Chicago” the Musical: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday May 5, 7 and 8; 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 6; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9; and 1 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. The classic musical about fame, fortune and all that jazz. Tickets start at $55.35. broadwayinchicago.com.

Glow Wild, A Lantern Festival of Hope: 6-10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, May 7-10, 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. Thursday: $9.95-$19.95; Friday through Sunday: $14.95-$24.95. Advance tickets: brookfieldzoo.org/glow-wild.

The Newberry Consort: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at First Presbyterian Church, 1427 Chicago Ave., Evanston; 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, at First Unitarian Church of Chicago, 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago; and 4 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at Ganz Hall, Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. “Revolution! Early American Music From the Signing of the Declaration of Independence to the Civil War,” a concert of 18th- and 19th-century American music, and a world premiere by composer Jonathan Woody based on early American music. $10-$70. newberryconsort.org.

Uncle Lazer: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7, and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 8-9, at the Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia. Stand-up comedy. $31-$36. comedyvaultbatavia.com.

Friday, May 8

Batavia Boardwalk Shops opening weekend: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 8; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 9; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at 114 E. Wilson St., Batavia. downtownbatavia.com.

The Art Center Highland Park’s Spring Benefit: 7 p.m. Friday, May 8, at The Art Center Highland Park, 1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction to support TAC’s galleries, classes, scholarships and community events. Highlights the work of celebrity photographer Sandro Miller and members of the Chicago Imagists group Hairy Who. Entertainment by Sam Thousand. $250. theartcenterhp.org.

Chicago Sinfonietta “American Rhapsody”: 7 p.m. Friday, May 8, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, and 3 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary with “Rhapsody in Blue,” featuring pianist Clayton Stephenson. Also, William Dawson’s “Negro Folk Symphony” and “Blues, Ballad, Bebop,” a Chicago Sinfonietta-commissioned symphonic tribute to jazz legend and Illinois native Miles Davis in honor of his 100th birthday. $45-$65. northcentralcollege.edu.

JR De Guzman: 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 8-9, and 6 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. “Boyfriend Material,” stand-up comedy. $33.34-$52.62. improv.com/chicago.

56th annual Northbrook-On-Ice: 7 p.m. Friday, May 8; 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, May 9; and 1 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook. Skaters of all ages perform to the theme “KaleidoSkate.” Tickets: $14-$16. nbparks.org.

“The SpongeBob Musical”: 7 p.m. Friday, May 8, and 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at Willow Creek, 100 S. Main St., Crystal Lake. Kane-McHenry CYT production. $19 in advance and $21 at the door. cytchicago.org.

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”: 7 p.m. Friday, May 8; 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, May 9; and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at Christian Arts Auditorium, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion. Lake County-Kenosha CYT production. $19 in advance and $21 at the door. cytchicago.org.

Bad Momz of Comedy: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, at Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. $30. woodstockoperahouse.com.

“David’s Redhaired Death”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 8; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9; and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at Hal & Martha Hyer Wallis Theater, 1949 Campus Drive , Evanston. MFA Collaboration Series features Sherry Kramer’s part stand-up comedy, part stand-up tragedy, directed by Rosalind Faires, about two women who find they have everything in common until the death of a brother drives them apart. $20. wirtz.northwestern.edu.

Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale’s “Anniversaries and Onward”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst, and 3 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at United Methodist Church of Geneva, 211 Hamilton St., Geneva. gewchorale.org.

The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight: 8 p.m. Friday, May 8, at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. Rock. Tickets start at $57.85. rosemont.com/theatre.

Stand-Up Momedy Show: 8-10 p.m. Friday, May 8, at Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. A night of comedy features four women sharing stories about parenting, marriage and midlife meltdowns. Tickets start at $44. rauecenter.org.

Saturday, May 9

Oak Brook Park District’s annual Pink 5K: 8 a.m. Saturday, May 9, at Central Park, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook. The event supports the Hinsdale Hospital Foundation Open Arms Breast Cancer Outreach Fund, which provides free mammograms to women facing gaps in insurance coverage. Register: obparks.org/special-events/pink-5k.

Wheaton French Market: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at Main and Liberty streets, Wheaton. The outdoor market run by Bensidoun USA offers fresh produce, flowers, handcrafted goods, specialty foods, jewelry, crafts, baked goods and more. bensidounusa.com/wheaton.

Cantigny’s Live Music in the Beer Garden: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at Cantigny Park South Grove, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Music lineup: Saturday, Todd Anderson at 11 a.m. and Downtown Charlie Brown at 3 p.m.; Sunday, May 10, Jay Vanna at 11 a.m. and The Thomas Linsk Trio at 3 p.m.; Wednesday, May 13, Joe Fascetta at 5:30 p.m.; and Thursday, May 14, Rozzie & Brian Duo at 5:30 p.m. Beer garden hours: 4:30-9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Included in admission fee. cantigny.org.

Swing Into Spring & Community Bike Ride: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at North School Park, 307 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights. Register at 9:30 a.m., with the ride at 10 a.m. at Eastman Street and Evergreen Avenue. Crafts, games, rides, live music and entertainment from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. ahpd.org.

Firefly Candle Market: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. New VIP early entry at 9 a.m. Featuring over 100 vendors of hand-poured candles and aromatic products. $6. fireflycandlemarket.com.

Northbrook Art in the Park: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 9-10, at Village Green Center, 1810 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Featuring over 80 artists. Make a masterpiece at a live painting class. Kids Creation Station features face painting, art fest bingo, spin art, sand sculpture, coloring, drawing and more. Free. amdurproductions.com.

Scott Smith’s All Animal Expo: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Bimonthly show that hosts vendors from the Midwest. $3-$8. allanimalexpo.com.

Chicago Pickle Fest: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at Wrigleyville’s Best Bars, 1059 W. Addison, Chicago. Bar crawl featuring live bands and samples of unique brined snacks and drinks. Ticket ($20) includes a whiskey shot with a pickleback. eventbrite.com.

Mother’s Day Tea: 12:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. $25-$30. Register: ahpd.org.

May Fest: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Grayslake Heritage Center, 164 Hawley St., Grayslake. Art show and sale, face painting, caricature drawing, performances by Circus Kazoo and Bill Chapin and his jazz students, a community street chalk mural tied to the 250th anniversary of the United States, and a film cell making activity. Free. Tickets at grayslake-arts-alliance.square.site.

Barrington Spring Wine Walk: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at Catlow East, 107 E. Main St., Barrington. Sample red and white wines from local suppliers. Attendees will receive a souvenir wine glass and a shopping bag for a self-guided tour of approximately 20 merchants. $50. barringtonchamber.com.

“Sesame Street Live! Elmo’s Got the Moves”: 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Kids and parents can dance along with Elmo and his Sesame Street friends during the show. Tickets start at $51.75. msg.com.

Heartache Tonight: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Tribute to the Eagles. $30-$40. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Rod the Show: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Rod Stewart tribute. Tickets start at $56. geneseetheatre.com.

Sunday, May 10

Mother’s Day Brunch: 10:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, May 10, at Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. Start with brunch and then spend the afternoon at Blackberry Farm. $25. Register: foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

Mother’s Day and 100th anniversary of Car 715: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, Route 31, South Elgin. The season opens with a celebration of the 100th anniversary of North Shore Line 715’s service debut. Moms ride for free and receive a free carnation. foxtrolley.org.

Mother’s Day Brunch: 1 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at Heritage Prairie Farm, 2N308 Brundige Road, Elburn. Farm-to-table event features a seven-course meal and a welcome glass of champagne. Tickets are $100 (inclusive of tax and gratuity) or $40 for kids younger than 13. Tickets: facebook.com/heritageprairiefarm.

Mother’s Day With Birds of Prey: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, South Barrington. Meet the snowy, great horned, barn, barred and screech owls plus a peregrine falcon, red-shouldered and broad-winged hawks. Kids can dissect owl pellets. $20 per car. stillmannc.org.

Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras’ Infinite Possibilities: 1:30, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at ECC Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. For its 50th season, explore the endless possibilities of perspective as EYSO celebrates the past and imagines the future of orchestral music. $7-$27. eccartscenter.org.

ARTEMIS presented by WDCB: 7 and 9:30 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at Evanston SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Founded and led by pianist Renee Rosnes, this all-female jazz quintet features virtuosos Ingrid Jensen, Nicole Glover, Noriko Ueda and Allison Miller performing music from their latest album, “Arboresque.” $38.77-$65.31. evanstonspace.com.

Motherhood Unfiltered: 7 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at the Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia. Mother’s Day stand-up comedy showcase featuring Kristen Toomey, Kellye Howard, Eunji Kim and Mo Good. $31. comedyvaultbatavia.com.

Monday, May 11

Writers Fest 2026: 5-6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, May 11-13, at Northwestern University Deering Library, 208 (Devereaux Room), 1937 Sheridan Road, Evanston. 18th annual festival celebrates the literary arts with public readings and discussions featuring renowned authors. This year’s guest writers include Leni Zumas, Aminatta Forna and Marsha de la O. Free. planitpurple.northwestern.edu.

Movie Monday: 7 p.m. Monday, May 11, at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984). Doors open at 6 p.m. $1 (cash only at the door). Concessions via cash or card. paramountaurora.com/series/movie-mondays.

The Scovilles: 7: p.m. Monday, May 11, at Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook. Rockabilly/roots trio. Free. Register at visit.northbrook.info.

Belting for Life 2026: 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 11, at SPACE, 1243 Chicago Ave., Evanston. All proceeds will be donated to AIDS Foundation Chicago. Tickets start at $40, $20 for streaming. aidschicago.org.

Tuesday, May 12

Don McMillan: 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. “Don McMillan 2.0 *Now Powered By AI” stand-up comedy. $46.19. improv.com/chicago.

Brass Ensemble “American Classics”: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. A program of works by American composers, including Leonard Bernstein’s “West Side Story Suite” featuring Bienen student soloists. $4-$6. planitpurple.northwestern.edu.

“Good Vibes — The Art of the Jazz Vibraphone”: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, Galvin Recital Hall, 70 Arts Circle, Evanston. Northwestern University Jazz Ensemble showcasing the innovators of the jazz vibraphone with a program including music by Lionel Hampton, Milt Jackson and Gary Burton. $5-$8. planitpurple.northwestern.edu.

Percussion Ensemble: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, in the Belushi Performance Hall at the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Directed by Ben Wahlund. $9. atthemac.org.

Wednesday, May 13

Critics Classics: 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at the Elk Grove Theatre, 1050 Elk Grove Town Center, Elk Grove Village. “Best in Show.” Hosted by the Chicago Film Critics Association. $9 or $7 matinee; $7-$6 for 60 and older, $1.50 booking fee. classiccinemas.com.

James McCann: 7 and 9:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Stand-up comedy. $33.34. improv.com/chicago.

Chamber Orchestra: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, in the Belushi Performance Hall at the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. A mixed group of instrumentalists consisting of student and community members from high school to adult. $9. atthemac.org.

Triumph: 8: p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at the Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont. “The Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded Tour.” Tickets start at $30. rosemont.com/allstate.

Thursday, May 14

Guitar Ensemble: 11 a.m. Thursday, May 14, at Playhouse Theatre, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Under the direction of Steve Ramsdell, the College of DuPage Guitar Ensemble performs a program showcasing various styles and techniques. $7. atthemac.org.

Entertaining Elgin with Beth Nawara: Noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St., Elgin. This program will use objects and images from the Elgin History Museum’s collection to show a variety of events that entertained Elginites in the 1800s and 1900s. $5; free for members. RSVP: elginhistory.org.

Naperville Architecture Walking Tour: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Learn about the architecture from the 1800s to today. Tours last about 60 minutes and cover about two miles. Ticket sales end at 4 p.m.; not available on-site. Open to all ages. $15. Register: napersettlement.org.

The My Generation Tour: 7 p.m. Thursday, May, 14, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Hollies Greatest Hits Starring Terry Sylvester, and Mitch Ryder and The Detroit Wheels. Tickets start at $56. geneseetheatre.com.

Tino Cochino: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. “The Love Bomb Comedy Tour” stand-up comedy. $33.34-$52.62. improv.com/chicago.

“We Will Choir You”: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at the John & Nancy Hughes Theater, Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Queen sing-along presented by Choir! Choir! Choir!, an interactive show that turns the audience into the performer. All voices welcome, no experience necessary. $39. gortoncenter.org.

ECC Jazz Ensemble: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at ECC Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Building H, Elgin. Led by Shawn Maxwell, this ensemble performs an evening of melodies and improvisation. $12 or $10 for seniors. eccartscenter.org/tickets.

Katherine Blanford: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14, and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 15-16, at the Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia. Stand-up comedy. $31-$36. comedyvaultbatavia.com.

Ongoing

Around the World with Hans Christian Andersen: 10 a.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, through May 23, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Featuring the Hans Christian Andersen stories “The Princess and the Pea,” “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Little Mermaid” and “The Snow Queen.” $15. metropolisarts.com.

The Titanic — A Voyage Through Time: Time slots from 11 a.m. to 7:40 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. Sundays, and noon to 6:40 p.m. Thursdays through May 31 at Germania Place, 108 W. Germania Place, Chicago. Immersive virtual reality experience that takes visitors on a journey through the Titanic. $19.99-$32.99. titanicexperiencevr.com.

“Calendar Girls”: 7 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, through May 17, at the McHenry County College Black Box Theatre, 6900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. This comedy follows a group of women who decide to pose for a nude calendar to raise money for a hospital after the loss of a friend’s husband. $23. theatre121.org.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “South Pacific”: 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 June 14 at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. This classic musical is an uplifting tale of romance and duty set in a tropical paradise during World War II featuring iconic show tunes such as “Some Enchanted Evening” and “Bali Ha’i.” Tickets start at $31. paramountaurora.com.

“Birthday Candles”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, through June 7, at Playhouse Theatre, McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. This poignant play examines the highlights, heartbreaks and extraordinary moments that make up one woman’s ordinary life. Preshow discussion with the director and designers at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, May 7; post-show discussion with the director and cast on Friday, May 15; ASL Performance on Thursday, May 28. $43-$45. atthemac.org.

“Heartbreak Hotel”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 5 p.m. Sundays, 1 p.m. Wednesdays, and 1 and 7 p.m. Thursdays through May 31 (no 5 p.m. show Sunday, May 31) at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. This official Elvis Presley bio-musical takes a look at the rock star and icon. Tickets start at $78. marriotttheatre.com.

“The Little Dog Laughed”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, through May 16, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 10, in the Batavia City Hall, third floor, 100 N. Island Ave., Batavia. Albright Community Theatre production of Douglas Carter Beane’s comedy that takes aim at the entertainment industry, sex and sexuality. $18-$23. albrighttheatre.com.

“Ruthless! The Musical”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through May 17; plus 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 13 (no show Thursday, May 14), at Citadel Theatre Company, 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. The story of a child star who’ll stop at nothing to land the lead role in her school musical. $45. citadeltheatre.org.

“The Wedding Singer”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through May 24 at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Musical adaptation of Adam Sandler’s hit movie. $25-$55. metropolisarts.com.