Things to do May 22-28: Memorial Day events, Dinos! at Brookfield Zoo, Prairie Arts Festival, Rockin’ in the Park and more

Starts before Friday

Around the World with Hans Christian Andersen: 10 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday, May 20-23, 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.

Westmont Spring Fling: 4-9:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21; 4-10:30 p.m. Friday, May 22; noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, May 23; and noon to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, May 24, at the Westmont Village Hall, 31 W. Quincy St., Westmont. Carnival, live entertainment, food and craft vendors. Music lineup: Thursday: Westmont’s Got Talent from 5-9:30 p.m.; Friday: Sealed With A Kiss from 5-7:30 p.m. and the Mike Wheeler Band from 8-10:30 p.m.; Saturday: Tomorrow’s Alliance from noon to 2 p.m., The Flat Cats from 2:30-4:30 p.m., Nashville Electric from 5-7:30 p.m., and Anthem from 8-10:30 p.m.; and Sunday: Emma & the Dilemma from 1-3:30 p.m., Anchors Away from 4-6:30 p.m., and Billy Gray from 7-9:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Saturday to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Westmont Lions Club. Free. westmontlionsfoundation.org.

“The Wedding Singer”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, May 21-22; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 23; and 2 p.m. Sunday, 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.

Friday, May 22

Combo Breaker: 9:30 a.m. Friday, May 22, through 10 p.m. Sunday, May 24, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Annual gaming festival dedicated to competitive fighting games with tournaments, community activities, exhibitors, vendors, visiting artists and more. $55. combobreaker.org.

Dinos! at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, May 22, through Oct. 25, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Guests can come face-to-face with 35 life-sized dinosaurs, explore a massive rib-cage tunnel, climb on a giant fossil, dig for ancient discoveries and more. Two-mile Dino Dash fun run on May 30 and Dinos After Dark pajama party on July 11. $20.95-$29.95, free for kids 2 and younger. brookfieldzoo.org/events.

Summer Kickoff at Lincoln Park Zoo: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Monday, May 22-25, at Lincoln Park Zoo, Cannon Drive at Fullerton Parkway, Chicago. Special rides and attractions, including the Ferris Wheel and Giant Fun Slide, plus programming for all ages. Free admission; rides and attractions require tickets. lpzoo.org.

Wonder Woods Mini Golf: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, May 22, through Sept. 7, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Nine-hole mini golf course featuring tree-themed, accessible holes. For ages 4 and older. Tickets required at mortonarb.org.

Lake County Food Truck Festival: Noon to 9 p.m. Friday, May 22, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Food trucks, live music, beer garden, and entertainment. Free entry; $10 parking. lcfairgrounds.com/foodtruckfestival.

Cantigny’s Live Music in the Beer Garden: 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 22, at Cantigny Park South Grove, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Music begins at 5:30 p.m. in the beer garden, unless otherwise noted. Music lineup: Friday: Return 2 Soul; Saturday: The Thomas Linsk Trio at 3 p.m.; Wednesday: Joe Fascetta; and Thursday: Rozzie & Brian Duo. 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 with admission. cantigny.org.

Jessimae Peluso: 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 22-23, at Chicago Improv in Woodfield Mall, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Stand-up comedy. $29.49. improv.com/chicago.

“Newsies”: 7 p.m. Friday, May 22; 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, May 23; and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 24, at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1250 W. Wilson St., Batavia. Aurora-DuPage CYT production. $19 in advance or $21 at the door. cytchicago.org.

“At the Wedding”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, May 22 through June 13, and 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Village Guild Theatre, northwest corner of Park Boulevard and Butterfield Road, Glen Ellyn. In this comedy by Bryna Turner, a woman named Carlo guides the audience through her ex-girlfriend’s wedding to a man, and talks to several friends and family about love, life and how to cope with both. $25. villagetheatreguild.com.

“In the Time of the Butterflies”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, May 22-31, and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at Josephine Louis Theater, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Based on Julia Alvarez’s acclaimed novel, the play follows the courageous Mirabal sisters as they become icons of resistance against the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. $22-$25. planitpurple.northwestern.edu.

“Something Rotten!”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, May 22 through June 14, at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton. Set in Renaissance England, this musical follows two brothers desperate to write a hit play who inadvertently invent the world’s very first musical to compete with the rock-star success of William Shakespeare. American Sign Language performances May 31 and June 5. $25. wheatondrama.org.

Janus Theatre Company’s “An Enemy of the People”: 8 p.m. Friday, May 22; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 23; and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 24, in the New Elgin Art Showcase, 220 DuPage St., Elgin. The story of one brave man’s struggle to do the right thing when those in power, including his own brother, try not only to silence him, but also to destroy him. The 2 p.m. Saturday show is an understudy performance. $25. janusplays.com.

Saturday, May 23

Melissa O’Leary Memorial Splash Bash 5K & Family Fun Water Run: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, May 23, at Woodstock Water Works, 1313 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock. Swimming, awards and refreshments after the race. Register: woodstockil.gov.

Wheaton French Market: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at Main and Liberty streets, Wheaton. Fresh produce, flowers, handcrafted goods, specialty foods, jewelry, crafts, baked goods and more. bensidounusa.com/wheaton.

Barrington Art Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 23-24, at South Cook and East Station streets, Barrington. Art from over 125 artists, live music, live painting classes, face painting, bubbles, jugglers, caricatures, Kids Art Zone and more. Free. amdurproductions.com.

Chicagoland Gems & Minerals Association’s 49th annual show: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 23, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 24, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Nationally known dealers of jewelry, fossils and precious stones alongside a “black light” fluorescent mineral display. Also, geode splitting, a silent auction and earth science demos. $5, $3 for seniors and students, and free for kids younger than 13; two-day pass $5-$8. cgmashow.com.

Prairie Arts Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 23-24, on the grounds of the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Over 100 painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers, potters and artists, entertainment on three stages, food trucks, kids’ art activities and more. Free. prairiecenter.org.

Randolph Street Garden Party Market: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 23-24, at Randolph Street Market Festival, 1341 W. Randolph St., Chicago. More than 200 dealers, global foods and live entertainment, rain or shine. Music lineup: Saturday: Woodstreet Bloodhounds, Contrabanda Latin Jazz Band, Feel Good, and Maxwell Street Blues Band with Lowreen; and Sunday: Tony Morrison, Chicago Rock Exchange, and The Westerlees. $14 online, $15 at the gate, valid for both days. randolphstreetmarket.com.

St. Charles Fine Art Show: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 23, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 24, on Riverside Drive, between Main Street (Route 64) and Illinois Avenue, St. Charles. Over 110 artists showcasing original, juried art in a variety of mediums including ceramics, painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, mixed media, glass and more. Live music and kids’ art activities. Free. stcharlesfineartshow.com.

Sueños Music Festival: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 23-24, at Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago. Fifth annual celebration of Latin culture and reggaeton features over 40 artists across three stages, including headliners J Balvin, Fuerza Regida and Kali Uchis. Art installations, local food vendors, a Ferris wheel, and a complimentary glam station. Two-day general admission passes start at $329, with single-day passes $174. suenosmusicfestival.com.

Jack Baker: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at The Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia. Stand-up comedy. $20. comedyvaultbatavia.com.

Aida Rodriguez, with special guest Carmen Morales: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at The Lighthouse at American Place Casino, 4011 Fountain Square Place, Waukegan. Stand-up comedy. Tickets start at $36.31. americanplace.com.

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: 10 p.m. Saturdays and 9 p.m. Wednesdays, May 23 through Sept. 5, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Fireworks display set to popular and special occasion soundtracks. Free. navypier.org/summer-fireworks.

Sunday, May 24

McHenry County Century Ride: 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 24, at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills. Sixth annual event showcases the scenic and mainly flat roads of McHenry County. The route has 26-100-plus distances for every level of rider. Post-ride food from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Proceeds go to People for Parks Foundation of Lake in the Hills. $56.99. rpbytrudy.com/mccride.

Race to the Flag 5K: 8 a.m. Sunday, May 24, at Ty Warner Park, 800 Blackhawk Drive, Westmont. Annual run and walk event benefits the People’s Resource Center to help provide food, shelter and job training for neighbors in need in DuPage County. $35; $20-$25 for veterans; $12-$17 for kids 6-17. racetotheflag.org.

Veterans of Lake Barrington Shores Memorial 5K: 8 a.m. Sunday, May 24, at the Market Place Shopping Center, 5035-5075 Market Place Road, Lake Barrington. Starts with a brief veteran-led ceremony of remembrance prior to the running of the 5K race through the Lake Barrington Shores community. $50; $25 for active duty, reserve, veteran, police and fire personnel. memorial5k.com.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, May 24 through Oct. 25 (except June 28 and July 5), on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Food vendors, live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Rolling Thunder 36th annual Mid-America Parade: 10 a.m. Sunday, May 24, at the Capt. James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, 3001 Green Bay Road, North Chicago. The 54-mile ride, hosted by Illinois Chapters 1 and 2, runs from North Chicago to Cantigny Park in Wheaton. It’s free and open to any motorcyclists; donations go to veteran causes and POW/MIA education efforts. Registration and staging begin at 8:30 a.m. Free. rollingthunderil2.org.

Scott Smith’s All Animal Expo: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 24, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Vendors from the Midwest. $3-$8. allanimalexpo.com.

Streamwood Memorial Day Observance: 11 a.m. Sunday, May 24, at the Veterans Memorial, 301 E. Irving Park Road, Streamwood. The ceremony will include a performance by the Spring Valley Concert Band and Medinah Highlanders Pipes and Drums. Free. streamwood.org/home.

Mariachi DiVas!: 4 p.m. Sunday, May 24, at the Hemmens Cultural Center Main Stage Theatre, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. This Grammy-winning all-female ensemble is the official mariachi band of Disneyland. Reserved seating: $17.50-$47. hemmens.org/tickets.

Rockin’ in the Park Summer Concert Series: 7 p.m. Sunday, May 24, and Thursday, May 28, at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Sunday: Anthem; Thursday: Heartache Tonight, with a musical fireworks display after the concert. Food and beverage tents. Free. parkwaybankpark.com.

Monday, May 25

St. Charles Memorial Day Ceremonies and Breakfast: 6 a.m. Monday, May 25. First ceremony is at Baker Community Center, 101 S. Second St., with the Boy Scouts posting colors, an honor guard and an honorary gun salute, followed by flag ceremonies beginning at the South Cemetery (east side of Seventh Avenue, north of Madison), and continue at the North Cemetery (west side of Route 25/Fifth Avenue, north of Johnor Avenue), then conclude at the Union Cemetery (east side of Route 25/Fifth Avenue, north of Stonehedge Road). Veterans Community Breakfast Fundraiser from 7:30-10 a.m. at Baker Memorial Church, 307 Cedar Ave. $5 or free for fire, police, uniformed Scouts, emergency services and veterans. stcharlesil.gov.

Geneva UMC’s 70th Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast: 7-11 a.m. Monday, May 25, in the United Methodist Church of Geneva parking lot, 211 Hamilton St., Geneva. Serving pancakes, sausages, coffee, juice and milk. Proceeds will be donated to charities. $10, $5 for kids 3-12 and free for veterans. Tickets online at genevaumc.org or at the door.

Naperville Memorial Day Ceremonies: 7:45 a.m. Monday, May 25. Ceremonies at various veteran memorials around Naperville, beginning with a service at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower Memorial at city hall at 7:45 a.m. Other ceremonies will be conducted at the GAR Monument in Naperville Cemetery at 8:15 a.m., Veterans Park (100 E. Gartner Road) at 8:35 a.m., Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery (911 North Ave.) at 9 a.m., and the Burlington Square Doughboy monument (307 N. Ellsworth St.) at 9:25 a.m. Free. napervillememorialdayparade.org.

Addison Memorial Day Ceremony and March: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, May 25. Knights of Columbus’ free pancake breakfast from 8-10 a.m. at Indian Trail Junior High, 222 N. Kennedy Drive. Addison Historical Museum open from 9-11 a.m. Community March at 9:30 a.m. from Indian Trail to St. Paul Cemetery, with flag posting at 9:45 a.m. and cemetery observance at 10 a.m., followed by a march back to the village hall for the 11 a.m. VFW ceremony at Veterans Circle. Hot dogs and chips from noon to 1 p.m., courtesy of the VFW Post 7446, at the post home, 446 W. Lake St. ithappensinaddison.com.

Woodridge Memorial Day Silent Parade: 9 a.m. Monday, May 25. Hosted by Woodridge Memorial VFW Post 1578. Parade steps off from Lisle-Woodridge Fire District Station 52 (75th Street and Woodridge Drive) and proceeds north on Woodridge Drive, then east on Center Drive to Woodridge Memorial Park, Center Drive and Janes Avenue. woodridgevfw.net.

Arlington Heights Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 25, stepping off at Arlington Heights Village Hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Parade proceeds to Memorial Park for the ceremony at 11 a.m. Free. arlingtonheightsamericanlegion.org.

Bloomingdale Memorial Day Remembrance: 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 25, at St. Paul/Evergreen Cemetery, 219 Lake St., Bartlett. Chairs will be provided, or bring lawn chairs and umbrellas. Accessible parking is available in the business lots just west of the cemetery. Free. villageofbloomingdale.org.

Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade: 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 25. The 108th annual parade travels south on York, loops through Robert Palmer Drive, continues to Church Street and Prospect Avenue, to the Veterans Memorial in Wilder Park for the ceremony at 11 a.m. Featuring grand marshal retired Sgt. First Class William R. “Bill” Shanklin, U.S. Army Intelligence & Special Forces. Hosted by the city of Elmhurst, in cooperation with the Elmhurst Veterans Commission, Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187 and the Elmhurst Park District. exploreelmhurst.com.

Grayslake Memorial Day Parade: 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 25. Parade steps off near the Grayslake Central High School parking lot on Lake Street and travels south on Lake Street to Junior Avenue and east to Memorial Park. The service follows the parade. grayslakevillagecenter.com.

Itasca Memorial Day Parade: 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 25. Starting at Washington and Princeton, heading south to George Street, west to Oak Street, north to Washington, east on Washington, and north on Walnut to Usher Park for the ceremony. Free. itascaparkdistrict.com.

Mount Prospect Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 25, at the Mount Prospect Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. The parade starts and ends near the village hall, with a ceremony of remembrance at 11 a.m. Free. experiencemountprospect.org.

Aurora Memorial Day Parade: 10 a.m. Monday, May 25. It begins at Benton and River streets and heads east on Benton Street to Broadway (Route 25), north on Broadway to Downer Place, west on Downer to River Street, where the parade ends. Reviewing stand is in front of the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, for the best viewing. Parking is available in various downtown public parking lots, not including lots located along the parade route. Free. aurora.il.us.

Bartlett Memorial Day Walk and Remembrance: 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, at Bartlett Park, Oak and North avenues, Bartlett. The event begins with an American Legion flag retirement ceremony. At 10:30 a.m., veterans, Scouts, civic groups, bagpipers and residents line up for the walk to Bartlett Cemetery that steps off at 11 a.m. At the cemetery, the remembrance continues with a brief program and a cannon salute to recognize Bartlett’s local heroes. bartlettil.gov.

Decoration Day Cemetery Walk: 10-10:45 a.m. Monday, May 25, in the West Side Cemetery, 301 Steven St., Batavia. Depot Museum staff share stories of Batavia’s Civil War veterans on this respectful Memorial Day walk. Weather permitting. All ages welcome. $12. Register: bataviaparks.org/events.

Geneva Memorial Day Parade: 10 a.m. Monday, May 25. Hosted by American Legion Fox River-Geneva Post 75, the parade, featuring color guard, local veterans, city officials and Scouts, starts on Third Street near the Geneva train station and heads north on Third to the World War I Memorial in Wheeler Park, where a ceremony will be held. genevapost75.org/memorial-day.

Hanover Park Memorial Day Observance: 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, at Veterans Memorial Plaza, 2121 W. Lake St., Hanover Park. Sponsored by the Veterans Committee. hpil.org.

Hoffman Estates-Schaumburg Memorial Day Observance: 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, at the Hoffman Estates Veterans Memorial outside the Police Department, 411 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. The observance will be held in Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg. Free. hoffmanestates.org.

Lincolnshire Memorial Day Commemoration: 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, at Spring Lake Park, 49 Oxford Drive, Lincolnshire. Remember the fallen military and honor veterans. At the close of the ceremony, the Boy Scouts will retire worn American flags. Free. lincolnshireil.gov.

Palatine American Legion Memorial Day Parade and Program: 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, at Hillside Cemetery on Smith Street in Palatine. The parade will start at 10:15 a.m. at Cornell Avenue and Smith Street, and proceed north on Smith Street, east on Robertson Street, south on Brockway Street and east on Wood Street to the Veterans Memorial in Community Park for a short program, with another ceremony at 12:15 p.m. at the Legion Memorial in Towne Square, 150 W. Palatine Road, followed by a final ceremony at Union Cemetery, 72-74 Greeley St. Free. alpost690.us.

St. Charles Memorial Day Parade: 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, starting at Sixth and Main streets and continuing to Riverside Avenue, ending at the Freedom Shrine for a ceremony at 10:45 a.m. Features a keynote address, a reading of the proclamation and taps. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be inside fire station 1, 112 N. Riverside Ave. stcharlesil.gov.

Wheaton Memorial Day Parade: 10 a.m. Monday, May 25. Hosted by American Legion Post 76, the parade steps off at Hale and Union streets, proceeds west on Union to West Street, then south on West Street to Wheaton Cemetery, 1209 S. Warrenville Road, for the 11 a.m. ceremony. sites.google.com/view/american-legion-post-76/home.

Cary Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony: 10:15 a.m. Monday, May 25. Starting on First Street to Three Oaks Road and Park Avenue and ending at Veterans Park, Route 14 at Crystal Street, Cary. Hosted by AMVETS Post 245. CaryIllinois.com.

Barrington Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. to noon Monday, May 25. The parade steps off from the Veterans Memorial on Park Avenue, proceeds west on Main Street, left on Dundee Avenue, and right into Evergreen Cemetery, where the ceremony will take place following the parade. Free. barrington-il.gov.

Lake Zurich Memorial Day Parade: 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 25, stepping off at the American Legion Lake Zurich Post 964, 51 Lions Drive, Lake Zurich. The parade will end at the Veterans Memorial by the police station, 200 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Free. lakezurich.org.

Lisle Memorial Day Parade: 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 25. Hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Ross Bishop Memorial Post 5696. The parade begins at Lisle Junior High School, 5207 Center Ave., and proceeds north on Main Street to Burlington Avenue and Center Avenue, ending at the Lisle Veterans Memorial, 4721 Center Ave. A short remembrance ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at the memorial. villageoflisle.org.

Naperville Memorial Day Parade: 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 25. Heads east on Jackson, north on Washington, and east on Benton. Hosted by Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 and American Legion Post 43. Followed by a ceremony at noon in Central Park’s Community Concert Center. At 3 p.m., join in the National Moment of Remembrance by observing one minute of silence for the fallen service members, including the 114 Naperville residents who died while on active duty. napervillememorialdayparade.org.

Elk Grove Village Memorial Day Observance Ceremony: 10:45 a.m. Monday, May 25, at the Elk Grove Village Park District Pavilion, 1000 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village. Honoring men and women who have sacrificed their lives as members of the United States Armed Forces. Free. elkgrove.org.

Batavia Memorial Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Monday, May 25, at Overseas VFW Post 1197, 645 S. River St., Batavia. Featuring the Batavia Community Band, a wreath-laying ceremony, a tribute to POW/MIA soldiers, the playing of taps and a rifle salute. Batavia Vikings will host the annual herring breakfast at the VFW prior to the ceremony. vfw1197.org.

Carol Stream Memorial Day Service: 11 a.m. Monday, May 25, at the Veterans Memorial Plaza at the town center, Lies Road and Gary Avenue, Carol Stream. Hosted by Carol Stream VFW Post 10396. Featuring retired U.S. Army Colonel Jake Wyatt, as well as a VFW wreath presentation, a rifle salute, taps by Bill Mertz and “Amazing Grace” by bagpiper Dan McNeil. Bring lawn chairs. facebook.com/VeteransMemorialCarolStream.

Crystal Lake Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony: 11 a.m. Monday, May 25. Parade starts at Central High School and runs east on Franklin Avenue, north on Williams Street, and west on Woodstock Street to Union Cemetery for a memorial service. crystallake.org.

Elgin Memorial Day Service: 11 a.m. Monday, May 25, at Bluff City Cemetery, 945 Bluff City Blvd., Elgin. Catholic Mass along with a combined color guard, rifle salute and the playing of taps at 8:45 a.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery, 1001 Villa St. At 9:15 a.m., ceremony with combined color guard, a rifle salute and the playing of taps at Lakewood Memorial Park, 30W730 Route 20. At 9:45 a.m., the Elgin Navy Club and the Elgin Marine Corps League program, which pay tribute to veterans interred at sea, host a strewing of flowers into the Fox River, a rifle salute and the playing of taps at Elgin Veterans Memorial Park, 270 N. Grove Ave. At 11 a.m., a ceremony will pay tribute to the 250th anniversary of the United States. The keynote speaker will be Christine Harmon, Daughters of the American Revolution. Also features the Elgin Master Chorale and a high school band, and students with the Fox Valley Young Marines will read Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and General John Logan’s Orders, which established Memorial Day. A free shuttle bus will pick up riders at the main gate and east gate before and after. Co-sponsored by the Elgin Patriotic Memorial Association and the city of Elgin. Free. elginmemorialday.org.​​

Glendale Heights Memorial Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Monday, May 25, at Veterans Memorial Park, 1611 Bloomingdale Road, Glendale Heights. VFW Post 2377 conducts a “Fallen Warrior” ceremony with a flag and color guard presentation, a rifle salute and the playing of taps. During this ceremony, they will highlight the new Raising Flags to New Heights program and mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. There will be 7,057 American flags planted at Veterans Memorial Park for each fallen soldier from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan. ghrec.org.

Huntley Memorial Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Monday, May 25, at the Huntley Cemetery, 11500 Dean St., Huntley. Hosted by Huntley American Legion Post 673. huntleylegion.org.

Memorial Day trolley rides: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, May 25, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, 365 S. La Fox St., South Elgin. Last train leaves between 4 and 4:15 p.m. $10, $8 for 62 and older, veterans and first responders; $5 for kids 3-11; and free for kids 2 and younger. foxtrolley.org.

Wood Dale Memorial Day Parade: 11 a.m. Monday, May 25. The city of Wood Dale and VFW Tioga Post 2149 will host the annual parade, which steps off at Addison Road and Elizabeth Drive and heads north to Veterans’ Memorial Park, 269 Irving Park Road, for the memorial service. Live music from Bloodline Family Band from 2-6 p.m. at the VFW, 510 Georgetown Square. Free. wooddale.com.

Dundee Memorial Day Ceremony: 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 25, at River Valley Memorial Gardens, 14N689 Route 31, West Dundee. rivervalleymemorialgardens.com.

Iris Society Show: Noon to 5 p.m. Monday, May 25, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. See nearly 100 varieties of blooming irises, with some available for purchase, in the Arboretum’s Sycamore Room. Speak with iris experts, learn the meanings behind iris colors, and discover new and novel varieties for home gardens. Sponsored by the Northern Illinois Iris Society. Included with Arboretum admission. mortonarb.org.

Lake in the Hills annual Memorial Day Pig Roast: 1 p.m. Monday, May 25, at the American Legion Post 1231, 1101 W. Algonquin Road, Lake in the Hills. facebook.com/alpost1231.

Movie Monday: 7 p.m. Monday, May 25, at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. “North by Northwest” (1959). Doors open at 6 p.m. $1 (cash only at the door). Concessions via cash or card. paramountaurora.com/series/movie-mondays.

“Beavis and Butt-Head Do America”: 7 p.m. Monday, May 25, at Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. The 1996 Mike Judge film will be preceded by the screening of a rare 16 mm print of Wes Archer’s obstreperous animated short “Jac Mac & Rad Boy Go!,” a key influence on Judge’s early filmmaking career. $11. chicagofilmsociety.org.

Tuesday, May 26

Lombard Farmers Market: 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, on South Park Avenue at St. Charles Road, Lombard. Seasonal fruits, vegetables, handcrafted goods, live music and kids’ activities. lombardchamber.com.

Crystal Lake Concerts in the Park: 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, at Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake. Latin Swing Factor (salsa). Free. Food truck schedule posted one week in advance at crystallakeparks.org/special-events.

Wednesday, May 27

Spring Wagon Ride: 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, at Primrose Barn, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles. Discover signs of spring along the trails while riding on a tractor-drawn wagon. Time slots every 15 minutes. Check in 5 minutes before departure time. Meet outside the Education Center. $4. Register: primrosefarm.org.

Fabyan Japanese Garden open: Noon to 3 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays through September on the west side of the Fox River in Fabyan West Forest Preserve, 1925 S. Batavia Ave., Geneva. Self-guided tour typically takes 15-30 minutes. Free; donations appreciated. ppfv.org/fabyan-japanese-garden.

Critics Classics: 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at Elk Grove Theatre, 1050 Elk Grove Town Center, Elk Grove Village. Hosted by the Chicago Film Critics Association. “Superman II.” $9 or $7 matinee; $7-$6 for 60 and older, $1.50 booking fee. classiccinemas.com.

Arbor Evenings: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Opens at 5:15 p.m. R-Gang (R&B and Motown) will perform at Frost Hill. Bring blankets or chairs for seating. Outside food and sealed nonalcoholic beverages are welcome. Cocktails, wine, beer, water and food trucks on-site. $15 for 13 and older; $5 for kids 4-12, and free for kids 3 and younger. Tickets: mortonarb.org.

South Elgin Summer Concert Series: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water St., South Elgin. Sixes and Sevens (country, rock). Food Truck Wednesdays: 6-8 p.m. Free. southelgin.com/pantonmillpark.

Toyota Movie Nights: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St., Chicago. “The Karate Kid” (1984). Free; VIP reserved seating available. gallagherway.com.

Thursday, May 28

Glendale Heights Market: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at Veterans Memorial Park, 220 E. Fullerton Ave., Glendale Heights. Food, produce, crafts and more from locally sourced vendors. ghrec.org.

South Elgin Lunch Time Concert Series: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water St., South Elgin. Karla and the Phat Cats (pop and rock). Free. southelgin.com/pantonmillpark.

Roselle French Market: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at Petal Porch, Main and Prospect streets, Roselle. Outdoor market with fresh produce, artisan goods, specialty foods and more. bensidounusa.com/roselle/roselle.html.

Wrigleyville Night Market: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St., Chicago. Specialty foods, vintage clothes, crafts, artisanal goods and more, with live music and special offers. Free. gallagherway.com.

Pearl Street Market + Concert in the Park: 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at Veterans Park, 3400 Pearl St., McHenry. Market of local vendors from 5-7:30 p.m. McHenry City Band will perform at 7 p.m. Food trucks include Brothers’ BBQ, Antioch Pizza and Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. facebook.com/pearlstreetmarketmchenry.

Origins of Naperville Walking Tour: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Listen to stories about Naperville’s founding on a walking tour of the west side of downtown. Tours last approximately 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.

Gilberts Community Days 2026: 6-10 p.m. Thursday, May 28, carnival only; 5-10 p.m. Friday, May 29; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 30; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at Town Square Park, 195 Jackson St., Gilberts. Live music, free kids’ activities including a petting zoo, a carnival with rides and games, food and drinks, a classic car show and more. Music lineup: on Friday, Sal & the Snapbacks at 5 p.m., No More Tears (tribute to Ozzy) at 6:30 p.m., ARRA (classic rock) at 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, The Abby Kay Band at 1:30 p.m., Fearless, An Unofficial Tribute to Taylor at 4 p.m., Whiskey Friends (Morgan Wallen tribute) at 6 p.m., Tennessee Whiskey (Chris Stapleton tribute) at 8:30 p.m.; and Sunday, The Fishin’ Buddies at 1:30 p.m., Petty Kings (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers tribute) at 4 p.m., and American English (Beatles tribute) at 6 p.m. Free. gilbertscommunitydays.com.

Thirsty Thursdays: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at the Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Live music from Radio Gaga (Queen and Lady Gaga), craft beer and beverages and a food vendor. Artisan Market on River Street. Hoof, Woof and Meow Animal Rescue will be on-site with adoptable animals. Wristbands for 21 and older. Bring a lawn chair. Free. eastdundee.net.

Thirsty Thursdays on the Deck: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at the Lake Ellyn Boathouse, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn. Craft beer and wine from The Beer Cellar with live music from Blue Martini (jazz, blues and R&B). Complimentary light snacks provided; bring your own food. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation. $20, includes entry and one drink ticket. Register: gepark.org.

Thursday Nights Live: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at Wheeling Town Center, 351 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. Davidson County Band performs in the plaza, with food and beverage options from local restaurants. Free. thewheelingtowncenter.com/events.

Finesse Mitchell: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 28, and 7 and 9:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 29-30, at the Chicago Improv in Woodfield Mall, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Stand-up comedy. $29.49. improv.com/chicago.

St. Charles Concerts in the Park: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at the Lincoln Park gazebo, off Fifth and Main streets, St. Charles. Music from the Leslie Hunt Band. Food from Wild Fries, 3rd Street Pub, Snack Zone and Kimmer’s Ice Cream. Bring blankets and chairs. Free. stcparks.org/summer-concerts.

Terry Fator: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. “Pure Imagination: Once Upon a Voice” features impressions, comedy and ventriloquism. $66.75-$98.75. arcadalive.com.

Tom Cotter: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28, and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 29-30, at The Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia. Stand-up comedy. $31. comedyvaultbatavia.com.

Twilight Tram and Hiking Tour: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Guided tram rides and short hikes exploring night ecology, wildlife activity and the changing landscape at sunset. $39. Register at mortonarb.org.

Comedy Bang! Bang! “Ground Beefing Tour 2026”: 8 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Host Scott Aukerman, along with Paul F. Tompkins and The Comedy Bang! Bang! All-Stars, perform an improvised version of the podcast. Tickets start at $46.25. msg.com.

Ongoing

Minecraft Experience, Villager Rescue: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 7 p.m. Sundays and Tuesdays; and noon to 6:45 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, through Sept. 7, at EXP Rosemont, 9900 Berwyn Ave., Rosemont. The world of Minecraft comes to life in an immersive experience. Tickets start at $28. minecraftexperience.com.

“Monty Python’s Spamalot”: 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 p.m. Sundays, through May 31; plus 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 25, and 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago. The comedic musical based on the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” with book and lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. Tickets start at $48.50. broadwayinchicago.com/shows/spamalot.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “South Pacific”: 1:30 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays; 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sundays, through June 14, at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. This classic musical is a tale of romance and duty set in a tropical paradise during World War II. Tickets start at $31. paramountaurora.com.

The Titanic — A Voyage Through Time: Time slots from noon to 6:40 p.m. Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 7:40 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. Sundays, 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.

“Birthday Candles”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, through June 7, at the 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. ASL Performance on Thursday, May 28. $43-$45. atthemac.org.

“Heartbreak Hotel”: 1 p.m. Wednesdays; 1 and 7 p.m. Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 and 5 p.m. Sundays, through 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.