Northwest suburban briefs

Piano festival coming

The 16th annual Festival of Pianos will be held 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Northbrook Court Shopping Center, 2171 Northbrook Court in Northbrook. Altogether 400 pianists will perform, 12 at a time, on six Steinway grand pianos. The event is sponsored by the Northwest Suburban Music Teachers' Association. Students of all ages and levels of ability will perform many different styles of music. Call (847) 304-1004 or visit nwsmta.org.

Legion Oktoberfest coming

The Sons of the American Legion are celebrating their second annual Oktoberfest from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at the American Legion Hall, 122 W. Palatine Road, Palatine, to raise funds for Legion Family Charities. The community is invited for traditional German food, music and beer. Tickets are $10 and include all you can eat of brats, sauerkraut, schnitzel, sauerbraten, potato pancakes and desert. The Palatine chapter meets the first Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the hall. (847) 359-1606 or amlegion-palatinepost690.org.

New media is forum topic

Benefits of social networking is the topic of the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at 111 Grille, 200 Applebee, Barrington. A panel discussion facilitated by Harry Reczek of Ppt-Consulting, Matt Batt of Pipeline Communications, Liz Luby from Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, and Lynn Hasselberger of myEarth360 will detail eight LinkedIn capabilities and how they help solve business challenges; getting beyond the "cycle of hype" surrounding new technology and social networking myths. Cost is $25 for chamber members; $45 for others. For details visit barringtonchamber.com or call Lauren at (847) 381-2525.

Des Plaines first lady lunch

Today is the last day to make a reservation to attend the Des Plaines' annual first lady's lunch at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Manzo's Banquets, 1571 Elmhurst Road. The luncheon hosted by Mrs. Martin J. Moylan is a benefit tribute to the Rev. John P. Smyth, executive director of the Rev. John P. Smyth Standing Tall Charitable Foundation. Tickets are $30; buy them at (847) 391-5301. The first lady's lunch has been a Des Plaines tradition for seven years. Sponsorship opportunities are available for donations of $500, $250 and $100. A raffle will be held with tickets for $1 each or six tickets for $5.

Business Breakfast on Oct. 15

The Mount Prospect Economic Development Commission and the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce will hold their fourth annual Business Breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Oct. 15 at Crystal Palace Banquets, 1070 S. Elmhurst Road, Mount Prospect. The morning will be devoted to a discussion of the business climate in Mount Prospect, with business owners, Realtors, elected officials and the EDC. RSVP by Oct. 7 to Ryan Kast, (847) 818-5306 or rkast@mountprospect.org.