Cheap fun this weekend: 'Guitar Idol' winner, fests and fun run
$10 and under
Mr. Green on guitar
Acoustic guitar player and winner of the 2004 "Guitar Idol" competition, Jim Green, who performs under the name of "The Wandering Endorphin," stars at a CD release party for his newest recording "Boxcar Man."
3 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at the Geneva Underground Playhouse at 524 W. State St., Geneva. Tickets are $10. Green's CD will be available for purchase at the event. Visit WanderingEndorphin.com.
The tale of two friends
See "Hong Kong Jerry Will Ride Again," a two-act play that tells the story of two friends - one, a highly paid geek, and another, a slacker with very little life ambition.
Midnight, Friday, May 29, at Donny's Skybox Theatre, Piper's Alley, 1608 N. Wells St., Chicago. $8-$10. (312) 337-3992.
Free
Ready, set - walk (or run)!
The Mount Prospect Downtown Merchants Association hosts its fifth annual Fun and Fitness Art Walk for all ages. This two-mile fun walk/run around the downtown area of Mount Prospect features an art and business expo at the finish line. The event is designed to get the summer season off to a healthy start and to inspire people to exercise. All participants receive a goody bag and can enter a raffle for prizes.
Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 31, in downtown Mount Prospect. The event begins at the corner of Prospect Avenue and Wille Street. Free. Visit downtownmountprospect.com.
Outdoor art celebration
The work of more than 150 artists is featured at the annual outdoor Promenade of Art festival. Guests can stroll through a sculpture garden, view art demonstrations and hear live musical entertainment. Youngsters can visit the children's tent for artistic activities.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31, at Vail Avenue and Campbell Street in downtown Arlington Heights. Free admission. (847) 368-5100 or amdurproductions.com.
Summer in the Center
Carol Stream welcomes visitors to its annual Summer in the Center celebration. Hop on some carnival rides and sample a variety of foods while listening to live musical performances. Headliners include Red Woody, Maggie Speaks, The Michael Heaton Band, American English and AREA. Other highlights include children's activities and bingo.
6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, June 4; 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 5; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 6; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at the Ross Ferraro Town Center, Gary Avenue and Lies Road, Carol Stream. Free general admission. (630) 665-7050 or carolstream.org.
Taste of Wheaton
Carnival rides, a car show and a big cookout are a few of the highlights planned for the annual Taste of Wheaton festival. Guests can peruse works at a craft fair, hear live bands, attend wine-tasting events and - of course - try lots and lots of food. Featured activities are the Run for the Animals and Paws for Breakfast events that benefit Wheaton's Cosley Zoo.
4 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, and Thursday, June 4; 1 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 5; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 6, and 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at various downtown locations in Wheaton. Free admission. Note: There is a charge for carnival rides and food. Visit wheatonchamber.com or wheatonparks.org for schedule and locations.
Wauconda parks' 50th
Wauconda Park District's 50th Anniversary, Cook Park, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda: 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 31. Visitors can purchase food or bring a picnic. Live entertainment is featured. Free general admission. (847) 526-3610.