Enjoy Shakespeare, Widmark for free
Free
'As You Like It'
See "As You Like It," William Shakespeare's romantic comedy about a woman who flees from her corrupt uncle's court to find love in the forest of Arden.
7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Nov. 22, at Perry Theatre at Aurora University, 1305 Kenilworth Place, Aurora. Free. (630) 844-5150.
Remembering Richard
Take a look at the life and career of the late actor Richard Widmark, star of film, stage, radio and television, during the Richard Widmark Film Retrospective at Lake Forest College. Widmark, who studied acting at the college, died in March. The public is invited to screenings of seven Widmark films and special presentations about the actor's life and career. Films to be screened include Widmark's "No Way Out," co-starring Sidney Poitier, "Panic in the Street" with Jack Palance, and "Don't Bother to Knock" with Marilyn Monroe.
Saturday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 23, in the Holt Memorial Chapel and Meyer Auditorium/Hotchkiss Hall at Lake Forest College, at College and Sheridan roads, Lake Forest. Free admission. (847) 735-6010 or lakefrorest.edu/widmark.
Holiday Art Sale
The College of Lake County hosts its 18th annual Holiday Art Sale, featuring art from 40 Illinois and Wisconsin-based artists. Guests should have their holiday shopping lists handy while they browse through artistic items such as ceramics, handmade jewelry, blown glass, gourds and handmade soaps and candles.
Runs 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23; and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, and Tuesday, Nov. 25, in the atrium outside of the Robert T. Wright Community Gallery of Art, in the Library/Learning Resource Center, College of Lake County, 19351 Washington St., Grayslake. Free admission. (847) 543-2405 or send e-mail to crasmussen@clcillinois.edu.
$10 and under
Toyland!
Get a look at some of the newest toys in the market at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair, the nation's only public toy and game show. Along with viewing the latest gadgets, visitors can meet toy inventors and learn about toy safety. Guests can also donate toys to needy children.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 23, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Admission is $5-$10; children younger than 3 are free. Parking is $10 in the Navy Pier parking garage. (312) 595-7437 or chitag.com.
A horse is a horse (of course, of course)
Fans of horses can race to Arlington Park for the Equestrian Lifestyle Expo and Holiday Market, a showcase of horses and equestrian-themed products. The event features more than 130 exhibit booths, 30 seminar and round-table presentations and equestrian activities for all ages. Holiday gift items include horse-themed jewelry, art books, collectibles and even horse-shaped chocolates. Vendors offer feed, health-care products, stable equipment and supplies.
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at Arlington Park, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Tickets are $6 for one day; $10 for the weekend. (866) 384-9161 or horsemenscouncil.org.
'Bridge to Terabithia'
Apple Tree Youth presents a student play adaptation of Katherine Paterson's beloved children's novel "Bridge to Terabithia." A quiet, artistic boy befriends a tomboy from school, and the two embark on an adventure of the imagination - a world of their own creation called Terabithia.
7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Nov. 22, at Elm Place School, 2031 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. $10. (847) 432-4335.
Jazz stars and up-and-comers
The Chicago Grandstand Big Band and FitzGerald's welcome future jazz stars from two junior high school jazz bands from Oak Park School District 97. Students from the Gwendolyn Brooks and Percy Julian schools will take to the stage with some jazzy tunes, followed by a performance by the famed Chicago Grandstand Big Band.
Student performance at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at Fitzgerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. The Chicago Grandstand Big Band performs at 6 p.m. Admission is $5-$10. (708) 788-2118 or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.