Geneva's annual Festival of the Vine about to begin

Freebie

Festival of the Vine

Sip the best of the vine at many wine tastings, stroll through a flower market, and view the arts and crafts show during Geneva's annual Festival of the Vine. Other festival highlights include live music, grape-stomping events and plenty of food from local restaurants. Dine on everything from Swedish meatballs to garlic crab pasta.

11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-12; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, in downtown Geneva, around Third and State streets, Geneva. Free admission. There is a charge for wine and food tastings. Visit genevachamber.com.

This afternoon

Arlington artists are on parade

See the new "Arlington Artists on Display" exhibit at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum and Heritage Gallery. The exhibit features the original works of 49 artists who live, work or simply enhance the arts within the Arlington Heights community.

Hours are 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum and Heritage Gallery, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Admission is free, but a suggested donation of $2 is recommended. (847) 255-1225 or ahmuseum.org.

Tabloid theater

Blackbird Theatre Company presents "The Tragedy of Jennifer, Brad and Angelina, as Performed by the Members of Blackbeard Theatre in their Last Production Due to the Recession: A play about putting on a show." Danny Volk's play focuses on a small theater company that turns to tabloid headlines to drum up interest in their show.

3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at The Side Project Theatre, 1439 W. Jarvis Ave., Chicago. $15-$20. (773) 973-2150 or Thesideproject.net.

This evening

Mr. Titus takes to the stage

Comedian/actor Christopher Titus headlines at The Improv Comedy Showcase.

7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at The Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, in Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg. $24. (847) 240-2001 or improv.com.

Your Villain My Hero

The band Your Villain My Hero presents an evening of pop/rock music on the stage of Durty Nellie's.

9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $3. (847) 358-9150 or durtynellies.com.

This week

Shake your belly!

Come to an open house for "Bollywood Blast and Belly Dancing" at the RecPlex in Mount Prospect. Learn two fun ways to burn calories and improv your balance, flexibility and posture. Guests are asked to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Free admission.

6 to 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at the RecPlex, 420 E. Dempster St., Mount Prospect. Call (847) 640-1000, ext. 250, for information.

Helping the homeless

Help assist with the care of homeless animals by attending the Anderson Animal Shelter Jewelry Faire. An estimated 2,000 donated pieces of new, old, costume, fine, estate and youth jewelry, along with watches and handbags, will be for sale. A large bake sale is another highlight. All proceeds will benefit the programs of the Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin.

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the American Legion Hall, 22 S. 2nd St., Geneva. $5 donation. Preview faire runs from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. $10 for admission to preview. (847) 697-2880, ext. 25, or visit andersonanimalshelter.org.

Top o' the mornin'

The 14th Fox Valley Irish Festival celebrates the best of Irish culture, with Irish music and dancing and plenty of food.

5 to 11 p.m., Friday, Sept. 11; 1 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12; 11:30 a.m. for Mass, 1 to 7 p.m. for fest on Sunday, Sept. 13, at St. Catherine of Siena, 845 W. Main St., West Dundee. "Irish Idol" runs 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8, two-day pass $13 and a three-day pass is $20. Children under age 12 are free with a paying adult; senior citizens are $6. Admission free on Sunday for those who attend the 11:30 a.m. Mass and bring a canned good donation for FISH Pantry. (847) 426-2217.

Music and books - a great team

Meet Grammy-nominated children's performer Ralph Covert and illustrator Laurie Keller who will be on hand to read from and sign copies of their three-song CD and book, "Me and My Animal Friends."

7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. (630) 355-2665.