Best Bets: Elmhurst History Museum opens exhibition on Chicago’s World’s Fair
Chicago World’s Fair revisited
The Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst, debuts its new exhibition, “World of Tomorrow: A Century of Progress,” an examination of Chicago’s 1933-1934 World’s Fair, whose motto was “Science finds, industry applies, man conforms.” The exhibition “will delve into how the World’s Fair symbolized optimism and hope, illustrating Chicago’s evolution from a frontier town to a sophisticated metropolis.” Free. Hours: 1-5 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. elmhursthistory.org. Friday, Aug. 29, through Jan. 4, 2026
Rockin’ in the Park concludes
Rosemont’s free summer concert series Rockin’ in the Park at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, concludes with the tribute band Bee Gees Gold playing selections from early ballads “Massachusetts” and “I Started a Joke” to disco hits “Stayin’ Alive” and “You Should Be Dancing.” Also performing is The Wayouts, whose members pay tribute to 1960s rock bands The Kinks and The Animals. Free. parkwaybankpark.com. 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29
‘Seinfeld’ veteran headlines Zanies
Actor/comedian Steve Hytner (of Disney Channel’s “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody”), best known for playing Kenny Bania on NBC’s “Seinfeld,” headlines Zanies Comedy Club, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont. During his late-night set Friday, Hytner will share backstage stories about his time on the groundbreaking sitcom. $37.75 plus a two-item minimum. (847) 813-0484 or rosemont.zanies.com. 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, and 7 and 9:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29
Improv in the ’burbs
Three improv teams take the stage at The Bit Theater, 4034 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora, for the comedy club’s Triple Threat showcase. $15. bitimprov.org. 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29
Highwood, southern style
Highwood meets Nashville during the seventh annual Nashwood Music and Food Fest, which takes place this weekend in downtown Highwood along Waukegan Avenue and Green Bay Road. The free event features live country, bluegrass and blues music along with classic/contemporary and Southern rock, kids’ entertainment, and Southern-inspired food and drinks. celebratehighwood.org. 5 p.m. until bar close Friday, Aug. 29; 2 p.m. until bar close Saturday, Aug. 30; and 2-8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31
Art in Aurora
Nearly 100 local artists are expected to showcase their work during the 15th Alley Art Festival, which takes place along the Water Street Mall and Downer Place, between Stolp Avenue and Water Street in Aurora. The free event features live music, kids’ activities and food vendors. alleyartaurora.com. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30
Party in Maggie Daley Park
JoJo, the Jewel-Osco mascot, celebrates his 8th birthday in Maggie Daley Park, 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago. The free event includes family-friendly activities, a DJ and entertainment, laser tag, bounce houses, face painting, giveaways, party favors and treats courtesy of Jewel-Osco and its partners. celebratewithjewelosco.com. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30