Things to do Jan. 16-22: Winterfest, MLK Day events, Chicagoland Fishing Expo and more

Starts before Friday

Holiday Flower Show: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through Saturday, Jan. 17, at Wilder Park Conservatory, 225 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Free. epd.org.

Shedd Aquarium Resident Free Days: Hours vary by day, Jan. 13-20 and 27-29, and Feb. 3-5, 10-12, 17-19 and 24-26, at the John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Free admission for Illinois residents. Advance reservations are recommended. There is a $5 convenience fee for reservations made online; tickets can be reserved at (312) 939-2438 at no extra cost. Adults must provide proof of residency in person when redeeming tickets at a discounted rate. sheddaquarium.org.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Discussion Series: 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 14 through Feb. 4, at the Gail Borden Public Library District, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. A panel of local pastors, educators and activists debate King’s beliefs on theology, Civil Rights, nonviolence and poverty. The topics will be: Jan. 14, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as American Theologian; Jan. 21, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Civil Rights; Jan. 28, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Non-Violence; Feb. 4, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Poverty. Suggested donation: Nonperishable food items, toiletries or paper products. gailborden.info.

DeRay Davis: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 16-17; and 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Stand-up comedy. Tickets start at $52.62. improv.com/chicago.

Luis J. Gomez Stand Up Comedy: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 16-17, at the Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia. Luis J. Gomez is a comedian, writer and podcaster. $31. comedyvaultbatavia.com.

Friday, Jan. 16

39th annual Young Playwrights Festival: 7 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 16 and 23, and 2:30 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 17 and 24, at Chicago Dramatists, 798 N. Aberdeen, Chicago. Showcasing four new plays by young playwrights that explore bonds and boundaries: “A Question” by Lola Zimmerman, “Blizzard Bound” by Sophia Ponce, “Offices Etc.” by Clark Tavas, and “Toil & Trouble” by Ashley Snyder. $30, $25 for seniors, $15 for students. pegasustheatrechicago.org.

Rendezvous Arts, Latin Jazz: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. James Sanders and Conjunto bring the rhythms of Latin America to the Gorton Center, paired with the art of painter Anna Lentz. $35. gortoncenter.org.

BrightSide Theatre’s “Phantom in Concert”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Madden Theater, North Central College, 171 Chicago Ave., Naperville. Musical based on “The Phantom of the Opera” performed by a cast of 16 and a nine-piece orchestra. $32-$37. BrightSideTheatre.com.

Murder Mystery Theatre: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 16-17, at Lehmann Mansion, 485 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lake Villa. “Lifeless in Seattle,” an interactive evening of mystery, laughter and drama. $65.87. thelehmannmansion.com.

A Rocking Tribute to Bruce Springsteen & Bob Seger: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Sons of Chicago bring the iconic sounds of Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger to life. $30-$40. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Metal Movie Night: 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. A double feature of “The Return of the Living Dead” and “Army of Darkness.” Doors open with a DJ set by Metal Vinyl Weekend at 7 p.m. $23.15. thaliahallchicago.com.

Lucy’s Comedy: 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. With headliner Larry Reeb, featuring Ted Willson and hosted by Brynn Jeffries. $29. rauecenter.org.

Puddle of Mudd: 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Post-grunge, with special guest The Outfit. Tickets start at $48.80. geneseetheatre.com.

Saturday, Jan. 17

Polar-Palooza: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Creek Bend Nature Center, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. A nature-based arcade experience. Complete a flurry of indoor and outdoor activities earning tickets to redeem for prizes. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Free; advance registration required. kaneforest.com.

Winter Wine Walk: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Dolly Spiering Community Center, 817 Holbek Drive, Antioch. An afternoon of wine tasting and downtown exploration. For ages 21 and older. $49. For tickets, visit antioch.il.gov.

Winterfest: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Twin Lakes Recreation Area, 1200 E. Twin Lakes Drive, Palatine. The Free Spirit Sled Demo Team will be performing sled demonstrations and have huskies to meet and greet. Bring your own ice skates (weather dependent). The Stillman Nature Center will have their birds of prey to meet up close. Pony rides, vendors, a fire pit, s’mores and more. $7 for residents, $9 for nonresidents. saltcreekpd.com.

Chris Funk “Redefining Wonder”: 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Magic with a musical twist. $35. woodstockoperahouse.com.

The 56th annual Dr. King Remembrance Dinner: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Cotillion Banquets, 360 S. Creekside Drive, Palatine. The Illinois Commission on Diversity and Human Relations celebrates, remembers and promotes the involvement of residents across racial, cultural and gender boundaries in advancing key concerns as a continuation of Dr. King's dream. The event raises money for the ICDHR scholarship fund. VIP reception at 6 p.m. Black tie optional. The keynote speaker will be Justice Elizabeth Rochford of the Illinois Supreme Court. Musical performance by Walt Whitman & The Soul Children of Chicago. Tickets start at $129.25. icdhr.org.

Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular Birthday Tour: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. An era-by-era tribute concert celebrating the music and magic of Elvis Presley. Starring Shawn Klush, Cody Ray Slaughter, Ryan Pelton and Moses Snow, with special guests The Stamps featuring Ed Enoch. $30.50-$70.50. paramountaurora.com.

Greenroom Improv: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. A unique blend of clean, high-energy, multifaceted improv comedy. $17-$24. Rauecenter.org.

The Magic of Jeki Yoo: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Magic with a mix of sleight of hand, visual illusions and quick-change. $15-$25. gortoncenter.org.

The Doo Wop Project: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. The all-new show from America’s premier Doo Wop group performing classics like “My Girl” and “Sherry,” plus “Doowop-ified” hits from artists like Taylor Swift, Pharell Williams, Daft Punk, Chris Stapleton and more. $58-$65. prairiecenter.org.

Brian Regan: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Stand up comedy. Tickets start at $52.95. msg.com/the-chicago-theatre.

Stone Temple Pilots: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. The legendary rock band with more than 70 million albums sold and a Grammy Award. Tickets start at $85.10. geneseetheatre.com.

Sunday, Jan. 18

New Vintage Strings: 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Wheaton Public Library, 225 N. Cross St., Wheaton. Contemporary string quartet concert. Free. wheatonlibrary.org.

Warrenville Sunday Music Matinee: 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at Warrenville Public Library, 28W751 Stafford Place. ZAZZ Jazz Trio performs a John Williams tribute. Register via warrenville.com.

23rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration Concert: 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Nichols Concert Hall at Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Featuring performances by Music Institute students and community partners. Free. musicinst.org.

Appalachian Spring: 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst. Maestro Stephen Alltop leads the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra in an all-American Program celebrating America at 250, including Aaron Copeland’s “Appalachian Spring,” as well as works by contemporary American classical composers Eric Ewazen, Jessie Montgomery and James Stephenson. The afternoon will begin with a Pre-Concert Talk at 1:45 p.m. $35-$45. elmhurstsymphony.org.

Piano and Organ Duets: 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, 10805 Main St., Huntley. Piano and organ duet performed by Kathleen Gentes and Matt Haider. Free. sotp.org.

Skokie Concert Choir: 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood St., Skokie. Skokie Concert Choir winter performance. $5-$15. skokieparks.org.

Chicago Sinfonietta MLK Tribute Concert “Open Heart”: 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Wentz Concert Hall & Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville; and Monday, Jan. 19, at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. Chicago Sinfonietta offers the Chicago premiere of a new film suite by Kathryn Bostic based on the novel “The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat” by Chicago Sinfonietta cellist Edward Kelsey Moore. $30-$70. northcentralcollege.edu or auditoriumtheatre.org.

“Rock The Hunger” Charity Concert: 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. The Generations perform in partnership with the Community Foundation of Fox River Valley. Proceeds will directly benefit local programs supporting families struggling with food insecurity. $22.50-$36. arcadalive.com.

Joe Filisko & Eric Noden: 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at Grayslake Village Hall, 10 Seymour Ave., Grayslake. Blues and roots duo, presented by The Lake County Folk Club. $15-$20. thelakecountyfolkclub.org.

Adam Gilbert Stand-Up Comedy: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia. Stand-up comedy. $31. comedyvaultbatavia.com.

Monday, Jan. 19

Geneva Public Library MLK Day of Service: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Geneva Public Library, 227 S. Seventh St., Geneva. Inspired by Dr. King’s vision, take meaningful action through volunteer activities that support and uplift the community. Free. gpld.org.

Glenview Community Church MLK Day of Service: 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Jan. 19, at Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm St., Glenview. Projects include hygiene kit packing, sandwich making, window rescreening, creating pet blankets, writing notes of encouragement and more. Free. gccucc.org.

Highland Park Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Park Fitness, 1207 Park Avenue West, Highland Park. On-site service projects, engaging presentations, and special performances to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Free. pdhp.org.

January Free Day, Indigenous Artist Market Pop-Up: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum, 3001 Central St., Evanston. A day of free admission at the museum, including an Indigenous Artists Pop-Up Market. Free. gichigamiin-museum.org.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dreamers’ Breakfast: 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Ten Hotel Convention Center, 6161 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee. The theme will be “Strength in Solidarity.” Speakers include Joshua Randolph, Heriberto Ramirez and the Rev. Dr. Wade Stevenson. Entertainment includes Ballet Folklorico Jayahua, the Rev. Milton Brunson's Thompson Community Singers, Rose & Company, the Waukegan Bulldog Drill Team and North Chicago Community High School Drumline. $65. waukegantownship.com.

“Strollin’ Down MLK”: 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, 1400 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village. Rev. and Mrs. King walk through America today in this interactive, two-character, one-act play produced by Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries, in association with the Elk Grove Village Interfaith Council. Free, donations optional. tinyurl.com/StrollinPOP.

MLK National Day of Service Drop-in: Noon to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Indian Prairie Public Library, 401 Plainfield Road, Darien. Complete a project for the National Day of Service. Make toys for shelter pets at the West Suburban Humane Society. Free. Items will be collected to donate; for a list of items needed, visit ippl.libcal.com.

Glenview Public Library MLK Day of Service: 1-3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road, Glenview. Serve your neighbors through hands-on projects led by local community organizations. Projects recommended for third graders through adults. Free. glenviewpl.org.

Wilmette Public Library MLK Day of Service: 1-3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. There will be drop-in stations to pack activity kits and make cards and friendship bracelets for patients at Lurie Children’s Hospital. Free. wilmettelibrary.info.

Diverse Communities United MLK Day Celebration: 2-3:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Former Second Church of Christ, Scientist, 2715 Hurd Ave., Evanston. Youth & Opportunity United’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, bringing together youth, families, and community members to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy through youth-led performances and art. Free. Reserve a spot at eventbrite.com.

Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at Parkway Bank Park: 4-9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, and Sunday, Jan. 25. Free. rosemont.com/thepark.

Celebrate MLK Day with Story Jam: 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Story Jam’s annual MLK Day celebration spotlights diverse voices with lively music and true personal stories. Proceeds will benefit organizations aiding immigrant groups and Chicago families affected by recent events. $23.87-$29.43. evanstonspace.com.

Tuesday, Jan. 20

American Folk music with Pierce Crask: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, at The Celtic Knot Public House, 2022 Central St., Evanston. American Folk and country blues music with troubadour Pierce Crask. Free. celticknotpub.com.

Wednesday, Jan. 21

Cool Cluster Dog Show: 8 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, through 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Dog show with grooming, puppy event and more. Free admission. cool-cluster.com.

Critics Classics: 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Elk Grove Theatre, 1050 Elk Grove Town Center, Elk Grove Village. See “Blue Velvet.” Hosted by the Chicago Film Critics Association. $9 or $7 matinee; $7-$6 for ages 60 or older, $1.50 booking fee. classiccinemas.com.

Midweek Matinee: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St. in Woodstock. “The King’s Speech” (2010). The inspiring true story of King George VI’s journey to overcome his stammer. Starring Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Geoffrey Rush and Jennifer Ehle. $8. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Improvised Austen: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. A comedic ensemble that creates unscripted performances using Jane Austen’s regency era tropes, themes and language. Free; registration required. Call (630) 279-8696 or visit elmlib.org.

Irish Session: 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Quigley's Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson, Naperville. A casual gathering of musicians playing traditional Irish music on their traditional Irish instruments. Hear live reels, hornpipes, slip jigs and favorite traditional Irish tunes. wsirish.org/content.aspx.

“Oliver!” A Staged Concert: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21-23 and 30 and Feb. 5-6; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24, 31 and 7; and 2 p.m. Jan. 25 and 29 and Feb. 1 and 8 at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel. $25-$49. metropolisarts.com.

Thursday, Jan. 22

Chicagoland Fishing Expo: Noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Jan. 22-23; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, at the Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Dozens of vendors and exhibitors, fishing simulator, Travel Pavilion, Birds of Prey Educational Outreach Program, casting pond and more. $15, $5 for ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and younger. chicagoland.sportshows.com.

Big Jay Oakerson: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 23-24, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Stand up comedy. $35.91. improv.com/chicago.

Disney On Ice “Jump In!”: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22; 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23; 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24-25; 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5; 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6; 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday Feb. 7; 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, at Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Tickets start at $27.55. rosemont.com/allstate.

Anthony Rodia “Laugh Till It Hurts Tour”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Comedy. Tickets start at $43.90. geneseetheatre.com.

Josh Wolf Stand-Up Comedy: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22; 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 23-24, at the Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia. Stand-up comedian, writer, actor and New York Times bestselling author. $23.74-$46.99. comedyvaultbatavia.com.

Ongoing

Alex Ross — Heroes & Villains: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays and Wednesdays, and 2-8 p.m. Thursdays through Feb. 16 at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. A larger-than-life presentation of the work of legendary comic book artist Alex Ross featuring heroes and villains from the Marvel and DC universes. Museum admission $3-$10, exhibit tickets $5-$10, and free for kids 3 and younger. LCFPD.org/planyourvisit.

Brookfield Zoo Free Days: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Feb. 28 (except Jan. 19 and Feb. 16) at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Free general admission. Parking and attraction fees still apply. brookfieldzoo.org.

Ice Rink & Cocoa Cabanas: 4-9 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; and 4-9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, through Jan. 31, in the Cantigny Visitors Center Parking Lot, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Ice skating, hot chocolate, fire pits, s’mores, specialty drinks and more. Admission to the rink is $7, spectator access is free. Skates are available to rent for $3. Two-hour Cocoa Cabana rentals start at $125, plus a food and beverage minimum. Each cabana can host up to 10 people. cantigny.org.

“The Phantom of the Opera”: 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays, through Feb. 1, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. The worldwide hit production from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh. Tickets start at $125. cadillacpalacetheatre.com.