5 events for $5 (or less): Free Museum Days at Adler Planetarium
Local artist
See "The Wild and Crazy Imagination of a Very Old Artist" as Arts in Bartlett continues hosting an exhibit of paintings by John Malmfeldt of West Chicago. It's ongoing at Bartlett Village Hall, 228 S. Main St., Bartlett. Free admission. (630) 372-4152 or artsinbartlett.org. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday; runs through Feb. 28
Gallery stroll
Downtown Waukegan's monthly ArtWauk of gallery strolls and local concerts features a performance of The Surfaholics at Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing, 216 W. Clayton St., Waukegan. Free admission to the ArtWauk, though some venues charge for dinner, drinks or snacks. (847) 445-2467 or artwauk.com. 6 to 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18; The Surfaholics perform at 9:30 p.m.
Feathered friends
Meet with other bird-watching enthusiasts for a Bird Walk at the Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. Free admission, but advance registration is required. (815) 344-1294 or dnr.illinois.gov. 8 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 19
Look up
The Adler Planetarium is a participant in Free Chicago Museum Days this winter. Learn all about the heavens and more at 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Free admission for Illinois residents (select sky shows not included). (312) 922-7827 or adlerplanetarium.org. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Jan. 20-22, and Tuesday through Thursday, Feb. 4-6 and 11-13 and other dates
Canine confab
See different canine breeds compete at the Cool Cluster Dog Show sponsored by the Chain O' Lakes Kennel Club. The five-day show starts on Wednesday at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Free admission, but $5 parking. (847) 680-7200 or lcfair.com. Begins at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, and runs through 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26