Budget-friendly fun: Free days at Museum of Science & Industry
Free
Free days at MSI
See the U-505 Submarine, "Science Storms," "Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze" and other exhibits when Illinois residents get free general admission to Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, on various dates in January and February. Upcoming free days include Tuesday through Thursday, Jan. 24-26, and Tuesday, Jan. 31. Check the museum's website for free February dates. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. msichicago.org.
Baby lambs
Ooh and ahh at the season's new lambs - with a chance to perhaps watch babies being born - and learn the role livestock played on farms in the 1800s in the lambing program at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago. Free. (630) 876-5900 or dupageforest.com. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Monday, Jan. 20-23, and Thursday, Jan. 26
Sports card extravaganza
Thirty tables of collectible baseball, basketball, football and hockey cards, along with wax boxes and complete card sets, are part of the Sports Card Collectible Show at the Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Road, Elgin. Free. Guests can buy, sell and trade. For information, call Corky at (847) 815-5810 or email collectibles2@yahoo.com. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21
Home and garden how-to
Check out the latest in home improvement products and services to help with remodeling, repairing and beautifying homes and gardens at the Oak Brook Home & Garden Show at the Drury Lane Theatre and Conference Center, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. The free event features displays, seminars and more. Free valet parking. (630) 953-2500 or oakbrookhomeshow.com. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 21-22
$15 and under
Baroque concert
The Wheaton College Conservatory of Music presents a baroque chamber concert as part of its Faculty Recital Series in Pierce Memorial Chapel at Wheaton College, at the southeast corner of Washington and Franklin streets, Wheaton. Lee Joiner, associate professor of violin, performs on the baroque violin. Tickets are available only at the door. $5-$10; free for students and Wheaton College ID holders. (630) 752-5099 or wheaton.edu. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20
Jazzy evening
Oakton Community College celebrates its upcoming performing arts season as the school's music faculty, members of the Niles West High School Jazz Band and other musicians perform at "Jazzin' Around," a night of jazz in the college's Footlik Theater, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. $5-$8. (847) 635-1900 or oakton.edu/tickets. 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20
Living history show
See re-enactors portraying people from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and other historical periods at the American Heritage Living History Show, in Robinson Hall at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. This juried show will feature merchants, artisans, craftsmen, seminars and demonstrations. $7 adults; $5 if in period dress; $10 for a weekend pass. facebook.com/americanheritagelivinghistoryshow. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22
Infinity
The rock cover band Infinity, a group that specializes in tributes to the legendary band Journey, performs at the Round Lake Civic and Cultural Center, 2007 N. Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach. $10. villageofroundlakebeach.com. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21