Cheap fun: Pokemon, wedding bells and Christmas events

Free

Some serious Pokemon playPlayers will compete in one-on-one battles for the title of Pokemon City Champion at the 2010 Pokemon City Championships. Competitors will be divided into three divisions: Junior (born in 2000 or later); Senior (born in 1996-99) and Masters (born in 1995 or earlier). Players in all divisions will compete for Pokemon prizes. The event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Science and Arts Academy, 1825 Miner St., Des Plaines. Free for participants and spectators. Visit pokemon.com/us/organized-play. A #8216;Golden' opportunityCouples married in 1960 can enter The Field Museum for free on Saturday, Dec. 4, as part of the museum's Golden Anniversary Celebration. By showing proof of their 50-year unions, couples can celebrate with a champagne toast and a gold-dusted wedding cake at a reception held in the Stanley Field Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At 1 p.m., couples will have the opportunity to renew their wedding vows. Proof of a 1960 marriage is required (a marriage certificate, an old wedding invitation or a dated newspaper clipping). The Golden Anniversary Celebration is being held in honor of the museum's #8220;Gold#8221; exhibition, open through March 6. Events begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at The Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Free general admission to museum for couples married in 1960 (with proof of marriage). Note: Participating couples who want to see the #8220;Gold#8221; exhibit will be charged $7 per person. (312) 922-9410 or fieldmuseum.org. Christmas on the FarmExperience an old-fashioned holiday celebration at Christmas on the Farm at Kline Creek Farm. Santa Claus will be on hand to pose for photos in his sleigh. Guests can learn about Victorian Christmas celebrations, including the origins of the holiday traditions. Stop by a warming fire for caroling and spice cookies. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4-5, at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago. Free admission. (630) 933-7200 or dupageforest.org.A #8216;Wicked' holiday eveningThe Arboretum of South Barrington hosts a #8220;Wicked#8221; evening, as shoppers are invited to hear Carla Stickler of the hit Broadway musical #8220;Wicked#8221; perform #8220;The Wizard and I#8221; at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. Following Stickler's performance, the Arboretum of South Barrington's 40-foot tree will be lit at the Alexian Brothers Skating Plaza. Local school choirs will perform traditional holiday music. Events begin at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at The Arboretum of South Barrington, Route 59 and Higgins Road, South Barrington. Free. (847) 426-6200. Visit shopthearboretumsb.com. Step back in timeThe Oak Park Arms of Oak Park will transform into a grand old ballroom of the 1930s and '40s, as it hosts its Holiday Ballroom Dance. The public is invited to step onto the dance floor and move to the music of Seymour's Big Band. Band members, who range in age from 28 to 82, will play tunes from legendary artists like Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Cole Porter and Count Basie. 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at the Oak Park Arms, 408 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. Free and open to the public. (708) 386-4040 or visit oakparkarms.com $10 and underGifts and crafts at Lambs FarmShop for holiday treasures at the 31st Annual Lambs Farm Holiday Lights Gift and Craft Fair. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, I-94 at Route 176, Libertyville. $7; kids younger than 15 admitted free. (630) 469-4611 or lambsfarm.org.Holiday mansion toursLearn about 19th-century customs while visiting the Naper Settlement's Martin Mitchell Mansion decked out for the season during holiday mansion tours.Tours run continuously from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4-5, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. $8. (630) 420-6010 or napersettlement.museum.To Infinity and beyondInfinity pays tribute to rock groups such as Journey, Bon Jovi, Boston, Styx, REO, Van Halen and others during a concert at Durty Nellie's in Palatine. 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $7. The show is for ages 21 and older. (847) 358-9150 or durtynellies.com.Just drummyThe Elgin Community College Steel Band presents its #8220;Holiday in the Tropics#8221; steel drum concert, with selections featuring a Caribbean sound. Music styles include calypso, soca and reggae.7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, at Elgin Community College's Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Tickets cost $7-$9. (847) 622-0300 or elgin.edu/arts. 18001200Sample a variety of cookies and learn about Victorian Christmas traditions during the Christmas on the Farm event at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago.Courtesy of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage 26674000Players of the Pokemon trading-card game are invited to participate in the 2010 Pokemon City Championships tournament Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Science and Arts Academy in Des Plaines.Courtesy of The Pokemon Company International 13501800Guests can see Naper SettlementÂ’s Martin Mitchell Mansion decked out for the holidays this weekend.Courtesy of Naper Settlement