Cheap stuff: 'Wonders of Winter', salute to vets
Free
'Wonders of Winter'
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County offers guests a variety of ways to enjoy the season at its "Wonders of Winter" event at the Mayslake Forest Preserve. Try out walking in snowshoes, or step onto the lake for a bit of ice fishing (weather permitting). Create a winter treat for hungry birds, and visit with a dog-sled team. Horse-drawn wagon rides are also featured. Visitors can warm up inside for tours of the historic Mayslake Hall. Complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn will be served.
InfoL 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Mayslake Forest Preserve, 1717 W. 31st St., a quarter mile west of Route 83, Oak Brook. Admission and parking are free. (630) 933-7248 or visit dupageforest.org.
Black History Family Fest
Help celebrate the contributions that African-Americans have made to the history of music - from the freedom songs sung by slaves more than 300 years ago to today's R&B and hip-hop - during the Black History Family Festival. All ages can take part in the activities and entertainment.
Info: 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Free. (847) 429-4680 or gailborden.info.
Remembering our veterans
The Greenbelt Cultural Center's Profiles in Excellence program offers a "Salute to African-American Veterans." Military personnel will speak of their own experiences in the armed forces. The Blue Jacket Memorial Navy Choir performs, along with the Voice of Inner Peace Choir and the North Chicago High School Drill Team. Performances in drama and dance are also featured. Refreshments will be served.
Info: 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, at the Greenbelt Cultural Center at the Greenbelt Forest Preserve, 1215 Green Bay Road, North Chicago. Free. (847) 968-3477 or lcfpd.org.
Frida on film
"Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray," a new art exhibition at Aurora University, features 46 photographs of Frida Kahlo, one of the most influential Mexican painters of the mid-20th century. The photographs, taken by famed photographer Nickolas Muray, date from 1937 to 1941 and focus on Kahlo's deep interest in her Mexican heritage.
Runs through Sunday, March 28, at the Schingoethe Art Galley at Aurora University, 1400 Marseillaise Place, Dunham Hall, Aurora. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays; 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. Closed on university holidays. Free and open to the public. (630) 844-7843 or visit aurora.edu/artsandideas or aurora.edu/musuem.
$10 and under
Improv for everyone
The Therapeutic Funtillectuals and the Lost Not Stolen improv teams star in family-friendly comedy performances at the Improv Playhouse in Libertyville. Every show is different, as the troupes use audience suggestions to create scenes onstage. Performances are based on the classic "Whose Line It Is Anyway" television show.
The Therapeutic Funtillectuals perform from 8 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, and the Lost Not Stolen troupe stars from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Improv Playhouse, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. All seats are $5. Call (847) 968-4529 or visit improvplayhouse.com.
Evening of ballroom dance
The Young at Heart Singles Club invites ballroom dancers of all ages to dance the night away tonight, Feb. 5. The dress code for women is semi-dressy to dressy. Men are required to wear jackets. No jeans or gym shoes are allowed.
Info: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at the American Legion Hall, 9757 W. Pacific, Franklin Park. Doors open at 7 p.m. Members are $7; guests $9. Call hotline for information at (630) 415-3449. For directions to dances, call (847) 678-7068.
Start your engines!
The Wheels Rallye Team hosts its two-hour "Streets of Fury" gimmick road rallye for newcomers and former rallye participants. Participants follow a pre-set course, driving to various points to look for clues that lead them on to the next point. One page of general instructions and one page of route instructions will be given. The rallye team refers to its road rallye as a "board game on wheels."
Rallye begins and ends at Barnaby's Family Inn at 134 W. Golf Road, Schaumburg on Saturday, Feb. 6. Registration begins at 6 p.m. Cars head out at 7 p.m. and are due back at Barnaby's at 9 p.m. $5 to enter. Visit wheelsrallyeteam.com.