Cheap stuff: Schoolhouse Rock, shop for the animals, go fly a kite

$10 and under

Education rocks!

Theatrebam Chicago presents "Schoolhouse Rock Live! (The Cabaret)," a show that incorporates the educational Saturday morning cartoon jingles into a musical revue.

Opens at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Mary's Attic, above Hamburger Mary's, 5400 N. Clark St., Chicago. $10. (773) 784-6969.

Aiding the animals

An estimated 2,000 donated pieces of new, old, costume, fine, estate and youth jewelry, watches and handbags will be for sale at the Anderson Animal Shelter Jewelry Faire. A bake sale is also featured. All proceeds benefit the South Elgin animal shelter.

Show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the American Legion Hall, 22 S. 2nd St., Geneva. $5 donation. A preview show runs from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. $10 donation for preview. Visit (847) 697-2880, Ext. 25, or visit andersonanimalshelter.org.

Treasures abound at flea market

Hundreds of dealers offer antiques and collectibles indoors and outside at the Kendall County Flea Market.

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Kendall County Fairgrounds, Route 71 and Highpoint Road, Yorkville. $2; free for ages 12 and younger. Free parking. (630) 377-2252 or kanecountyfleamarket.com.

Free

Native American Games

Youngsters are invited to learn to throw darts and use a corn husk bundle to simulate the sound of a rabbit hopping in snow at the Native American Games event at the Elgin Public Museum. Native American youth played the games to help them learn skills such as hunting that prepared them for adulthood. The event runs in conjunction with the museum's new exhibit, "The Unconquerable: Photos and History of the Kickapoo Indians" (running through Nov. 22). The games program is designed for ages 5 and older.

2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Elgin Public Museum, Lords Park, 225 Grand Blvd., Elgin. Free admission. Donations are welcome. (847) 741-6655 or elginpublicmuseum.org.

Let's go fly a kite!

Look to the skies to watch colorful stunt and dancing kites in all shapes and sizes at Kite Fest 2009. Guests can simply watch the kites sail in the wind - or they can bring their own kites to fly, make a kite from scratch on site or buy a pre-made version at the fest. Don't miss the five-story high barrel kite or the 90-foot-long octopus kites. Bring a chair for seating. Other highlights include raffles and food.

Runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, on the campus of Northern Illinois University, at Lucinda Avenue and Kishwaukee Drive, in DeKalb. General admission is free. There is a charge for raffles and food. (815) 756-1336 or visit dekalbareacvb.com.

How did he do that?

See objects vanish before your eyes, and watch as a dove appears from fire at "Mr. Firu's Abra Ka Dabra Show." Magician Juan Friguglietti stars as Mr. Firu in this bilingual (English and Spanish) magic show for all ages.

2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Round Lake Area Public Library, 906 Hart Road, Round Lake. Free admission. (847) 546-7060.

It's hip to be square

The Arlington Squares square dance club hosts a free beginners' dance party for those with little or no experience at all with square dancing. Wally Smulson will be the caller for the event.

7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the Congregational Church (United Church of Christ), 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. Free admission. Call Ro at (847) 359-1642 or Tom and Linda at (847) 551-9119. Visit arlingtonsquares.com.

Fairs & festivals this weekend

14th Fox Valley Irish Festival, |St. Catherine of Siena, 845 W. Main St., West Dundee: Irish music and dancing, food, best of Irish culture, Irish Idol. Runs 5 to 11 p.m., Friday, Sept. 11; 1 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12; 11:30 a.m. for Mass and 1 to 7 p.m. for fest on Sunday, Sept. 13. $8; two-day pass $13; three-day pass $20. Children under 12 free with a paid adult; senior citizens $6. Admission free on Sunday, Sept. 13, with canned good donation for FISH Pantry for those who attend 11:30 a.m. Mass. (847) 426-2217.

Antioch Arts and Craft Faire, |On Toft Street and in the adjoining parking lot, Antioch: Event runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. Features at least 150 booths of handcrafted wares. Free admission (847) 395-2233 or antiochchamber.org.

Block Party, |Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1111 N. Elmhurst Road, Prospect Heights: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. Features food, prizes and live music. Bring extra garden produce to donate to local food pantries. Free admission. (847) 537-4353.

Bloomingdale Septemberfest, |Old Town Park, 111 Third St., Bloomingdale: 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. Parade, entertainment, craft show, car and motorcycle show, food and more. Free general admission. Visit villageofbloomingdale.org.

Celebration 2009, |Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg: Features live music on four stages, food from area restaurants and a silent auction. 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. Tickets are $50-$60 at the door. Proceeds benefit programs at the center for the arts. Call or visit prairiecenter.org. (847) 895-3600 or prairiecenter.org.

Celebration of Mexican Independence Day, |Lake Park, on Lee Street between Howard Street and Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines: 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with the Des Plaines Park District and The Mexican Civic Society of Illinois. Live music, singing, authentic dancing, arts and crafts, games. Traditional Mexican fare available for purchase. Free general admission. (847) 391-5700.

Cornfest, |Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 S. York Road, Oak Brook: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. Old-fashioned picnic includes entertainment, games, races, food and more. Free admission; tickets sold for food, drinks and some activities. (630) 920-9720 or grauemill.org.

Dog Days of Dundee, |Randall Oaks Park, 17N350 Randall Road, West Dundee: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. Bring your dogs for a day filled with canine and human entertainment including contests, demonstrations, music and kid's activities. Free microchipping, heartworm testing. Free general admission. (847) 428-7131 or dtpd.org.

Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival, |Main and Curtiss streets, Downers Grove: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 13. Juried art show and sale. Free. (630) 725-0991 or downtowndg.org.

Fall Family Fest,| |Lions Park, 1200 Silver Lake Road, Cary: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. Hayrides, pony rides, a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, crafts and more. $8 per child, age 3 and under; $4 per child, age 1-2. Free for adults. carypark.com.

Fall Fest, |Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. Admission is $5, children younger than 2 are free. Straw and frames are provided to make a scarecrow, so bring clothes for it to wear. Get a free hayride between 1 and 3 p.m. A craft table will be available for children and there may be pumpkins to paint and decorate. (847) 540-5054.

Fall Festival, |Immanuel Lutheran School, 832 Lee St., Des Plaines: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. Games and prizes for children, hot dog lunch, craft tables. Free general admission. Call Darlene at (847) 952-8915.

Fall Harvest, |Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora: Discover how the pioneers of yesteryear lived with carriage rides, fair with authentic arts and crafts, live music by acclaimed singer/songwriter Chris Vallillo. Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. Admission $3.75-$7. (630) 892-1550 or foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

Family Freedom Festival, |Barrington Train Station, 201 S. Spring Street, Barrington: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. Includes music, family and children's activities, military speakers and support, 9.11-mile Freedom Run at 9:11 a.m. (start time). Free. (847) 381-0065.

Festival of Arts and Crafts, |Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, in the college's Building M. Features more than 160 booths with works by artists from five states. Admission is $3. Kids under age 12 are free. (847) 301-8543 or harpercollege.edu.

Festival of the Vine, |Downtown Geneva, around Third and State streets, Geneva: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 12; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. Sample international flavors by Geneva restaurateurs, sip the best of the vine at wine tastings, arts and crafts show, grape stomping, games, live music. Free. Charge for wine and food tastings. Visit genevachamber.com.

Fox River Grove Lions Fest, |Lions Park, 100 Beachway Drive, Fox River Grove: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. Community picnic with food, games, concerts and more. Free admission. Visit frglionsclub.org.

Harvest Fest, |Yesterday's Farm Museum, 850 N. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. Craft fair, music, pony rides, petting zoo, historical re-enactors, corn roast and more. Free; donations accepted. (630) 595-8777.

Itasca Oktoberfest, |Along Orchard Street, Itasca: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, and 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday Sept. 12. Includes German food, music, beer, costume contest, children's activities and more. Free admission. (630) 773-0835 or itasca.com.

Kite Fest 2009, |On campus of NIU, at Lucinda Avenue and Kishwaukee Drive, DeKalb: A kaleidoscope of colorful kites will sail the skies at Kite Fest 2009. Guests can see stunt and dancing kites in all shapes sizes - a five-story barrel kite is featured. Simply watch the show, or bring your own kite, make a kite or buy a kite at the fest. Bring a chair for seating. Other highlights include raffles and food. Runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. General admission is free. There is a charge for raffles and food. (815) 756-1336 or dekalbareacvb.com.

Mexican Independence Day Parade and Celebration, |West Chicago: Sept. 13. Parade steps off at 1 p.m. from Joliet Street and Augusta Avenue, then proceeds to Main Street in the downtown business district. The event continues until 8 p.m.; includes music by Los Arenales and a performance by Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl, as well as a mariachi band, piñatas, food and more. Free general admission. Visit westchicago.org.

Oktoberfest, |Lions Park, 320 E. Wildwood St., Villa Park: Carnival, games, entertainment, craft show, children's activities, bags tournament, beer, food and more. 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. Free general admission. (630) 834-8970 or vprd.org.

"Picnic, Plein Air and Pastimes: Celebrating Arlington Heights' History," |Arlington Heights Historical Museum and Heritage Gallery, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights: 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. Includes entertainment, local artists, bake sale, antique appraisals, tours of the grounds and buildings, old time games, more. Free admission. Event takes place rain or shine. (847) 255-1225 or ahmuseum.org.

Pioneer Day, |Farmhouse Museum, 399 Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. Civil War magician, Victorian phrenologist, Abraham Lincoln impersonator, Taylor's Battery Civil War Group, petting zoo and more. Free general admission. (847) 439-3994 or elkgroveparks.org/museumcampus.asp.

Scandinavian Day, |Vasa Park, 35W217 Route 31, South Elgin: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. Children's parade in folk costume, traditional Maypole dancing, Viking and cultural displays, children's games and crafts, raffles, Scandinavian music and more. $10 adults; free for kids 12 and younger. Free parking. (847) 695-6720 or scandinaviandayil.com or vasaparkil.com.

St. Matthew Church Septemberfest, |St. Matthew Church, 1555 Glen Ellyn Road, Glendale Heights: 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and following the noon Mass until 9 p.m. Sunday Sept. 13. Rides, games, 5K race, raffles, athletic competitions, entertainment and more. Visit septfest.com or stmatthewchurch.org.

Winfield Good Old Days Celebration, |Beecher Avenue and Church Street, Winfield: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. Parade at 1:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. Carnival, entertainment, craft show, beer garden, parade and more. Also includes appearances by Miss Illinois Teen USA and Miss Illinois USA. Free admission. (630) 682-3712 or winfieldchamber.biz.

Ukrainian Village Fest, |Ukrainian Village, 750 N. Oakley Blvd.: Features live Ukrainian music, performances by the Hromovysia Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, Ukrainian food, games, a beer garden and family activities. Runs 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. $5 donation at the door is requested. (630) 777-6564.

Windy City Wine Festival, |Daley Bicentennial Plaza, Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St.: More than 250 international and domestic wine varieties will be presented by more than 40 vendors. Runs 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, and 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. Adult wine-tasting tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at gate. Visit windycitywinefestival.com. (312) 742-7648.