Budget-friendly fun: Last Fling, Oktoberfest, Street Dance and more
Free
Last Fling
To call the annual Naperville Jaycees' Last Fling a bonanza might be an understatement. The four-day fest includes music by national acts like Lita Ford, Daughtry, Lucky Boys Confusion and Chevelle, new attractions in the Family Fun Land such as an interactive Army Fun Zone, a day of free country entertainment Sunday at the stage on Jackson Avenue and a new 5K race Monday morning after the Fling Mile at 8:45 a.m. Not to mention the carnival rides, bed races, dunk tank, baby races, rib cook-off, business expo, Labor Day parade and food. Free; tickets for the main stage acts cost $10-$30. lastfling.org. 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7
Oktoberfest
Dig in to classic German fare and take a free hayride at the annual Long Grove Oktoberfest, at Robert Parker Coffin and Old McHenry roads in downtown Long Grove. Other highlights include concerts, an antique tractor show and more. Free. (847) 634-0888 or visitlonggrove.com. 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday through Monday, Sept. 5-7
Dancin' in the streets
Dance to the music of 10 bands performing on four different stages at Wauconda's 16th Annual Street Dance, on Main Street in downtown Wauconda. Don't miss the food and other activities, too. Free; bring school supplies or a nonperishable food item for donation. waucondachamber.org. 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5
Always in bloom
The annual Weed Ladies Fall Floral Design Sale offers shoppers seasonal floral arrangements made from silk and dried bouquets in the Daniels House at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Admission is free. (630) 420-6010 or napersettlement.org. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 10-12, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13
$15 and under
Autos on parade
Classic car buffs won't want to miss the 14th Annual Ford, Mustang, Shelby, Cobra and T-Bird Show at the Volo Auto Museum, 27582 N. Volo Village Road, Volo. A cookout, music, ice cream and more are also on tap. Trophies and other awards will be given for various car categories. $8.94-$14.95 at the gate. Admission includes entry to the museum. (815) 385-3644 or volocars.com. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5
Everyone's Irish
Join the fun at the Fox Valley Irish Fest at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. The event showcases concerts, Irish food, beer, games, gifts, crafts, a giant kids' play area and more. $5-$10; free for kids 2 and younger. (630) 896-6666 or riveredgeaurora.com. 3 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5
Woody James
Country artist Woody James, who specializes in the music of legendary country crooner Johnny Cash, performs in the red band shell at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. Free with paid $5 parking. cantigny.org. 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5
'Blade Runner'
See a special screening of the 1982 science-fiction film "Blade Runner" at the Classic Cinemas Elk Grove Theatre, 1050 Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village. The R-rated film has a cast that includes Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer and Sean Young. $5. classiccinemas.com. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8