Weekend picks: Saddle up for Opening Day at Arlington Park

Out of the gate

Suburban horse racing kicks off with a big three-day weekend at Arlington International Racecourse. Opening Day is Friday, Kentucky Derby Day is Saturday and Mother's Day activities are Sunday at 2200 W Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Free general admission opening day; Derby Day and Mother's Day general admission $16 and $4 for kids; all-inclusive Derby Day packages $79; $27-$48 youth. All-inclusive Mother's Day packages $98; $32-$63 youth. (847) 385-7500 or arlingtonpark.com. 3:15 p.m. first post Friday, May 6; 1:15 p.m. first post Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8

Screen play with Doug Benson

Expect some high levity when comedian Doug Benson performs his “Doug Loves Movies” show on Wednesday and Thursday at Zanies at MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont. $20 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 813-0484 or zanies.com. 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, May 4 and 5

Off the Trax rolls into Edison Park

After the success of last year's North by Northwest Highway Music Fest, Edison Park is rolling out a shiny new name for this festival season: Off the Trax. Four area establishments - Emerald Isle, 6686 N. Northwest Hwy.; Firewater Saloon, 6689 N. Oliphant Ave.; Edison Park Inn, 6715 N. Olmsted Ave.; and Moretti's, 6727 N. Olmsted Ave. - are hosting the three-day Off the Trax festival, which features more than 45 local and regional bands flooding the neighborhood with rock, blues, country and pop. Individual shows - which start at 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, May 5 and 6, and 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7 - are $3. You can also go show-hopping for a night for $5 Thursday and Friday or $10 Saturday. Making a weekend of it will cost you $15 for a three-day wristband. Get tickets and see the full lineup at offthetraxmusicfest.com.

Many a mural

Eighteen local and international street artists are behind nearly 40 outdoor murals for the Wabash Arts Corridor Big Walls sponsored by Columbia College Chicago, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago. See these installations now through Friday, May 13. No admission charge. wasbashartscorridor.org/bigwalls. “Big Walls in a Big City” street art conference from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 5; overall festival through Friday, May 13

Hold your hand

The Beatles tribute band American English performs a special benefit concert for SEASPAR, an organization providing programs and services for individuals with all types of disabilities, on Thursday at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. $25. (630) 960-7600 or seaspar.org. 7 p.m. Thursday May 5

Swinging style

See how a certain men's magazine founded by Hugh Hefner affected style in the exhibit “Playboy Architecture, 1953-1979” starting this weekend at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. $8; $7 seniors. (630) 834-0202 or elmhurstartmuseum.org. 6 to 9 p.m. opening reception Friday, May 6; exhibit runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday) through Sunday, Aug. 28

Art and science

See how data and measuring can be made into art in the exhibit “Human Trajectory - Stephen Cartwright” starting Wednesday at the Fermilab Art Gallery in Wilson Hall, Kirk and Pine Street, Batavia. No admission charge. (630) 840-3000 or fnal.gov/pub/Art_Gallery. 7 p.m. reception Friday, May 6; regular gallery hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday from Wednesday, May 4, through Thursday, July 14

Anything Could Happen

British pop singer Ellie Goulding brings her “Delirium World Tour” with guests Years & Years and Bebe Rexha to the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $35-$59.50. $15-$20 parking. (800) 745-3000 or allstatearena.com. 7 p.m. Friday, May 6

Show tunes to go

Music director and conductor Stephen Alltop leads the Apollo Chorus on Broadway for two weekend concerts at these locations: first at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, then at First United Church, 848 Lake St., Oak Park. $10-$25. (312) 427-5620 or apollochorus.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, in Chicago; 3 p.m. Sunday, May 8, in Oak Park

'Unbreakable' star

Catch up with rising pop and R&B singer-songwriter Tori Kelly when she brings her “Unbreakable Tour” to the Rosemont Theatre on Friday, May 6, at 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $23-$33; $15-$20 parking. (800) 345-7000 or rosemonttheatre.com. 8 p.m. Friday, May 6

Get a taste of Spring Jam

Get ready for an eclectic mix of local music with Mackey's Hideout's 12th annual Spring Jam this weekend. The festival kicks off Friday, May 6, with progressive bluegrass and roots rock from McHenry's Miles Over Mountains, the Leadfoot Band, Still Shine and The Trevor Clark Trio. Saturday's lineup injects a psychedelic funk and a dance-rock vibe with Soap, Thinner Teed, Chachuba and Algonquin's Captain Coopersmith. Mackey's Hideout, 2601 S. River Road, McHenry. $10 each night. (815) 363-7040 or mackeyshideout.com. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 6 and 7

Crystal's classic country

Fans of 1970s country hits such as “You Never Miss a Real Good Thing (Till He Says Goodbye),” “Ready for the Times to Get Better” and “Talking in Your Sleep” won't want to miss seeing Crystal Gayle in concert on Friday, May 6, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $45-$95. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com. 8 p.m. Friday, May 6

Getting 'Real'

TV fans who love comedian Loni Love as a co-host of the Fox daytime talk show “The Real” or as a guest DJ on “The Ellen Show” won't want to miss her standup sets this weekend at the Improv Comedy Showcase at Woodfield Mall, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $25 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 240-2001 or chicago.improv.com. 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, May 6; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, May 7; 7 p.m. Sunday, May 8

Free Comic Book Day

Comic book enthusiasts can receive a free copy at participating shops during Free Comic Book Day, celebrated on Saturday, May 7. Many shops in the suburbs, including stores in Schaumburg, Mount Prospect and Palatine, are offering free comic books. Find participating stores at freecomicbookday.com. Saturday, May 7

Birds and Breakfast

Enjoy a continental breakfast and then head out to search for waterfowl and spring migrant birds guided by a local bird expert during the Birds and Breakfast program in Oak Ridge Park, 351 Lions Drive, Lake Zurich. Participants can bring binoculars and should wear walking shoes and dress for the weather. Hosted by The Ancient Oaks Foundation, the event is for ages 14 and older. $5 residents; $6 nonresidents. Register at webtrak.lakezurich.org. 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 7

Strawberry celebration

Dig in to strawberry treats, including sundaes, chocolate-dipped strawberries and strawberry shortcake, at the 43rd Annual Strawberry Festival at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 340 Grand Blvd., Elgin. Buy strawberry jam and baked goods, browse through items at a flea market, see artwork and more. Other highlights include a book booth and a plant sale. Free. (847) 741-8434. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7

Big Trucks

The Palatine Park District hosts its Big Trucks community event in the Family Aquatic Center's parking lot, 340 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Kids can get an up-close look at tow trucks, emergency vehicles and more. Goody bags will be given to the first 1,000 children. Other highlights include crafts, books about trucks, puppets and food. Free. (847) 991-0333 or palatineparks.org. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 7

Country in the Park

Step back in time to the 1800s at Country in the Park at the Downers Grove Museum at Wandschneider Park, 831 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. See farm animals and watch demonstrations on blacksmithing, candle making, butter making and wool spinning. The event is presented by the Downers Grove Historical Society and the Grove Foundation. Free. (630) 963-1309 or dgparks.org. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7

Holiday happening

Get ready to enjoy the rides and check out the petting zoo now that Santa's Village Azoosment Park opens for the season starting Saturday at 601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee. $22.75 general admission; $16.75 seniors; other admission packages also available. (847) 426-6751 or santasvillagedundee.com. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. opening weekend Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8; opening hours vary then on weekends and weekdays through Sunday, Oct. 30

The great outdoors

Families can fly kites, run relays, construct bird houses, climb trees and more at the Fifth Annual Barrington Area KidFest Kite Fly and Family Nature Fest in Citizens Park, 511 Lake Zurich Road, Barrington. The event encourages families to take part in outdoor activities together and inspires healthy habits. Rain date is Sunday, May 8. Fest is hosted by the Barrington Breakfast Rotary Club, Leave No Child Inside and the Barrington Park District. Free. (847) 381-0687 or barringtonparkdistrict.org. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7

Harmonizing hits

Hear the harmonizing guys of Under the Streetlamp in concert for two shows on Saturday at Belushi Performance Hall at College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. $46-$56; $65 VIP seating. (847) 942-4000 or atthemac.org. 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 7

Faith and fun

Mix Bible trivia with interactive audience fun in the show “Bible Bingo: An Act of Charity ... in Two Acts.” This comedy, created by one of originators of the long-running Chicago hit “Late Nite Catechism,” plays this weekend at the College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. $45 table seating; $38 theater seating. (847) 942-4000 or atthemac.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7; 3 p.m. Sunday, May 8

All-you-can-eat with R. Kelly

Chicago's own R&B artist R. Kelly is coming back to town. According to reports from recent shows on the tour, Kelly serves up his “The Buffet” tour complete with a live band, videos and medleys of his most-loved hits. Catch him when he brings the spectacle to Rosemont's Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road. $39-$149. (844) 854-1450 or rosemont.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7

Mother's Day at the Museums

There are so many options for celebrating Mother's Day. Watching the horses at Arlington International Racecourse, enjoying champagne brunch at her favorite restaurant or taking a bird walk through the nature center. Here's another idea: Celebrate Mother's Day with free admission for all mothers and grandmothers at five Rockford-area museums. Pick up a passport at one museum, then visit three more museums and be entered in a drawing to win free memberships to all five museums. Participating museums are the Discovery Center, Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford Art Museum and Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens. Special activities will be featured at all museums. It's a wonderful way to give mom the gift of fun family time and create cherished memories. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 8

A 1950s teen idol

Singer and 1950s screen heartthrob Frankie Avalon is the featured star for a “Mother's Day Cannoli Party” today at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $39-$89. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com. 5 p.m. Sunday, May 8

Upcoming concerts

Ellie Goulding: 7 p.m. Friday, May 6, Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Rock, pop. $35-$59.50. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

Crystal Gayle: 8 p.m. Friday, May 6, Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Country, pop. $39-$75. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com.

Tori Kelly “Unbreakable Tour”: 8 p.m. Friday, May 6, Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. Pop, rock. $23-$33. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

Erik Donner: 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, The Broken Oar, 614 Rawson Bridge Road, Port Barrington. Rock. Free. (847) 639-9468 or brokenoar.com.

Kodakrome, Hidden Hospitals, Gardens: 9 p.m. Friday, May 6, Quenchers Saloon, 2401 N. Western Ave., Chicago. Rock. $5. (773) 276-9730 or quenchers.com.

Animal Factory, Big City Burn, Jenny Rockis, Last Second Drop: 9 p.m. Friday, May 6, Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison St., Chicago. Rock, indie rock. $7-$10. (773) 327-1662 or cubbybear.com.

8 Track: 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, Fitz's Spare Keys, 119 N. York Road, Elmhurst. Rock. For ages 21 and older. $3. Call (630) 379-5007 or visit fitzs.publishpath.com.

Harry Hmura Blues Band: 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. Blues. $6. (708) 484-3610 or harlemavenuelounge.com.

The Gingers: 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, MT Barrels, 1712 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg. Rock. Free. (847) 285-1169 or mtbarrelsbar.com.

“Under the Streetlamp” with Michael Ingersoll, Christopher Kale Jones, Brandon Wardell and Shonn Wiley: 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 7, McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Program features hits, originally performed by Frankie Valli, Elvis Presley, The Beatles and others. $46-$65. (630) 942-4000 or atthemac.org.

Brass Roots Trio: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Lutheran Church of the Ascension, 460 Sunset Ridge Road, Northfield. Jazz, classical, spiritual and ragtime. Refreshments follow the performance. Free; donations welcome. Visit ascension-church.org.

R. Kelly: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. R&B, hip-hop. $39-$149. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

Mollie O'Brien and Rich Moore: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7, The Unitarian Church of Hinsdale, 11 W. Maple St., Hinsdale. Blues, traditional folk, jazz and rock. $18-$20. Visit acousticren.com.

American English: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7, FitzGerald's, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Rock, pop; Beatles tribute band. $12. (708) 788-2118 or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.

Shoeshine Boy 16th Anniversary show featuring The Dave Tamkin Trio, Soulfix, Even the Jackals, Cardinal Harbor and Tanks & Guns: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Double Door, 1551 N. Damen Ave., Chicago. Rock, pop rock. $12-$15. (773) 489-3160 or doubledoor.com.

Commonweather, On a High Wire, The Linden Method, Flight Plan, Surrenderson: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Wire, 6815 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Alternative, pop-punk. $10. (708) 669-9473 or wireismusic.com.

Avon Dale, Hitsleep, Francis Wreck: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Rock. $9. (773) 549-5549 or elboroomlive.com.

In The Flesh (a Pink Floyd tribute band): 9 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. Rock. For ages 21 and older. $8. (847) 358-9150 or durtynellies.com.

Afterlife, featuring Keith MacKenzie, Nikho, Kings of Class, Robby Mata and more: 10 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Annex Nightclub, 1958 W. North Ave., Chicago. House, EDM. $5; free before midnight. (773) 278-4646 or annexnightclub.com.

Alberta Cross, Sky White Tiger, Grand Canyon: 8 p.m. Sunday, May 8, Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. Rock. $15. (773) 281-4444 or beatkitchen.com.

Engelbert Humperdinck: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Pop. $39-$175. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com.

Harper College Steel Bands with “Journey to Brazil” concert, featuring percussionist Joe Sonnefeldt: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, Harper College's Performing Arts Center, Building R, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Concert features music from and inspired by Brazil. $10-15. (847) 925-6000 or harpercollege.edu/arts. College of Lake County's Concert Band: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, Mainstage Theatre of the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. The 60-member band performs a variety of tunes. (847) 543-2300 or clcillinois.edu/tickets.

Yom Haatzmaut Recital in celebration of Israel's 68th birthday with violinist Netanel Draiblate: 3 p.m. Thursday, May 12, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, 1175 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, Israeli-born violinist Netanel Draiblate performs classical selections. Recital is free and open to the community. Send RSVP to meskin@nssbethel.org, or call (847) 432-8900.

Information is provided by entertainment venues. Check with venue before purchasing tickets. For more concert listings, visit dailyherald.com/calendar.