5 events for $5 (or less): 'Allure of Matter' art exhibit opens at two locations in Chicago
Crafty creations
Buy unique, handcrafted gifts from jewelers, woodworkers and other local artists at the third annual Winter Craft Show this weekend at Gurnee Mills, 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee. Free admission. (847) 263-7500 or simon.com/mall/gurnee-mills. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Feb. 7-9
Chinese materials
The art exhibit "The Allure of Matter: Material Art From China" is spread across two Chicago locations and features 48 works. Part of the exhibit is at the University of Chicago's Smart Museum, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave., Chicago. Free admission. (773) 702-0200 or smartmuseum.uchicago.edu. The other part is at Wrightwood 659, 659 W. Wrightwood Ave., Chicago. Free general admission tickets released weekly on Tuesdays, but advance tickets with tours are $8-$16. (773) 437-6601 or wrightwood659.org. Exhibit at both locations through Sunday, May 3
Offbeat artworks
See the works of and meet up with artists who are part of the Fox Valley-based collective Oddball Arts at a reception at the Herb Aigner Gallery, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Free admission. (847) 895-3600, oddballartlabs.org or prairiecenter.org. 6 p.m. artist reception Friday, Feb. 7; exhibit continues through the month of February
Frigid fun
Play some pond hockey, try turkey bowling or get caught up in the "snowball drop" as part of Wauconda Winterfest 2020 near Lindy's Landing, 115 Park St., Wauconda. Free admission. (847) 526-9789 or lindyslanding.com. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8
Lunar New Year
Stretch out your Chinese New Year Celebration when the Xilin Association of Naperville presents traditional dances, choirs and other performances at Fox Valley Mall's Center Park, 195 Fox Valley Center, Aurora. Free admission. (630) 851-7200 or shopfoxvalleymall.com. 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8