5 events for $5 (or less): Mardi Gras parties in Aurora and Chicago; a FanFest in Mount Prospect
Fan-tastic!
The Friends of the Mount Prospect Public Library presents a local FanFest with gaming, crafts, cosplay, trivia and more activities for sci-fi and fantasy enthusiasts. It's on Saturday at the Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. Free admission. (847) 253-5675 or mppl.org/fanfest2020. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22
Hobby haven
Folks who love to construct miniature planes, cars and more won't want to miss the Illinois Plastic Kit & Toy Show. The Past-Time Hobbies-sponsored event features up to 150 exhibitor and merchant tables on Sunday at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. $5; $2 kids ages 12 and under. (630) 668-6636 or dupagecountyfair.org. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23
Carnival confab
Get a taste of how Mardi Gras is celebrated in New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro and Venice as part of an International Carnivale Celebration this Sunday at Navy Pier's Aon Grand Ballroom, 600 E. Grand Ave, Chicago. Free admission. (800) 595-7437 or navypier.org. 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23
Fat Tuesday
Flowing Forth United Methodist Church presents The Matt Erion Dodecaband, a 12-piece jazz ensemble, for a religiously inspired Mardi Gras Concert on Tuesday at Aurora Christian School, 2255 Sullivan Road, Aurora. Free admission. (630) 239-2321. 7 p.m. religious service and concert Tuesday, Feb. 25
Labor drama
Academy Award-winner Marion Cotillard ("La Vie en Rose") plays a worker fighting for her job in the face of announced cuts in "Two Days, One Night." The critically acclaimed 2014 Belgian film is screened twice on Wednesday at College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center Playhouse Theatre, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. In French with English subtitles. Free admission. (630) 942-4000 or atthemac.org. 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26