Best Bets: 'Butterflies and Blooms' blossom at Chicago Botanic Garden
Wings & petals
"Butterflies and Blooms" returns for another summer season with all kinds of colorful species on display at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. $8; $7 seniors; $6 kids 3-12; $25-$30 parking. (847) 835-6801 or chicagobotanic.org. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Monday, Sept. 6
Solar sculptures
See 24 solar-inspired sculptures from many different cultures as part of the new outdoor exhibit "Hello Helios: The warming suns of Chicago's Greektown." The sculptures can be found along North Halsted Street between Monroe to Van Buren Streets in Chicago. Free. (312) 255-7280 or greektownchicago.org. On display through Spring 2022
New Broadway
The Lyric Opera of Chicago gathers Broadway stars like Tony Award-winner Gavin Creel, Norm Lewis, Jenn Gambatese and more for "The New Classics: Songs from the New Golden Age of Musical Theater." The concert is free to stream online, but donations are appreciated. (312) 827-5600 or lyricopera.org. Now streaming online
Artsy stroll
The second annual Wheaton Art Walk features ceramics, jewelry, paintings and more this weekend at Hale Street and Karlskoga Avenue in Wheaton. Free, but advance reservation times suggested for capacity and social distancing protocols. (847) 926-4300 or amdurproductions.com. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13
Do tell
Comedian Alonzo Bodden ("Heavy Lightweight," "Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me!") returns to perform an intimate standup gig at the Genesee Cabaret, 221 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $20; $99 VIP tickets. (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com. 6 p.m. Saturday, June 12
On track
Kids of all ages who are fans of trains won't want to miss the Kane County Railroadiana & Model Train Show & Sale. It takes place Sunday at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. $6; free for kids 12 and younger with a paid guardian. (630) 584-6926, kanecountyfair.com or rrshows.com. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 13
Climb high
See climber Alex Honnold attempt to scale El Capitan's Freerider in Yosemite National Park in California in "Free Solo." The 2018 documentary screens as part of the 2021 Movies in the Park Series on Saturday at the The Forge: Lemont Quarries, 1001 Main St., Lemont. $8. (630) 326-3301 or forgeparks.com. 7 p.m. Saturday, June 12
Silver screen symphony
The Wheaton Municipal Band performs selections of silver screen scores as part of the concert "A Night at the Movies" at the Memorial Park Bandshell, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton. Free, but advance reserved tickets are required. Audiences must provide their own seating. (630) 260-2000 or wheatonmunicipalband.org. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 17