Around the Block in Westmont

A week of eats in Westmont

Join in for a week full of delicious options with Westmont Restaurant Week from Jan. 30-Feb. 9. This experience will show how everyone can dine around the world in Westmont. This popular event features a mix of fixed price menu options from various restaurants in the local area at $10, $20, $30 and $40. Attendees can visit as often and to as many restaurants as they would like. For the list of participating restaurants visit westmontchamber.com. For further inquiries, contact wcctb@westmontchamber.com.

An American in Paris live at Drury Lane Enjoy a night out of outstanding theater with An American in Paris at Drury Lane Theatre of Oak Brook, playing Jan. 31–March 29. Based on the Academy Award winning film, this is the story of Jerry Muligan, an American GI doing his best to make it as a painter in the bustling city of Paris following the end of World War II. Filled with breathtaking moments of dance and song, this is a ravishing and passionate voyage into art, friendship, and love. This four-time Tony Award winner and Grammy nominee is set to the music of George and Ira Gershwin. For tickets and show times, visit drurylanetheatre.com.

The art of Valentines at Mayslake

Learn some history this Valentine’s day with Block Printing Valentines, a lecture event presented at Mayslake Peabody Estate on Feb. 4 from 1–3pm. Hear the history of mass-produced Valentines, learn about often-pictured plants, and learn to make one using block-printing techniques. This event is $20 per person and is for ages 18 and up. To register and for more information, visit dupageforest.org or call 630-206-9566.

First Folio Theatre’s Jeeves Saves the Day Enjoy some unique new theater with the world premiere Jeeves Saves the Day, a new play presented at First Folio Theatre at the Mayslake Peabody Estate Feb. 1–May 1 on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm and Thursdays and Sundays at 3pm. In this story, Bertie again finds himself suffering the slings and arrows of misfortune at the hands of his Aunt Agatha and Egbert. Throw in the imperious Sir Roderick Glossip and you’ve got another priceless predicament that cannot be overcome—unless the redoubtable Jeeves saves the day. Tickets $25–$44 per person and can be purchased at firstfolio.org or 630-986-8067.

A night of two tributes to Classic Rock Legends

Have a night to rock out with the classics with live performances from Eclipse Chicago—A Tribute to Pink Floyd and After Forever: Black Sabbath Tribute on March 6 at Q Bar in Darien beginning at 9pm. Fans of the landmark works and sheer genius of bands Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath will be delighted with the authenticity of these groups’ songs. Both tributes strive to recreate each song as close to the original form and sound. The bar will feature their Friday drink specials. Tickets for this event are $5 and can be purchased along with more information at qbartickets.com.

Spring gardening inspiration in Darien

Join in for the 6th annual Garden Conference of the Darien Garden Club on March 7 at Chateau Orleans in Darien from 8am–2:30pm. This years’ speakers will include Christopher Benda on “Wildflowers for the Home Garden,” Melissa Custic on “Chicago Region Woody Plants,” and Jeanne Nolan on the “Five Keys to Organic Gardening Success.” Attendees can also enjoy exhibits, raffles, and farm-to-table cuisine. The event includes a continental breakfast, and a family style luncheon. Registration deadline is Feb. 29. To register and for more information, visit dariengardenclub.com and contact dariengardenclub@gmail.com or call 630-253-2125.

A craft show just in time for spring

Get into the swing of a new season and come out to the Spring Fling Craft Show on Mar. 14 at the Darien Park District Community Center from 9am–3pm. This craft show and sale will be the perfect place to find unique, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted decorations for the home, tantalizing treats, garden décor, and jewelry. This is a show that will offer something for everyone, and just in time to celebrate Spring. Admission to this event is free. For more information, visit darienparks.com.

Celebrate spring with art

As the warmer weather and sunshine returns, celebrate creativity at the Spring Palette Art Show hosted at the Gregg House Museum of Westmont on Mar. 15 from 11am–4pm. The house will be transformed into an art gallery filled with color, texture, imagination and imagination. Mary Launi, botanical artist, is our host artist and will be displaying her paintings along with many others. Experience a palette of unique oil paintings, watercolor paintings, prints, pencil drawings, glass, sculpture and much more. All works of art showcase the talents of local artists

including the Westmont Park District’s Senior Art participants. There will also be demonstrations, a raffle, and treats. For more information, visit westmontparks.org or call 630-960-3392.

Westmont Performing Arts presents Brighton Beach Memoirs

Come out to enjoy a classic and see Westmont Performing Arts’ production of Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs playing Mar. 19-21 at the Westmont Commons, 117 N, Cass Ave. This semi-autobiographical comedic drama recounts the love, laughter, strain and struggle of a Jewish family living Brooklyn in 1937. Told through the eyes of 15-year-old Eugene with his fourth wall narrative, viewers experience his comedic view of girls, puberty, relationships, foul language, and responsibility. This story thoroughly reveals how a family that fights together and laughs together will always stay together. For tickets and showtimes, contact Westmont Performing Arts at westmontparks.org.

Taste of Route 66

Come out for an event of deliciousness at the Taste

of Route 66 fundraiser, hosted by the Rotary Club of Darien at Ashyana Banquets on Mar. 24 at 6pm in Downers Grove. Join in and sample wonderful food and drink from local restaurant and participate in a silent and live auction. Proceeds will go to support programs of the Rotary Club that provide effective work in the service of the community and the world. Tickets are $50 each which include two drink tickets. To purchase tickets, and for more information, visit tasteofroute66.org.

Witness a special performance and lecture on the author of Little Women For an eye-opening look back at classic literature, visit the Peabody Estate and attend a special lecture on Little Women author Louisa May Alcott on Mar. 30 from 7–8pm. Join historian and award-winning actress Leslie Goddard as she portrays Louisa May Alcott and shares stories of the writer’s poverty-filled childhood, struggles to succeed, and origins of Little Women. The event is for ages 12 and up and is $10 per person. Register online and get more information at dupageforest.org or call 630-206-9566.

The Old Lace Schoolhouse open first & third Sundays

Bring the family for a historical visit to The Old Lace Schoolhouse and Museum in Darien, open the first and third Sunday of every month from 1–3pm. One of the earliest existing landmarks of the area that is now Darien, this school originates from the Lace community established back in the 1860s. When the original burned down in 1924, this now existing building was built and has carried the legacy of the town’s beginnings to the present. The one room schoolhouse now houses the Darien Historical Society and makes a fun visit and look into the past. For more information, visit darienilhistory.org or call 630-964-7033.