Libraries Help Prevent “Summer Slide

especially younger ones and those from low-income households. A quarter-century later, a study of children in 3rd to 5th grades continued to back the notion that students lost, on average, about 20 percent of their school-year gains in reading and 27 percent in math during summer break.

You might wonder how public libraries stay busy during the summer months. After all, summer is vacation time and a chance for kids and their families to enjoy the outdoors. However, as many parents and even more K-12 teachers know, summer is also the time of the “slide.”

Ever since a 1996 study came out showing that school-age kids lose significant knowledge in reading and math over summer break. Public libraries and their staff have faced a fun and challenging assignment: how to stop the annual learning “slide.”

Each year before 1996, kids’ skill loss tended to snowball following summer breaks,

So, how do summer library programs help kids avert the summer slide? It may surprise you, but it’s not about requiring children to read book after book throughout the summer. Instead, as research suggests, it is more important to:

• Get kids into the library.

• Let them choose what they read.

• Involve their families.

As more and more families now realize, getting kids to love summer in the library is a win-win for all! Weekly summer reading programs at their core encourages reading. These free programs are educational, engag- ing, and remind kids that reading can be fun! Prevent your children from losing reading, math, and other school-related skills over the summer break. Make reading part of your summer routine and keep your child off the “Summer Slide”.

Here’s your source for current and upcoming great events. Event information is subject to change without notice; therefore, we encourage you to call ahead and confirm – and be certain to tell ‘em you saw it in Suburban Family Magazine!

If you have an event of regional interest that you would like included in the calendar section, please send an e-mail to mail@subfam.com. Deadline for inclusion in the September/October issue is Friday, August 11.

July

SATURDAY, JULY 1

DOGS Bullycon Chicagoland – BRC Global Canine Pedigrees at the DuPage Event Center. Begins at Noon. Wheaton. Brcglobaldogs.com

FAMILY Food Truck Festival – Come taste food from the region’s best food trucks, a beer garden and a vendor village. Starts at 11AM. Lemont Quarries. forgeparks.com

FAMILY Fourth of Ju-Luau Party – Tamales and food truck. Free from 5 to 8PM. at Wyckwood House, 80 S. River St., Aurora. auroradowntown.org.

MONDAY, JULY 3

FOOD Taste of Oak Brook – Bring the family for an evening of food from selected area restaurants and a fireworks display. 3-10PM. Oak Brook. Oak-brook.org

FIREWORKS Independence Day Extravaganza –DJ, food vendors, beer booth, kids’ activities and fireworks. 4-10PM. Centennial Park. Lemont. Lemontparkdistrict.org

★★★ Happy Independence Day! ★★★

TUESDAY, JULY 4

FAMILY “American Salute” – Lake County Symphony Orchestra presents free concert. 7PM. Outside at Buffalo Creek Brewing, Long Grove. Lakecountysymphonyorchestra.com

MUSIC West Suburban Symphony – Outdoor concert under the stars. Lawn seating, picnics welcome. 7PM.

Cantigny Park. Wheaton. Cantigny.org

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5

CONCERT Summer Concerts for the Family – Concerts begin at 7PM at North School Park. Arlington Heights. Ahpd.org

FRIDAY, JULY 7

MUSIC Music on Chicago – Live music, local food vendors, and beverages. 5:30PM-11PM. Freeport’s Art Plaza. Greaterfreeport.com

SATURDAY, JULY 8

OUTDOORS Ottawa Canal Day – Step Back in Time – A full day of Coopering, art and craft vendors, RC Boat racing, Kayak racing and more. Toll House. Ottawa. Pickusottawail.com

GAMERS Video Game Summit – 10AM-5PM at the McCook Athletic and Exposition. 80+ booths of classic and modern video games. McCook. Videogamesummit.net

SUNDAY, JULY 9

FAMILY Bike Bonanza – Celebrate the bike with aa BMX bike performance by Matt Wilhelm with live music, kids’ games and activities. Elmhurst History Museum 1-5PM. Elmhurst. Elmhursthistory.org

MONDAY, JULY 10

CONCERT Summer in the Parks – Celebrating the Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Presented by Brightside Theatre. 7-8PM. FREE. Downers Grove Swim and Racquet Club. Downers Grove. brightsidetheatre.com

TUESDAY, JULY 11

FAMILY Movies in the Park – Lyle, Lyle Crocodile at Northview Park. Seating begins 7PM. Concessions available. Lemont. Lemontparkdistrict.org

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

CONCERT Late Night at the Galleries – Cambo- dian Music: The Living Tradition. Bring blankets and chairs and enjoy the music at The Art Center. 6-8PM. Highland Park Theartcenterhp,org

THURSDAY, JULY 13

CONCERT Music on the Hill – Bring a blanket and chairs for a live band and two food trucks. 7-8:30PM. Hanover Park. Hpparks.org

CONCERT Concerts on Main – Fun, food and live music in downtown Roselle, Main Street. All ages, 6:30-8PM. Rparks.org

CONCERT Tri-State District Free Concerts in the Park – 7-9PM. Buckle Band plays at Sunshine Park, Willowbrook. Tristateparkdistrict.com

FAMILY Unplug Illinois – Relax and unplug for a device-free day at Shady Oaks Park. 5:30-7PM. Streamwood. streamwoodparks.org

FAMILY Movies in the Park – Spider-Man: No Way Home. Begins at dusk. Bring blanket or chair. Hinsbrook Park, Darien. darienparks.com

MUSIC Music in the Park – Thunderstruck perform at Sinnissippi. 7-8:30PM. Rockford. Rockfordparkdistrict.org

FRIDAY, JULY 14

CONCERT Naper Nights – Features cold drinks, great food and fabulous music. 5-10PM. Naper Settlement, Naperville. For tickets visit: napersettlement.org

MOVIE Movie in the Park – Encanto begins at 8:30PM at Recreation Park. Arlington Heights. Ahpd.org

SALE Sidewalk Sales – Enjoy the shops of downtown Libertyville. Check website for participating stores. 10AM5PM. Libertyville. mainstreetlibertyville.org

SATURDAY JULY 15

CRAFTS LaGrange Craft Fair - Unique, high-quality, hand-crafted items available for purchase. 10AM-5PM. Hinsdale. Craftproductionsinc.com

CONCERT Naper Nights – Features cold drinks, great food and fabulous music. 5-10PM. Naper Settlement, Naper- ville. For tickets visit: napersettlement.org

FAMILY Unplug Illinois Day – Ditch the electronics for outdoor games, water slide, music and bounce house. 10AM–12PM. Scout Lodge, Roselle. Rparks.org

FAMILY Citizen Science Scrambler – See how nature apps like eBird can make a difference. 12-2PM. Atwood Park. Rockford. Rockfordparkdistrict.org

FAMILY Classic Car Show – 12-4PM. Classic cars, music, food and refreshments. Downtown Barrington. Barringtonchamber.com

FAMILY Movies in the Park – “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” at Deer Grove Leisure Center. Movie starts at 8:15PM. Refreshments for purchase. Bensenville. Bvilleparks.org

FUNDRAISER Downers Grove Garden Walk –9:30AM-3PM. Money raised will support previously homeless families. Ticket required. Downers Grove. DGFUMC.org

OUTDOORS Chalk Art Contest – 10AM-1PM. Downtown Lemont at the Metra Parking lot. Register. Lemontparkdistrict.com

PLANTS Houseplant Swap – Free plant swap event from 1-3PM at Nicholas Conservatory. Houseplants only. Rockford. Nicholasconservatory.com

SUNDAY,

July 16

CRAFTS LaGrange Craft Fair - Unique, high-quality, hand-crafted items available for purchase. 10AM-5PM. Hinsdale. Craftproductionsinc.com

DOGS Dog Admission Day at The Morton Arboretum - Explore the Arboretum with your best, furry friend. 7AM-Sunset. Lisle. Mortonarab.org

FAMILY Ice Cream Social – Help celebrate Sam Vial’s birthday 1-3PM. La Grange Area Historical Society. La Grange. Lagrangehistory.org

OUTDOORS Voyage En France – Celebrating Cantigny’s unique connection with France with French sights, sounds and flavors. 10AM-4PM. Wheaton. Cantigny.org

MONDAY, JULY 17

FAMILY Museum Maker Monday – Drop-in for families only. Theme changes each month. 11AM-3PM. Elmhurst. elmhursthistory.org

TUESDAY, JULY 18

KIDS Cruise to Village Green – Snack time at The Pavilion at Village Green from 5-7PM during Cruise Night. All ages. Plainfield. Plfdparks.org

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

CONCERT Summer in the Parks – Celebrating the Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Presented by Brightside Theatre. 7-8PM. FREE. Wagner Family Pavilion. Naperville. brightsidetheatre.com

FAMILY Car Show - The classic car show features vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles in downtown Libertyville. 6-9 PM. mainstreetlibertyville.org

THURSDAY, JULY 20

FAMILY Movie in the Park – See The Rise of Gru at Heritage Park. Wheeling. Free. 8PM. wheelingparkdistrict.com

FAMILY Movie Night with the Cops – Bring your lawn chairs to Seven Gables Park. Movie begins at dusk. Free. Wheaton. Wheatonparkdistrict.com

MUSIC Music in the Park – Blooze Brothers perform at Sinnissippi. 7-8:30PM. Rockford. Rockfordparkdistrict.org

SHOP Girls Night Out – Shopping, dining and fun in downtown Libertyville. 6-9PM. Libertyville. mainstreetlibertyville.org

FRIDAY, JULY 21

CONCERT Evening in the Park – Enjoy music by Muilaert in Turner Park. 6:30-8PM. Food vendors. Roselle. Rparks.org

FAMILY Movie in the Park – Family-friendly “Soul” shows outdoors at Park Place Rec Center parking lot. 8:30PM. Streamwood. streamwoodparks.org

SATURDAY, JULY 22

FAMILY Car Show – Enjoy live music while checking out the classic cars. Food vendors. 1-4PM. Heritage Park. Wheeling. Wheelingparkdistrict.com

THURSDAY, JULY 27

ADULTS A Walk in the Park Wine Tour – Enjoy a summer guided wine tour of Central Park. 5PM. Summer concert at 7PM. Pre-registration required. Central Park, Oak Brook. Obparks.org

CONCERT Concerts on Main – Enjoy The Mackenzie O’Brien Band in Downtown Roselle. 6:30-8PM. Food vendors. Roselle. Rparks.org

FAMILY Movies in the Park – Finding Nemo. Begins at dusk. Bring a blanket or chair. Lindenwood Park, Darien. darienparks.com

FAMILY Movies at Mundy Park – The Venue at Water Street Mall hosts the brew and view series. Movie starts at dusk. Aurora. Auroradowntown.org

MUSIC Music in the Park – Steely Dane perform at Sinnissippi. 7-8:30PM. Rockford. Rockfordparkdistrict.org

OUTDOOR Garden Tours – Nicholas Conservatory invites the public for free guided garden tours. 10:30AM-Noon. Rockford. Nicholasconservatory.com

FRIDAY, JULY 28

ADULTS Summer Wine Fest – Annual wine fest at Lincoln Park Zoo with 50 varieties of wine from 20 wineries. 6:30-10PM. Lincoln Park Zoo. Chicago. Lpzoo.org

MOVIES Movies Under the Stars – Toy Story 2. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to Wheaton’s Public Library. 8PM. Wheaton. Downtownwheaton.com

MUSEUM Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center – Free admission during regular museum hours today and Aug. 25. Reserve Tickets online. Skokie. Ilholocaustmuseum.org

SATURDAY, JULY 29

ANTIQUES Long Grove Vintage Days – Antique and upcycled items for sale, free. 10AM-6PM. Longgrove.org

ART Geneva Arts Fair - Artisans from around the country in a host of mediums. 10AM-5PM. Geneva. Genevachamber.com

SUNDAY, JULY 30

ANTIQUES Long Grove Vintage Days – Antique and upcycled items for sale, free. 10AM-5PM. Longgrove.org

FAMILY Hokulea Academy of Polynesian Arts –5-6:30PM. Take a voyage through tropical islands through this performance. Heritage Park. Wheeling. Wheelingparkdistrict.com

August

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2

CONCERT Summer Concerts for the Family – Concerts begin at 7PM at North School Park. Arlington Heights. Ahpd.org

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3

CONCERT Summer in the Parks – Celebrating the Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Presented by Brightside Theatre. 7-8PM. FREE. Millennium Carillon Amphitheater. Naperville. brightsidetheatre.com

CONCERT Tri-State District Free Concerts in the Park – 7-9PM. ARRA plays at Sunshine Park, Willowbrook. Tristateparkdistrict.com

FAMILY Play in the Park – Sports of All Sorts themed activities at Commissioners’ Park. 5:30-7PM. Streamwood. streamwoodparks.org

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4

CONCERT Summer in the Parks – Celebrating the Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Presented by Brightside Theatre. 7-8PM. FREE. Naperville Band Shell, Central Park. Naperville. brightsidetheatre.com

FAMILY Stolp Block Party – The block party returns to Stolp Ave. 6-10PM. Music, food and fun. Aurora. Auroradowntowb.org

MUSIC Music on Chicago – Live music, local food vendors, and beverages. 5:30PM-10PM. Freeport’s Art Plaza. Greaterfreeport.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

ADULT Wheaton Brew and Seltzer Fest – Unique brews, live entertainment food and fun. 21+. 12-4PM. Wheaton. Wheatonparkdistrict.com

ART Annual Cornfest – Arts and crafts fair at the Community Church of Rolling Meadows. 11AM-6PM. Rolling Meadows. Ccrm.curch

FAMILY LaSalle County Cruisers Car Show – Annual Car Show begins at 2-7PM. Ottawa. Pickusottawail.com

TOUR MainSweet Dessert Walk – Sample portions of desserts at participating Main Street businesses. 12-3PM. Libertyville. mainstreetlibertyville.org

FAMILY Touch-a-Truck - See all of your favorite trucks up close in the parking lot of Park Place Family Rec Center. Free. 10AM-12PM. Streamwood. streamwoodparks.org

FAMILY Touch-a-Truck - See all of your favorite trucks up close at the Centennial Rec Center. Addison. Free. 10AM12PM. Streamwood. addisonparks.org

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6

FAMILY Touch-A-Truck – Free event for kids of all ages to explore their favorite vehicles. 11AM-3PM. Ottawa. Pickusottawail.com

MONDAY, AUGUST 7

FAMILY Museum Maker Monday – Drop-in for families only. Theme changes each month. 11AM-3PM. Elmhurst. elmhursthistory.org

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9

CONCERT Summer in the Parks – Celebrating the Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Presented by Brightside Theatre. 7-8PM. FREE. Ranchview Park. Naperville. brightsidetheatre.com

SPORT Links Technology Cup - A day of 18 holes of golf with cart, competition, cash, prizes and great food. 10AM. Schaumburg Golf Course, Schaumburg. schaumburgparkfoundation.org

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10

ADULTS Wine Walk – Swirl. Smell. Sip. Repeat. 5–8:30PM. Downtown Wheaton. downtownwheaton.com

FAMILY Benefit Car Show – Kick of Willow Fest with classic cars and trucks and entertainment. All Day. Willow Springs. Willowsprings-il.gov

FAMILY Movies in the Park – The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Begins at dusk. Bring blanket or chair. Pinewood Park, Darien. darienparks.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

CRAFTS Lamb’s Farm Summertime Craft Festival - Unique, high-quality, hand-crafted items available for purchase. 10AM-4PM. Elgin. Craftproductionsinc.com

FAMILY National S’mores Day – Enjoy a variety of s’more-themed activities and, of course, eat delicious s’mores. 10AM – Noon at Camp Greene Wood. Learn more and register your family today: bit.ly/SmoresRun

FAMILY Cruise Night Car Show – Diverse collection of cars from 5 states, Car cruising parade, food court and contests. 4PM. Freeport. Greaterfreeport.com

OUTDOOR Glow in the Park – Nostalgic adult fun with live music, fluorescent cocktails and glow-in-the-dark games and more. 7PM-12AM. Wheaton. Cantigny.org

OUTDOOR Rusty Rodeo – Help us round up Crayfish

July/August 2023 in order to reduce their numbers. Free. 10AM-Noon. Glenwood Park Forest Preserve and Batavia and Historic Piano Factory. St. Charles. Kaneforest.com

TOUR DeKalb County Barn Tour – 9AM-4PM. Driving and walking tour of DeKalb County barns. Dekalbcountybarntour.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

CONCERT Summer in the Parks – Celebrating the Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Presented by Brightside Theatre. 7-8PM. FREE. Community Park Bandshell. Lisle. brightsidetheatre.com

CRAFTS Lamb’s Farm Summertime Craft Festival - Unique, high-quality, hand-crafted items available for purchase. 10AM-4PM. Elgin. Craftproductionsinc.com

FAMILY International Festival – Celebrate the diversity of the area through dance performances and ethnic food. 1-7PM. Heritage Park. Wheeling. Wheelingparkdistrict.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15

KIDS Cruise to Village Green – Games at The Pavilion at Village Green from 5-7PM during Cruise Night. All ages. Plainfield. Plfdparks.org

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16

CONCERT Late Night at the Galleries – Looking Back and Forward: African-American Composers. Bring blankets and chairs and enjoy the music at The Art Center. 6-8PM. Highland Park Theartcenterhp,org

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17

CONCERT Music on the Hill – Bring a blanket and chairs for a live band and two food trucks. 7-8:30PM. Hanover Park. Hpparks.org

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18

CONCERT Naper Nights – Features cold drinks, great food and fabulous music. 5-10PM. Naper Settlement, Naperville. For tickets visit: napersettlement.org

FAMILY Movie in the Park – Family-friendly “Raya and the Last Dragon” shows outdoors at Park Place Rec Center parking lot. 8:30PM. Streamwood. streamwoodparks.org

MOVIE Movie in the Park – Minions: The Rise of Gru begins at 8:30PM at Recreation Park. Arlington Heights. Ahpd.org

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

CONCERT Naper Nights – Features cold drinks, great food and fabulous music. 5-10PM. Naper Settlement, Naperville. For tickets visit: napersettlement.org

FAMILY Family Expo – Live Entertainment, mini therapy horses and dogs, refreshments for purchase. 12-4PM. Free. Citizens Park, Barrington. barringtonchamber.com

FAMILY Sunset Stroll and Campfire Glow – Enjoy Atwood Park for an evening hike and campfire. 5:30-7:30PM. Rockford. Rockfordparkdistrict.org

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

FAMILY Craft Beer at Pollyanna Brewery – Parent can enjoy some great beer while the kids learn how to build a wood working project. Supplies provided. Register. 121:30PM. Rparks.org

OUTDOOR History on Wheels Bike Tour - Bicyclists are invited to join a 2-wheeled tour of Elmhurst led by the Elmhurst Bicycle Club. Reservations required. 11AM-12:30PM. Elmhurst History Museum, Elmhurst. Elmhursthistory.org

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24

MOVIE Movies at Mundy Park – The Venue at Water Street Mall hosts the brew and view series. Movie starts at dusk. Aurora. Auroradowntown.org

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25

MUSIC Irish Fest – Bring your lawn chairs to enjoy Irish music and lights snacks for purchase. 5-10PM. Arlington Heights Historical Museum. Arlington Heights. Ahpd.org

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

ART Alley Art Festival – Regional artists and local musicians are part of the activities. 12–5PM. Water Street Mall, Aurora. auroradowntown.org

ART The Forge Art Walk – Immerse yourself into art and nature, in our outdoor festival of art. $5. Lemont Quarries. forgeparks.com

CULTURE Heritage Fest – Family-friendly event with performances, food and cultural organizations. Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 10AM-1PM. Arlington Heights. Ahpd.org

FOOD Food Festival –A festival of food and drink with live music and activities for all ages. 4-8PM. West Chicago. Westchicago.org

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27

ART A Walk in the Park Art Fair – Local and Midwest area artists display art in various mediums, Free, 10AM-5PM. North School Park. Arlington Heights. Ahpd.org

ART The Forge Art Walk – Immerse yourself into art and nature, in our outdoor festival of art. $5. Lemont Quarries. forgeparks.com

FAMILY Concours d’Elegance – Classic car enthusiasts will view a collection of antique, classic and modern automobiles from 10 AM-4 PM. Third Street, Geneva. genevaconcours.net

Ongoing

ART Absurdity, In Dada We Trust –Art and storytelling on exhibit at the Art Center Highland Park. Thru 8/5. The Art Center Highland Park. theartcenterhp.org

BOOKS Newberry Book Fair - 7/28-7/30. Chicago’s most popular used book sale returns. 10AM-6PM. Chicago. Newberry.org

CONCERTS

Sunset Soiree Concert Series – Thursdays in July and 8/3. 7–10PM. Downtown Lemont. lemontparkdistrict.com

Concerts on the Village Green – Thursdays, 6/1-7/27, at the Burr Ridge Village Center. 7-8:30PM. Burr Ridge. Shopburrridge.com

Concert In the Park – Sundays, 8PM Free. Heritage Park Performance Pavilion, Wheeling. Wheelingparkdistrict.com

Summer Concerts at The Forge: Lemont Quarries –

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 6PM. Lemont. Buy tickets: Forgeparks.com

LaSalle County 4-H Show and Jr. Fair – 7/13-16. Hosted at the LaSalle County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1548 4H Rd. Ottawa. Pickusottawail.com

Christmas in July – 7/21-25. Visit downtown Wheaton shops for sidewalk sales and special offers. Wheaton. Downtownwheaton.com

World Wiffle Ball Championship – 7/15-16. Registration is open for players of all ages. Midlothian. Worldwiffleball.org

Concerts in the Park – Wednesdays in July at 7PM. Geneva. Genevaparks.org

STC Live – Wednesdays and Fridays at 6PM. St. Charles. STCalliance.org

Summer Concert Series –Thursdays in July. 6:30PM. Oak Brook. obparks.org

Summer Nights Concert Series – Sundays, 3–5PM. Cantigny bandshell, Wheaton. Cantigny.org

Summer Concert Series – Saturdays, 6-8PM in Washington Park. Ottawa. Pickusottawail.com

Summer Concert Series – Tuesdays, 7PM thru Aug. 1. Fishel Park, Downers Grove. dgparks.org

Concerts in the Plaza – Tuesdays, 7:30PM through 8/15. Independence Grove Forest Preserve, Libertyville. lcfpd.org/ things-to-do/concerts

Wacky Wednesdays – Children’s entertainment. Wednesdays at Memorial Park Amphitheater. La Grange. Communityparkdistrict.org

MYAC Summer Music Festival Series – Thursday evening orchestras at the picturesque MYAC Center, Ft. Sheridan. Highwood. Mya.org

Concerts in Your Park – Sunday evenings through 7/31. 7-8:30PM. Various parks in Naperville. Napervilleparks.org

Summer Concert Series – Tuesdays; 7PM. Thru 8/22. Circle Park, Bloomingdale. bloomingdaleparks.org

Summer Entertainment Series – Fridays and Saturdays; 6–9:30PM. Memorial Park Bandshell, Wheaton. wheatonparkdistrict.com

Music and Market on Stolp Ave. – Wednesdays; 6:30PM. 7/13 thru 8/10. Millennium Plaza, Aurora. auroradowntown.org

Summer Concert Series – Thursdays, 7-8:30PM. Hoosier Grover Park, Streamwood. streamwoodparks.org

Exhibits

The Bicycle: Two Wheels to Adventure – 6/9-9/17. Elmhurst History Museum. elmhursthistory.org

Bless You – 7/7-8, and 7/15. The Art Center, Highland Park. Theartcenterhp.org

Zoom Room exhibit – Open Memorial day through 8/31. Chicago Children’s Museum. Chicago. Chicagochildrensmuseum.org

Stone Carvers of Earth and Imagination – July 1 to Sept. 30. Lizzadro Museum, Oak Brook. lizzadromuseum.org

“65 Years” Special Exhibit – Cantigny Park celebrates it’s anniversary with this special exhibit that runs through 11/11. Wheaton. Cantigny.org

Once Upon a Childhood – Through 9/24. Items tell the story of how technology has impacted our lives. LaGrange Area Historical Society. Lagrangehistory.org

Cultivating Culture – Celebrating cultures in the Rockford area. 10AM-4PM. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. Rockford. nicholasconservatory.com

Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross – View Alex Ross’s art inspired by 30 years of Marvel. Elmhurst Art Museum. Through 8/14. Timed Tickets required. Elmhurstartmuseum.org

Entre Horizontes: Art and Activism Between Chicago and Puero Rico - Opens 8/19 at Museum of Contemporary Art. Chicago. Mcachicago.org

EXPO Fan Expo Chicago – 8/10-13. Celebrities, comic creators, voice actors and cosplayers at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Rosemont. Fanexpohq.com/fanexpochicago

FAMILY First Fridays – Featuring Food Trucks from 5–9PM in August. FREE. Water Street Square, Aurora. auroradowntown.org

FAMILY National Gathering of American Indian Veterans. 7/21-23. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. Tricksterculturalcenter.org

MOVIES Movies in the Park Series – Saturdays; 8:30PM. Cantigny bandshell, Wheaton. Cantigny.org

FAMILY Multiple Library Geocache – Through 8/5. Visit participating libraries using clues and coordinates for a chance at a prize. Multilibrarygeocache.weebly.com

FAMILY Starved Rock Nationals Car Show – 8/18-20. Classic cars, DJ’s. vendors, and a kids’ zone. Held at Skydive Chicago. Ottawa. Pickusottawail.com

FAMILY Unplug at the Park – Wednesdays. 5–7PM. Outdoor games and crafts, and a show featuring music and songs. Various parks, Wheeling. wheelingparkdistrict.com

FAMILY Butterfield Neighborhood Gatherings –Wednesdays thru 8/31. 4:30–7:30PM. Featuring food trucks, music and more. Christ Church Butterfield, Lombard. christchurch.us/neighbor

KIDS Children’s Lunch Hour Entertainment – Tuesdays this summer, hosted at several locations in Naperville 11:30AM. Naperville. Napervilleparks.org

SHOW Westmont Cruisin’ Nights – Thursdays. 5–9PM through 9/1. Downtown Westmont. westmontevents.com

SHOW Bluesmobile Cruise Nights – Saturdays 3-9PM. Emerson St. and Northwest Hwy., Mt. Prospect. mplions.org

SHOW Lemont Legends Cruise Nights – Wednesdays through 8/30. 6–9PM. Downtown Lemont. Lemont.il.us

SPORT NWSA World Series – National Wheelchair Softball Association Tournament 8/3-6. Ozinga Field. Crestwood. Wheelchairsoftballws.com

SPORT Kane County Cougars – Family-friendly fun at Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva. For more information visit kccougars.com

SPORT Chicago Dogs – Family-friendly games at Impact Field in Rosemont. For more information TheChicagoDogs. com

SPORT Schaumburg Boomers – Family friendly fun at Wintrust Field in Schaumburg. For more information visit boomersbaseball.com

SPORT Joliet Slammers – Family friendly fun in Joliet. For more information visit jolietslammers.com

SPORT Race to Mackinac – The oldest annual freshwater distance race in the world. Starts July 22. Chicago’s Navy Pier on Lake Michigan and finishes July, 23 at Mackinac Island, Mich. on Lake Huron. cycracetomackinac.com

TOUR Frank Lloyd Wright – Combine a guided tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio with an outdoor self-guided walking tour. Oak Park. For dates and times. flwright.org

Antico Posto

Oak Brook

Antico Posto is a cozy Italian cafe and wine bar serving Italian classics. Located in Oakbrook Center, signature dishes include Chicken Meatballs with arrabbiata sauce, Hand-Stretched Brick Oven Pizzas, House-Made Gnocchi and Baked Eggplant Parme-san. Dine in the main dining room, order catering for an at-home celebration, or enjoy the intimacy of Antico Posto’s private dining room. 630-586-9200. 118 Oakbrook Center. www.antico-posto.com

Beatrix

Oak Brook

Located in Oakbrook Center, Beatrix is an all-day restaurant, coffeehouse and meeting place open for weekday breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour and weekend brunch! The menu features healthy meets delicious options, and is known for its iconic coffee and bakery counter, including signature cookies and in-house pastry favorites. Plus, cele-brate your next event in the private dining room accommodating groups up to 65 guests, or enjoy Beatrix catering. 630-491-1415 272 Oakbrook Center. www.beatrixrestaurants.com

Catch 35 Naperville

Let’s get together at Catch 35 Chicago/Naperville! Fresh seafood specials and from the farm dishes offered daily. Charred Spanish Octopus, Seafood Cobb, Bone-in French Cut Ribeye, Pan Roasted Chilean Sea Bass, and so much more. Try the NEW Lunch specials at $13.95 such as Pork Belly Sliders, Fried Nashville Chicken, Crispy Calamari, or the Maine Lobster Roll at $15.95. All are available Monday thru Friday 11:30am to 3pm.

Catch 35 Naperville offers a casual neighborhood wine & cocktail bar and newly crafted bar menu featuring Tuna Poke Nachos, Bacon Wrapped Scallop Sliders, Charcuterie Board, Cocktails, and Specialty Wines. Cheers to Catch 35’s NEW Happy Hour special – Half priced Oysters and $4 off Bar Menu Items - every Monday thru Friday from 3:00pm to 6:00pm (available in the Bar & Outdoor Patio only). Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for special offers. Contact us at 35 S. Washington St. Naperville, Illinois 60540 – 630-717-3500. Dine in, delivery, & curbside pickup available. Visit www.catch35.com

Biaggi’s Algonquin, Deer Park and Naperville.

Biaggi’s is a casual Italian restaurant with 3 locations in the Chicagoland area offering large portions of affordably priced, authentic Italian dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients available. Relax in a comfortable, inviting dining room while enjoying your meal from an extensive selection of pastas, soups & salads, pizza, fresh seafood, steaks and desserts. Signature dishes include Fettuccine with Lobster, Ziti al Forno and White Chocolate Bread Pudding.

Open daily for lunch and dinner, Biaggi’s Chicagoland locations include Algonquin, Deer Park or Naperville. For a complete menu or additional information visit www.biaggis.com

SHOP, DINE, ENJOY

Downtown Downers Grove

Moose Lodge Cruise Nights, Friday Night Live, Loyal to Local, Sidewalk Sale, Indian Boundary YMCA Downtown Market, DG Park District Concerts, Shopping & Dining! Details at downtowndg.org