Community Events Calendar
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Artist Nick Cave will speak about his work - including his Soundsuit - at a Sept. 18 talk at the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage.
ARTFULLY DONE
Nature Words and Collage
Thursdays, Sept 26-Nov. 7
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 206-9566
Using inspiration from famous authors who wandered the great outdoors, fill the pages of travel-size sketchbooks with new awareness. No class Oct. 10. Time: 9:30 a.m. to noon. Cost: $165. RR
Fall Prairie Sketch
Sept. 29
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 W. 111th St., Lemont
(630) 257-2045
Learn techniques to sketch a scene of the early fall grasses and blooms of the prairie. Ages 12 & up. Time: 1 p.m. RR
AUDITION CALL
‘Shrek The Musical’
Oct. 4 & 5
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale
https://www.stagedoorfinearts.com/shrek-auditions
Stage Door Fine Arts is holding singing and dancing auditions for its upcoming production (Jan. 17-26) for those in third grade and up (second-graders who were in “Madagascar” may audition). High schoolers are especially encouraged. Those in fifth grade and under will sing a song from the show. Those in sixth grade and up will sing a song of their choice in the style of the show (contemporary musical theatre or pop). An accompaniment track with no vocals must be brought to the audition; a capella singing is not allowed. Visit the website listed above to sign up for a time. Callbacks will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, if needed. Times: 5 to 9 p.m.
FAITH COMMUNITIES
Free concerts
Sept. 27 & 29
Christ Church Oak Brook
501 Oak Brook Road
christchurch.us
On Sept. 27, Christ Church organist Marianne Kim, with other members of the Fox Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, will conduct an educational demonstration of the church’s Austin-Allen 120-rank organ. On Sept. 29, enjoy the Festival of Keys as Kim and pianists Margo Misiaszek and Julia Tsien perform a variety of music on piano, organ and harpsichord. Times: 7 p.m. Sept. 27, 3 p.m. Sept. 29.
FAMILY FUN
Pumpkin decorating
Oct. 5
Zook Studio
Katherine Legge Memorial Park
5901 S. County Line Road, Hinsdale
https://www.hinsdalehistory.org/programs-and-events
Join the Hinsdale Historical Society in decorating pumpkins and bring along creative and spooky ideas. Pumpkins, decorating supplies and refreshments will be provided. Families should register by Oct. 3. Fees will be collected at the door. Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $7 per child. RR, MD
FOR A CAUSE
Uncorked: Pull a Cork for Cancer
Sept. 21
The Drake Hotel Oak Brook
2301 York Road
https://e.givesmart.com/events/don
Support Scoreboard Charities by enjoying wine tastings, taking part in live and silent auctions and shopping a marketplace featuring exclusive pop-ups and boutiques, along with delicious bites, entertainment, fashion and presentations from Camp One Step and Robert H. Lurie’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. Time: 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets: $150.
‘A Night for Nature’
Sept. 26
Danada House
3S501 Naperville Road, Wheaton
(630) 933-7097
https://www.dupageforest.org/night-for-nature
The Friends of the DuPage County Forest Preserve District is hosting this benefit to raise funds for natural areas, nature education and recreational programs in the forest preserves. Guests can bid on exclusive forest preserve opportunities — from helping train a bobcat to joining a prescription burn — while enjoying dinner. Both live and silent auctions feature items such as participating in a prescription burn, personalized instruction from a forest district PGA pro before playing 18 holes with three friends at The Preserve at Oak Meadows. a fall kayak outing for four at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve and a covered wagon ride for 10 at St. James Farm Forest Preserve. Tickets are available through Sept. 13. Time: 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets: $100 per person, $900 for table of 10.
2019 Community Sustainability Awards
Sept. 27
Gibsons
1028 N. Rush St., Chicago
https://hhcd.org/2019-community-sustainability-awards
The Holsten Human Capital Development and its board of directors chair, Jackie Taylor Holsten, and CEO, Peter Holsten, both of Hinsdale, will host this event. Jim Letchinger, founder and CEO of JDL Development, will be celebrated for his leadership in the effort to help end homelessness. The evening will feature drinks, hors d’oeuvres, music and interactive fundraising opportunities. Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $100.
Oktoberfest: Prost to the Pets
Sept. 28
Tuthill Family Pet Rescue & Resource Center
21 Salt Creek Lane, Hinsdale
(630) 323-5630
https://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org
Enjoy beer, a German band and food, a cigar bar, silent auction, craft beer pull and more to while helping pets in need. The first 100 people to purchase tickets will receive an event beer stein. Time: 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets: $45, $75 for VIP admission.
GAME ON
Jodie Harrison Basketball League Keyholder early bird registration
Sept. 23-29
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale
(630) 323-7500
https://www.thecommunityhouse.org
In its 35th year, this recreational league is open to grades two through eight, focusing on instruction and helping kids learn and enjoy the game of basketball. Teams will be selected first based on years of experience and school attendance area. Evaluations will be held for those in grades four through eight on Nov. 10 or Dec. 12. Players receive a T-shirt or jersey. Registration begins Sept. 30 for non-Keyholders. Practices begin the week of Jan. 6; games begin the week of Jan. 18-19. Cost: $190 for grades two to four; $205 for grades five to eight. RR, MD
GRAND GALAS
Wines in the Wild
Sept. 21
Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St.
(708) 688-8393
This 18th annual fundraiser for the zoo, themed Staying Alive!, will allow guests to sample more than 100 wines and champagnes from around the world amidst suspended shimmering disco balls and nightclub music. Individual bottles or cases will be available for purchase, with 10 percent of all proceeds donated back to the zoo. The event will also feature a raffle and a silent auction. Tickets include the tasting, zoo admission, parking and a commemorative wine glass. A VIP reception will be held from 6 to 7:15 p.m. offering the opportunity to sample exclusive wines not available during the main event, plus a chance to meet some of the zoo’s ambassador animals. Time: 7:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets: $120, $275 for VIP ticket.
Evergreen
Sept. 28
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 725-2027
The arboretum will host this annual fundraising gala to support the institution’s mission to plant and protect trees for a greener, healthier and more beautiful world. The event will be emceed by Peter Sagal, host of NPR radio show “Wait, Wait ... Don’t Tell Me!” and specialty cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a gourmet dinner along with live music, dancing, prize drawings and live and silent auctions. Time: 5:30 p.m. start. Tickets: $500.
Reclaim13 gala
Oct. 5
Westin Chicago Lombard
70 Yorktown Center
https://www.reclaim13.org/gala-2019
The nonprofit’s annual gala will celebrate successes, share future plans and raise funds toward the mission of ending the cycle of sexual exploitation. The evening will include cocktails, a gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions, a paddle raise and live music with dancing. The event is black tie optional. Time: 6 p.m. to midnight. Tickets: $200, $1,750 for table of 10.
GREAT OUTDOORS
Party for the Preserves
Sept. 21
Camp Bullfrog Lake
9600 Wolf Road, Willow Springs
(708) 386-4042
Join this fun afternoon of hiking, biking and paddling for the official kick-off to public lands week in Cook County Forest Preserves. Hours: 3 to 9 p.m.
End of Summer S’more-gasbord
Sept. 21
Fullersburg Woods
3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook
(630) 850-8110
dupageforest.org
Mark the end of the season on a self-guided walk through the woods. Then stop by the campfire and try a gourmet s’mores recipe or a personal creation. All ages are welcome; those under 18 must be with an adult. Time: 7 to 9 p.m. Cost: $5. RR
Kayaking: Oak Reflections
Oct. 1
Herrick Lake
Butterfield Road just east of Herrick Road, Warrenville
(630) 933-7248
Enjoy the fall oaks from a different point of view by learning paddling strokes and safety tips. Equipment is provided. Participants should dress to get wet and bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, extra shoes and a towel. The program is for ages 12 and up; those under 18 must be with an adult. Time: 3 to 5 p.m. Cost: $20. RR
GREEN THUMB
Free wood chips
Sept. 21
Blackwell Forest Preserve
29W218 Mack Road, West Chicago
(630) 876-5920
Homeowners may bring vehicles no larger than a pickup truck to take mulch; contractors are not allowed. A DuPage County Forest Preserve District employee will be on hand with a tractor to help fill trailers or truck beds. People who want smaller amounts should bring their own containers. Allow enough time to load and exit the nursery by 1 p.m. The nursery entrance is on the south side of Mack Road a half-mile east of Route 59. Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Live Well Die Well
Sept. 26
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale
https://journeycare.org/livewell
JourneyCare presents this program, with support from the Community Memorial Foundation, featuring speaker Kimberly Paul, author of “Bridging the Gap” and podcast host of “Death by Design.” Paul worked with hospice patients for almost 20 years and now endeavors to help people feel more comfortable talking about end of life and reclaim it as a human experience. Lunch and dinner programs are offered; the lunch program is entitled “Live Well Die Well: A Journey to Find Connection Personally and Professionally,” and the dinner program is entitled “Following Your Curiosity: Being Brave is Scary.” Times: 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.. Cost: $10. RR
Hot Topics in Prostate Cancer
Sept. 28
Wellness House
131 N. County Line Road, Hinsdale
(630) 323-5150
Join the top oncologists, surgeons and healthcare professionals in the Chicago area to learn the latest updates in research and treatment related to prostate cancer. Sessions include panel discussions and presentations on managing side effects of treatment and updates in metastatic prostate cancers. Time: 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. RR
Free Fitness in the Park
Mondays through Oct. 14
Burlington Park
30 E. Chicago Ave., Hinsdale
https://www.hinsdalechamber.com
These weekly fitness sessions are sponsored by the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Farmers Market. Shred415 will lead HIIT Fitness from 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 23. Participants should bring a mat.
JUST FOR KIDS
LEGO Engineering & Robotics
Wednesdays, Sept. 25-Nov. 13
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale
(630) 323-7500
https://www.thecommunityhouse.org
Kids ages 5-8 will design and build castles, monsters, bridges, volcanoes and more, including projects that actually move and can be tested to see how they work. Time: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Cost: $190. RR, MD
NOTEWORTHY
Michael J. Miles and Lloyd Brodnax King
Sept. 21
Unitarian Church of Hinsdale
11 W. Maple St.
(630) 941-7797
Miles and King join forces with their latest interpretations of pop music covers and new compositions, along with breathless improvisation. Miles is one of the most innovative clawhammer banjo players in the world, as well as a master guitarist and singer. King is a virtuoso flute soloist, bassist and singer. Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $18, $16 for students & seniors.
Chris Botti
Sept. 21
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942.4000
This Grammy Award-winning trumpet player’s uniquely expressive sound and soaring musical imagination have established him as one of the most noteworthy and innovative figures in the contemporary music world. VIP Suite Service is available for an extra $30, which includes a pre-show cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception followed by coffee and dessert at intermission. Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $75-$85.
Heartache Tonight
Sept. 21
Theatre of Western Springs
4384 Hampton Ave.
(708) 246-3380
https://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com
Enjoy this Eagles tribute band performing the music of one of the world’s greatest bands, with hits including “Desperado,” “Take it Easy” and “Hotel California.” Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $35. RR, MD
Mark Dvorak & Last Acre
Sept. 28
Maple Street Chapel
200 S. Main St., Lombard
(630) 677-0225
https://www.maplestreetconcerts.org.
Dvorak, called “Chicago’s official troubadour,” has performed in 38 states and in parts of Europe and Canada, winning awards for journalism and children’s music and honored in 2008 with the Woodstock Folk Festival Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2013 with the FARM Lantern Bearer Award from Folk Alliance. Last Acre is made up of father and daughter duo Mark and Molly Mathewson. Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $18.
Ode to Joy: Beethoven’s 9th Symphony
Sept. 28 & 29
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
Beethoven’s expressive Egmont Overture will open the New Philharmonic’s season, followed by Symphony No. 9, widely regarded as Beethoven’s greatest work. The orchestra will he joined by four vocalists and the 100-voice Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus for the conclusion of this masterpiece. The Sept. 28 performance will also feature COT Annual Young People’s Competition Winner Emily Ruvoli playing Concertino by Cecile Chaminade on the flute. Times: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28, 3 p.m. Sept. 29. Tickets: $51-$53, $10 for youth 17 and younger.
The Kingdom Choir
Oct. 6
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
Best known for their show-stopping performance at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the choir will bring its soul-stirring gospel sound, warm energy and electrifying enthusiasm to this performance as part of the international “Stand By Me Tour.” A free MAC Chat will precede the concert at 2 p.m. Time: 3 p.m. Tickets: $65-$70.
ON STAGE
‘How I Learned to Drive’
Sept. 26-Oct. 6
Theatre of Western Springs
4384 Hampton Ave.
(708) 246-3380
https://www.theatrewesternsprings.com
This first Forum play of the season won playwright Paula Vogel the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1998. The story follows the strained, sexual relationship between Li’l Bit and her aunt’s husband, Uncle Peck, from age 11 through her teenage years, to college, and beyond. It addresses pedophilia, victim blaming and misogyny as well as the complications of love and family. The subject matter is for mature audiences. Times: 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays & Saturday, Oct. 5; 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29. Tickets: $22-$24.
Holding Court: Reflections on a Life of Cabaret
Sept. 27-28
Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
(630) 530-0111
https://www.DruryLaneTheatre.com
Join Denise Tomasello, Chicago’s Queen of Cabaret, for an intimate evening of song and stories as she strolls down memory lane putting her glamorous touch on Broadway favorites and classics from The Great American Songbook. Doors open one hour prior to performance time; there is a $25 food and beverage minimum per person. Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $40-$50.
Sherlock’s Last Case
Oct. 5-Nov. 3
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 986-8067
First Folio Theatre presents this thrilling adventure mixing suspense, humor and breath-stopping surprises. When Sherlock Holmes’ life is threatened, it’s up to the ever-dependable Dr. Watson to solve the case. Tickets for preview shows Oct. 2-4 are $25. Times: 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays; 3 p.m. Thursdays & Sundays; 4 p.m. Saturdays (except Oct. 5). Tickets: $34-$44, $29-$39 for seniors and students; $10 for children 14 and younger.
‘Holmes and Watson’
Through Oct. 6
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942.4000
Three years following the mysterious “death” of Sherlock Holmes at Reichenbach, there have been many imposters who’ve claimed to be Holmes. But now three separate men insist that they are the infamous literary master in this riveting and clever adventure performed by the Buffalo Theatre Ensemble. Times: 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays; 1 p.m. Sept. 8. Tickets: $42, $40 for seniors.
‘The Color Purple: The Musical’
Through Nov. 3
Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
(630) 530-0111
https://www.drurylanetheatre.com
Join the heroic journey of Celie, an African-American woman in the American South during the early 1900s, as she navigates her adoration for her sister and her beloved children, the strife of being in an abusive relationship and her own spirituality. This inspiring musical is based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker and earned 15 Tony Award nominations, including the win for Best Revival of a Musical. Parental guidance for children 13 and younger is suggested. Dining and show packages are available. Showtimes: 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 1:30 and 8 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays. Tickets: $55-$70.
RUNS & WALKS
Raise the Roof 5K
Sept. 22
Hinsdale Central High School
55th and Grant streets
This seventh annual fundraiser for Hinsdale Central High School’s Habitat for Humanity chapter will support the group’s 2020 house sponsorship and summer building trip. Time: 8 a.m. Cost: $25. RR
Dash & Bash
Sept. 29
Starts at Robbins Park
Seventh and Vine streets, Hinsdale
https://www.madisonpto.org/dash-bash-4/
Join this annual 3K family fun run with a post-race celebration immediately following at Madison School, 611 S. Madison St., that will include food trucks, a DJ, a magician and games. Time: 9:30 a.m.
Rotary Run Charity Classic
Oct. 6
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale
https://www.rotaryruncharityclassic.org
This 25th annual run/walk includes 3K, 5K and 10K runs, 3K and 5K walks, a Walk ’n’ Roll and the Mutt Strut. The CARA-certified event winds through the historic streets of Hinsdale, ending back at The Community House, where post-race family activities will include vendor/sponsor booths, refreshments, music and more. Proceeds benefit leading community charities such as The Community House, District 181 Foundation, Hinsdale Hospital Foundation, Rotary Club of Hinsdale Foundation and Ray Graham Association-Hanson Center. Time: 8:30 a.m. Cost: $25 for all events through Sept 27, Walk ’n’ Roll and Mutt Strut are free. RR
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
Oct. 6
Cantigny Park
1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
(630) 733-9773
https://www.MakingStridesWalk.org/dupageil
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation, raising money help the American Cancer Society fund innovative breast cancer research, provide education and guidance to help people reduce their risk and offer comprehensive patient support to those who need it most. Time: 8 a.m. check-in, 9:30 a.m. walk. RR
SENIOR SCENE
Medicare Informational Seminar
Sept. 24
Homer Township Public Library
14320 W. 151st St., Homer Glen
State Sen. John Curran (R-41, Downers Grove) is hosting this session to provide seniors with details on all parts of Medicare, including eligibility, what’s covered, getting help with out-of-pocket costs and open enrollment. The event is facilitated by AARP; refreshments will be available. Time: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
SIGN UP NOW
School Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
Sept. 21
Drury Lane
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
(630) 852-8633
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/school-volunteer-appreciation-breakfast-tickets-65458414881
State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-47, Elmhurst) will host this event to recognize the seven teachers in her district who received the 2019 Golden Apple Award and to show appreciation for all district teachers, school support staff, principals, PTA members, school board members and superintendents, all of whom are invited. Time: 9 to 11 a.m. RR
‘Band of Brothers’ Evening
Sept. 25
Cantigny Park
1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
(630) 668-5161
Attend this panel discussion with the actors and writers from the Emmy-winning HBO miniseries “Band of Brothers.” An autograph session will follow. There will also be a pre-event VIP cocktail hour with the actors and writers, at which guests will receive a copy of “How Easy Company Became a Band of Brothers,” by Chris Langlois. The cost is $75, which includes the book, drinks, appetizers, parking and admission to the panel discussion immediately following. Time: 7 p.m. Admission: $15. RR
SPECIAL EVENTS
Passport Europe Festival
Sept. 21 & 22
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 968-0074
This sixth annual event will featuring dancing, live music and athletic demonstrations representing cultures from across the continent. Live music ranging from Spanish flamenco, Polish polkas and Italian jazz, as well as dances from Ireland, Germany, and Greece are among the attractions. Visitors can enjoy authentic European cuisine or participate in live athletic demonstrations such as Irish hurling. The pre-event kickoff Passport Europe Tasting takes place at 6 p.m. Sept. 19, offering samples of beer, wine and spirits from a variety of locations across Europe. Admission is $40 for members, $50 for nonmembers. Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: $15, $13 for seniors ages 65 and over, $10 for ages 2-17, free for under age 2.
Goers’ Fall Festival Birthday Party
Sept. 28
Vern Goers Greenhouse
5620 S. Oak St., Hinsdale
(630) 323-1085
https://christian-goers.squarespace.com/blog/100thbirthday
The Hinsdale greenhouse will celebrate 100 years in business with this event, featuring a free bonsai class with Dan Kosta at 10 a.m., Sugar Mama’s Food Truck (serving free popcorn, cotton candy and hot apple cider) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., facepainting from 1:45 to 3:45 p.m., a $100 gift card raffle, a coloring contest, apple cider doughnuts from Page’s and of course, birthday cake & balloons. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
STEPPING BACK
Mayslake Hall Franciscan Era Tour
Oct. 4
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 206-9566
Learn about the Franciscan Province of the Sacred Heart, which owned and operated Mayslake Hall as a retreat house from 1924-91, and the “mad monks” who chased away curious visitors. The program is for ages 12 and up; those under 18 must be with an adult. Time: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Cost: $15. RR
Mayslake Farms: A Gentleman’s Dream
Through Nov. 7
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 206-9566
Through this interactive exhibit, discover the story of the people, animals, and land that made up Mayslake Farms, Peabody’s “gentleman” farm, which was on the grounds from 1910-22. Times: 9 a.m. to noon Mondays to Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
WEE ONES
Handprints: Messy Mixed Media
Sundays, Sept. 22-Oct. 27
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale
(630) 323-7500
https://www.thecommunityhouse.org
Kids ages 3-5 will have fun creating their very own art projects in this messy class, inspired by a particular story and theme presented at the start of each class. Drop-off is optional; parents and caregivers are welcome. Child must be toilet independent or use pull-ups, and should bring an old, oversized shirts to wear as a smock. Time: 1 to 1:45 p.m. Cost: $115. RR. MD
Community Art Storytime
Sept. 23
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
(630) 986-1976
https://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
Ages 4 and up are invited to join artist and teacher Maureen Claffy for an exploration of narrative with a fun community art project in a hands-on class. No experience is necessary. Time: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. RR
Key
RR - registration required
MD - member discount
