ARTFULLY DONE
Watercolor Painting
May 7
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Learn how to paint poppies and peonies in the loose style with Audrey Ra of Audrey Ra Design. Time: 7 to 8:15 p.m. RR
CENTRAL TIME
Teacher Appreciation 2024
Through May 3
http://www.hinsdalecentralfoundation.org
The Hinsdale Central Foundation is inviting families to make a donation to honor a special teacher, coach, sponsor or staff member during Teacher Appreciation Week. Parents can nominate their own former teachers or coaches and donate in their name. The individual will receive a message from the donor and a special certificate to display. Donations will support programs that benefit teachers, students and families. Donations may be made on the foundation's website listed above or pay by Venmo to @HCHS-Foundation. Include the individual to be honored, their department or position, the amount to be donated and a personal message.
Central Booster Board
meeting
May 15
Grill 89
800 E. Ogden Ave., Westmont
The final 2023-24 Hinsdale Central High School Booster Board meeting is open to the public. All HCHS parents interested in joining the board are welcome to stop by for food/drink and to learn more. Time: 6 p.m.
FAMILY FUN
Mommy + Me Tea Party
May 8
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Children ages 3-6 and their favorite adults can share a memorable and enchanting tea party experience, including a creative tea cup craft, imaginative play, pretend tea time and quality bonding. Time: 1 to 1:45 p.m. Cost: $54.
Fishing: With Mom
May 12
Hidden Lake
Route 53 south of Butterfield Road, Downers Grove
(630) 933-7248
Spend the morning by the lake with moms, creating memories and learning skills to increase fishing success. All ages are welcome. Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost: $5 per person. RR
FOR A CAUSE
Hinsdale Kitchen Walk
May 10
Hinsdale homes
The Hinsdale Historical Society Women's Board is sponsoring its annual event showcasing the kitchens of six different homes in the village, which are listed at the website above. Proceeds support the Hinsdale Historical Society and its mission to bridge the past, present and future by engaging the community with its history and architecture. A limited number of premium preview tickets are available.Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets: $95.
Bikes for Military Kids
Through May 18
http://www.tinyurl.com/4dawbc49
Help support Hinsdale Rotary's annual drive to provide new bikes and helmets to 80 kids of active Illinois military members. The presentation of the bikes will take place May 18 - Armed Forces Day - at The Community House.
A Pint for Kim
May 11
Naperville North High School
899 N. Mill St.
This 5th annual blood drive honors former Naperville resident Kimberly Sandford, who required more than 40 blood transfusions in her final months battling a rare cancer. The event also will feature a huge car show, live music, raffles, games, food trucks, a kids' area and more. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are preferred. Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
GAME ON
Chicago Elite Youth Volleyball
Tuesdays, May 7-28
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr
(630) 789-7090
Boys and girls ages 6-11 can learn and develop key fundamentals including ball movements, hitting, serving, passing, setting and defense. Players will grow in confidence, assertiveness and sportsmanship in a competitive setting. Time: 5 to 6 p.m. for ages 6-11, 6 to 7 p.m. for ages 11-14. Cost: $115.
GREAT OUTDOORS
Spring Birding
May 4 & 8
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 W. 111th St., Lemont
(630) 257-2045
Join this guided walk to learn how to identify birds and appreciate their ecological significance. Binoculars will be available for loan. Time: 8:30 a.m.
Early Morning Bird Walk
May 4 & 11
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Join this search for migrating birds. Binoculars are recommended. Time: 8:30 a.m. RR
Spring Sensory Walk
May 4
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Enjoy a leisurely walk and appreciate the sights, smells and sounds of springtime in nature. Time: 1:30 to 3 p.m. RR
Forest Hike
May 6
Meacham Grove
South Circle Avenue north of I-20, Bloomingdale
(630) 933-7248
Enjoy the wonders of the forest preserves and get some healthy exercise on a guided, quick-paced 3- to 5-mile hike. Time 8:30 to 10 p.m. Cost: $5. RR
Frog Talk
May 10
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Learn why frogs communicate while taking a walk along wetlands. Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m. RR
World Migratory Bird Day
May 11
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 W. 111th St., Lemont
(630) 257-2045
Celebrate migratory birds and watch bird banding demonstrations while learning how insects affect bird populations. Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Learn to Kayak
May 11
Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch
107th Street west of South Willow Springs Road near Willow Springs
(312) 533-5751
Ages 14 and up will learn the fundamentals of kayaking in a comfortable setting and at a relaxed pace from expert REI guides. Water safety basics, trip planning and how to enjoy one's time on the water will also be taught. Kayaks, paddles and necessary safety equipment will be provided. Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. RR
GREEN THUMB
ABC's of Composting
May 6
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Join Kay McKeen of SCARCE to dig into the basics of composting and learn about this simple and affordable way to fight climate change while reducing garbage and restoring the soil. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR
Grow a Low-Maintenance Garden
May 9
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 719-2468
Find out which shrubs and perennials a horticulturist chooses when planting a lower-maintenance garden, and learn why certain plants are easier to care for and how to select the right set of plants for a site. Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost: $49. RR
Annual Plant Sale
May 11
Hinsdale History Museum
15 S. Clay St.
The Garden Study Club of Hinsdale will hold its annual plant sale featuring perennials from members' gardens as well as English garden baskets. Proceeds help fund the club's ongoing maintenance of the history museum garden and other projects. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Native Plant presale
May 16
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
Purchase a ticket for access to the presale and shop for native flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees. Visitors should bring their own box or wagon. Plant experts answer questions and make planting recommendations, and plant availability will be based on what the supplier is able to deliver the week of the sale. Proceeds support the Friends of the Forest Preserve District. The actual sale runs 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 16 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 18. Time 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets are limited. Cost: $20.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Learn to Meditate
May 8 & 15
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Both novice and experienced meditators are invited to join Zelma Chamberlain for this two-part workshop on how to meditate in a focused, profound way. The second session will build upon the learning in the first session. Time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. RR
Self-Defense for Mental Health
May 12 or 13
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Learn how the brain controls responses during a self-defense situation, how one recovers from a traumatic experience, and why others play a critical role in the recovery process as well as the benefits of preventative and responsive self-defense training. Attendees will practice basic striking on soft targets and learn escapes from common grabs. Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 12, 7 to 9 p.m. May 13. Cost: $49.50. RR, MD
HELP WANTED
Mayslake Peabody Estate survey
Ongoing
The DuPage County Forest Preserve District invites the public to share feedback on a conceptual master plan for Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, aimed at enhancing the center's amenities and programming to ensure the site continues to serve as a vibrant cultural hub for generations to come. The conceptual plan details possible uses of the building, identifies specific areas for improvement and discusses how to preserve the mansion as a museum space while updating rooms. Visit the website above to take the survey.
JUST FOR KIDS
Spirit of Life Painting Workshop
May 4
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Kids from third to eighth grade can explore their creativity in this workshop inspired by the world renowned Chinese artists the Zhou Brothers, and led by Hinsdale artist InJung Oh, founder of OH Art Foundation. The Zhou Brothers will visit the library from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11, for a meet-and-greet and to sign copies of their book. Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m. RR
LISTEN & LEARN
The Many Lives of Kal Penn
May 7
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Actor, writer, producer and former associate director of the White House Office of Public Engagement Kal Penn will share his myriad accomplishments in a unique and fun game show-style experience in this Illinois Libraries Present Zoom program. Audience members can submit questions for Penn to answer when registering. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR
Mastering Your Home Network
May 9
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Unlock the secrets of the home network, including getting the best out of routers, modems, switches and more. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR
Severe Weather 101
May 13
Clarendon Hills Public Library
7 N. Prospect Ave.
http://www.clarendonhillslibrary.org
(630) 323-8188
Nick Bartholomew, owner of Storm Science, which explores the fundamentals of extreme weather, will discuss storm chasing, local climatology, previous tornado occurrences and storm safety. Time: 7 p.m. RR
NOTEWORTHY
Billy Elton
May 3
Theatre of Western Springs
4384 Hampton Ave.
http://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com
(708) 246-3380
This vibrant eight-piece tribute band to the music of Billy Joel and Elton John will perform the legendary artists' biggest hits and hidden gems to create a thrilling and ever-evolving experience for fans of all ages as part of the TWS Performance Series. Time 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $40. RR, MD
La Mer
May 4
Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church
149 W. Brush Hill Road
http://www.elmhurstsymphony.org/la-mer
(630) 941-0202
The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra presents this concert featuring Debussy's "Ibéria"(from Images pour orchestre), Saint-Saëns' Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor and Debussy's "La mer." A pre-concert discussion will be held at 5:45 p.m. in the church's upper gathering area. Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $35-$45.
A Night at the Opera
May 5
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
Join the DuPage Chorale and four vocal soloists for an evening of favorite opera choruses and arias, including Verdi's "Anvil Chorus" from "Il Trovatore," Purcell's "When I Am Laid in Earth" and Final Chorus from "Dido and Aeneas," "Habanera" from Bizet's "Carmen," and a little Gilbert and Sullivan to round out the program. Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $17, $15 for seniors, $7 for youth.
'Feels Like Home'
May 7
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.soundsgoodchoir.org
(630) 395-9542
The Hinsdale Sounds Good! Choir, part of area's largest choral-music organization for adults 55 and older, presents this free program featuring hits from artists ranging from Nat "King" Cole and Crosby, Stills and Nash to Aaron Copland and Antonin Dvorak, as well as new songs by Kyle Pederson, PinkZebra and more. Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Guitar Ensemble
May 9
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
Come hear a lively mix of blues, jazz, funk and even classical arranged for a variety of guitarists, acoustic and electric. Time: 11 a.m.
Jazz/Pop Combos
May 10
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
The student ensemble performance will feature a variety of types of jazz, ranging from classic to contemporary, instrumental as well as vocal. Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $7.
New Horizons Band of DuPage
May 11
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
1310 Shepherd Drive, Naperville
http://www.goodshepherd-naperville.org
The group of musicians from Chicago and surrounding suburbs will perform well-known selections and audience favorites, and feature the concert band, brass choir, German band, jazz band and woodwind consort. Light refreshments will follow the concert. Time: 3 p.m. Admission: Free, donations accepted.
Joe Jencks and Deidre McCalla
May 18
Unitarian Church of Hinsdale
11 W. Maple St.
(630) 941-7797
A 25-year veteran of the international folk circuit, Joe Jencks is an award-winning songwriter and celebrated Chicago-based vocalist who merges conservatory training with his Irish roots and working-class upbringing in musical narratives filled with heart, soul, groove and grit. Singer-songwriter Deidre McCalla has long been at the forefront of redefining the understanding of how Black folk do folk. Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $20.
ON STAGE
'Into the Earth with You'
Thursdays to Sundays, May 2-June 2
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
The Buffalo Theatre Ensemble presents the world premiere of this Brian Watkins play, following three sisters - whose granddad has died - can't forget what's buried when an impossible discovery upends their notions of loss. A pre-show discussion with the director and designers will be held at 6:45 p.m. May 2; a post-show discussion with the director, cast and crew will beheld May 10. The production contains adult themes and language. An ASL performance will be given Thursday, May 23. Times: 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $44, $42 for seniors.
'Guys and Dolls'
Through June 9
Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
http://www.drurylanetheatre.com
(630) 530-0111
The beloved Broadway musical comedy promises an unforgettable evening at the theatre. Times: 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 1:30 and 7 p.m. Thursdays, 7 p.m. Fridays, 3 & 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 & 6 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $100.75-$111.25.
RUNS & WALKS
Walk for Wellness House
May 5
Wellness House
131 N. County Line Road
Walk, run or join in the fun remotely with this annual event to benefit Wellness House, which provides free programs (online and in-person) for people affected by cancer. Register as an individual or as a team, and help raise money from family and friends. Time: 8 a.m. program, 8:30 a.m. walk/run. Cost: $30.
Pink 5K
May 11
Central Park
1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook
Help fight breast cancer by participating in this 10th annual run/walk event Register as an individual or as a team of 15 members or more. Proceeds benefit Hinsdale Hospital Foundation's Open Arms breast cancer outreach fund. Time: 8 a.m. Cost: $35, $40 on race day.
Run for the Roses 5K
May 19
Forest Road School
901 Forest Road, LaGrange Park
http://www.raceroster.com/events/2024/85145/run-for-the-roses
This LaGrange Park Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event benefits Pillars Health. The registration deadline is May 15. Time: 8 a.m. Cost: $40.
SIGN UP NOW
It's a Beautiful Book Club
2nd Thursdays, May-August
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Join this monthly book club led by retired teacher Margaret Gross. Registration is only needed once per season. Walk-ins are welcome. Books likely will be available at local libraries. For more information, email [email protected]. Time: 10 to 11 a.m. Cost: $2 at the door. RR
TEENS & TWEENS
Make a Bracelet
May 6
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Youth in middle and high school can make and wear a unique bracelet using beads and charms. Time: 4 to 5 p.m. RR
WEE ONES
Toddler Art: Nature
May 10
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Little ones will enjoy a mini-storytime and craft all about living things and the great outdoors. Time: 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. or 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. RR
Junior Firefighters
May 17
Hinsdale Fire Department
121 Symonds Drive
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Kids ages 3-7 will learn from Hinsdale firefighters about important fire safety practices and get a tour of the Fire Safety house to see how to exit a home in the event of a fire and how to recognize potential fire hazards. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Time: 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Cost: $12. RR
Key
RR - registration required
MD - member discount