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River Forest Events

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Get Out: Hemingway, Blues, Poe Party and More

Another weekend, another chance to explore our amazing area.

Looking for weekend plans? Look no further... TEEN POE PARTY When/Where: 7 p.m. Friday at the River Forest Public Library, 735 Lathrop Ave. Why Go: Teens in grade six and up can celebrate Edgar Allen Poe's 203rd birthday with a library celebration, complete with scary stories and Poe-themed snacks and activities. Price: Free HEMINGWAY'S HOT HAVANA When/Where: 7 p.m. Saturday at the Hemingway Museum, 200 N. Oak Park Ave. Why Go: Brian Sinclair Gordon brings Ernest Hemingway to life in this one-man show, which takes the audience through a series of live storytelling. Cuban music, food and drinks, and a self-guided museum tour follow. Price: $25 for Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park members; $35 for nonmembers WORLD INDO-AFRO FUNK …

Casey Cora

4:51 pm on Thursday, January 12, 2012

Ouch. That's twice today. My apologies. It's corrected now.   more ›

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Ring in 2012 at These Local Events

We've got you covered for holiday happenings.

Ah, New Year's Eve. Depending on your age, experience and energy, it's a night to be loved or loathed.  Nailing down plans can be tough — reservations fill up fast, noisy amateurs pack the local haunts and transportation is tricky.  Not to worry. We've compiled a list of some of the area's best bets.  Oak Park Public Library: Bring the family for a magic show performed by Dennis DeBondt. 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Second Floor Veteran's Room of the Oak Park Public Library Main Branch, 834 Lake St. (708) 452-3429 for more details Wonder Works: The children's museum is throwing a family-friendly party featuring New Year's Eve countdowns with countries across the world, sparkling cider, guided crafts, face painting, music and more. $5 …

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Get Out: Creatures, Hay Rides and Other Features

Another weekend, another chance to get out and explore our amazing area.

FAMILY FIRESIDE HALLOWEEN When/Where: 7 p.m. at River Forest Public Library, 735 Lathrop Ave. Why Go: The folks at the library say Friday's activities include "ghoulish games, creepy crafts, a 'spooky stacks' walk, and 2 marionette show performances (first come, first served). We’ll have a hay wagon ride, bonfire, s’mores and pumpkin painting ($1) outside. Wear your costumes!" Price: Free THIRD FRIDAY GALLERY WALK When/Where: Friday evening in the Oak Park Arts District. Why Go: Many of the district's vibrant art galleries remain open to customers strolling in and out. For a complete list, check out the OPAD website. Price: Free CREATURES OF THE NIGHT When/Where: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 …

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Get Out: DJ Tales, Cuban Tunes, Mexican Food

Another weekend, another chance to get out and explore the amazing Oak Park and River Forest area.

CLARK WEBER'S ROCK 'N' ROLL ROOTS When/Where: 7 p.m. Thursday at the River Forest Public Library, 735 Lathrop Ave. Why Go: As program director and disc jockey at WLS, Clark Weber "chose the playlists back when rock ‘n’ roll was clean and the Chicago River was dirty," and he'll share tales from his book at this special appearance. More here. Price: Free LOS PERROS CUBANOS AT MAYA DEL SOL When/Where: Friday evening at Maya Del Sol, 144 S. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park. Why Go: Chef Ruben Beltran is firing off crazy-good Mexican dishes, the outdoor fire pit is crackling, the waiters will bring blankets to patio diners and the throwback Cuban tunes of Los Perros Cubanos will keep things interesting all night. Viva musica! Viva Maya! Price: Check …

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Get Out: Art, Beer, Magic and Movies

Another weekend, another chance to explore our amazing area.

OAKTOBERFEST When/Where: 4-10 p.m. Friday; Noon-10 p.m. Saturday in downtown Oak Park (Lake Street, Marion Street, North Boulevard) Why Go: It's time again to welcome the fall season with the 20th annual Oaktoberfest, a celebration of food, music, drinks and family fun. (Full roster of local food vendors, microbrews, wine and kids activities here) Price: Free admission ART ON HARRISON When/Where: 6-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-7 p.m Saturday in the Oak Park Arts District, located along the nine blocks west of Austin Boulevard. Why Go: This year's theme is "Embracing the Arts," and will feature a wealth of artistic expression from the area's abundant talent. Painting, photography, dance, drums, jazz, bluegrass and much more. Complete lineup here…

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Get Out: Ribs, Art, Foreign Films, Blues and Bears

Need weekend plans? You got 'em.

FOREST PARK RIBFEST When/Where: Saturday at the Forest Park Picnic Grove, 7824 W. Madison St. Why Go: Ribs, ribs and more ribs will hit the grill as amateur chefs square off in a best barbecue contest. Live music, drinks and family fun. Price: Free admission LOCAL ART ON DISPLAY AT OPPL When/Where: 2-4 p.m. Sunday at the Oak Park Public Library Main Branch, 834 Lake St. Why Go: The four local artists behind the library's "Abstract Synergy" art exhibit —  Holly Renald Cohn, Bea Giordano, Pern Krider and Nell Himmelfarb Scheider — will be on-hand for a reception. Price: Free admission FOREIGN FILM FORUM AT RIVER FOREST LIBRARY When/Where: 2 p.m. Sunday at the River Forest Public Library, 735 Lathrop Ave. Why Go: A thought-provoking foreign …

Friday, August 26, 2011

Get Out: Movie Night, Green Fair, Phat Fiction & More

Another weekend, another chance to get out and explore the Oak Park and River Forest area.

Summer is winding down and school is starting up. Here's a look at some activities to get your weekend started right: MOVIE NIGHT IN BARRIE PARK When/Where: Begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Barrie Park, 127 Garfield St. in Oak Park. Why Go: All kinds of family fun as Istvan and His Imaginary Band kick things off before a screening of How to Train Your Dragon. Price: Free BATS! NIGHT STALKERS When/Where: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday at Hal Tyrell Trailside Nature Museum, 738 Thatcher Ave. in River Forest. Why Go: Organizers say participants can "Discover the hidden world of bats, including using special equipment to find them outside." Price: Free, registration required. More here. PEDAL OAK PARK BIKE TOUR When/Where: Begins 9:30 a.m. at …

John Mulu

6:08 am on Tuesday, December 20, 2011

There have been some really cool shopping app recommendations over the past couple of days...I ended up downloading the 'Should I Buy It?' app someone recommended and it is awesome! I was shopping for shoes and was able to quickly share them with my friends to see what they thought of them. Here is the link again to download: http://bit.ly/sibifm33   more ›

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Get Out: Jamming, Tasting, Bluffing, Dancing

Another weekend, another chance to explore our amazing area.

Need local weekend plans? Look no further. WINE TASTING AT HOUSE RED When/Where: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at House Red, 7403 W. Madison St. in Forest Park Why Go: Italian winemaker Antonio Deltetto and Croatian winemaker Ivica Matosevic visit the Madison Street storefront, and its new "Vinoteca" wine bar, for a showcase of their wines. Price: Free TASTING AND BOOK SIGNING WITH NORMA RIXTER When/Where: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Magic Tree Bookstore, 141 N. Oak PARK Ave. Why Go: Author, "wellness guru" and Oak Park-River Forest realtor Norma Rixter will prepare recipes from her new book Norma Can COOK!, which highlights quick and healthy meals for families. Price: Free admission FATHER-SON POKER TOURNAMENT When/Where: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. …

Lauren121

4:57 am on Saturday, December 17, 2011

There have been some really cool shopping app recommendations over the past couple of days...I ended up downloading the 'Should I Buy It?' app someone recommended and it is awesome! I was shopping for shoes and was able to quickly share them with my friends to see what they thought of them. Here is the link again to download: http://bit.ly/sibifm33   more ›

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Get Out: Rock Out, Party Down and Learn to Sleep it Off

Warmer weather means more great reasons to get out and explore Oak Park and River Forest.

Of course, there's Earth Fest, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Oak Park Public Works Center, and the debut of the Oak Park Farmers Market, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in Pilgrim Congregational Church parking lot. But here are some of our other weekend recommendations. Know of more happenings? Please tell us in the comments or add it to the Events calendar. Free and easy! ROCK OUT FOR A CAUSE When/Where: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday at FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road in Berwyn. Why go: Proceeds from this double bill concert, featuring The Webstirs and The Contractors will benefit Sarah's Inn, the Oak Park-based resource agency for abused women and their families. Price: $20 WHAT'S BLOOMING ON HARRISON When/Where: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday …

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Get Out: Local Cameos by Roy Blount Jr., Israel Idonije and the Late James Eitrheim

Another weekend, another chance to explore our amazing area.

Looking for something to do this weekend? We've got you covered. ROY BLOUNT JR. AT UNITY TEMPLE When/Where: 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursday at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St. in Oak Park. Why Go: The wit and wisdom of Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! contributor will be on full display as author Roy Blount Jr. discusses Alphabetter Juice, a follow-up to his 2008 book Alphabet Juice, as part of the Writers at Wright series. Price: $10; tickets at The Book Table website. BEATLE BROTHERS AT FITZGERALD'S When/Where: 9 p.m. Friday at FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road in Berwyn. Why Go: Hear a bunch of oldies but goodies as Chicago's Beatle Brothers play a 25th anniversary gig. Price: $8 COMPOSTING 101 When/Where: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Oak …

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