This weekend in Wheaton, IL

The third annual Chick-fil-A 5K brings the community together to support local families while raising funds for cancer awareness and research through the American Cancer Society. Participants can run or walk, and supporters can cheer from the sidelines so every step contributes to the cause. The event takes place at Danada Forest Preserve with 101.9 The Mix.

The Fox Valley Genealogical Society’s Fall Conference, MOVING ON: Early American Migration, is an in-person program at the NIU Naperville Conference Center featuring four presentations by nationally respected speakers Michael John Neill and Dr. David McDonald. The sessions blend hands-on research guidance with historical insight to help attendees chart ancestral migration routes, navigate Bureau of Land Management land records and tract books, explore how Illinois was settled from the colonial period through 1850, and consider the influence of the Second Great Awakening on life in 19th-century America. Extended question and answer periods, 30 minutes each, follow both the morning and afternoon segments to allow for deeper discussion and targeted help with migration research challenges.

This program presents classical hatha yoga through Yogasanas, a sequence of 21 postures that shape the body and mind into a foundation for lasting wellbeing. Rather than a typical workout, the practice works with subtle energies so the inner system aligns in tune with the wider cosmos, encouraging an inner chemistry that supports health, joy, a sense of bliss, and overall balance. Benefits include relief from chronic ailments, greater physical stability, and support in slowing the aging process. Sessions take place at Clarion Inn Elmhurst - Oakbrook in Elmhurst, IL.

The Lisle French Market returns with twice the footprint, bringing even more local vendors to explore. This weekly open-air farmers market invites visitors to shop small, support area businesses, and enjoy the fresh air. The experience blends the French Market atmosphere beloved around Chicagoland with the distinctive charm of Lisle. Visit each week to discover new favorites and reconnect with familiar vendors.

This French-inspired outdoor market showcases farm-fresh produce, freshly baked treats, area retailers, and neighborhood organizations. It emphasizes quality and offers a cheerful, fun atmosphere for browsing and shopping.

A community-centered walk focused on supporting young women navigating their breast cancer journey. This family-friendly gathering offers ways to contribute by walking, donating, or sharing the message, and every step helps provide essential resources and meaningful support during a difficult time. Registration is open.

Ninjas Open Play at Ultimate Ninjas Academy welcomes children ages 3 to 9 for a fun session on the obstacles. Participants can take on bigger ninja challenges with assistance from an adult or a coach. Kids can try monkey bars, trapeze bars, a rock wall, and a warped wall, along with other scaled-down obstacles inspired by those seen on TV.

A live performance by Guitarra Azul takes place at The Morton Arboretum as part of Festival de Arboles. The complete band will be on stage, highlighting the new album Desert Highway.

Laura Keyes presents an illustrated talk celebrating the often overlooked women who helped shape the early United States. Beyond familiar names like Martha Washington and Abigail Adams, the program introduces many others whose courage and choices resonated for generations. Their contributions ranged from sustained efforts during the Revolutionary War to single acts of decisive bravery, each leaving a lasting imprint on a growing nation. The presentation features stories of soldiers, writers, printers, scholars, farmers, artists, and spies, all women whose firsthand experiences at the founding deserve to be heard. It highlights their history, their courage, and the enduring legacies they left behind.

At Naper Settlement, an early newspaper hawker shares stories about Land of Lincoln legends and their inventions, featuring Marvin Camras with the tape recorder, Laurens Hammond with the electronic keyboard, Levant Richardson with ball bearing roller skates, Charles Pajeau with tinker toys, Ives McGaffrey with the vacuum cleaner, and Whitcomb Judson with the zipper.

St. Paul's Oktoberfest brings neighbors together in the east-side parking lot for music, food, and community fun. Wurst Käse Scenario sets the tone with live entertainment while Pastor Zak and his team run the grills, paired with a spread of sides and desserts. Activities include hands-on crafts, games, friendly contests, and dancing. Attendees are welcome to wear festive Oktoberfest attire.

NeuroQueer Social Night is a monthly gathering for neurodiverse LGBTQ adults and allies that focuses on connection and community. Attendees can take part in crafts, games, and other relaxed activities in a setting that is supportive of neurodiversity, with the freedom to participate at a pace that feels comfortable. There are also options tailored to more specific interests. For details, email olive@naperpride.org.

Shanahan's marks Oktoberfest with lederhosen, lively polka music, and spirited sing-alongs for a night of fun. Reservations can be made by phone.

This concert gathers Italy's signature sounds into one program, blending grand opera, lively overtures and memorable film music. Vocal highlights include Puccini's Nessun Dorma with tenor Jesse Donner and Di Capua's O Sole Mio. The orchestra takes center stage in Rossini's Barber of Seville overture, Denza's Funiculì, Funiculà, Bellstadt's Napoli featuring solo cornet, and Respighi's Appian Way from Pines of Rome, along with the fourth movement of Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4. Cinema is celebrated too with Rota's theme from The Godfather and Bacalov's main theme from Il Postino showcased by solo violin.

Enjoy an evening of dinner and dancing at Manhattan's American Bar and Grill during Croozin' The Loop.

The 8th Annual JMS Youth Sports Foundation Golf Outing brings golfers together at Village Links Golf Course for a shotgun scramble while honoring Coach Smith on what would have been his 80th birthday. All proceeds support young athletes with financial need by funding sports equipment, team dues, and college scholarships. Registration is $225 per person and includes 18 holes, access to the driving range, lunch, and an open bar. Participants may register as individuals or as a foursome, and capacity is limited.

The Illinois Plastic Kit and Toy Show fills the DuPage County Fairgrounds Home Ec and Annex Buildings with 150 tables of collectibles and models. Attendees can buy, sell, trade, or simply browse a wide range of items, including diecast pieces, plastic model kits, cars, trucks, airplanes, military themes, emergency vehicles, muscle cars, Matchbox and Hot Wheels, action figures, and items across many scales, both new and pre-owned. General admission is $8 for adults, and children under 12 are free with an adult. An early bird option is available for $20. Tickets are sold at the door only. Food service is available on site, and parking is free. Dealer spots and pre-ticket sales are not handled by third parties, so avoid anyone attempting to sell spaces or collect payments outside official channels. For show information, call 630-969-1847.

Browse a selection of vendor booths, including Astrid's Kitchen featuring artisan sourdough loaves, focaccia, and more. The market takes place in a parking lot opposite the post office, with parking available in the post office lot for easy access.

Explore a welcoming celebration of local holistic wellness and the arts, featuring a variety of exhibitors sharing their specialties. Offerings may include aura photography, bodywork and energy work, intuitive readings such as tarot and astrology, handmade jewelry and gifts, and luxurious spa products, along with complimentary workshops. Admission is free for all attendees. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

At Ty Warner Park in Westmont, MWG supports a Spinal Muscular Atrophy Walk-n-Roll celebration. Troopers will be on site during the festivities.

Ultimate Ninjas Academy invites children ages 3 to 9 to an open play session designed for young ninjas. Participants can try monkey bars, trapeze bars, a rock wall, a warped wall, and many other smaller versions of obstacles seen on TV. Bigger challenges are available with help from an adult or a coach.

Guitarra Azul performs live at The Morton Arboretum during Festival del Arboles. This appearance features the full band and highlights music from their new album, Desert Highway.

A concert that gathers Italy’s cherished music into one program, uniting operatic fervor, buoyant overtures, and memorable film themes. Hear Puccini’s Nessun Dorma performed by tenor Jesse Donner, Respighi’s Appian Way from Pines of Rome, and Rossini’s Overture to The Barber of Seville, alongside cinematic selections including themes from The Godfather and Il Postino. The program also features Di Capua’s O Sole Mio, Denza’s Funniculi, Funnicula, Bellstadt’s Napoli for solo cornet, the fourth movement of Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, and Bacalov’s main theme from Il Postino for solo violin. A warm salute to the spirit and sweetness of Italian music.

Lotus Vibrations Healing offers a restorative sound meditation that immerses participants in layered tones from singing bowls, drums, rattles, didgeridoo, flute, gong, and handpan. The vibrations are intended to ease tension and support an energetic reset at a cellular level, helping attendees feel balanced and renewed. The evolving waves of sound encourage brainwave entrainment, gently shifting consciousness and inviting harmony in mind, body, and spirit. Participants are encouraged to lie down, focus on their breath, and relax. Please bring a yoga mat, eye mask, blanket, pillows, a water bottle, and any knee support you may need. Chairs are available. This is a donation based event open to the community.