Free events in Wheeling, IL

Pastimes hosts a free Cookie Run TCG open play session where players can drop in for casual games. Anyone who signs in at the event receives a Cookie Run Promotion Pack as a participation bonus.

This bingo night is free to participate in. Each player receives one card that covers 10 games, and there are opportunities to win prizes during this midweek game night.

At Jen's Jensen Park, Food Truck Thursdays brings live music at no cost, a variety of food, and refreshing drinks. Pucker Up Confectionery will be on site serving hand-shaken lemonades and limeades, dirty sodas, and mini pancakes.

The Throwbacks bring a live set of 1950s and 1960s hits to Mount Prospect, with plenty of dance-friendly classics. There is no admission charge, and all are welcome.

The Niles Founders Day Celebration fills Golf Mill Park with an evening of free entertainment for all ages. Food trucks, family-friendly activities, fireworks, and more are part of the festivities.

A community picnic rooted in tradition will be held at Dam No. 4 Woods East in Grove 2. Started by Steve "Boy" Gore and later carried on by Ken "Turtle" Kasal, it is now being continued by the next host to keep the #LifeGuardsForLifePicnic spirit alive. Families, friends, and pets are welcome, and attendees should plan to bring their own food, drinks, and any supplies they might need for a relaxed day outdoors.

Hosted by the Arlington Heights Art Guild, this 55th year of A Walk in the Park Art Fair takes place at North School Park. Admission is free. Attendees can enjoy food, music, and live art demonstrations, and the event includes a scholarship benefit.

The Beth Am food pantry hosts a curbside collection to gather shelf-stable foods and household essentials for the community. Donations are received outdoors, and the synagogue building is not open to guests during the collection. On-site help is limited to a small team of 6 to 10 volunteers coordinated by the pantry chairs, Barb K and Jane Z. If you are not part of that scheduled group, please do not come to volunteer. Those who prefer to give funds instead of shopping can make a contribution designated for the Food Pantry, and the team will purchase needed items on their behalf. Requested donations include canned beans, soup, vegetables, fruit, tomato products, chicken, tuna, chili, and pasta meals such as ravioli and spaghetti-Os, as well as beef stew and beef hash. Also requested are plastic jars of peanut butter, jelly, and spaghetti sauce, along with meal mixes like Tuna Helper, Hamburger Helper, and mac and cheese. Additional needs include boxed instant potatoes, bags of dry rice, packaged side dishes, non-sugary breakfast cereal, small bags of flour and sugar, containers of oatmeal, and toilet paper. Plastic jars and standard-size items are preferred. No pork products and no expired food. This effort reflects the teaching to leave a portion of the harvest for those in need, echoing Leviticus 23:22.

The Studio welcomes volunteers for a variety of projects that support the creation and delivery of angel gowns. Those with intermediate or higher sewing experience can learn to sew angel gowns and are asked to bring a portable sewing machine. Anyone who does not sew can lend a hand by tracing and cutting pattern pieces, assembling sewing kits, trimming ribbon to length, carefully deconstructing wedding dresses, preparing angel gowns for delivery, checking in donated wedding dresses, and photographing gowns and finished pieces. There is a break around midday with bottled water and snacks provided, and bringing a personal lunch is welcome. Participation is flexible, whether staying for the full session or stopping in for a shorter visit.