This weekend in Wheeling, IL

Kona Ice will be at Station Park in Winnetka, Illinois, offering the Klassic for $5 in a 12 ounce cup, the King for $6 in a 16 ounce cup, and the Kolor-Change for $7 in a 16 ounce souvenir cup with $4 refills.

Celebrate 43 years of creativity at the Port Clinton Art Festival in Highland Park. Stroll through thousands of works, from paintings and sculpture to mixed media, presented by more than 200 artists from across the country at a nationally recognized, top-ranked show. Meet makers at live art demonstration stations and look for a tent focused on kid-friendly art. Families can dive into the Kids Art Zone with hands-on projects, face painting, giant bubbles, spin art, sand sculpture, coloring, drawing, art fest bingo, and live painting classes. Food and drink options include cold beer, specialty coffees, BBQ, Mexican fare, Italian ice, and other treats, and live music adds to the atmosphere. Admission is free, parking is convenient and close, the grounds are accessible and easy to navigate, and the location is just steps from the Highland Park Metra station.

Explore the world of bees at this hands-on celebration of honey. Observe bees at work from close range, taste several varieties of local honey, and talk with a beekeeper to learn how honey is made. Take part in interactive stations where you can participate in a hive adoption option, construct a small habitat for pollinators, and make take-home items using beeswax. The program takes place outdoors, so dress for the weather. Advance registration is required for all attendees, adults and children alike. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult who has paid the fee. Suitable for ages 6 and up. Price is $14.

Blues takes the spotlight at this festival, bringing a soulful vibe and lively rhythms to the celebration.

This celebration marks the crowning of the 2026 queens of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. Admission is $5.

Many Paws Global Rescue hosts the second event in its seasonal adoption series at The Red Barn Restaurant and Brewery. Meet adoptable dogs, learn how fostering and volunteering work, and explore what it takes to welcome a new companion. Each dog is seeking a caring home, and attending supports rescue efforts in the area and beyond. The venue offers food and drinks, creating a comfortable setting to connect with animals and speak with rescue representatives. Many Paws Global Rescue is a volunteer-driven, no-kill organization dedicated to helping homeless, abandoned, neglected, and at-risk animals find safe, loving homes.

Carla Cooke presents a warm homage to her father, Sam Cooke, through “The Sam Cooke Experience”, a concert that blends faithful renditions with her own expressive touch. As a vocalist and storyteller, she shares the songs and the stories behind them, offering a close look at his life, creative spirit, and influence on soul, gospel, and popular music. The performance features beloved hits such as “A Change Is Gonna Come”, “You Send Me”, “Cupid”, and more. Guided by the inspiration of her father, her godfather Sir Mac Rice, writer of “Cheaper to Keep Her” and “Mustang Sally”, and her uncle LC Cooke, her sound moves through gospel, Christian, R&B, soul, pop, and contemporary styles. The result is an intimate tribute that continues Sam Cooke’s legacy while connecting it to today’s musical landscape.

Kona Ice is popping up at Saint Viator High in Arlington Heights, IL with treats that give back. 25 percent of every purchase supports Saint Viator. Menu options include the Klassic 12 oz for $5, the King 16 oz for $6, and the Kolor-Change 16 oz souvenir cup for $7 with $4 refills.

Ravinia Festival’s summer concerts present a full season of live music featuring Brandi Carlile, I am Her, Snoop Dogg, Paul Simon, Chance The Rapper, Kool & The Gang, Martina McBride, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Shakes, and Gladys Knight with Brian McKnight, along with many others. Tickets are available for purchase.

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.

Inertia performs at Des Plaines Elks Lodge #1526 for a lively evening of entertainment.

Strawdawg performs as an acoustic duo at Rep's Place in Rolling Meadows.

Grungeworthy performs at Madcats, serving up rock with a touch of Foo Fighters and Everclear in the mix. The cover charge is $7.

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.

A casual potluck with the St Emily Filipino Ministry offers time to meet members and share some fun. New members and guests are welcome. Attendees are asked to bring one dish, one dessert, and drinks to share, and to bring their A-game for a spirited gathering.

Miranda Lambert is set to headline Ravinia Festival. A presale is planned.