Events in Wheeling today

At Southminster Presbyterian Church in Arlington Heights, Lumos presents an intimate candlelight concert where a string trio reimagines the music of Queen and Elton John in a classical style. The program is split into two halves, first highlighting Queen staples such as Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Another One Bites the Dust, Don’t Stop Me Now, You’re My Best Friend, I Want to Break Free, Somebody to Love, Killer Queen, and We Are the Champions. The second half turns to Elton John favorites including I’m Still Standing, Crocodile Rock, Bennie and the Jets, Saturday Night’s Alright, Candle in the Wind, Rocket Man, Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word, and Don’t Go Breaking My Heart. Seating is first come first served within your selected zone, with Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze options. The event is for ages eight and older. The venue is wheelchair accessible, though front row placement cannot be guaranteed. Two sittings are planned. Lumos partners with notable locations and churches across the UK and US to bring tributes to celebrated artists, and a donation is made to a different charity each month.

Support SB Foundation’s food drive fundraising at Dairy Queen in Palatine, IL. If at least 20 people attend, 20 percent of proceeds will benefit SB Foundation. An RSVP is required.

Tarkington and the PTO present a back-to-school bash celebrating the start of a new academic year and community spirit. Students and families can reconnect with friends, meet new faces, and share the excitement of a fresh start together. Event details and updates are shared by the Tarkington PTO on Facebook at @Booth Tarkington PTO.

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.

Retrospect brings a night of food, drinks, and back-to-back favorites to Moretti's Morton Grove. The music spans decades, from classic Motown to contemporary hits, flowing smoothly from one era to the next. Arrive early to secure a table and settle in for an evening of music from start to finish.

Enjoy a solo set featuring both vocals and instrumentals at Cefalu Seaside Sicilian, an Italian restaurant.

Set aside the noise of daily life for a restorative sound healing experience that invites mind, body, and spirit to reset. Guided by Simon Jay Cervania of Harmonic Waves Healing, this session weaves energetic clearing, grounding, and intention setting to encourage relaxation and renewal. Waves of sound from gongs, singing bowls, handpan, chimes, flutes, and other instruments surround you as stress eases and the nervous system settles. It is suited for stress relief, emotional release, deep rest, and thoughtful self care. For comfort, bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow, eye mask, water, and wear comfortable clothing.

An adults-only bingo event presented by the American Legion Auxiliary features regular and special games plus a progressive split-the-pot. The minimum to play is $15. Participants may bring their own snacks and nonalcoholic drinks, and the bar serves beverages. Pizza is available for purchase. Early arrival is recommended to secure a spot. Karaoke keeps the fun going afterward.

Friday Night Magic has long been a staple for the local Magic community, welcoming players of every experience level to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new opponents, and enjoy a night of matches together. This event features Modern Constructed and runs for three Swiss rounds. Rules enforcement is Regular and no decklists are required. Entry is $10 or 150 prize tix. Every participant receives a standard promo pack while supplies last. Prizes scale with performance... a 3-0 record awards 5 play boosters or 250 prize tix, 2-1 earns 3 play boosters or 150 prize tix, 1-2 earns 2 play boosters or 100 prize tix, and 0-3 still takes home 1 play booster or 50 prize tix.

Each Friday evening, with holiday exceptions, American Legion Post 208 offers a relaxed karaoke hangout. Laugh together, sing the songs you love, and enjoy a pressure free setting that keeps the focus on fun. Bring friends for an easygoing night out.

Celebrate the back to school season with IN THE FLESH at Des Plaines Theatre. Onesti Entertainment presents the band’s return, featuring a laser show by Laser Graffiti and a guest appearance from original ITF vocalist Pete Papageorge.

Atomic returns to Madcats with two 75-minute sets featuring Blondie favorites and covers spanning 80s punk, new wave, and rock. The show includes new material added since the band’s last appearance at this venue. $5 cover.

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.

Drop in to the Canvas at Des Plaines Public Library during open hours to use sublimation to customize a pouch featuring the library’s 250th Heart logo. Visitors can also take home a branded pencil, a sticker, and a Constitution. The Canvas is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, as well as the first and second Saturday of each month.

Fore! The Love of Animals returns for its second annual golf outing at Royal Melbourne Golf Course, dedicated to supporting animals in need. Golf registrations are sold out, but dinner tickets are still available. For those holding the two-golfer package, the experience includes 18 holes with a shared cart, golf bag service, coffee, locker room access, practice time with range balls, professional scoring, on-course game coordination, a boxed lunch, and a BBQ dinner. Guests who are not golfing can attend the dinner and take part in a silent auction, no clubs required. Enjoy a day on a members-only course while making a positive impact for pets in care.

An after-school hangout where teens can connect with the teen librarians in a relaxed setting. Get guidance on careers, college options, and scholarships, ask for personalized book recommendations, or unwind with board games or a PS5. There is also time for simple crafts, doing nails, and casual conversation with snacks. It is a friendly chance to ask questions, try something fun, and get to know the teen librarians.

Put your knowledge to the test at a Madcats-style trivia night. Expect a challenge, and the top team will take home a prize at the end of the night. This event is hosted by Pub Trivia USA.

Hot Pockets Sports Bar hosts a live trivia competition where players can test their knowledge while enjoying food and drinks with friends. The event features competitive play and prizes for first, second, and third place.

MomsPlus Playgroup meets in the parish community room at St Raymond's Catholic Church.

The AmSpirit Des Plaines Chapter holds a weekly meeting that welcomes both members and guests. This regular gathering offers a simple way to participate in the chapter’s weekly session.

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.

This mahjong social at X-Golf Kildeer features open play, and golf is optional. To reserve a table or a solo spot, call 8478471723.

This open mic offers a professional setup with a dedicated sound engineer and a full backline that includes a drum kit plus bass and guitar amps. On-site sign-up precedes rotating performances. Solo acts and full bands can share original music or play covers in a supportive setting that welcomes everyone. The event is hosted by Ambassador of Good Will Rob Rosenberg. Sets are also streamed live and made available as videos.

The Birdies & Besties Golf Classic brings golfers together at Mt. Prospect Golf Club to support recreational programs for children and adults with disabilities. The outing includes nine holes on a scenic course, lunch to start the day, and the Caddy Auction. Refreshments will be provided on the course, with additional beverages available for purchase at the clubhouse. The day wraps up with a cocktail hour, a cash bar, prizes, and raffles. All proceeds benefit the Special Leisure Services Foundation, the fundraising arm of Northwest Special Recreation Association, to help provide accessible transportation for NWSRA participants. Participation supports inclusive, enriching recreation where people with disabilities can connect with others, try new activities, visit new places, build skills, and enjoy meaningful experiences.

Chicago Donauschwaben presents a cultural program featuring the Esslingen Tanzgruppe of Germany and the Nemetker Tanzgruppe of Hungary. Traditional dances will highlight Donauschwaben heritage, music, and colorful folk costumes, performed by visiting ensembles. Reservations can be made online with credit card payment, and further information appears on the event flyer.

A trivia night led by a live host features competitive play alongside food and drinks, creating a fun setting to spend time with friends. Prizes are awarded for first, second, and third place.

This midweek bingo night at Madcats is free, and each participant receives one card good for 10 games. Expect chances to win prizes throughout the event.