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8 places to go cruisin' for classic cars in the 'burbs

It's time to pull your classic car out of the garage, polish that puppy up and get ready to show it off at a variety of Cruise Nights across the 'burbs. There's hardly a spring or summer evening when you can't find a car show somewhere, but here's just a few to help rev up any auto enthusiast.

More than 40 vehicles from almost every era will be on display when Lake Zurich Cruise Night returns from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, on Main Street from Old Rand Road to Church Street in downtown. The displays continue on the first Wednesday of every month through October - except for July. If the cars aren't enough, a DJ is on hand to spin nostalgic sounds. Trophies are awarded for spectator choice, along with automobile trivia and raffle prizes. Info: lakezurich.org.

Bluesmobile Cruise Nights, sponsored by the Mount Prospect Lions Club and Downtown Merchants Association, returns from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturdays, May through August, in the Metra lot at Route 83 and Northwest Highway. Info: mpdma.com.

Cruise Nights often feature vehicles of all types and vintages. Daily Herald file photo

Lombard is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Cruise Nights, which operate from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturdays, June 9 through Aug. 25, in downtown. Concerts are scheduled each evening, with the exception of July 7, beginning with a performance by Strata - playing hits from the '50s through '70s June 9. A Kids Corner on South Park Avenue features activities for kids who may not yet be fascinated by all that chrome. Info: villageoflombard.org/cruisenights.

Cary sponsors its Cruise Nights from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, beginning with Dust Off All Cars night June 6 and continuing through Aug. 15. Hours are slightly shorter - 6 to 8 p.m. - on Aug. 22 and 29. Vehicles are displayed along Main Street in downtown. The free event is sponsored by the Cary-Grove Area Chamber of Commerce. Info: carygrovechamber.com.

The Downtown Wheaton Association sponsors Vintage Rides, a display of classic cars, from 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays, May 18 through Aug. 31, along Hale Street, between Liberty and Willow streets. A DJ spins tunes and there's a different theme each week, starting with Welcome Back Night. Info: downtownwheaton.com.

You can check out antiques, custom builds, sports and muscle cars at the Geneva Classic Car Show from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays in July and August in the courthouse parking lot at Fourth and James streets. It's free and there's music of the '50s and more. Info: genevachamber.com.

The Daily Herald helps sponsor Cruise Nights at Stratford Square Mall in Bloomingdale. Courtesy of Matt Avery Media

Different cars are featured each week, but there's always plenty of food and entertainment starting at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, June through August, in the BMO Harris Bank parking lot on South Cook Street in Barrington. Info: barrington-il.gov.

Last, but certainly not least, don't forget Stratford Square Cruise Nights, presented by Stratford Square Mall, the Daily Herald and Wild One Harley-Davidson, 152 Stratford Square in Bloomingdale. Shows run from 5 to 8 p.m. June 20, July 20, Aug. 18, Sept. 19 and Oct. 17 and feature classic cars and motorcycles, along with plenty of food and a beer garden. It's free, and the owners of the first 200 participating cars get a gift bag. Two prizes are awarded at each show from Daily Herald classic car columnist Matt Avery and Stratford Square.

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