On the cheap: Zoo offers free days
Free
Free zoo admission
Brookfield Zoo invites patrons to visit the zoo for free on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays in January and February. Guests can see the zoo's new pack of 2-year-old Mexican gray wolves, along with other cold-weather animal residents including bears, Amur tigers, snow leopards, bison and more.
Brookfield Zoo is located at First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield. Parking costs $9 per car. For information, call (708) 688-8000 or visit czs.org/events
‘All Dogs Go to Heaven'
See a free screening of the 1989 animated family film “All Dogs Go to Heaven” at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora. The film is rated G and includes the voice talents of Burt Reynolds and Dom DeLuise. Popcorn and other movie treats will be available for purchase.
1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Free. For details, call (630) 896-6666 or visit paramountaurora.com
‘Popped, Baked, Warm and Delicious!'
Educator and storyteller Lucia Luckett-Kelly presents “Popped, Baked, Warmed and Delicious!” a program of stories, finger plays, movement and interactive story acting. Stories are drawn from many different traditions and cultures. The event is for all ages, from toddlers to adults.
4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, at The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. Free and open to the public. No registration is required. (847) 446-8880 or thebookstall.com
Sno Sculpting
“Let it snow” is the hope in Geneva for the city's third annual Sno Sculpting event, running from Wednesday through Saturday, Jan. 19-22. Over several days, professional and student artistic teams will transform blocks of snow into works of art in the Geneva Commons. The public is invited to observe the artists in action and vote for their favorite snowy creations. Awards will be given.
Viewing and voting runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, in Geneva Commons, at Randall and Bricher roads, Geneva. The awards ceremony runs from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday. Free and open to the public. (630) 938-4530 or visit genevaarts.org
$10 and under
All-Canada Show
The 28th Annual All-Canada Show features information on Canada's top fishing, camping and hunting destinations, along with free seminars, maps and travel guides, a hunting simulator and more.
3 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, at the Pheasant Run Resort and Convention Center, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for children ages 13 to 16; youth ages 12 and younger admitted free. Visit allcanada.com
Jammin' with Jeff and Ed
National prizewinning guitarists Jeff Friedlander and Ed Hall present an evening of guitar and banjo music along with vocal reprises, including works by the Beatles and the Doors.
8:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14, at Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. $7. (630) 969-9720 or twowaystreet.org
Winter Wonderland Dance
The New Beginnings singles group invites the public to its Winter Wonderland Dance. Beverages will be provided. Guests are asked to bring a snack to share.
8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1001 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. $8. Call (847) 397-9643 for details.