Things to do Jan. 17-23: Wheeling Winterfest, MLK Day events, Chicago Fishing Expo and more

Starts Before Friday

“Into the Woods”: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Jan. 15-18, at Wheaton College, 501 College Ave., Wheaton. The Tony Award-winning musical about storybook characters facing the consequences of their actions. $15.93-$20.06. wheaton.edu.

Friday, Jan. 17

An Evening Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, in the McHenry County College Luecht Auditorium, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. A program honoring Martin Luther King Jr. led by Pastor Norval Brown, followed by a documentary screening on King’s impact on civil rights and social justice and then a discussion on King’s message in today’s world. Free. RSVP via eventbrite.com or mchenryconow.org.

Whiskey Dinner: 6-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17-18, at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. A gourmet, five-course dinner in the Ginkgo Room, paired with whiskey tastings from Kentucky distilleries Green River Whiskey and Bardstown Bourbon. $98-$108. mortonarb.org.

Friday Night Films: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at the Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines. Screening of “The Persian Version.” When a large Iranian family gathers together, a family secret is uncovered. Rated R. Registration required. Free. calendar.dppl.org.

The Great DuBois: Masters of Variety: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. A high-energy circus show for all ages highlighting feats of juggling, hula hoops, unicycle, aerial, circus stunts, contortion, magic and more. $32-$50 prairiecenter.org.

New Year, Pure Vines: 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Guided tastings of wines, featuring organic and biodynamic selections. $35. gortoncenter.org.

“Jekyll and Hyde” in Concert: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 19-26, at the Madden Theater, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. A concert presentation of the musical based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story of an epic struggle between good and evil. $32-$37. BrightSideTheatre.com.

Lucy’s Comedy: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Stand-up comics curated by comic and radio personality John DaCosse. $25. Rauecenter.org.

Saturday, Jan. 18

Winter Wonderland Walk: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Hoover Forest Preserve, 11285 Fox Road, Yorkville. The walk will be slow to medium pace for about 60 minutes. All ages are welcome to this pet-free walk. Free. yorkvillechamber.org.

Indoor Farmers Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at All Seasons Orchard, 14510 Route 176, Woodstock. Shop for meat, produce, jams, pickles, honey, breads, milk, cheese, baked goods, pasta, candles, artisan goods, pet treats and more. woodstockfarmersmarket.org.

Snowshoe Adventure: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Camp Tomo Chi Chi, 40W095 Freeman Road, Gilberts. Learn the basic skills needed to snowshoe, then hit the trail for a naturalist-guided hike. Ages 8 and older. $25. To register, visit kaneforest.com, call (630) 444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.

Giant Bubble Show with TwistiCity: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road, Glenview. Bubble show featuring kids in bubbles and bubbles bigger than cars. Free; tickets required for entry. glenviewpl.org.

Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 18, in Barrows Auditorium in Wheaton College’s Billy Graham Hall, Room 105, 500 College Ave., Wheaton. Student voices, worship presentations and a performance by the campus gospel choir. Free. Contact Hunter Benson at (630) 997-2984 or Hunter.Benson@wheaton.edu.

Joliet Symphony Orchestra Family Concert: 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at the University of St. Francis, 500 Wilcox St., Joliet. Featuring pieces by Borodin, Ravel, Liszt and Mussorgsky, the event also includes a special appearance by artist Deanna Gibson, who will create artwork inspired by the music as it’s performed. After the concert, visit an Instrument Petting Zoo, where attendees can meet the musicians and explore a variety of instruments. Free, but tickets are required. jolietsymphonyorchestra.org.

Polar-Palooza: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Creek Bend Nature Center, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. Help the Forest Preserve District celebrate its centennial anniversary by completing a flurry of activities indoors and out, earning tickets to redeem for prizes. Free. kaneforest.com.

Chinese Lion Dance: 1:30-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Experience the Chinese Lion Dance and learn more about the power of this mythical creature. Free. eapl.org.

James the Magician: 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., DeKalb. Since 1986, James Ember has been creating and performing magic. Free. dkpl.org.

ArtWauk: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, near 14 S. Genesee St., Waukegan. Classic and modern art, free exhibits and affordable events, with complimentary refreshments. Free; venues may charge entrance fees. artwauk.com.

Campanella Children’s Choir Presents “The Heavenly and the Mundane”: 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm St., Glenview. A musical journey blending Johann Sebastian Bach’s works with pieces that capture human emotions and everyday beauty across the Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras, featuring solo, ensemble and full choir performances. $15-$25. campanellacenter.com.

GreenRoom Improv: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Clean, high-energy, multifaceted improv comedy. $20 for adults, $13 for students. rauecenter.org.

Close To You: The Music of The Carpenters: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Singer and playwright Lisa Rock and a six-piece band with backup singers create a Carpenters experience, including anecdotes about Karen Carpenter, her life and how some of the songs originated. $35-$39. metropolisarts.com.

The Second City at Gorton Center: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. The Second City Touring Company’s “Mo’ Funny, Less Problems” features comedy in two acts of scripted scenes, musical comedy and improvisation. $82.95-$103.95. gortoncenter.org.

Sunday, Jan. 19

Wheeling Winterfest: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at Horizon Park, 385 Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Activities include snow sculpting, penguin egg-hunt, ice skating, a dogsled demo team and more, weather permitting. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

“Back to the Future ’70s Style”: 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at the St. Charles Public Library Carnegie Community Room, 1 S. Sixth Ave., St. Charles. Sunday Concert Series features Gavin Coyle, Carlyn Lloyd and Jon Warfel with the music of James Taylor, Seals and Crofts, Chicago, Elton John and more. scpld.org.

The Idylle Ensemble: 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at the Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. Featuring Mozart’s Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor and Schumann’s Piano Quartet in E-flat Major. Free. wilmettelibrary.info.

Jazz Uncovered with Andrew DiRuzza: 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 1220 Kensington Road, Oak Brook. Andrew DiRuzza and his group will share insights into the sound, style and cultural significance of jazz. $20. Reservations required. lizzadromuseum.org.

Kaleen Dolan: All Requests!: 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at the Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane, Rolling Meadows. Call out requests for your favorite songs and sing along. Free. Register at rmlib.org.

Bengali Music with Ochin Pakhi: 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at the Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St., Skokie. Musicians from Chicago and West Bengal, India, explore melodies and philosophies of the Baul and Fakir, musical mystics of Bengal. Free. skokielibrary.info.

Chicago Sinfonietta MLK Tribute Concerts: 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, and 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. Maestra Mei-Ann Chen is dedicating the entire performance to Flutronix’s genre-defying musical composition, “Black Being,” which gives voice to the complexities of Black womanhood. $57-$67 at Wentz Hall or $27-$82 at Auditorium Theatre; $17 for students. chicagosinfonietta.org.

Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra Presents “The Four Seasons”: 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst. Under the baton of music director and conductor Stephen Alltop, the orchestra will perform Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” and Astor Piazzolla’s “The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.” $12-$45. elmhurstsymphony.org.

MLK Day Celebration: 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at First United Methodist Church, 1032 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. Honoring the memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the Rev. Danita R. Anderson will speak on “The Unfinished Agenda.” Rev. Daniel Schwerin, Northern Illinois-Wisconsin Episcopal Area bishop, will offer remarks. Several church choirs will perform. A free dinner will follow the program. Registration is requested via umcnic.org/calendar/nic-mlk-celebration-2025.

The Byrne Brothers: 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at The Mayfair Theatre at the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave., Chicago. Tommy, Dempsey, Luca and Finn return with a show of Irish singing, playing and dancing. $20-$25. irish-american.org.

European Delights: 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at the Sheely Center for Performing Arts, 2300 Shermer Road, Northbrook. Music from Dvorák, Beethoven, Brahms and Haydn. $50-$75. northbrooksymphony.org.

The Great Elgin Pipe Organ Tour: 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at Christ The Lord Lutheran Church, 12N462 Tina Trail, Elgin. FCC music director and organist Dr. Jeff Neufeld and guests have been traveling since September to perform on the many pipe organs of Elgin’s churches. Free. exploreelginarea.com.

Monday, Jan. 20

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service: 9-10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at Ackerman Woods, 800 St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn. Honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by helping to improve the quality of natural areas by cutting and removing invasive brush. Gloves and tools will be provided, and volunteers younger than 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Free, but registration is required. gepark.org/register.

Mr. V’s Day Off: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Join Mr. V. for a daylong musical sojourn, including a tribute to the legacy of Dr. King and the Civil Rights movement. The winter season will also be celebrated. For kids 4-10. $49 for 9 a.m. to noon or noon to 3 p.m., $99 for the full day. gortoncenter.org.

Dreamers’ Breakfast: 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at Holiday Inn Convention Center, 6161 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee. Annual Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. event with the theme “Character is Power!” featuring breakfast, speakers, entertainment and recognition of the 2025 Drum Major Awardees. $50. conta.cc/3DwRDby or waukegantownship.com.

Indigenous Artist Market Pop-Up: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 3001 Central St., Evanston. A day of free admission, including an opportunity to visit and shop with different local Indigenous artists at a pop-up market. Free. gichigamiin-museum.org.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Family Event: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago. Family-focused event featuring hands-on engagements, music and opportunities to learn about how to become more civically engaged. Free. chicagohistory.org.

MLK Day at the Volo Museum: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at the Volo Auto Museum, 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, kids 12 and younger get free Platinum Passes to Volo Museum, Jurassic Gardens and the Titanic Museum. volocars.com.

MLK Jr. Festival: Let’s Dream Together: 10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. at Wayfarer Theaters, 1850 2nd St., Highland Park. Music from a jazz trio, a free screening of “We Are The Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorial Fest” at 10:45 a.m., student presenters at 11:45 a.m. and more. Reserve a free ticket at wayfarertheaters.com.

MLK Day of Service: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at the Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by building community through service projects. The library will have hands-on activities for all ages and ability levels focused around the theme of creating warmth. Free. elmhurstpubliclibrary.org.

Walk for Warmth 2025: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at First United Methodist Church, 516 Church St., Evanston. A short program at 11 a.m., followed by a choice of a two-mile walk past the many faith communities that house Interfaith Action’s overnight shelter or an around-the-block walk. Free, donations appreciated. interfaithactionofevanston.org.

MLK National Day of Service Project Drop-In: Noon to 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at the Indian Prairie Public Library, 401 Plainfield Road, Darien. Make fleece tie blankets for Camden’s Comfort Project, while supplies last. Free. ippl.info.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day program: 1-3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. The builders of “Awesome Black Creativity,” Dave Kaleta and Richard Dryden, who both appeared on “Lego Masters,” will discuss the inspiration behind their artistry and their interactive Lego brick exhibit, which is on display through Feb. 27. In addition, they will explain the process of selecting the 26 figures that celebrate contemporary and historical Black creatives across disciplines. Register at gailborden.info.

MLK Day: Day of Service: 1-3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at the Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road, Glenview. Hands-on projects led by local community organizations to serve the community. Nonperishable items can be donated to the Northfield Township Food Pantry. Free. glenviewpl.org.

McGaw YMCA Family Fun Day: 2-5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at McGaw YMCA, 1000 Grove St., Evanston. Family Gym, Family Swim (advance registration required), Kids Club Stay and Play, board games, arts and crafts, family dance, movie screenings and more. Free. bit.ly/mcgawnoschool.

Let’s Talk: Remembering MLK: 5-7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at the Skokie Heritage Museum, 8031 Floral Ave., Skokie. Learn about the life and times of Martin Luther King Jr., the Chicago Freedom Movement and its ties to Skokie history, and important moments in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. $20-$25. skokieparks.org.

Aurora’s 40th annual MLK Ceremony: 6-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at East Aurora High School, 500 Tomcat Lane, Aurora. Annual ceremony with the theme based on King’s final book, “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” Keynote speaker is professor and author Michael Eric Dyson. Features a special tribute to the ceremony’s founders, remarks by dignitaries, youth and adult performances, and an awards presentation. Free, but registration is required at aurora-il.org/MLK2025.

Tuesday, Jan. 21

Faith and Action Forum: National Day of Racial Healing: 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, at Bethel New Life Church, 1771 S. Weisbrook Road, Wheaton. Scheduled speakers include moderator Dr. Kenneth Phelps, Simeon Henderson, Byran Stewart, Imelda Salazar, Kymberlie Mills, Cortez Watson Jr. and Jhovanny Jimenez. Free. bnlcwheaton.org.

Honors Recital: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, at Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge Ave., Evanston. The performance will showcase some of ETHS’ best student musicians. Free. eths.k12.il.us.

“Death of the Cardinals — Closing Arlington High”: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 21-22, at Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Revival of the musical that presents the dramatic story of how and why Arlington High was closed. $15-$45. heynonny.com.

Wednesday, Jan. 22

Tenuta Torciano Wine School & Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Enjoy authentic Italian wines, olive oils, and balsamic vinegar and learn from the experts. $75. arcadalive.com.

Kickin It with Carol: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 3D Sideouts, 4018 Roberts Road, Island Lake. Pop dance and country line dancing lessons. 3dsideouts.com.

Silent Comedy Film: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. See the 1924 silent comedy “Speed Spook,” with live accompaniment provided by organist Jay Warren. $10. desplainestheatre.com.

Thursday, Jan. 23

Chicagoland Fishing Expo: Noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Jan. 23-24; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Fishing and outdoor sport show with vendors, seminars, activities and more. $15, $5 for kids 6-11, free for kids 5 and younger. chicagoland.sportshows.com.

Ben Bailey: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. Comedian, known for the hit series “Cash Cab.” Tickets start at $35. thaliahallchicago.com.

Chicago International Puppet Festival: “Hungry Garden”: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at the Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St., Chicago. Presented by Poncili Creación, an experimental art collective from Puerto Rico that creates surreal performances using large-scale puppets and sculptures crafted from repurposed materials. Free. chicagopuppetfest.org.

Disney On Ice presents “Let's Dance!”: 7 p.m. Thursday, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. and 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 23-26 and Feb. 6-9 (no 7 p.m. show Feb. 9), at the Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Featuring songs and stories from Disney's animated favorites on ice. $18.75-$140. rosemont.com/allstate.

Love and Laughs with Michelle Buteau: Virtually at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23. Hosted by Illinois Libraries Present. Stand-up comedian, actress, television host, producer, and podcast host Michelle Buteau in a conversation with interviewer and podcast host Greta Johnsen. Contact your library to register. illinoislibrariespresent.com.

“The Heart Sellers”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays, 1 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 23 to Feb. 23; plus 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26; no 2 p.m. show Jan. 25; no show Jan. 30, at North Theatre at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Northlight Theatre presents a play about recent Asian immigrants who reminisce about home and dream of spreading their wings in America. $35-$59. northlight.org.

Studio 64 Improv Night with Nightmoose: 8-10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Short- and long-form improv with musical elements and audience suggestions. $10. arcadalive.com.

Ongoing

Winter Ravinia Farmers Market: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays through April 26 at Wayfarer Theaters, 1850 2nd St., Highland Park. Shop for local food, artisan products and sustainable products. Free admission. raviniafarmersmarket.com.

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink: 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. through Feb. 2 at Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. 90-minute sessions. Free, but tickets are required. Skate rentals: $16 Monday through Thursday and $20 Friday through Sunday and holidays. chicago.gov.

“It’s All Fun and Games: Historic Toys of Evanston” Exhibition: 1-4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday through Feb. 9 at the Evanston History Center, 225 Greenwood St., Evanston. Holiday exhibition celebrating Evanston’s iconic contributions to the toy industry, including Tinkertoys, the game of Operation and Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots. $10, free for members and kids younger than 12. evanstonhistorycenter.org.

Disney's “Frozen” the Broadway Musical: 1:30 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15; 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Jan. 16-17; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18; and 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. The Disney fairy tale reimagined for the stage. $28-$85. paramountaurora.com.

“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”: 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 1 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, through Feb. 1, at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Harry Potter’s son, Albus, goes on a time-turning adventure. $59.50-$169.50. broadwayinchicago.com.

“Fun Home”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through March 2, at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. The moving story of seeing one’s parents through adult eyes, based on Alison Bechdel’s critically acclaimed graphic novel. $20-$85. PorchlightMusicTheatre.org.

Ice Skating at Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park: Various hours and dates through Jan. 26 at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Skating is free. Bring skates or rent them on-site for $8. A schedule of ice-skating hours is at parkwaybankpark.com.