On the cheap: Go stargazing in Lake County

Free

Reach for the stars

The Lake County Astronomical Society's January meeting, which is open to the public, will feature a swap meet of items relating to astronomy — everything from telescopes and eye pieces to books and more, plus a show-and-tell session. If the weather is clear, members and guests are invited to go outdoors to view the stars through telescopes. All ages are welcome.

8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, in the Visitor Center at the Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. Free. For information, e-mail contact@lcas-astronomy.org or visit lcas-astronomy.org.

Nice and icy

Learn about how many farmers in the 1800s harvested ice and stored it in their icehouses during the Ice Harvesting program at Kline Creek Farm. If the weather permits, staff members of Kline Creek Farm will cut saw blocks of ice from the farm's Timber Lake. Guests can pitch in by using one of the oversized saws or breaker bars and then see how the blocks were packed and stored in the icehouse to last for months.

Runs from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan, 22-23, and Thursday, Jan. 27, at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago. Free. (630) 933-7200 or dupageforest.org.

Wild about ‘Harry'

See a free screening of the 2009 fantasy-adventure film “Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince” at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora. The film focuses on the adventures of Harry Potter as he begins his sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The film is rated PG. Popcorn and other movie treats will be available for purchase.

1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23, at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Free. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com.

$10 and under

Rocking at the Cubby Bear

Gin Soaked Olive and Two Man Wolf Pack play pop/rock covers at the Cubby Bear North in Lincolnshire.

10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, at The Cubby Bear North, 21661 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire. $5. (847) 541-4700 or cubbynorth.com.

Singing the blues

Toronzo Cannon & The Cannonball Express bring the blues to the Harlem Avenue Lounge. The concert features high-energy blues guitar music from Cannon, with a touch of soul, rock and R&B.

9:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. $6. (708) 484-3610 or harlemavenuelounge.com.

The world of Darwin

Storyteller and science teacher Brian “Fox” Ellis portrays English naturalist Charles Darwin in the Naper Settlement History Speaks Lecture Series, “Charles Darwin and the Voyage of the Beagle.” Ellis tells stories of Darwin's adventures sailing around the world on the HMS Beagle.

4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23, at the Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Advance tickets cost $5-$6. Tickets at the door cost $6-$7. (630) 420-6010 or napersettlement.museum.

Thunderbird Singles

The Thunderbird Singles groups hosts a dance event that starts with a buffet at 6 p.m. and music and dancing at 7 p.m. Don't miss the raffle, too.

6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23, at Club 94, 1070 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling. $8. (847) 604-3446 or club94.net.