“The Tempest”
Thursdays through Saturdays, 8 to 10 p.m., and Sundays, 7 to 9 p.m., through Aug. 21, Austin Gardens
See Oak Park Festival Theatre’s Shakespeare classic while enjoying the summer weather. $35; $25, seniors; $15, students; free, ages 12 and under; $5 chair rental (or bring a chair or blanket). Tickets/more: oakparkfestival.com/tempest. 167 Forest Park Ave., Oak Park.
Interactive “Finding Nemo”
Friday, Aug. 6, 7:30 to 9 p.m., River Forest Public Library Lawn
Kids of all ages are invited for a special after-hours showing of Finding Nemo with a few surprises. Held weather permitting. Register: riverforestlibrary.librarymarket.com/events/interactive-finding-nemo. 735 Lathrop Ave.
Off the Wall Mural Ribbon Cutting
Saturday, Aug. 7, 10:30 a.m., 914 North Blvd., Oak Park
See the latest project of the Oak Park Area Art Council’s Off the Wall summer program, the mosaic mural, Parrot Pandemonium. The project was led by previous Off the Wall artists and worked on by local youth. It included apprentices Perhaje Cannon, Lauren Edwards, Lauren Atchley and Greta Olson; senior apprentice Hasani Cannon; assistant to the master artist Atlan Arceo-Witzl; and Carolyn Elaine, master artist.
Mindful Vagabond: Atypical Globetrotting
Saturday, Aug. 7, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Zoom with the River Forest Public Library
Come along on Brian Michalski’s 22-month solo backpacking journey as he worked and volunteered his way through Australia, Southeast Asia, India, Cuba and elsewhere. Also learn insider info on planning, budgeting, dealing with culture shock, realities of hostel life, testing physical and emotional limits, coping with setbacks, visa tips and more. Brought in partnership with River Forest Township. Register: riverforestlibrary.librarymarket.com/events/mindful-vagabond-atypical-globetrotting
Illinois Storytelling presents Traditions and Truth
Saturday, Aug. 7, 7 p.m., Virtually with Dominican University Chicago
Join this monthly open mic for Folktales, Fairy Tales, and Personal Stories with a featured storyteller. Those wishing to tell their own stories (7-10 minutes) may also join in. Free; donations encouraged. RSVP and sign up/more: jdelnegro@dom.edu, facebook.com/ILstorytelling
Thursday Night Out
Through Sept. 9, 5 to 8 p.m., Downtown Oak Park
More than twenty restaurants offer a variety of drinks, appetizers, entrees and desserts, available through ticket purchases and special menus. Diners may eat inside, take carry out or dine al fresco. Four dine-around tickets per $20 booklet. Each dine-around ticket buys one Thursday Night Out (TNO) menu item. Buy two ticket booklets, receive a $5 DTOP gift certificate for participating shops on any TNO. Booklets available at the tent on Lake and Marion.
Concerts in the Park – Sons of Chicago
Sunday, Aug. 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Scoville Park
Enjoy family-friendly music courtesy of the Park District of Oak Park. Grab a blanket, pack a picnic and listen to a variety of music each Sunday through Aug. 29. This week, Oak Park band members Sons of Chicago perform blues and soul. Up next:
Aug. 15 – Ethan Bell Band, country rock
Aug. 22 – Chicago Cuatro Orchestra, Puerto Rican/Latin sounds
Aug. 29 – Jaime Clay, soulful blues and R&B vocals
Free. Drop in event. Lake and Oak Park Ave. More: pdop.org/events/summer-concerts
Black History Self-Guided Bike Tour
Go Anytime with Guidebook from Oak Park River Forest Museum
For Juneteenth the museum debuted this free, self-guided bicycle tour of sites that tell some of the many stories of African-American life in Oak Park. The guidebook includes photos, stories and a map that has stops at the site of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, the homes or home sites of several prominent Black residents and more. More/view the guidebook: oprfmuseum.org/events/black-history-bike-tour
School Supply Collection
Weekdays through Aug. 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oak Park Township Office
Donate to students in need so they are prepared for the 2021-2022 school year. New supplies, such as paper, notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, markers and folders, are accepted in a donation box at the Township Office. Or order and ship from an Amazon wish list. Coordinated by Youth Services. Questions: 708-445-2727, mgale@oakparktownship.org. 105 S. Oak Park Ave.
Wednesday Morning Movies
Aug. 4, 9:30 a.m., Lake Theatre
Take in an affordable and sensory-friendly family movie. This week’s feature film is The Croods: A New Age. Up next: Aug. 11, Pokemon: Detective Pikachu. $2 (No convenience fee if ordered online.). Walk ins welcome. Tickets/more: classiccinemas.com/wednesday-morning-movie-series. 1022 Lake St., Oak Park.
Nineteenth Century Charitable Association Programming
Available anytime
During the 2020/2021 Season, the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association recorded a wealth of programming originally presented live on Zoom for members and guests. It is available for viewing on their website. See music, Writing Matters talks with authors, history and art talks and more. View here: nineteenthcentury.org/missed-a-program-view-our-recordings