Big Week: Feb. 26 – Mar. 4

Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest ‘Prism’ Concert | Sunday, March 1, 4 p.m., Chapel, Concordia University Chicago:

At Havana Nights, spice up your winter | Friday, Feb. 28, 7:30 to 11 p.m., The Carleton Hotel

Bryan Collier: You Can Never Outgrow a Picture Book | Wednesday, March 4, 6 p.m., Martin Recital Hall, Dominican University

Rainbow Reads Book Club | Friday, Feb. 28, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Storytime Room, Main Library

Harambee | Friday, Feb. 28, 6 to 9 p.m., Auditorium, Longfellow Elementary

Help Housing Forward’s work to end homelessness at the Have-a-Heart Gala | Saturday, Feb. 29, 6 to 11 p.m., Grand Ballroom, Navy Pier

Empty Bowls | Friday, Feb. 28, 6 to 8 p.m., Oak Park & River Forest High School

‘Chamber Music’

Friday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 29, and Sunday, March 1, 3 p.m.,
Lund Auditorium, Dominican University: 

See the student production of Arthur Kopit’s dark, absurdist comedy. Set in the ward of an insane asylum in 1938, the play focuses on eight women who are convinced they are historical figures. $18; $5, students. Tickets: events.dom.edu/chamber-music. 7900 W. Division St., River Forest.

Harambee

Friday, Feb. 28, 6 to 9 p.m., Auditorium,
Longfellow Elementary:

Come to a black history celebration with an African market and a performance from 7 to 8 p.m. Free. Questions: kuumbakids2006@gmail.com. 715 S. Highland, Oak Park. 

Dopamine: Close-up Magic with Jeanette Andrews

Friday, Feb. 28, and Saturday, Feb. 29,
 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., Pleasant Home:

Be entertained with a contemporary magician who specializes in interactive, sensory illusions. $35; $30, members. Tickets: pleasanthome.org. 217 Home Ave., Oak Park.

Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest ‘Prism’ Concert 

Sunday, March 1, 4 p.m., Chapel,
Concordia University Chicago:

Hear Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola, and Orchestra in E-flat major and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.6 Pathétique with Maurice Boyer, conductor. Preconcert conversation at 3 p.m. Reception follows concert. Bring donations for The Animal Care League and/or eyeglasses for the Lions Club. $28; free, students. Tickets/more: SymphonyOPRF.org, 708-218-2648. 1124 Bonnie Brae Pl., River Forest.

Bryan Collier: You Can Never
Outgrow a Picture Book

Wednesday, March 4, 6 p.m., Martin Recital Hall, Dominican University:

Hear from the award-winning children’s book illustrator at the Butler Children’s Literature Center lecture. Known for combining watercolor and collage, Collier has illustrated books about Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and Thurgood Marshall and recently released The Five O’Clock Band (2018). Reception and book signing follow. Free. Register: events.dom.edu/butler-lecture-bryan-collier. 7900 W. Division St., River Forest.

Empty Bowls

Friday, Feb. 28, 6 to 8 p.m.,
Oak Park & River Forest High School:

Warm up with soup from local businesses in hand-crafted bowls. Each participant takes a one-of-a kind bowl home. Proceeds benefit Beyond Hunger, Global Alliance for Africa and Housing Forward. $15, $10, students with ID. 201 N. Scoville Ave., Oak Park.

Count Me In 

Wednesday, March 4, 7 to 8 p.m.,
Veterans Room, Main Library:

Learn “Everything You Need to Know About the 2020 Census” with Jay Young, executive director, Common Cause Illinois, and staff of the Oak Park Village Complete Count Committee. Bring questions to submit on cards for the speaker. Brought in partnership with the League of Women Voters.  834 Lake St., Oak Park.

KidsFest

Sunday, March 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oak Park Conservatory:

Discover what all the buzz is about honey bees, beekeeping, and what makes them so special. All ages are welcome to learn with hands-on activities, a scavenger hunt and crafts. Brought by the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory. Free. Register for a time slot: pdop.org/events/kidsfest/. 615 Garfield St., Oak Park.

LGBTQIA+ Youth and Ally Friendly Events at the Library

 Jazz & Friends Storytime and Craft

Thursday, Feb. 27, 4 to 5 p.m.,
Storytime Room, Main Library:

Each year, in honor of a Wisconsin community’s allyship with a young transgender girl who was bullied, communities take part in the Jazz & Friends National Day of School and Community Readings. I Am Jazz is authored by transgender advocate Jazz Jennings. In Oak Park, join in stories, songs and a craft. Books will celebrate trans identities and self-expression. Ages 3 . 

Rainbow Reads Book Club

Friday, Feb. 28, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.,
Storytime Room, Main Library: 

Join a new book club for sixth to eighth graders who want to read and discuss books with LGBTQIA representation. February’s selection is Spinning by Tillie Walden. Snacks provided. 834 Lake St., Oak Park. More: oppl.org/calendar.

Fun for a Cause

Thursday, Feb. 27, 7 to 9 p.m., Trattoria 225:

Raise a glass for The Day Nursery at a Community Wine Event. Proceeds raise funds to help young students at risk be 100 percent kindergarten ready. Event includes wine, heavy appetizers, a silent auction and raffle. $80. Tickets: facebook.com/events/2536639153280795. 225 Harrison, Oak Park.

Friday, Feb. 28, 7:30 to 11 p.m., The Carleton Hotel:

At Havana Nights, spice up your winter with dancing to Latin music by Frankie’s People, light bites and drinks, charitable casino-style gaming and silent auction all to support the community service projects of Oak Park Women’s Guild. $95 – $125. Tickets: opwghavananights.eventbrite.com. 1110 Pleasant St., Oak Park.

Saturday, Feb. 29, 5:30 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club:

Step back in time at the Prohibition Gala, which includes dinner, entertainment and an auction. Event benefits the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association. $125. Tickets: 708-386-2729. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. 

Saturday, Feb. 29, 6 to 11 p.m., Grand Ballroom, Navy Pier:

Help Housing Forward’s work to end homelessness at the Have-a-Heart Gala with host Jim O’Heir, Emmy-winning actor known for his role on Parks and Recreation. $250. Tickets/more: housingforward.org/events/2020-have-heart-gala. 840 E. Grand Ave., Chicago.