The Healthy Chef Challenge Home Edition
Register now. Cook June 11 through 13. Vote June 15 through 24.
John Beyond Hunger and spread awareness about good nutrition. New this year – community members, including kids/teens and amateur adults, can get creative in the kitchen along with local chefs battling to make a 5-star entrée with food pantry ingredients. Free. Register/more: gobeyondhunger.org/events/healthy-chef-challenge-home-edition-0
Wish Upon a Star
Friday, June 4, 7 p.m. through Sunday, June 13, 10 p.m., Virtually with BRAVO Performing Arts
Join this family-friendly event featuring Gwendolyn Brooks 6th through 8th graders as they perform a revue of favorite Disney songs and scenes. Purchase a ticket code and access the show anytime during the event run. $15 per household. Tickets: bravoperformingarts.anywhereseat.com
Asanas for the Animals
Saturday, June 5, 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., Wild Onion Tied House
YogaSix, a new yoga studio slated to open in Oak Park this summer, is partnering with the Animal Care League to support their work with animals. Registration includes a 60-minute YogaSix Slow Flow Class, a swag bag with local discounts and goodies, a Meow-Mosa and 15 percent off food and drinks at Wild Onion after the class (take out or dine in). $25; all proceeds benefit ACL. Participants must wear masks and bring their own yoga mats. Register: https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/AnimalCareLeague/yogasixasanas.html. 1111 South Blvd., Oak Park.
Summer Porch Concert with Lyric Opera Stage Artists
Sunday, June 6, 7 p.m., Calvary Memorial Church’s West Parking Lot
Hear an outdoor performance of opera favorites, art songs, musical theater hits, solos and ensembles where donations go directly to By the Hand Club for Kids, a Chicago nonprofit that supports students from kindergarten through college in four of Chicago’s most under-resourced neighborhoods with technology-based reading, after-school enrichment programs, tutoring/homework assistance, warm meals and vision and dental care. Lyric Opera performers include Desirée Hassler, soprano; Corinne Wallace-Crane, mezzo-soprano; Cameo Humes, tenor; and Nick Ward, baritone. Free; donations encouraged. 931 Lake St., Oak Park.
Ahimsa Jazz Concert Series: Mario Duenas Trio
Sunday, June 6, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Ahimsa School of Sound Healing
Join in for this monthly jazz series. The evening begins with a short singing bowl meditation. The band consists of Mario Duenas (keys), Tony Hernandez (guitar) and Chris Paquette (percussion).
Wear comfortable clothing and a mask; bring a yoga mat, blanket, cushion and/or pillow. $20; $0, members. Register: ahimsayogastudios.com/ahimsa-school-of-sound-events. 441 South Blvd., Oak Park.
Rare Bird Preserves Mini Market
Thursdays, 8 to 10 a.m., side alley by Rare Bird Preserves
Pick up pastries, produce, eggs, meat, beverages and more from Rare Bird and a curated selection of local vendors. 211 W. Harrison.
Sideyard Sounds at Compound Yellow
Attend the new music series held safely outdoors in the art-adorned yard.
Friday, June 4, 7 p.m. – Marvin Tate and Bill MacKay
Saturday, June 5, 7 p.m. – Sistazz of tha Nitty Gritty (rescheduled from May 28)
Sunday, June 6 – Kolmar Collective
$15. Register (or cash or card at the door): facebook.com/compoundyellow
Music on the Patio
Wednesday, June 9, 7:30 p.m., Cheney Mansion Grounds
Enjoy the music of The Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest in this outdoor pop-up concert featuring Ireland’s Downland Suite and Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, mov’ts 1 & 3. Bring chairs or a blanket and sit safely distanced on the lawn. Limited chairs available on site. Registration includes two beverages (wine, beer or non-alcoholic) per person. 21+. $39; $30, Oak Park residents. Register: pdop.org. 220 N. Euclid Ave., Oak Park.
Magnificent Mutts & Meows Adoption Day
Saturday, June 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., River Forest Public Library
Give a shelter animal a forever home. Magnificent Mutts and Meows will have furry friends available for adoption. Apply online to attend: magnificentmutts.org/forms/dog-adoption-application. 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest.
Fit/Lit Challenge
Friday, June 4, through Saturday, Sept. 4, Zoom, Discord Channel and various sites with the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame
Here is a way to combine physical fitness with reading this summer. Join weekly socially-distanced outings to places like the Eugene Field Memorial in the Lincoln Park Zoo or the Gwendolyn Brooks statue in Brooks Park. Let others know about your own outings (and invite others if you feel comfortable). Once, every other week, typically Sunday evenings, join Zoom sessions to talk about what’s been seen and read. Free; donation optional. More/register: chicagoliteraryhof.org/events_entry/summer-2021-fit-lit
Writers’ Word Feast
Sunday, June 6, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Zoom through the Oak Park Library
Bring your words and words yet to be written to this writers’ group for all types and genres. Each writer has a chance to read a story, poem or novel chapter and receive feedback from the group. Every first and third Sunday. Up next: June 20. Register: oppl.org/calendar