Oak Park IL Film Festival
Thursday, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., Lake Theatre and Saturday, Sept. 14, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Madison Street Theater
The Oak Park Film Festival showcases local moviemaking talent with films connected to Oak Park through cast, crew, director, or location. Thursday will feature red carpet entry, a photo line, special guest speakers, and a screening of The Abyss (PG-13) starring Oak Park native Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. Saturday will include independent film screenings, networking, panels, Q&A sessions, and an awards ceremony. Tickets are $25 for the opening gala and $50 for an all-session pass on festival day. Individual session tickets are also available. More information and tickets: opilff.org. Lake Theatre: 1000 Lake St., Oak Park. Madison Street Theater: 1010 Madison St., Oak Park
Supported Storytime and Family Social Hour
Thursday, Sept. 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Oak Park Public Library
Designed for children with disabilities ages 3+ with caregiver support. Classes are structured with visual schedules and include fun picture books and songs, with fine and gross motor movement activities. Sensory supports like lap weights and fidget toys are available to help children be successful. Siblings welcome. Learn more and register at https://oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park
Oak Park Porchfest Season Finale
Friday, Sept. 6, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Oak Park Host Home
Celebrate the season finale of Oak Park Porchfest with live music on the historic 700 block of Elmwood. North Grove will kick off the evening, followed by Summer Landing as the closing band. This is a free event; bring your own chairs and blankets. Tacos Bernardo and your favorite neighborhood ice cream man will be there, and a tip jar will be passed to support the bands. 701 Elmwood Ave., Oak Park
(Heads up) Thomas Merton: Prophetic Faith in the Face of Fear
Sunday, Sept. 15, 2-4 p.m., Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church
Fr. Dan Horan, OFM, will explore the theme of fear in the Christian spiritual tradition and how it is addressed by Thomas Merton. For more information, contact Mike Brennan at 773-447-3989 or visit ccitms.blogspot.com. 405 S. Euclid Ave., Oak Park
Book Bike: Neighborhood Nights at Euclid Square Park
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 5-7 p.m., Euclid Square Park
Neighborhood Nights with the Park District of Oak Park. Enjoy free pop-up activities, learn about local community organizations, and check out materials. Discover library services, events, or sign up for a library card on the spot. 705 Fillmore St., Oak Park
Red or Blue Album Release
Saturday, Sept. 14, 6:30 p.m., Robert’s Westside
Join us for our second wave album release in the Oak Park area at Robert’s Westside, featuring the full band after a successful first release at FitzGerald’s. General admission tickets are $15, and reserved seating is available for $20. Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl.com/bdhhz5tt. 7321 Madison St., Forest Park
Ascension Oktoberfest
Saturday, Sept. 7, 2-10 p.m., Ascension Church
Celebrate the start of fall and the school year at the fourth annual Ascension Oktoberfest. Enjoy local brews, German food, free kids’ activities all day, and college football on a big screen. Live music will feature Alpine Thunder, Major Climb, and Dig Engine. 808 East Ave., Oak Park
Kids Chess Class
Saturday, Sept. 7, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Oak Park Public Library
Chicago Chess Academy is here for weekly chess fun with kids ages 6-12. Learn and play in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. No experience needed. Sign up for each week you plan to attend. Classes will build skills, but you do not need to be here every time to benefit. 834 Lake St., Oak Park
(Heads up) Rick Michel and His 16-Piece Orchestra at FitzGerald’s
Sunday, Sept. 15, 12 p.m., FitzGerald’s
Catch veteran Las Vegas headliner Rick Michel as he performs live at FitzGerald’s with a 16-piece orchestra, including a string section. Michel, known for his uncanny resemblance to Frank Sinatra’s sound, has toured the world, recently returning from Rio de Janeiro, and heading to San Jose, Costa Rica. Do not miss this special afternoon performance. For more about Rick Michel, visit SinatraForever.com. 6615 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn
Dooley Band Concert
Saturday, Sept. 7, 7:30-9 p.m., River Forest Public Library
The annual tradition returns. Join us in the library garden for live music by River Forest locals the Dooley Band, who have been entertaining Chicagoland for over five decades. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held indoors. Sponsored by River Forest Public Library Foundation. This is a free event. 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest
R Titus Designs Anniversary Celebration
Friday, Sept. 6, 6 – 9 p.m., R Titus Designs
Join us to celebrate R Titus Designs’ 15th anniversary and our first year in Oak Park. Enjoy live music by Micah Shane, shopping, bites, and drinks. Your presence will make this occasion truly special. RSVP at https://shorturl.at/bJcQ1. 143 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park
Late Nite Catechism
Sunday, Sept. 8, 3-5 p.m., Madison Street Theater
Enjoy a Chicago original and international hit, Late Nite Catechism, for a one-time matinee performance starring Chicago comedy actress Erin Olson as Sister. Called “hilarious, well-written, and inspired” by The New York Times, this show is must-see. Tickets are $35, available at madisonstreettheater.org/events. 1010 Madison St., Oak Park
Banned Books of the Bible: A New Discussion Series
Sunday, Sept. 8, 10:30 a.m., Grace Episcopal Church
Explore the history of book banning with a new five-week series led by Father John Rumple. Delve into the 4th-century decisions that shaped the biblical canon. Sessions continue Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m., both in person and online. All are welcome to attend. For more details, visit GraceOakPark.org/Banned.html. 924 Lake St., Oak Park
Beyond the Books
Monday, Sept. 9, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Oak Park Public Library
A Greater Good Foundation—together with the library—is offering a comprehensive co-ed mentor program to inspire students ages 13-18 to harness their inherent capabilities and resources to realize their fullest potential. The program includes workshops on conflict resolution, post-high school planning, boosting self-esteem, self-awareness, self-confidence, and positive relationship building. 834 Lake St., Oak Park