Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School Production Beauty and the Beast
Friday, May 3 – Sunday, May 5, Brooks Middle School
BRAVO brings a tale as old as time with Beauty & the Beast. This spring musical will take place at Brooks Middle School in Oak Park the first two weekends in May. Bring the entire family. Friday, May 3 – 7 p.m., Saturday, May 4 – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday, May 5 – 2 p.m. Tickets $12 adult, $8 student/senior citizen. Purchase Ticket: https://tinyurl.com/yvpu42ju 325 S. Kenilworth Ave., Oak Park
Beyond the Books
Monday, May 6, 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 13-18 to look inward and harness their inherent capabilities and resources to realize their fullest potential. 834 Lake St., Oak Park
Oak Park Society of Model Engineers’ Spring Open House
Saturday, May 4, 12 – 5 p.m., Dole Learning Center, Lower Level
Free admission. Door prizes. Kids of all ages welcomed. See the progress made on this three level, two state layout. Run a train on their kid friendly DC layout. Learn about model trains and the many facets of the hobby from a dedicated group of modelers. The club is always open to new members. The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers is a unique Oak Park institution in its 60th year of continuous operation. www.youtube.com/@oakparkmodelrrclub. 255 Augusta St., Oak Park
Choral Concert
Saturday, May 4, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, May 5, 3 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church and School
Chicago Choral Artists, under the direction of Michael D. Costello, presents Love for Life, highlighting music centered around the theme of love and how it permeates our lives in a variety of ways. The work that inspired the theme, “This Is How You Love,” is a multi-movement work about the depth of relationships. The libretto is a mixture of poetry and transcripts from actual couples’ therapy sessions. Tickets available in advance or at the door: Adult $45, Senior $35 (65+), Educator $20 (with teacher ID), Student $10 (with Student ID), children under 23 free with paying adult. Visit www.chicagochoralartists.org or call 773-658-9799. Lake St., Oak Park
Tech Night for Kids
Wednesday, May 8, 6-7:30 p.m., Oak Park Public Library
In this month’s program, we’ll have fun with Makey Makey kits, turning everyday objects into touchpads. Makey Makey is an invention kit that brings engineering and coding concepts to life in exciting new ways. For kids in grades 2-5. 834 Lake St., Oak Park
First Friday at R Titus Designs
Friday, May 3, 6-9 p.m., R Titus Designs Studio
Every 1st Friday, join us for an open house with visiting artists, live music, and shopping. May 3 visiting artist: Jessica Bush (https://www.jessicadennisbush.com/) and Joe Hartigan. More information at: www.rtitusdesigns.com/happenings. 143 S Oak Park Ave., Oak Park
Turning 65: An Introduction to Medicare
Thursday, May 9, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. River Forest Public Library
This presentation covers the history & basics of Medicare. Listen & learn with Annese Piazza, a local resident and resource. Brought to you in partnership with the River Forest Township. 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest
Celebrate Free Comic Book Day in Oak Park
Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., One Stop Comics
Join us at One Stop Comics in Oak Park for Free Comic Book Day. Explore a diverse selection of comics for every fan, enjoy giveaways, and meet some talented artists. Remember to show appreciation for the free comics and consider supporting the store with a purchase. For more details, visit onestopcomics.net or call 708-524-2287. 111 S. Ridgeland Ave., Oak Park
Mother’s Day Gift Making at Bead In Hand
Saturday, May 4, 1 – 4 p.m., Bead In Hand
Little birds can have an eggcelent adventure building a bird’s nest or pea-pod pendant to give this Mother’s Day (May 12). These pendants are a delightful weaving of wire around beads that evoke images of a cozy nest or pea-pod. Choose beads to represent family members or birthstones — or just pick what you think Mom would like. The cost is $10 per item which includes wire, beads, cord with clasp, and instruction. All ages are welcome, although younger kids may need some help. No reservation necessary. 145 Harrison St., Oak Park
Holocaust Remembrance Day Concert
Sunday, May 5 at 7 p.m., Temple Har Zion, River Forest
Please join us for a Yom HaShoah joint program between Temple Har Zion and Oak Park Temple, featuring:
- Yiddish singing group, MameLoshn, singing a selection of Yiddish songs
- Special guest performances by Cantor Figa & Cantor Valdman, with guitarist Aaron Burnstein
- Special tapestries by Berit Engen
- Holocaust storyteller Peter LeGrand presenting, “The Missing Stories, memoirs of Elise Dubois”
Temple Har Zion, 1040 N. Harlem Ave., River Forest.
Let Me Explain Black Again
Monday, May 6, 1:15 p.m., Nineteenth Century Charitable Association
Author and award-winning market researcher Pepper Miller doesn’t give a speech as much as she opens a dialogue. By blending insights, experiences, and passion, Miller offers a deeper and more intimate look at the evolving concept of what it means to be Black in America. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park