Voices Unboxed 2.0
Friday, Sept. 20 & Saturday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 22, 3 p.m., Madison Street Theater
Experience three powerful stories, “Bubbles & Boxes” by Molly Surowitz: An autobiographical journey into race, identity, and generational connections; “They Go By Frankie Now” by Frankie Temple Ruthless: Exploring the intersection of religion, family, gender, and folklore; and “Sex, Race & Jesus” by R.C. Riley: A candid look at romantic, platonic, and spiritual relationships. Tickets: $20 at voicesunboxed2024.eventbrite.com. 1010 Madison St., Oak Park
Fair Trade Rug Event
Tuesday, Sept. 18 – Sunday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Explore a unique collection of fair trade rugs from around the world. Visit us for this special event showcasing crafted rugs with a focus on ethical trade practices. 121 N. Marion St, Oak Park
‘Rosemary with Ginger’
Saturday, Sept. 7 – Monday, Sept. 30, 6:30 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. show, Monse’s Tapas Restaurant
Habakkuk Theatre returns with its first in-person production since the pandemic, partnering with Monse’s Tapas Restaurant for Edward Allan Baker’s Rosemary with Ginger, directed by Dado. Follow the intense, emotional journey of two sisters as they meet in a closed-down diner, revealing the strife in their lives while rediscovering their common bonds. Tickets include dinner and a soft drink from a fixed menu; a cash bar is available. Press can attend performances during the first and second weekends. For tickets and more info, visit habakkuktheatre.org. 6609 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn
Transgender 101
Thursday, Sept. 19, 7-8 p.m., Virtual via Zoom through Oak Park Public Library
Learn about gender identity, key concepts, and terminology, with a focus on what it means to be transgender. Presented by advocate Nikk Cochran Selik, this session includes a Q&A in a nonjudgmental space. Register at //oppl.org/calendar for the Zoom link.
‘Nobody’s Fool: Why We Get Taken In & What We Can Do About It’
Thursday, Sept. 19, 7-8 p.m., Virtual via Zoom
Join us for a virtual talk with Professor Dan Simons, co-author of Nobody’s Fool, presented by Oak Park Public Library and the League of Women Voters of Illinois Mis/Disinformation Task Force. Register at //oppl.org/calendar.
Oak Park Women’s Guild Annual Fundraiser: Restaurant Stroll
Thursday, Sept. 19, 7-11 p.m., Check-in begins at 6:30 p.m., at Oak Park Bank
Join the Oak Park Women’s Guild for their annual fundraiser in the Hemingway District. Tickets are $50 and include up to five drinks and appetizers. Purchase tickets and find more details at https://donorbox.org/events/625102. 151 N Oak Park Ave., Oak Park
In Ernie’s Footsteps: A Walking Tour of Young Hemingway’s Oak Park
Friday, Sept. 20, 10 – 11:30 a.m., Hemingway Birthplace Museum
Join a 90-minute walking tour exploring young Hemingway’s connections to Oak Park, including stops at the Birthplace Museum, Boyhood home, Oak Park & River Forest High School, Oak Park Public Library, Congregational Church, and the WWI War Memorial in Scoville Park. Led by Dr. Nancy Sindelar, author of Influencing Hemingway: The People and Places That Shaped His Life and Work. The tour includes one copy of the book and is limited to 15 participants. 339 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park
David Ellis Author Visit
Sunday, Sept. 22, 2 – 3:30 p.m., River Forest Public Library
The library is excited to welcome bestselling local author David Ellis to celebrate the release of his new book The Best Lies. David Ellis is a judge and an Edgar Award-winning author of 10 crime fiction novels and eight bestselling books, co-authored with James Patterson. His novels have been translated into more than 10 languages worldwide. Copies of The Best Lies will be available to buy at the event—get yours signed by the author. 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest
Children’s Day on Lake Street
Sunday, Sept. 22, 12 – 6 p.m., Various Locations in Oak Park
Explore the east end of Oak Park’s Lake Street with family-friendly events starting at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St., featuring a children’s entertainer performing a free concert (suggested $20 family donation). Next, head to Oak Park River Forest Museum, 129 Lake St., for building stations with LEGOs, Lincoln Logs, and a Hometown Legends LEGO Minifigure Hunt—free entry. Wrap up the day at 4 p.m. at One Lake Brewing, 1 Lake St., for family Bingo along with drinks and dinner (reservations recommended at onelakebrewing.com). Various addresses
The Perils of Election Disinformation
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 6:30 p.m., Oak Park Public Main Library – Veterans Room
Skewed political information harms voters’ ability to understand candidate positions and make informed choices. The League of Women Voters of Oak Park-River Forest will explore the problem of misinformation and disinformation at its fall kickoff event. Guest speaker is Michael A. Spikes, lecturer at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. The co-chairs of the League of Women Voters of Illinois Mis/Disinformation Task Force will present the do’s and don’ts of election disinformation. Free and open to the public. 834 Lake St., Oak Park
Jazz Supper Club Night
Wednesday, Sept. 25, 6 p.m. dinner seating, Trattoria 225
Experience a mid-century jazz supper club vibe with Forest Park-based jazz vocalist Terry Sullivan, pianist Tom Muellner, and bassist Scott Mason. Enjoy a close-up performance with a prix fixe menu featuring salad, entrée, dessert, and show. The event ends around 8:30 p.m. Cost is $58 per person. Advance reservations are required by phone at 708-358-8555, with limited seating available. For more information, call 708-358-8555. 225 Harrison St., Oak Park
Book Bike: Wise Cup
Monday, Sept. 23, 9:30 -11 a.m., Wise Cup
Join the Book Bike for a small business pop-up at Wise Cup. Explore materials, learn about library services, and sign up for a library card. Stop by to see what the Book Bike is all about.1018 Lake St., Oak Park
Oak Park-River Forest Gangster Tour
Sundays: Sept. 29, Oct. 6, Oct. 27, 1 a.m. and 2 p.m., FitzGerald’s
Explore the past of notorious Chicago mobsters on this 2.5-hour exterior bus tour visiting 13 historic homes once owned by major gangsters like Tony Accardo, Paul Ricca, and Sam Giancana. Led by guide John Binder, the tour dives deep into organized crime history and offers detailed insights into each property. Tickets are $40 per person. Tickets and more info: chitowngangstertours.com or call 708-287-9118. 6615 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn
‘Our Nazi’ Book Talk
Sunday, Sept. 29, 3-5 p.m., Oak Park River Forest Museum
Hear the story of a Nazi camp guard who hid his past and became a popular and longtime custodian at OPRF High School before his deception was uncovered, and he was removed from his job and eventually deported late in his life. Author and former OPRF history teacher Michael Soffer will share his insights about his research that resulted in the new book, published just this month. The book will be available for purchase and to be signed by the author. 129 Lake St., Oak Park