Kids can take an imaginary journey to cultures around the world at the EVANSTON ETHNIC ARTS FESTIVAL. At various times throughout the two-day event they can learn to make Puerto Rican kites or Malaysian ones, Native American dolls or ones from Nigeria. They can make butterflies out of papier-mache or flowers out of paper the way Mexicans do, or learn the Japanese arts of origami and indigo dyeing or the technique for making Jewish star wands. If they get rambunctious, they can always move to the rhythms of music from many nations. Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival, noon-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dawes Park, Church Street and Sheridan Road, Evanston, free; 847-328-2100, ext. 2470.
Cuneo Museum is setting the stage for theatrical performances in its garden. Actors in full costume will perform various myths and fables including “Peacock and Juno,” “Sun and Wind,” “Princess Bird,” “The Cat King,” “Pandora’s Box” and “The Tortoise and the Hare.” Because the performance is outdoors, it is wise to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Rain won’t stop the event; the scenery and the actors and the audience will simply move under a tent so that the show can go on. Spinning a Tale presents “Folklore in the Forest,” 2 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Cuneo Museum, 1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills, $8 adults, $5 children; 847-680-2940.
In Gaia’s concerts, she almost always sings a song called “I’ll Be Friends With You,” and she interprets the words in American sign language for hearing impaired people and teaches others in the audience the signs for the lyrics so that communication barriers can be broken down. Gaia also has other visual ways of accompanying her music so that those who are deaf can appreciate it. Deaf actor Jonnie adds her mime talents to the performance to show another way of communicating without words. She also proves that laughter is a universal language. Gaia and Jonnie, 1 p.m. Friday, Ridgeville Park, east of Ridge Avenue between Seward Street and South Boulevard, Evanston, free; 847-869-5640.
Zany Brainy may have lots of cool contemporary toys, but on Friday the Northbrook store will look a bit like Elizabethan England. Members of the Bristol Renaissance Faire will be on hand to tell stories from long ago and get kids involved in helping them perform some skits. Bristol Renaissance Players, 5:30 p.m. Friday, Zany Brainy, 307 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, free; 847-559-0202.
Families looking for something cool to do this summer can attend the Summer Movie Camp. Films on the program include “Anastasia,” an animated film about a young member of the Russian royal family; “Madeline,” featuring a mischievous little French girl; and “Paulie,” about the adventures of a funny, talkative parrot. To make the moviegoing experience even more enticing, the price of each ticket includes popcorn and a soft drink. Summer Movie Camp, 10 a.m. and noon Wednesdays through Aug. 11, General Cinema Northbrook, 1525 Lake Cook Rd., Northbrook, $2.50; 847-562-1522.
