A weekly roundup of 5 activities spanning the leisure spectrum.
CAPITOL STEPS CONCERT
1. What happens when a bunch of Congressional staffers shed their day jobs and go the comedy route, making fun of the people who used to employ them? Chances are they join the political satire group Capitol Steps, a rotating door of stand-ups and skit stars who poke fun at just about every president and important issue in the headlines. Since 1981, the 22-member troupe (five of whom are on stage at each show) has recorded 25 albums while racking up 4,500 performances in 48 states. Expect to hear presentations from its latest effort “Four More Years in the Bush Leagues.”
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin
Price: $19-$45; 847-931-5900 or www.hemmens.org
PIPES AND PIES
2. Motorcycles and pizza may not seem to have a lot in common, but they’ll be paired Saturday in Villa Park. On the cycle side, look forward to a showing of the area’s sharpest vehicles. Come with an appetite because there will be a pizza eating contest for those brave enough to compete, and plenty available for purchase. Other Italian cuisine and additional vendors will be on hand and everything will be backed by music. Proceeds from purchases go toward Easter Seals DuPage.
When: Noon Saturday
Where: Michael Anthonys, 211 S. Villa Ave., Villa Park
Price: Free; 630-833-0333
WHEELING FREEDOM FEST
3. The city of Wheeling will tip its hat toward America’s history with nearly non-stop live music, rows of food booths from restaurants and local snack shops and loads of children’s entertainers (including a balloon artist, magician, stilt-walker and juggler). Music will be a main attraction, including country group Virgil Kane, ’80s cover band Selective Recall and movie spin-offs the Blooze Brothers on Sunday, while the Kimi Hayes Band and Underwater People round out Monday night. Following that finale, expect the sky to light up with fireworks to bring the night to a roaring conclusion.
When: 2 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday, 1 p.m. to post-fireworks (following Underwater People’s 8:30 p.m. set) Monday
Where: Wheeling Park District Community Recreation Center (outdoor field), 255 W. Dundee Rd., Wheeling
Price: Free; visit vi.wheeling .il.us for more information
LAKE ZURICH 4th OF JULY FAMILY DAY
4. Independence Day is on its way, and for those in Lake Zurich, that means a fun-filled family day. Picnics are a major part of the plan and there will be plenty of food options thanks to the Taste of Lake Zurich. A beer garden with beer and wine coolers will accompany the expected spread of burgers, barbecue basics, pizza, tacos, egg rolls and more. Additional attractions include all-day swimming, a climbing wall, giant slide and kid favorites Winston the Whale and Propella the Plane. Topping the night is the Annual Boat Parade; the Lake Zurich Property Owners Association and the Village of Lake Zurich invite residents to show off their sails.
When: 9 a.m. (park opens), 8 p.m. (parade begins) Monday
Where: Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich
Price: Free (children 3 and under and those with Lake Zurich resident passes), $5 non-residents; 847-438-5146 or www.volz.org
TWILIGHT GARDEN WALK AND WINE TASTING
5. Cantigny Park is one of Wheaton’s treasures, consisting of multiple museums, a golf course, various gardens and a private greenhouse. Such beautiful scenery makes the ideal setting for a Twilight Garden Walk and Wine Tasting, which begins in the vibrant visitor’s center around archival exhibits of the historic park. Following the journey throughout the grounds, wines from the Pacific Northwest will be served with refreshments. The venue’s usual parking fee will be waived for the occasion.
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Cantigny Park, 1 S. 151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton
Price: $25; 630-668-5161 or www.cantignypark.com
———-
Compiled by Andy Argyrakis
onthetown@tribune.com
