Summer Tropical flower shows
The city’s north and west side conservatories display tropical plants with this year’s show featuring dark and purple-leafed plants, including Black Magic colocasia, strobilanthes and Red Shield hibiscus.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N. Stockton Drive, 312-742-7736; and Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., 312-746-5100, garfield-conservatory.org. Free admission
Irish Fest
The annual festival offers Irish-theme contests, music and cultural entertainment. Musical performances include American English, Gaelic Storm and the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band.
Noon-8 p.m. in Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest. $15; 708-687-9323, chicagogaelicpark.org
Downtown Sound: Music Mondays
Millennium Park’s indie and eclectic rock music summer series brings in local favorites Hum for the holiday. Post-punkers Volcano also perform.
6:30 p.m. in Millennium Park, 100 N. Michigan Ave. Free; 312-742-1168, millenniumpark.org
Family day at Arlington Park
Take the family to the races at Arlington Park where activities include 101.9 FM’s concert with Ralph’s World, a petting zoo, and other family activities from DuPage Children’s Museum.
Gates open at 11:15 a.m. at Arlington Park, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. $6-$8, children under 17 free; 847-385-7500, arlingtonpark.com
Club Blujazz Latin Jam Session
Here’s a chance to check out the new jazz spot (a former sports bar) that music critic Howard Reich says, “easily conveys intimacy, a key ingredient for the art of jazz,” and get hot Latin rhythms to boot.
Sets start at 8 p.m. at 1540 W. North Ave. Covers vary; 773-360-8046, clubblujazz.com
Adler Planetarium
Explore the stars in Adler’s Planet Explorers interactive exhibit where free activities will be offered for the holiday (10 a.m.-1 p.m.). And, take your time with extended holiday hours allowing more time to check out space shows “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” and the newest, “Journey to the Stars.”
9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive. $10-$25, $6-$21 for children 3-14; 312-922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org
Chicago Premium Outlets sale
Memorial Day weekend specials include discounts for military personnel and additional markdowns at Armani Exchange, Gap Generation, Kate Spade, Levi’s and more. For list of stores and specials go to premiumoutlets.com.
9 a.m.-9 p.m. at Chicago Premium Outlets, 1650 Premium Outlets Blvd., Aurora. 630-585-2200
Cantigny Park
Cantigny’s 29 acres of gardens vibrate in the summer with the Park’s concert series. This Monday features acoustic bluegrass by Special Consensus (3 p.m.). Two museums, the McCormick (chronicles the legacy of Robert R. McCormick) and First Division (American history of First Infantry Division), are also part of the Cantigny experience.
7 a.m. (grounds open, museums open at 10 a.m.) at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Free admission, $2-$5 per car parking; 630-668-5161, cantigny.org
