I have several reasons why you should be happy right now if you aren’t already: It is Friday. Super Troopers 2 is now in theaters. The sun is actually shining to the point where it feels somewhat like spring. It might be payday for you. Days are getting longer. But most importantly, Earth Fest on Saturday has promised goats. Goats!
All these details and more continue in our Earth Day edition of This Weekend Around Oak Park.
—
9th Annual Earth Fest
The 9th Annual Oak Park Earth Fest will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd. There will be live entertainment, food vendors, hula dancers, and a goat petting zoo all to celebrate taking care of the planet. Festival-goers are encouraged to get in the spirit of Earth Day by biking or walking to the event.
Bicycle Drive at the Public Works Center
Oak Park residents who have a used bicycle in their basement or garage will be able to donate them on Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to noon. Before enjoying the party at Earth Fest, drop off the old machine you aren’t using anymore while contributing to Working Bikes, an organization that redistributes bicycles to areas plagued by poverty, high levels of unemployment, and lack of reliable transportation.
Forest Park’s Spring Wine Walk & Shop
If you want an opportunity to enjoy the warmer weather with a glass or two (or three) of wine, head to the Spring Wine Walk & Shop event in Forest Park on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. As you walk and shop, you will have the opportunity to visit 15-plus locations while enjoying locally prepared small bites (and wine, of course). Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased through ExploreForestPark. Once you have completed your online registration, meet at Forest Park National Bank, 7348 Madison Street, any time between 12:15 and 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Black Moon Gallery Presents “Black and White”
Black Moon Gallery & Studio is hosting an event dedicated to artwork that is all or predominately black and white on Friday at 6 p.m. All artists involved in the show are local residents who have different styles and techniques. Beer and wine will be available at the show. Donations are welcome from all who attend. Black Moon is located in the Oak Park Arts District at 17 Harrison Street.
Record Store Day 2018 at Val’s Halla Records
From Val’s Halla Records Facebook event: The biggest day of the year is here again! Join us Saturday for Record Store Day! As always we will be open two hours early at 9 a.m. with coffee & donuts for the early birds (the line tends to start much earlier than that so plan accordingly.) We’ll of course have our allotment of the various limited edition releases. All limited edition releases are first come first served, no holds of any kind and when they’re gone they’re gone! All USED product in the store will be on sale as well as an assortment of specially priced NEW vinyl. Val’s Halla Records is located in the Oak Park Arts District at 239 Harrison Street.
European Farmers’ Market
Sugar Beet Food Co-op, 442 South Grove Avenue, Oak Park, is hosting a European Farmers’ Market on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This European-style farmer’s market will have goods for sale from producers, growers, and makers. Vendors include Mint Creek Farm, Breadman Baking Co., Finn’s Ranch, Joe’s Blues, Sitka Salmon, Brian Severson Farms, Winter Rye Pottery, Textiles & Metals, and more. Get ready for spring and warmer weather with some fresh produce.
Film Premiere: “We Are Nothing” at Lake Theatre
Lake Theatre is hosting the premiere of the film, “We Are Nothing,” a story that follows Alex and Samantha as they search for purpose and understanding in a world that relentlessly tells them who they ought to be. The premiere is taking place Sunday at 9:30 a.m. with the film beginning at 10 a.m. Lake Theatre is located in Downtown Oak Park at 1022 Lake Street. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through EventBrite.
Oak Park Concert Chorale’s “Songs of Peace”
The next concert from the OPCC is taking place Sunday at 4 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest. This show will feature works by Carl Schalk and Paul Bouman as well as Illinois native Ellen Ruth Harrison and the premiere of a new composition by Paul Lindblad. General Admission is $18 in advance and $20 at the door; Seniors (age 65+)/Students (age 13+) are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Children age 12 and under are free. Purchase your tickets through EventBrite.
