Fall fun continues this weekend with a festival all about apples. Plus, don’t miss a dog adoption event at Dylan’s Candy Bar, a conversation with Ryne Sandberg, a new exhibit at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and a new collaboration between Lyric Opera of Chicago and Joffrey Ballet.
Apple Fest
You’ll quickly get into the spirit of fall at the 26th annual Apple Fest, featuring hundreds of apple-inspired goodies like apple popcorn and apple lattes. There will also be live music, a Kid Zone, a Pop-Up Apple Orchard and more.
Adopt-a-Sweetie Dog Adoption Event
Sept. 23
Chicago
Dylan’s Candy Bar and PAWS Chicago are teaming up to find forever homes for adorable dogs. Stop by the candy store from noon to 4 p.m. for on-site adoption opportunities and free ice cream. Plus, PAWS Chicago will receive 10 percent of all candy sales that day.
Local Legends 2017: Ryne Sandberg
Sept. 23
Lake Forest
The Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society’s 2017 Local Legend is Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg. Radio host Barry Rozner will interview Sandberg about his time in the MLB as well as his retirement.
Backyard Adventures
Opens Sept. 23
Chicago
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s newest exhibit will let your kids explore the outdoors even as winter descends upon Chicago. Visitors will discover what animals do after dark with night vision, get a bee’s eye view of the world, play Garden Golf and the Giant Pumpkin Bonanza game show, and more.
“Orphée et Eurydice”
Opens Sept. 23
Chicago
Lyric Opera’s 63rd season will open this weekend with Gluck’s “Orphée et Eurydice.” This contemporary reimagining of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice is a coproduction with Los Angeles Opera and Hamburg Opera. It will also be the first collaboration between Lyric and Joffrey Ballet.
Give Back Opportunity
- The Chicago Fire Foundation will host Fire-tober Fest on Sept. 23 at Joe’s on Weed. More than 30 beer brands will be on hand to sample seasonal brews. Tickets include event admission, beer samples, a buffet, a complimentary bottle of Heineken and a commemorative gift item (limited quantity). Proceeds will benefit the Chicago Fire soccer club’s charitable organization, which provides “sports-based youth development and direct-service programs to underserved communities.”
Looking Ahead
- On Sept. 25, Black Ensemble Theater and Steppenwolf Theatre Company will co-produce “Chicago’s Theater Community Coming Together to Fight the Ism’s ‘Highlighting Racism.’” The evening will bring together Chicago’s theater groups and the public for performances, presentations, discussion and networking. Tickets are free, but must be reserved.
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Anna Carlson writes the weekly 5 Things to Do column and monthly Recommended Events. A graduate of Glenbrook South High School and the University of Missouri, her work has been published in Chicago Parent, Inside Columbia Magazine and Central California Parent Magazine. She is a proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.