Ellen Shubart, Chicago author of “What’s with Chicago?,” a new book featuring “The quirks, personality and charm of the Windy City,” will lead a trivia quiz contest at 7 p.m. Aug. 9 at The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Aug. 9

“What’s with Chicago?” Trivia Contest
7 p.m.
The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Free

Ellen Shubart, Chicago author of “What’s with Chicago?,” a new book featuring “The quirks, personality and charm of the Windy City,” will lead a trivia quiz contest. Prizes will be awarded for those who best answer questions about Chicago’s nicknames through the ages, the role of the Chicago River, or Chicago’s sports-crazy calendar with year-round activities ranging from basketball to “Chicago’s game,” 16-inch softball. Reservations are not necessary.

Thursdays in the Park
7 p.m.
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center, 8125 W. 171st St., Tinley Park
Free

Bring your picnic basket, lawn chair or blanket and be entertained at the Outdoor Band Shell at the Recreation Center. This Thursday, Five Guys Named Moe, will sing rock music through the decades. 

“The Lion King”
8 p.m.
Lorel Park, 8135 Lorel Ave, Skokie
Free

This Disney animated feature follows the adventures of the young lion Simba, the heir of his father, Mufasa. Simba’s wicked uncle, Scar, plots to usurp Mufasa’s throne by luring father and son into a stampede of wildebeests. But Simba escapes, and only Mufasa is killed. Simba returns as an adult to take back his homeland from Scar with the help of his friends.

Aug. 9-12

Taste of Elmwood Park
5-11 p.m. Aug. 9 and Aug. 10
Noon-11 p.m. Aug. 11
Noon-10 p.m. Aug. 12
Central Park, Fullerton and 75^th Ave., Elmwood Park
Free

The festival will feature Elmwood Park’s finest restaurants as well as musical entertainment, games, rides and arts and crafts.

Aug. 10

Silent Movies on the Porch
7:30 p.m. porch opens; 8:15 p.m. movie
Historic Pleasant Home, 217 Home Ave., Oak Park
$10 suggested donation

Two Buster Keaton movies will be shown, “Cops” from 1922 and “Sherlock Junior” from 1924. The movies will be accompanied by piano music performed by Thomas Holmes.

Aug. 10-12

Chicago Hot Dog Fest
11 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 10 and Aug. 11
11 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 12
Stockton and LaSalle Drive, Chicago
Suggested donations: $5 per person; $20 per family

The Chicago-style hot dog is a quintessential part of the city’s storied history. This year’s Hot Dog Fest, run by the Chicago History Museum, will celebrate the premiere of this favorite food at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago 125 years ago. Enjoy a full line-up of bands, history, family activities and Vienna Beef hot dogs prepared in various regional and ethnic styles by the city’s top hot dog vendors. 

Aug. 12

Second Sunday Nature Walk
1:30 p.m.
Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St., Skokie
Free

Join a naturalist at Emily Oaks Nature Center for a guided walk in the woods. Topics will feature the plants, animals and history of the area. Dress for the weather and come ready to explore. All ages are welcome.

“Mark Twain and Mr. Clemens, Tonight”
2:30 p.m.
Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs
$30; $25 for theater subscribers

Actor, musician, and historian Kurt Sutton will present “Mark Twain and Mr. Clemens, Tonight” as he relates stories in this one-man show from a bygone era, and the results are the hilarity of Twain and the period music of Samuel L. Clemens. This is a fundraiser for the theater. For tickets, call the box office at 708-246-3380 or buy online at theatreofwesternsprings.com.

Summer Concert Series
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Scoville Park, Lake Street and Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park
Free

Groove Witness, five musicians and a singer, will play original jazzy blues and soul music.

The concert series is sponsored by the Park District of Oak Park, which works to make the concerts waste-free events. Stations will be set up throughout the park for composting and recycling.

Aug. 15

Citizen Test Prep
6:30-8 p.m.
Berwyn Public Library, 2701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn
Free

This class is designed to help prepare those who will be taking the U.S. Citizenship Test.

–Cook County Calendar of Events Aug. 8 – Aug. 15–