Celebrate the release of ”Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” by attending the Evanston-wide release party July 30. The event kicks off at noon at the Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave., with a reading relay.

July 28

La Grange Farmer’s Market

7 a.m.-1 p.m.

La Grange Village Hall, 53 S. La Grange Road, La Grange

Free

The Farmer’s Market has expanded to include even more farmers and specialty food artisans. The Activity Tent showcases area businesses and organizations. The schedule changes weekly and focuses on children’s activities, crafts, health and wellness education, gardening ideas, cooking tips and more.

July 28

Chicago Open Figure Skating Competition

8 a.m.-8 p.m.

The Glenview Ice Center, 1851 Landwehr Road, Glenview

Free

This U.S. Figure Skating competition that draws 200-plus participants from the Midwest and beyond. Times are subject to change. Call (847) 724-2800 for more information

July 28

Thursday Night Out

5-9 p.m.

Downtown Oak Park

$16

Downtown Oak Park’s dine-around series at Lake Street/Marion Street/North Boulevard. Ticket booklets, costing $16 each, contain four tickets good for one item off the changing menu at participating restaurants. More information and schedule at downtownoakpark.net/signature-event/thursday-night.

July 29

Paint Your Pet

6:30 p.m.

NBPD Community Center, 1619 Wesley Ave., Berwyn

$8-$10

For children and accompanying adults. Bring a photo of your pet and paint a portrait of it. For more information, visit nbpd4fun.org or call (708) 749-4900.

July 30

Park Ridge Farmers’ Market 2016

7 a.m.-1 p.m.
At Prairie and Garden, just south of the Metra train tracks and Touhy, Park Ridge

Free

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Park Ridge Farmers’ Market features fresh seasonal produce, interesting packaged goods, Sprouts Kids Tent activities and live music. Now accepting SNAP and Illinois Link cards.

July 30

Harry Potter Release Party

Noon-midnight

Various locations, Evanston

Free

Celebrate the release of ”Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” by attending the Evanston-wide release party. The event kicks off at noon at the Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave., with a reading relay. After the library closes at 6 p.m., participants have the option to play a Quidditch Game at Northwestern University’s Deering Library, 1970 Campus Drive. At 7 p.m., an Animal Keeper will present a class on “The Care and Feeding of Creatures” on the Deering Steps. The Reading Relay will continue in Deering Library, along with introductions to Wand Making and Basic Spells. From 8:30 to 8:45 p.m., there will be a costume contest judging, with one award for best existing character cosplay, and one award for the best original character cosplay, At 9 p.m., visitors are encouraged to parade back to downtown Evanston and into Diagon Alley (on Sherman Avenue) to Bookends & Beginnings for the announcement of the costume contest winners. First-prize winners will get to open one of the sealed boxes at midnight at one of the bookstores and receive the first book. The reading relay will split into two parts with simultaneous readings at Bookends & Beginnings and Barnes & Noble to see which location can get the furthest by midnight. Readers are encouraged to order their books before the party.

Aug. 2

French Twist

7 p.m.

Pleasant Home, 217 Home Ave., Oak Park

$15 general admission, $10 for Pleasant Home Foundation Members

Chicago jazz vocalist and chanteuse — Petra van Nuis — pairs up with Grammy-nominated accordionist Don Stille for an evening of jazz standards with a “French twist.” This duo will perform songs about France, music from French composers and some old favorites from French films. Website is pleasanthome.org/program-a-events/french-twist.

Aug. 3

Hawaiian Luau

6:30 p.m.

Forest Park Aquatic Center, 7501 Harrison St., Forest Park

$5 for residents and pool pass holders, $7 for non-residents

The Park District of Forest Park is holding a traditional pig roast dinner, followed by Hawaiian-themed dancing and fun. Call (708) 366-7500 for more information.

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