Two impossible outsiders wrestle their way into a hitherto un-hoped for love match and the happiest ever-afters in Shakespeare’s most famous and furious battle of the sexes, “The Taming of the Shrew” 8 p.m. Aug. 4-29 in Austin Gardens, 167 N. Forest Ave., Oak Park.

Aug. 3-Aug. 7

Northbrook Days

Various times

Village Green, the intersection of Shermer and Meadows roads, Northbrook

Free

With the theme of “Around the World with Northbrook Days,” the four-day event will feature music, a beer and wine tent, children’s activities, carnival rides and a bocce ball tournament. Ride-all-you-want wristbands will be sold for $25. Free parking is available at the Village of Northbrook Commuter lot. Grand prize tickets start at $20. All proceeds will go directly back into the community. For more information, go to northbrookdays.com.

Aug. 4

Nature Story Times

10:30 a.m.

Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest

Free

Enjoy nature-inspired stories, followed by a craft and snack. For children ages 3–6 accompanied with an adult. Questions? Call (708) 366-6530.

Aug. 4-29

Oak Park Festival Theatre

8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sundays; also 8 p.m. Aug. 24

Austin Gardens, 167 N. Forest Ave., Oak Park

$29 general admission; $24 for senior citizens; $15 for students; free for children under 12 and dogs

Two impossible outsiders wrestle their way into a hitherto un-hoped for love match and the happiest ever-afters in Shakespeare’s most famous and furious battle of the sexes, “The Taming of the Shrew.” For tickets, go to tickets@oakparkfestival.com. Austin Gardens is within walking distance from the Green Line Harlem stop.

Aug. 5

Friday Nights Live! Concert

5-9 p.m.

Metropolitan Square, 674 Metropolitan Way, Des Plaines

Free

The all-female band, Serendipity, will perform hits from to the ’60s to today, as part of Des Plaines’ summer series, Friday Nights Live! With a portion of the square closed to traffic, the venue will accommodate tables, umbrellas, chairs and a performance stage for this family friendly event.

Aug. 6

Cruise Night

6-9 p.m.

Metra Commuter Lot, near the intersection of Rt. 83 & Northwest Highway, Mount Prospect

Free

Classic car shows take place every Saturday night in downtown Mount Prospect. Each show has a theme. Aug. 6’s theme is BluesMobile. For more information, visit mpdowntown.com. Sponsored by the Mount Prospect Downtown Merchants Association.

Aug. 6

History of Comedy

9:30-11 p.m.

Metropolitan Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights

$25

Mankind has been laughing since the dawn of time, but why? What’s so funny? And why don’t they let us in on the joke? A three-man cast will explore what makes us laugh, why it makes us laugh and just what the heck is so funny about the New Yorker cartoons. From slapstick to sarcasm, from wordplay to whoopee cushions, take this highly unscientific survey of comedy throughout the centuries. Saturdays through Aug. 27. For more information, call (847) 577-2121.

Aug. 6-Aug. 7

Family Camp

6:30 p.m. overnight

Veteran’s Park, 26^th Street, North Riverside

$20 per tent

Bring your family, tent and sleeping bags for a night under the stars. Activities will include a family friendly movie, snacks and playing games. Also, breakfast will be provided the next morning. Call (708) 442-4500 for detail

Aug. 6-Aug. 21

‘Single Black Female’

7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, Aug. 13, Aug. 20

3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, Aug. 14, Aug. 21

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, 927 Noyes St., Evanston

$12 in advance; $17 at the door; $10 for senior citizens and students at the door only

The two-woman show, portrayed in rapid-fire vignettes, explores the lives of 30-something urban African-American middle class women who search for love, clothes and dignity in a world that fails to recognize them among a parade of stereotypical images. Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre is a professional theater with a commitment to diversity and creative excellence. For more information, visit fjtheatre.com or call/text (847) 448-4311.

— Cook County events —