Wheaton - All of the following activities will take place at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton, during the month of August. Additional details are online at Cantigny.org or can be found by calling 630-668-5161.

Thursday, August 1

Summer Evening Stroll

Gardens, 6pm

Enjoy a one-hour summer garden tour, conducted by the park’s Master Gardener docents. Walk begins at the Visitors Center. Free with paid parking ($5).

Friday, August 2

FIT4MOM Stroller Fitness

Visitors Center, 9:30am

Young moms will enjoy this fun and beneficial 60-minute workout with cardio, strength and balance training. Expert fitness instructors and participants sing songs, play games and blow bubbles to keep the children engaged. First class free. For more information or to register, visit dupagecounty.fit4mom.com.

Friday, August 2

Military Science: Rockets

First Division Museum, 1 to 3pm

Students ages 11 to 14 are invited to learn about military rockets, experiment with basic principles of rocketry and launch different types of model rockets. Participants take home an Estes rocket. Cost: $17; parking free. Register at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162.

FEATURED EVENT

Friday, August 2

Tour: Cool story BRO

First Division Museum, 7pm

Experience the First Division Museum—and BRO, the “Big Red One”—in an entirely new way! Enjoy an unconventional tour and listen to some crazy unbelievable stories as you sip a craft beer or two. Museum guides will fearlessly lead you through some of their favorite stories, artifacts, Instagram-worthy spots and games with prizes. Advance registration required via fdmuseum.org or call 630.260.8183. Cost: $15; parking free. Must be 21 to attend.

Friday, August 2

Movie in the Park: “Mama Mia! Here We Go Again”

Bandshell, 8:30pm

Celebrate summer with a family movie night under the stars! Seating is on the grass by the red bandshell. Blankets, chairs and snacks welcome. Free with parking ($5).

FEATURED EVENT

Saturday, August 3

Free Concert: West Suburban Symphony Orchestra

First Division Museum Plaza, 7:30pm

Join Maestro Peter Lipari and the symphony on a dance-inspired musical tour: Kodaly’s Dances of Galanta, inspired by Hungarian gypsy folk dances; Strauss waltzes; Latin American dance tunes; jazz standards; and dance music from Broadway musicals. You’ll be tapping your toes, swaying in your lawn chair, and perhaps even dancing next to the tanks! Free with parking ($10).

Sunday, August 4

Free Concert: Dancing Queen

Bandshell, 3pm

Don’t miss this exciting ABBA experience for all ages! Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. Free with parking ($10).

Monday, August 5

Lots of Honey Tea Party

Rose Garden, 11am to 12:30pm

Tea Time Socials (teatimesocials.com) presents a honey-inspired party for ages 4 to 9. The program includes an assortment of finger sandwiches and petite pastries accompanied by tea or lemonade. Children will learn etiquette and manners, plus a few things about honey bees—all in a fun environment. An activity follows the meal. Cost: $39 per child (less for siblings). Parking free. Register at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162.

Monday, August 5

Cantigny Post 556 American Legion Pasta Dinner

Le Jardin at Cantigny Park, 4:30 to 8pm

Cantigny Post 556 of the American Legion invites the community to a delicious fundraiser! Enjoy a wonderful all-you-can-eat pasta dinner with all the trimmings prepared by Cantigny’s award-winning culinary team. Cost: $10 per person or $3 for ages 4 and under. No reservations needed. Free parking.

Tuesday, August 6

Tour: Lower Display Garden

Visitors Center, 11am

Jackie Kosbab from Cantigny Horticulture will guide you through this all-new garden space, redesigned and freshly planted as part of the park’s ongoing Project New Leaf. Free with parking ($5).

Thursday, August 8

The Spirited Botanist

Display Gardens, 6:30pm

Enjoy a botanical refreshment in the park’s newly renovated display gardens. Liz Omura from Cantigny Horticulture will demonstrate a cocktail (alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties) containing a fruit, vegetable, herb and/or edible flower as the main ingredient. The specially concocted drink will be served with a complementing appetizer. $25 per person, parking included. Register at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162.

Thursday, August 8

Military History Trivia Night

Fareways Grill at Cantigny Golf, 7pm

Join the First Division Museum staff for a fun and educational evening of trivia! Cantigny Golf is located at 27w270 Mack Road in Wheaton.

Friday, August 9

Sounds of Summer: Liz Ridgely

Cantigny Golf, 6pm

Enjoy easy-going soul music with singer-songwriter Liz Ridgely on the clubhouse patio. No cover charge, free parking. Cantigny Golf is located at 27w270 Mack Road in Wheaton.

Friday, August 9

Movie in the Park: “Christopher Robin”

Bandshell, 8:30pm

Celebrate summer with a family movie night under the stars! Seating is on the grass by the red bandshell. Blankets, chairs and snacks welcome. Free with parking ($5).

FEATURED EVENT

Saturday, August 10

Little Prince & Princess Tea

Le Jardin at Cantigny Park, 8:30am

Be our guest at Royal High Tea in a kingdom not so far away! We have an enchanted morning planned for the whole family, including an elegant tea with traditional brunch favorites. Our favorite book-loving Princess will entertain your little ones with a performance, story time and photos. Adults (13 & up): $32; Children (4-12): $20; ages 3 & under: $5. Parking free. Register at Cantigny.org.

Saturday, August 10

Second Saturday Family Program: Paper Making

Visitors Center, 12 to 3pm

Families are invited to the McCormick House’s monthly drop-in program with interactive themes. Robert McCormick, Cantigny’s benefactor, made his fortune in the newspaper business. Come try your hand at making the raw material that he depended on! Paper making is fun but a little messy, so be prepared. Free with parking ($10).

Saturday, August 10

Free Concert: Saturday June Band

Bandshell, 3pm

Saturday June, led by veteran Chicago rocker Steve Kessler, plays with an infectious enthusiasm that draws in the listener. Don’t miss this show! Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. Free with paid parking ($10).

FEATURED EVENT

Saturday, August 10

French Picnic Under the Stars

Parade Field, 6 to 11pm

This third-year event falls on the eve of the park’s popular French Connection Day. Enjoy a French-themed picnic (available for pre-purchase) or bring your own. The evening includes a 23-foot illuminated Eiffel Tower, music by the four-piece Chicago Sinfonietta Chamber Ensemble and stargazing. Bring your own telescope or view the stars and planets through scopes provided by the Naperville Astronomical Society, Northwest Suburban Astronomers and the Chicago Astronomical Society. In addition, silhouette artist Cassidy Alexander will create a memory for you to take home. Special event parking applies at $15 per car (up to four occupants). Order picnic dinners, with or without wine, at Cantigny.org.

FEATURED EVENT

Sunday, August 11

French Connection Day

Parade Field, 10am to 4pm

Enjoy a day-long festival of music, food, art and family fun as Cantigny celebrates everything France—all to commemorate the personal history of the park’s benefactor, Robert R. McCormick. (Cantigny is named after the small village north of Paris where Colonel McCormick fought in the Battle of Cantigny in 1918.) Enjoy live entertainment and take a photo with the park’s Eiffel Tower replica! Free with parking ($10).

FEATURED EVENT

Sunday, August 11

Free Concert: United States Coast Guard Band

First Division Museum Plaza, 5:30pm

Come enjoy the premier band representing the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security. The 55-member ensemble, based at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., performs a broad spectrum of music with a patriotic flair. Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. Free with parking ($10).

Monday, August 12

Afternoon Tea

McCormick House, 2pm

Adults can enjoy a taste of English civilized society inside the McCormick mansion’s stately Freedom Hall. The menu includes finger sandwiches, smoked salmon canape, scones, petit fours and, of course, a variety of gourmet loose leaf tea. Cost: $35. Parking free. Register at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162.

Wednesday, August 14

Garden Photo Tips

Visitors Center, 5:30pm

Receive advice from a skilled Cantigny Horticulture volunteer, share your own knowledge, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow shutterbugs in beautiful surroundings. Group size is limited—register at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162. Free with parking ($5).

Wednesday, August 14

Gardens Bike Tour

Visitors Center, 6:30pm

Avid cyclists from Cantigny Horticulture will escort visitors on a leisurely ride with plenty of stops at different areas of the gardens and other park attractions. Adults and children ages 10 and up welcome. Group size is limited. Advance registration required at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162. Free with parking ($5).

Wednesday, August 14

Succulent Container Workshop

Greenhouse, 6:30pm

Jackie Kosbab, Cantigny Horticulturist, will guide your creation of an easy-to-grow dish garden of colorful drought-tolerant plants. Plants, soil-less medium, container and decorative stones are included in the price of this one-hour workshop. $45 per person, parking included. Register at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162

Thursday, August 15

Storytime in the Garden with West Chicago Public Library

Visitors Center, 10:30am

Join the library staff to explore some favorite stories and other activities in Cantigny’s beautiful gardens. Free program; parking fee waived for those who present a pass, available in advance at the library’s Youth Services desk. Regular parking $5.

Thursday, August 15

Very Apple Tea Party

Rose Garden, 11am to 12:30pm

Tea Time Socials (teatimesocials.com) presents an apple-inspired tea party with a back to school theme for ages 4 to 9. The program includes an assortment of finger sandwiches and petite pastries accompanied by tea or apple juice. Children will learn etiquette, manners and kindness in a fun environment. An activity follows the meal. Cost: $39 per child (less for siblings). Parking free. Register at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162.

Thursday, August 15

Lunch & Learn: Great Chicago Fire

McCormick House, 12 to 1pm

Brian Failing, executive director of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum in Lisle, will discuss the Great Chicago Fire and its impact. Bring a sack lunch if you wish. To register call 630.260.8162. Free with parking ($5).

Thursday, August 15

Garden Walk on the Wild Side

Visitors Center, 1pm

New for 2019, this tour by Cantigny Horticulture takes place monthly through October, on the third Thursday. Staff members will choose personal favorite plants and share information about them—a bit of science, growing advice and perhaps a fun fact. Register at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162. Free with parking ($5).

Thursday, August 15

Summer Evening Stroll

Visitors Center, 6pm

Enjoy a one-hour summer garden tour, conducted by the park’s Master Gardener docents. Walk begins at the Visitors Center. Free with paid parking ($5).

Thursday, August 15

Civic Awareness Series: Redistricting and Gerrymandering

McCormick House, 7pm

Michael Fortner, former member of the Illinois House of Representatives, 2007-19, explores the complexities and downfalls of congressional re-districting and gerrymandering. This continues a series presented by Cantigny’s Robert R. McCormick House and the League of Women Voters of Wheaton. Program and parking are free but advance registration is required due to limited seating. Register at cantigny.org.

FEATURED EVENT

Friday, August 16

Family Fun Night: Kite Flying & Gina Glocksen Band

Bandshell, 5 to 10pm

The park’s popular Friday Family Night series continues! Enjoy classic rock-n-roll music by the Gina Glocksen Band and fly kites on the park’s massive Parade Field. Stay for Movie in the Park, too: “Aquaman” starts at 8:30pm. Food trucks on site. Free with parking ($5).

Friday, August 16

Movie in the Park: “Aquaman”

Bandshell, 8:30pm

Celebrate summer with a family movie night under the stars! Seating is on the grass by the red bandshell. Blankets, chairs and snacks welcome. Free with parking ($5).

FEATURED EVENT

Saturday, August 17

Free Concert: Midwest Young Artists Conservatory

First Division Museum Plaza, 6:30pm

The region’s largest youth music conservatory will perform favorite melodies from Broadway, the silver screen and animated family gems. Music includes songs from Les Misérables, My Fair Lady, Schindler’s List, Disney, The Beatles, Anastasia and Frozen, plus the Armed Forces Salute. Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. Free with parking ($10).

Sunday, August 18

Free Family Concert: Wendy & DB

Cantigny Bandshell, 11am

Fun songs with positive lyrics are the hallmark of this award-winning twosome. Wendy & DB’s interactive children’s music show is perfect entertainment for kids and families! Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. Free with parking ($10).

Sunday, August 18

Free Concert: The Four C Notes

Cantigny Bandshell, 3pm

Enjoy the Midwest’s only tribute act dedicated to recreating the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. Free with parking ($10).

Wednesday, August 21

Military Vehicle Show

South Parking Lot, 10am to 5pm

The First Division Museum will display and interpret its historic fleet alongside vehicles from other organizations at this event sponsored by the Military Vehicle Preservation Association. Free with parking ($5).

Friday, August 23

Movie in the Park: “Mary Poppins Returns”

Bandshell, 8:30pm

Celebrate summer with a family movie night under the stars! Seating is on the grass by the red bandshell. Blankets, chairs and snacks welcome. Free with parking ($5).

Saturday, August 24

Vintage Base Ball Game

Parade Field, 1pm

Enjoy an afternoon of America’s pastime as it was played more than 100 years ago! The rules of 1858 apply as the DuPage Plowboys take on the Sunset Hill Colonels (Valparaiso, IN). Free with parking ($10).

FEATURED EVENT

Sunday, August 25

Tylerman Film Festival

McCormick House & Visitors Center, 12 to 8pm

New for 2019! The Tylerman Film Festival seeks to grow an environment of legacy that affords filmmakers the opportunity to be credited for their art with critique, prizes, contracts and distribution opportunity. For registration and information, visit tylermanfilms.com.

Sunday, August 25

Free Concert: One of These Nights

Cantigny Bandshell, 3pm

This outstanding cover band does not simply play the music of The Eagles, it becomes The Eagles! Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. Free with parking ($10).

Monday, August 26

Lecture: Cantigny’s Project New Leaf

McCormick House, 3pm

Executive Director Matt LaFond will update guests on the park’s massive five-year rejuvenation effort, Project New Leaf. Free program but advance registration recommended due to limited seating. Call 630.260.8162 or email register@cantigny.org. Parking is $5.

Tuesday, August 27

Kid Rock Back to School Bop

Visitors Center, 10 to 10:45am

Parents and their little ones (ages 5 and under) are invited to celebrate a new school year with a fun and musical session of songs, instruments and imaginative play. For more about Kid Rock programs, visit rockitkids.com. Cost is $12 per child; parking free. Register at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162.

Friday, August 30

Movie in the Park: “A Star is Born”

Parade Field, 8:30pm

Celebrate summer with a family movie night under the stars! Seating is on the grass by the red bandshell. Blankets, chairs and snacks welcome. Free with parking ($5).

Source: Jeff Reiter jreiter@mccormickfoundation.org