Sunday, September 1

Free Concert: Chicago Tribute Anthology

Cantigny Bandshell, 3pm

This 7-piece horn band performs the music of one of the most popular and enduring bands of all time: Chicago. Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. Free with parking ($10).

FEATURED EVENT

Monday, September 2

Free Concert: American English

Cantigny Bandshell, 3pm

Celebrate Labor Day with perhaps the nation’s best Beatles tribute band! American English captures the very essence of John, Paul, George and Ringo in every detail.Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. Free with parking ($10).

Tuesday, September 3

Tour: Butterfly Hill and Gold Pond

Visitors Center, 11am

Learn about two of the park’s newly designed landscapes, each part of the ongoing Project New Leaf. The tour, guided by Craig Kruckenberg and Matthew Fairfield fromCantigny Horticulture, will highlight the use of native species. Free with parking ($5).

Wednesday, September 4

Inchworms Parent-Child Program

Visitors Center, 9 to 9:45am

Introduce your little one (ages 18-36 months) to nature through songs, simple crafts and outdoor exploration. Theme: “Chirp, Chirp, Mr. Cricket.” Cost: $8; parking free. Register at Cantigny.org or call 630.260.8162.

Wednesday, September 4

Sprouts Parent-Child Program

Visitors Center, 10 to 11am (first of 3 sessions)

Children ages 3 to 5 years (with adult) are invited to explore seasonal nature topics through stories, hands-on activities, outdoor walks and crafts. Theme: “Nighttime Creatures.” Class meets three consecutive Wednesdays: September 4. 11 and 18. Cost: $24; parking free. Register at Cantigny.org or call 630.260.8162.

Thursday, September 5

History Hike

McCormick House, 2pm

Exercise your body and feed your mind with an interpretive hike of Cantigny Park every Thursday afternoon through October. Park staff members will share stories about the McCormick family and lead guests to points of interest around the park. Meet outside the mansion, on the north circle. Free with parking ($5).

Thursday, September 5

Rockin’ Science: Astronomy

Visitors Center, 4:30 to 6pm (first of 4 sessions)

Drop-off your curious child (ages 9-12) for this hands-on science opportunity designed to encourage a passion for astronomy. Class meets four consecutive Thursdays through September 26. Cost: $20; parking free. Register at Cantigny.org or call 630.260.8162.

Thursday, September 5

Evening Garden Stroll

Visitors Center, 5pm

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

Thursday, September 5

The Spirited Botanist

Rose Garden, 6pm

Enjoy a refreshing botanical cocktail in the Cantigny Rose Garden. Host Liz Omura from Cantigny Horticulture will demonstrate a cocktail (alcoholic and non-alcoholic variations) featuring a fruit, vegetable, herb and/or edible flower as the main ingredient. The cocktail this evening is Rub & Rosie, featuring honey simple syrup with grapefruit juice and rosemary. A complementing light appetizer will be served. Advance registration required. $25 per person, parking included. Register at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162.

Thursday, September 5

Date with History: Curators of the First Division Museum

Visitors Center, 7pm

Join curators for an introspective into the First Division Museum’s 3D artifact collections. Hear stories around the donation of and history behind some of their favorite items not currently on display in the galleries. Free program and parking.

FEATURED EVENT

Saturday, September 7

Sunday, September 8

Revolutionary War Reenactment & Grand Encampment

Parade Field/Polo Field, 10am to 4pm

The Revolutionary War era comes alive as hundreds of living history actors from the Northwest Territory Alliance visit the park for this fun and educational event. Witness narrated mock battles and artillery demonstrations, and sample life in the late 18thcentury by strolling through the encampment of soldiers and civilians. Free with parking ($10).

Saturday, September 7

Fall Container Workshop

Greenhouse, 1:30pm

Dress up your front door area with a refreshed container sporting rich autumn color.Plants, compost, soilless medium and design/growing advice are included in the price of this 90-minute workshop. $50 fee includes parking; $45 for Cantigny members. Enter the park at Shaffner Road for easy access to the greenhouse parking lot. Register atCantigny.org or 630.260.8162.

Sunday, September 8

Garden Photo Tips

Visitors Center, 2pm

Receive advice, share your own knowledge, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow shutterbugs in beautiful surroundings. A skilled Cantigny volunteer leads the one-hour walk. Group size is limited to 10—register at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162. Free with parking ($10).

Wednesday, September 11

Inchworms Parent-Child Program

Visitors Center, 9 to 9:45am

Introduce your little one (ages 18-36 months) to nature through songs, simple crafts and outdoor exploration. Theme: “Pee-yew, Mr. Skunk!” Cost: $8; parking free. Register at Cantigny.org or call 630.260.8162.

FEATURED EVENT

Wednesday, September 11

Heroes of 9/11 Dedication Ceremony

First Division Museum, 4:30pm

Join local first responders for the solemn dedication of Cantigny’s newly installedSeptember 11 memorial comprised of steel beams from the World Trade Center buildings in New York. The exhibit is near the existing “Big Red One” garden in front of the museum. Free event and parking fee waived.

Wednesday, September 11

Gardens Bike Tour

Visitors Center, 5:30pm

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 atCantigny.org or 630.260.8162. Free with parking ($5).

Thursday, September 12

Doodlebugs Art Class

Visitors Center, 1 to 2pm (first of 3 sessions)

Drop off your child (ages 4-6) for an hour of creative exploration! Theme: “Clay Play!” Class meets three consecutive Thursdays: September 12, 19 and 26. Cost: $24; parking free. Register at Cantigny.org or call 630.260.8162.

Thursday, September 12

Monarch Butterfly Tagging

Pollinator Garden, 1pm

Assist the Monarch Watch organization in tracking these fascinating and beautiful insects on their migration journeys! All ages welcome. Free with parking ($5).

Saturday, September 14

Second Saturday Family Program: Revolutionary War

Visitors Center, 12 to 3pm

Families are invited to this monthly drop-in program with interactive themes, sponsored by McCormick House. This month’s program includes a printing activity and a chance to sign the Declaration of Independence using a quill pen! Free program; parking $10.

FEATURED EVENT

Sunday, September 15

14th Annual Cantigny Car Show

South parking lot, 9am to 3pm

Nearly 100 awards in a wide range of categories will be presented to owners of 400-plus vintage vehicles on display. Live entertainment by Sammy & The Knights, DJ music by Carousel Sound, plus food concessions. Free with parking ($10).

FEATURED EVENT

Sunday, September 15

Jewelry & Accessories Show

Visitors Center, 10am to 4pm

Cantigny’s annual Jewelry & Accessories Show showcases an array of handcrafted items from local artists. Free with parking ($10).

Wednesday, September 18

Inchworms Parent-Child Program

Visitors Center, 9 to 9:45am

Introduce your little one (ages 18-36 months) to nature through songs, simple crafts and outdoor exploration. Theme: “Coyote Howl!” Cost: $8; parking free. Register atCantigny.org or call 630.260.8162.

Thursday, September 19

West Chicago Public Library Storytime

Visitors Center, 10:30am

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

Thursday, September 19

Lunch & Learn: Cantigny’s Historic Military Vehicles

Visitors Center, 12 to 1pm

This noon program on the third Thursday of the month features speakers on topics of interest. Ian Richardson, coordinator for the First Division Museum’s historic vehicle fleet, will discuss the work, challenges and research that goes into his unique role at the park. Feel free to bring a lunch. Register at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162. Free with parking ($5).

Thursday, September 19

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 maybe a fun fact. Register at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162. Free with parking ($5).

Thursday, September 19

Evening Garden Stroll

Visitors Center, 5pm

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

Thursday, September 19

Civic Awareness Series: Foreign Affairs

McCormick House, 7pm

Craig Kafura, assistant director for public policy at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, will discuss the current state of foreign affairs. 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.

Friday, September 20

National POW/MIA Recognition Day

First Division Museum, 10am to 5pm

This observance is held across the country on military installations, ships at sea, state capitols, schools and veterans' facilities. It is one of six days throughout the year that Congress has mandated the flying of the National League of Families’ POW/MIA flag. At 11am, Cantigny Post 556 of the American Legion will conduct a brief remembrance ceremony at the First Division Museum, and a missing man table will be displayed in the museum lobby throughout the day. The table and items on it symbolize the sacrifices made by prisoners of war and those still missing in action. Free with $5 parking.

FEATURED EVENT

Friday, September 20

Battle of the Bands

Cantigny Bandshell, 5pm

At this first-time event, in partnership with Rock Academy music school in Downers Grove, hear 10 or more bands comprised of young musicians take their turn on stage for about 15 minutes each. The winning group receives a paid gig at Cantigny Park in 2020. Free with $5 parking.

Saturday, September 21

Putting Your Garden to Bed

Visitors Center, 9am

Learn how to prepare your garden for winter at this two-hour outdoor session.Cantigny Horticulture’s Samantha Peckham will offer advice on what needs to be pruned, cut-back, mulched, watered, rodent-proofed and more. Free with parking ($10).

Sunday, September 22

ClaySpace Pottery Show

Visitors Center, 10am to 4pm

Artists will exhibit and offer for sale a variety of handmade and one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces such as platters, bowls, wall sculptures, vases, soap dishes and jewelry. ClaySpace is a nonprofit studio in Lisle and home to a community of resident artists.Free with parking ($10).

Monday, September 23

Golf Course Cart Tour

Cantigny Golf, 4:45pm

See and learn about the elaborate floral plantings on Cantigny’s picturesque 27-hole golf course. Guests will travel in golf carts on this unique one-hour tour focusing on flowerbeds, restored natural areas, notable trees and more. Cantigny Horticulture staff members will guide. Group size is limited to 50; advance registration required. Cost: $5 per person; parking free. Meet at the Cantigny Golf clubhouse at 4:45 p.m. (27w270 Mack Road, Wheaton).

Tuesday, September 24

Kid Rock Fall Jamboree!

Visitors Center, 6 to 6:45pm

This music and movement parent-child event is perfect for kids ages 1 to 5. Songs and musical activities will have a fun autumn theme and plenty of props! Kid Rock has been providing music, dance classes and events since 1995. Learn more at rockitkids.com. Cost: $12 per child. Parking free. Register at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162.

FEATURED EVENT

Wednesday, September 25

“Band of Brothers” VIP Cocktail Hour

McCormick House, 5pm

The First Division Museum presents a pre-event cocktail hour with the actors and writers of the Emmy-winning HBO miniseries “Band of Brothers.” Guests will receive a copy of “How Easy Company Became a Band of Brothers,” by Chris Langlois, grandson of 2/506 Easy Company medic Eugene “Doc” Roe, who is highlighted in the show. Cost of $75 includes the book, drinks, appetizers and parking, plus admission to the main event immediately following. Space is limited. Register at Cantigny.org.

FEATURED EVENT

Wednesday, September 25

An Evening with the Actors & Writers of “Band of Brothers”

Visitors Center, 7pm

The First Division Museum presents a panel discussion with the actors and writers from the Emmy-winning HBO miniseries “Band of Brothers.” An autograph session will follow. Cost of $15 includes parking. Space is limited. Register at Cantigny.org.

Thursday, September 26

Monarch Butterfly Tagging

Pollinator Garden, 1pm

Assist the Monarch Watch organization in tracking these fascinating and beautiful insects on their migration journeys! All ages welcome. Free with parking ($5).

Source: Jeff Reiter at Cantigny Park jreiter@mccormickfoundation.org with cover photo by Hannah Ott