Big Week | August 4-11

Meet Smoky, the war dog

North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., invites you to come hear the story of “Smoky: The War Dog,” a special outdoor presentation in the parking lot of the library on Saturday, Aug. 7 at 1 p.m.

Learn about Smoky, a Yorkshire terrier found by an American soldier in a foxhole on a Pacific Island during World War II. The tiny dog went on to become a decorated war hero and is considered the first therapy dog. Smoky’s story was a post-war sensation and she, along with her owner, was an early TV celebrity in Cleveland.

Register to attend at the library’s online events calendar.

Spielberg revealed

The Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., invites you to the in-person program “Steven Spielberg: A Kid, a Camera and a Dream” in the lower-level meeting room on Thursday, Aug. 5 at 7 p.m.

Film historian Robert Burton shares the dramatic personal story of a dreamer who became one of the most popular filmmakers in history. Enjoy scenes from some of Spielberg’s earliest projects and his landmark feature films with revealing behind-the-scenes stories.

Register to attend by calling 708-485-6917, ext. 130 or by visiting the library’s online events calendar.

Cinema night at Grossdale Station

Brookfield Parks and Rec invites you to a special outdoor movie night on Thursday, Aug. 5 at the Grossdale Station, 8820½ Brookfield Ave., with a screening of the 1934 screwball comedy “It Happened One Night,” winner of five Academy Awards and starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert and directed by Frank Capra.

Enjoy a true Hollywood classic under the stars, along with live music before the movie, a tour of the Brookfield History Museum and popcorn, a treat and drink box. Tickets are $25 for residents ($35 non-residents) and can be reserved by visiting here.

Outdoor concerts in North Riverside, Brookfield

Summer outdoor concerts continue this week in both North Riverside and Brookfield, and the offerings could not be more different.

On Thursday, Aug. 5, put on your cowboy hat and boots and scoot on down to the Village Commons, 2401 Desplaines Ave. where North Riverside Parks and Rec presents the country sounds of Two Beer Tommy, starting at 7 p.m.

Bring friends, family and comfy chairs/blankets and kick back for a night of summer fun. Concessions available for purchase.

Brookfield Parks and Rec follows on Friday, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. with Classical Blast, which mashes classic instrumentation and pieces with songs from Jimi Hendrix to Queen.

The concerts are held at the band shell in Kiwanis Park, 8820 Brookfield Ave. Beer and wine available for purchase.

And more

• The Riverside Farmers Market continues every Wednesday from 2:30 to 7 p.m. at Centennial Park, 10 Pine Ave., in downtown Riverside. Social distancing encouraged. Face coverings are required for those who are not vaccinated and no pets are allowed.
• The Brookfield Farmers Market continues every Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave. for locally sourced fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods and artisan ware. Live music and a picnic area. Social distancing is encouraged and face coverings are required for non-vaccinated guests.
• North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., invites adults to participate in Book Club Telephone Talk via conference call (800-747-5150, code 1453322) on Aug. 10 at 6:30 p.m. The discussion will be about “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway.

Kids in grades 6-12 can play the Jackbox game Fibbage 3 at the library on Aug. 7 at 3 p.m.

Visit the North Riverside library’s online events calendar for more info.

• Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., offers virtual classes and programs for patrons of all ages throughout the week. Most youth activities will be presented live on the library’s Facebook page.

For adults, there’s Chair Yoga via Zoom on Aug. 5 at 11 a.m. and Exploring Butterfly Conservation with the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum via Zoom on Aug. 5 at 4 p.m.

Call 708-485-6917, ext. 130 or visit the Brookfield library’s online events calendar to register for programs.

• Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, invites kids to Friday Outdoor Storytime on Aug. 6 at 10 a.m. Visit the library’s online events calendar for more info.
• Riverside Chess Club, open to anyone age 5 through adult, meets in person each Wednesday through Aug. 25 at 6:45 p.m. in the Community Room of the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road. Players of all levels welcome. Children under 7 require caregiver over 13. Registration required. Visit the library’s online events calendar.
• The Brookfield Elks Lodge, 9022 31st St., hosts bingo the second Sunday of every month. Doors open at 1 p.m. and games start at 2 p.m. with cash payouts. Next bingo night is Aug. 8.