Mutt Strut
The Oak Park Animal Care League will play host their third annual “Mutt Strut” to raise money for homeless animals. Walk two miles with or without your dog and enjoy a post-race party, complete with massages for your four legged friend. Walk runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 8 at Maple Park, 1105 S. Maple in Oak Park. Register at animalcareleague.org.
Kensington Cozy Mystery Convention
Join Kensington Publishing and Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore for a mystery mixer! Mingle with your favorite mystery authors, discover the genre’s rising stars and enjoy exciting giveaways and prizes. Eleven authors will attend, including Amanda Flower, Amy Lillard, Anna Lee Huber and more. Fun runs from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sept. 1 at the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd.
Junction Diner Pop-Up Storytime
Meet officials from the Forest Park Public Library at Junction Diner and listen to stories while munching on lunch and receive a takeaway craft to do at home. Appropriate for children ages three to five. Fun runs from 12 to 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 at Junction Diner, 7401 Madison St.
The Joys of Singing
The St. John Choristers will present their fall concert “The Joys of Singing” at 4 p.m. on Sept. 9 at St. John Lutheran Church, 305 Circle Ave. The concert is free and open to the public.
After Suicide: Rekindling Hope and Healing
Riveredge Hospital has invited Mary T. Skimming, assistant director at the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion, to give a talk on loss and suicide. Attendance is free. Talk runs from 9 to 11 a.m. on Sept. 7 at Riveredge Hospital, 8311 W. Roosevelt Rd.
Teen Self Defense Class
Instructors from Jang’s Yong In Martial Arts will teach teens how to defend themselves, learning how to become more observant, assess potential threats and escape dangerous situations. Register online at fppl.org. Fun runs from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 5 at the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd.
Pig Roast
Pig out at the ninth Pig Roast benefitting the TK Camp Fund, a fundraiser for children who suffer from Crohn’s Disease and Colitis. $40 ticket buys unlimited food and drinks. Visit tkfampfund.com for more information or to make a donation. Party runs from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 22 at Doc Ryan’s, 7432 Madison St.
Computer and Internet Basics
Learn basic computer skills like how to turn on a computer, use a mouse and visit a specific website. Class runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 6 at the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd.
Home Team Basketball Training
The Park District of Forest Park is bringing back its basketball class every Sunday, from Sept. 9 to Oct. 28. Classes available for ages 6 to 14. Cost $60 residents; $70 non-residents. Visit pdofp.org for more information.
WordPress for Entrepreneurs
Whether you want to build a brochure site, launch a new startup, sell products online, join staff at the Forest Park Public Library for a demo on why WordPress is the leading website platform for small businesses. Talk runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 30 at 7555 Jackson Blvd.
Roaring 20’s Silent Movie
Join officials from the Howard Mohr Community Center in travelling to Elkhart, Ind. for a silent movie. Allow the picture to transport you through time, to the crowds at The Lerner did nearly 100 years ago. Visit includes a 1920s vintage lawn party, and a stop at Coppes Common for rocket science ice cream and a trip to their bulk food store. Lunch included. Tickets $86 residents; $90 non-residents. Reservations required. Call the community center to reserve your space, and learn more: 708-771-7737.
Opportunity Knocks Classic Softball Tournament
Attend the 12th annual Opportunity Knocks Charity Softball tournament from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sept. 22 at the Park District of Forest Park, 7501 Harrison St.
Ribfest
Enjoy music and ribs at the village’s annual Ribfest, which will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sept. 8 at the Forest Park Picnic Grove, 7824 W. Madison St.
Calendar Events
As you’ve likely noticed, our Calendar has changed to Big Week. Fewer items, higher profile. If you would like your event to be featured here, please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published. We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights.
Email calendar@wjinc.com.