There are book sales and then there is the 37th annual Brandeis Used Book Sale: some eager bibliophiles will even camp out overnight to get first crack at the more than 400,000 publications for sale. This year’s treasures include an extensive collection of out-of-print photography books, rare mystery books and stacks of inexpensive children’s books. Starts Saturday and continues through June 18, at Northbrook Court, Lake Cook Road, one-half mile west of Edens Expressway, in Northbrook; free except for opening night ($5). Call 708-724-9715.
– Nancy Maes
Good food, good cause
Thirteen female chefs will create gourmet dishes at the 10th annual Bread and Roses dinner, a benefit for Rainbow House, whose programs help abused women and children. The event takes place 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Hotel Inter-Continental, 505 N. Michigan Ave. After a champagne reception and silent auction, patrons will sit down to a six-course dinner, followed by a live auction. Participating chefs include Judy Contino of Bittersweet, Suzy Crofton of Montparnasse, Gale Gand of Trio, Monique King of Soul Kitchen, Peggy Ryan of Va Pensiero, Jackie Shen of Lawry’s Prime Rib, Sami Signorino of Piatti and Sarah Stegner of The Dining Room. Tickets are $125; call 312-521-5501.
– Phil Vettel
Whole-witted
If you’ve ever wondered how the other half lives, well, “The Other Half Lives,” from the Other Half Theater Company (creators of “Where’s the Cheese?”), provides a few answers in this original evening of playlets, monologues and songs. They explore the myths that our culture creates to explain or endure the roles we play in family, at work and in society. The discoveries get unveiled on weekends at Cafe Voltaire, 3231 N. Clark St. Call 312-902-2251.
– Lawrence Bommer
Wells cargo
More than 225 painters, sculptors and jewelry designers were selected from more than 700 applications to participate in the 21st Annual Wells Street Art Festival. And, for the first time, the event will feature activities for the children, including pottery, sand art and puppetmaking. There also will be a Ferris wheel and an appearance by Benny the Bull, who continues working even in the off-season. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Wells Street, between Scott Street and North Avenue. Admission is $3. Call 312-951-6106.
– Nancy Maes
Dino-mites
Last year, the exhibit of traveling robotic dinosaurs must have laid eggs, because dinosaur babies are now appearing at shopping centers. A cute and cuddly 5-foot Tyrannosaurus toddler screeches for its mama as only a dinosaur can. Then there is the face only a mother can love belonging to a flying Comodactylus with a 5-foot wingspan. The prehistoric babies appear Friday through June 18 at the Orland Square Mall (Ill. Rt. 45 at 151st St.), Orland Park, and June 23 through July 2 at the Fox Valley Center (U.S. Hwy. 59, 3 miles south of I-88), Aurora. For a complete schedule and more information, call 312-549-0606.
– Steve Dale
Theatrical ghosts
“Reminiscences of Randolph Street Rialto” is a walking tour of the once-booming downtown Chicago theater district, hosted by the Chicago Historical Society. It begins at 10 a.m. Saturday with a slide show at the museum (North Avenue at Clark Street), followed by a bus ride downtown. Joseph DuciBella, the archives director of the Theatre Historical Society, will offer the first tour inside the Oriental Theatre since its doors were shut 12 years ago. “It’s dirty, but nothing’s crawling around,” he says. He’ll also stop at the Chicago Theatre and for lunch near the old Palace Theatre (now the Bismarck Hotel Pavilion). The tour group also will pay homage to theaters gone, but not forgotten. Tour (with lunch) is $45; call 312-642-5035, ext. 318.
– Steve Dale
No swimming
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The Powerman Chicago Duathlon, which will course along Chicago’s lakefront, is for powerwomen, too. Last year’s male and female winners, and 25 other professional duathletes, will compete in this bike-run-bike event along with more than 2,500 amateur athletes. The race begins at 7 a.m. Sunday at Wacker Drive, east of Lake Shore Drive. Call 312-929-5978.
– Nancy Maes.