Oak Park Conservatory selling mums, bulbs
The Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park, has started its in-person sale of hardy mums to add some color to porches and gardens, available in two sizes and in a variety of colors.
In addition, some perennial bulbs, such as naturalizing daffodils, hyacinths, alliums, snowdrops, tulips and others will be sold.
The conservatory has a botanical collection of more than 3,000 plants, including some from its founding in 1929. It’s on the Register of Historical Places. Information is at oakparkconservatory.org or 708-725-2400
Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra heads to the opera
Opera fans will find a lot to like when Jim Cornelison joins the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra’s first performance of the new season, “An Opera Afternoon” at 3 p.m. Sept. 28 at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road in Elmhurst.
Cornelison, who sings the national anthem for Chicago Blackhawks games, will perform pieces from Richard Wagner, Leonard Bernstein, Gioachino Rissini and others.
A preconcert talk is planned at 1:45 p.m. Tickets for the concert range from $12 to $45 and include student, adult and senior (65 and older) rates, depending on seat location. Buy tickets at https://elmhurstsymphony.org or call 630-941-0202.
Outdoor movie, family fun fest set at Triton College
The animated film “Elio” will be screened during the Triton College Office of Student Life’s annual Movie on the Mounds at sundown Sept. 26 (about 7 p.m.) with seating open starting at 6 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public. Attendees should bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on. Free hot dogs, popcorn and beverages will be offered while supplies last. No smoking or alcohol on campus. If it rains, the event will move to the Student Center Cafeteria in B Building. Information is at [email protected] or 708-456-0300, Ext. 3393.
Families are welcome to the 17th annual Fall Family Fun Fest from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 27 at the botanical gardens behind R Building.
The event includes autumn-themed activities and games for people of all ages. It’s free and open to the public. Families may take home a free pumpkin while supplies last. Details are at triton.edu/fallfest.
Bilingual dolphin program adds to zoo’s Hispanic Heritage Fest
Brookfield Zoo will once again host Hispanic Heritage Fest from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 27.
The event, which is included with general admission, features programs throughout the zoo, including live music such as the Trabuco Salsa Band, bilingual story times, cultural performances and ethnic cuisine. Attendees can make tissue paper flowers with the National Museum of Mexican Art at 11:15 a.m. at the Mary Ann MacLean Conservation Leadership Center.
Zoo Chats featuring animals native to Latin America will take place, and a bilingual dolphin presentation is planned for 2:30 p.m. Local authors will discuss their books at the Hamill Family Nature Plaza.
A schedule is available at brookfieldzoo.org/hispanicheritagefest.
Elmhurst University welcomes new students
Service projects and a tour of downtown Elmhurst were among activities designed to help students new to Elmhurst University get to know each other a little better.
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This year, about 630 new undergraduates arrived on campus for the 2025-26 school year, with student-athletes carrying in boxes, bags and suitcases at residence halls.
Although most students come from Illinois, 23 states also are represented – including one from Alaska – as well as 14 countries.
“While you have a lot in common, you’ve also had some very different experiences, all of which you bring to the table, and to our global campus,” President Troy VanAken said in his address to the first-year class, per a news release. “Each of you brings distinctive gifts to our campus, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll do here.”
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