Photo: Courtesy of Garfield Park Conservatory

Fire dancers perform July 10 at the Garfield Park Conservatory.

BROOKFIELD ZOO
7/19 at 6:30 Nights in the Wild—Good Ole BBQ. Enjoy the zoo’s exhibits in a sophisticated setting at this catered cocktail reception and dinner. A zoo guide is on hand to answer questions. 6:30–10:30. $75. $150 couples. Zoo open Mon–Fri 10–5, Sat–Sun 10–6. Free (kids under 3) to $15. Parking $10. 8400 W 31st, Brookfield. brookfieldzoo.org.

GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY
7/10 at 6 Conservatory Fire Jam. Fire dancers from Full Moon Jam and Pyrotechniq perform. 6–9. Free. Open daily 9–5, Wed 9–8. 300 N Central Park. garfieldconservatory.org.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO
7/20 Gardens for Butterflies. Learn how to cultivate local butterfly species on this walking tour. 9–11. $18.
7/25 Salsa at the Zoo. Dance to live Latin music. 6–9. $20.
7/31 Wine & Wildflowers. Catered food, live music, and flower shows are part of this garden party. Open Mon–Fri 10–5, Sat–Sun 10–6:30. Lakeshore and Fullerton. lpzoo.org.

MORTON ARBORETUM
7/14 and 20 Edible Insects. In conjunction with the arboretum’s David Rogers’ Big Bugs exhibit, learn how to cook insects and even sample the little buggers. If you’re too grossed out, the tasting is optional. 2–3. $10–$17.
7/20 and 21 Spider City. Brian Moskalik, the assistant professor of zoology at the University of St. Francis, walks you through the world of exotic arachnids. 11–4. Free with museum admission. Open daily 9–6. 4100 Rte 53, Lisle. mortonarb.org.

More events:
Museums | Art Galleries | Festivals | Gardens, Parks, and Zoos
Theatre: Musicals | Dance | Theatre: Dramas | Theatre: Comedies