You don’t have to fly to Italy to see a leaning tower. Right here in Niles, Illinois, you’ll find the Leaning Tower of Niles, a half-scale replica of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Built in 1934, this quirky local landmark has become one of the most recognizable roadside attractions in the Northwest Suburbs. What started as part of a private park and recreation area is now a fun piece of local history, complete with old-world charm, photo-worthy views and a few stories that still make people curious nearly a century later. A little piece of Pisa, right here in the burbs.

Gerry’s Cafe supporters recently gathered at Chevy Chase Country Club for a sold-out golf outing supporting the Arlington Heights coffee shop’s mission of creating meaningful employment for young people with disabilities.

The event brought together local businesses, elected officials, families and Gerry’s teammates, with proceeds helping the cafe continue growing its catering program. It was a powerful reminder of what community looks like when people show up for a mission that truly matters.(Read Full Story)

The first-ever Windy City Boat & Yacht Show is coming to Burnham Harbor from June 12 to 14. The lakefront event will feature boats, yachts, marine gear, sailing classes, food, live music and skyline views.

For Northwest Suburban residents looking for a unique summer day trip, this could be a fun one to add to the calendar. (Tickets)

Illinois skywatchers may get a rare chance to spot the Northern Lights this week. A projected geomagnetic storm could make the aurora visible as far south as Illinois, depending on timing, cloud cover and how strong the storm becomes.

For the best chance to see them, head somewhere dark, look toward the northern horizon and check after sunset into the late evening hours. Rural areas away from city lights will have the clearest view, and your phone’s night mode may even pick up colors your eyes cannot easily see. A pretty cool reason to look up this week!

• Buffalo Grove Farmers Market returns this weekend, bringing fresh produce, local flavors, live entertainment and family-friendly community fun back to Mike Rylko Community Park. The market runs every Sunday from June 14 through October 11, from 8 AM to 12:30 PM at 951 McHenry Road. (Link)

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream is now open at 2748 N. Sutton Road in Hoffman Estates, bringing fresh scoops, cones, sundaes and sweet treats to the area. The new shop officially opened in May and gives local families a fun new spot to cool off this summer.

Umi Sushi & Seafood Buffet (Niles) – Tue, June 9 | Grand opening of an upscale dining destination offering extensive sushi and hot pot. (Link)

Golden Corridor Family YMCA (Schaumburg) – Wed, June 10 | The YMCA officially debuts its brand-new 131,000 sq. ft. health and wellness facility. (Link)

Almost Home Foundation (Hoffman Estates) – Thu, June 11 | Ribbon-cutting for the new physical rescue center for this beloved local no-kill organization. (Link)

St. Andrews Church Carnival (Niles) – Thu, June 11 to Sun, June 14 | Varies | Free Adm. | The ultimate summer weekend tradition returns with standard amusement rides, arcade games, live music, and deep-fried treats. (Link)

From Market to Italian Table (Lake Zurich) – Fri, June 12 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Free | A culinary pop-up at the farmers market featuring live cooking demonstrations and special Italian vendor showcases. (Link)

Wine Series: Tis the "Patio" Season (Park Ridge) – Fri, June 12 | 6:00 PM | $40 | An exclusive seasonal tasting experience at Patina Wine Bar specifically curated for summer entertaining. (Link)

Chicago Abilities Expo (Schaumburg) – Fri, June 12 - Sun, June 14 | Official opening of this multi-day exposition showcasing inclusive tech and life-enhancing services. (Link)

Vernon Hills Sports Card & Collectibles Expo (Vernon Hills) – Sat, June 13 – Sun, June 14 | Times vary | Free | A regional gathering for collectors to browse rare vintage cards, autographed memorabilia, and dealer trade tables. (Link)

Hello Summer Market (Vernon Hills) – Sat, June 13 | 12:00 PM | Free | A seasonal, sprawl of local creators and food trucks at White Deer Run; a major one-day-only neighborhood celebration. (Link)

Craft Beer Tasting Showcase (Vernon Hills) – Sat, June 13 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM | $35 – $45 | An exclusive community showcase of regional breweries featuring seasonal summer releases and limited-edition tappings. (Link)

Solstice Fest (Schaumburg) – Sat, June 13 | 6:00 - 9:00 PM | $50 | Celebrate the season at the Prairie Center with a premium park district festival featuring family games, great food, and live music.(Link)

Old Orchard Vintage & Artisan Market (Skokie) – Sat, June 13 – Sun, June 14 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Free | A two-day pop-up bazaar turning the plaza into a curated collection of antiquities, handmade crafts, and vintage treasures. (Link)

Elgin Micheleros Fest (Elgin) – Sat, June 13 | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM |$49.00| A massive live regional Mexican music festival featuring popular artists, food, and family-friendly entertainment. | (Link)

Hiring Event & Career MiniMart (Wheeling) – Mon, June 15 | 10:00 AM | Free | Bring your resume! Meet directly with regional employers looking to hire immediately, plus get on-site interview support. (Link)

Arlington Heights Community Band (Arlington Heights) – Wed, June 10 | 7:00 PM | Free | A relaxing summer concert at North School Park featuring timeless seasonal and orchestral favorites. (Link)

Palatine Concert Band Performance (Palatine) – Wed, June 10 | 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Free | An evening of Broadway-themed music and traditional orchestral pieces at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater. (Link)

Friday Headliner: Motor City – The Motown Revue (Wheeling) – Fri, June 12 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Free | A nostalgic, high-energy Motown tribute concert perfect for an evening of classic soul at Heritage Park. (Link)

American Songbook Family Show (Skokie) – Sun, June 14 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Free | An interactive afternoon showcase of jazz, folk, and show tune classics. (Link)

Town Square Concert: The Petty Kings (Schaumburg) – Mon, June 15 | 6:45 PM – 8:15 PM | Free | A comfortable, authentic outdoor tribute concert celebrating the beloved music of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. (Link)

Movies in the Park: Elio (Elgin) – Fri, June 12 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Free | Meier Park. English with Spanish subtitles. (Link)

Movie in the Park: WILD ROBOT (Niles) – Fri, June 12 | 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM | Free | Grennan Heights Park. (Link)

Movies in the Park – Zootopia 2 (Elk Grove Village) – Fri, June 12 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Free | Pavilion Field. (Link)

Can’t find your city in today’s spotlight? Click below to browse our curated local events lists: There’s a lot happening around the Northwest Suburbs!

“Happiness is not a destination; it is a way of traveling.” - Roy M. Goodman