Your Next Three Days

Following a holiday weekend, election day and a typical work week, we bet you've been pretty busy these past several days. So don't spend an arduous amount of time scrambling to plan your weekend. Just come to us; we've done it for you.

Featured here — like every Thursday on Naperville Patch — are a handful of fun activities going on around town. Get out of the house, bring the family and explore what has to offer. We're sure that we've featured something that suits you and if we haven't, simply peruse our local events listing.

Friday

Take advantage this weekend of the quality theater performances being presented in your own backyard at . Students there will be showing Andrew Lloyd Webber's masterwork, . "The Phantom" unmasks emotions like no show can. , referenced a classic scene of the play when he told Patch that a chandelier will be dropped during the performance. Showings will be held throughout the weekend so don't miss the action! Get your tickets today.

A nod to other student theater work is due, given that those at are tackling the comedy, , this weekend. The story focuses on a character, Rick, and the chatty people in his head. A silent auction featuring gift cards to shops in downtown Naperville will also be held in the school's cafeteria on the evenings of performance.

When in doubt, you can count on for activities to guide you through the next few days. This weekend is no exception. Author will visit the store Friday to discuss his novel, Bartimaeus: The Ring of Solomon. The prequel piece introduces new characters and takes you through their fascinating adventures in history.

Saturday

Looking to upgrade your technology without compromising you budget? Check out the this weekend at the , where refurbished notebook computers will be available from $75-$200. Those running the sale give buyers two options: reserving your computer in advance and pick it up at the sale, or attending the sale to make a purchase on the day of the event. The project provides electronics to students in need and funds will benefit the Naperville Education Foundation.

The Tutoring Club Naperville is celebrating its eight-year anniversary Saturday by hosting an . If you're wondering how the center can make a difference in your son or daughter's life, check it out. It will feature family-friendly activities, snacks and entertainment.

Another eight-year milestone will also be celebrated on Saturday through the . Participants step off at the Grand Pavilion at 10:15 a.m. Walkers spend the first minute of the rally in silence to honor those afflicted with lung cancer and those who have died from it. An area featuring photographs and notes to loved ones will be designated at the site to pay tribute to those who have lost the fight with cancer. The walk is free but registration is required.

If you're looking for an opportunity to network with other families and make friends, visit for its it game show event. The game, based on a popular NBC show, is a great way to work a little friendly competition into time with family.

Sunday

Teams from five area high schools are invited to compete in the hosted by the Youth Ambassadors. The sponsoring district organization is an advisory group for the made up of student leaders who are selected by their teachers to represent their school. Their mission is to spearhead positive, fun activities for teens in the area. All teens are welcome to bring their A-game to the tournament this weekend.

Art enthusiasts have many resources in and this weekend, they have the held at . There, more than 40 area artists will display and sell their work. Pieces will include paintings, photography, sculpture, stained glass, fiber art and jewelry. Admission is free and all proceeds will support the Care Pantry Ministry of St. Thomas.

Other art connoisseurs can find photographs on display at . The instructional media coordinator at the college, Tom Gill, will be featuring modern scenes along the Illinois and Michigan Canal, chronicling the heritage of landmarks along the way. The waterway, which is between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, was completed in 1848. The exhibit is free and if you miss it this weekend, don't fret! It'll be on display through Nov. 18.