Best bets: Goodenow Grove reopens for fall fest
Grove reopening
After more than a year's closure for site improvements, The Forest Preserve District of Will County's Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve opens again on Saturday with the Goodenow Grove Fall Fest and Grand Reopening. There will be pumpkin carving, a petting zoo, hayrack rides and more at the preserve located 1¼ miles east of the intersection of Routes 1 and 394 on Goodenow Road, in Beecher. No admission charge. (815) 727-8700 or reconnectwithnature.org/ada. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15
Psychedelic rock
If you love song hits like “White Rabbit,” “Somebody to Love” and “Miracles,” then don't miss an intimate concert performance by Jefferson Starship at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $55-$65. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18
Doggy day out
Ever wondered if your dog has what it takes to do agility training? Then find out at the K9 Trace & Pace Fundraiser at Bevier Park, 3215 N. Mcaree Road, Waukegan. This Saturday event features a dog parade, pet supply vendors and more, all to help benefit the Callahan-Franklin Park and Dog Exercise Area. $14 entrance fee. (847) 360-4700 or waukeganparks.org. Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15
Rock for autism
Live Chicago Music presents 44 bands on four stages as part of a Music Fest to Benefit Autism this weekend with bands like Peaches Beach, This Last Dance, Diver Down and more performing to benefit the charity Autism Speaks. Catch them at Port of Blarney, 27843 W. Grass Lake Road, Antioch. $10 per day or $15 for both days. (847) 395-4122 or (847) 946-6379 or livechicagomusic.com. Noon, Saturday, Sept. 15, through 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16
1812 war exhibit
Learn about American and Chicago-area history from 200 years ago (including the Battle of Fort Dearborn) at the new exhibit The War of 1812: Fighting for Their Homeland opening this Saturday at the Mitchell Museum of the Indian, 3001 Central St., Evanston. $5. $3 students/seniors. (847) 475-1030 or mitchellmuseum.org. Curator tour 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15; exhibit runs through Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013
It's magic
Since magician Mike Super sold out his performance last year at College of Lake County, he's been invited back to show off his illusionary and comedy skills this Sunday at the Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. $25-$32. $12-$15 students and kids. (847) 543-2300 or clcillinois.edu. 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16
MGM legend
Hollywood, Broadway and TV star Debbie Reynolds (“Singin' in the Rain,” “Irene,” “Will and Grace”) returns for a limited engagement this Monday and Tuesday at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. $55. $70-$74 lunch and dinner packages. (630) 530-0111 or drurylaneoakbrook.com. 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17; 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18
Stand up guy
Comedian, actor and film director Bobcat Goldthwait (“World's Greatest Dad”) returns to the Chicago-area, this time for a six-performance run starting Thursday at the UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 3rd Floor, Chicago. $25. (312) 662-4562 or upcomedyclub.com. 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 21; 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22