Sunday picks: 'Halloween Magic 2' wows at the Akoo
Tricks as treats
The magic tricks of Dr. Mark Kaschube and the amazing “Quick Change” costume changing act of David Mass and Dania Kaseeva are just some of performers on the bill for “Halloween Magic 2,” a family-friendly show that also benefits the nonprofit Salute, Inc. that provides support for military families. Catch it at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $15-$99. (800) 745-3000 or rosemonttheatre.com. 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28
Alpacas on parade
More than 300 alpacas from across the country will appear at the Illinois Alpaca Show, a judged competition at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 Peterson Road, Grayslake. Alpacas will be judged in various categories. Vendors will also be on hand, selling craft and gift items made from alpaca fiber. Free admission. Visit illinoisalpacashow.com. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28
Chicago Toy Show
Six hundred exhibitors in six buildings feature a variety of antique and collectible toys, dolls and holiday heirlooms at the Chicago Toy Show, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. $8 adults; free for children, 12 and younger. Free parking. Visit chicagotoyshow.com. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28
Sycamore Pumpkin Festival
The 51st annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival includes hundreds of decorated pumpkins, a parade, teen and kiddie carnivals, a pie-eating contest, a craft market, a Sycamore Chamber Road Run, a giant pumpkin weigh-in and a golf scramble at various venues in Sycamore. Pumpkin Festival Parade at 1 p.m. Sunday. For full daily schedule, visit sycamorepumpkinfestival.com. Events start at 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 28
Taste it all
Local restaurants, chefs, vendors and food trucks converge for the Culinary Tasting Expo this weekend at Arlington Park, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. $20-$25; $6 parking. (847) 385-7500 or chicagocookingexpo.com. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28
Say 'Boo!'
Get into the spooky spirit of Halloween at the annual “Boo! at the Zoo” celebration at Brookfield Zoo, First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield. Family event features a costume parade and a judged costume contest; a 7,000-square-foot Crazed Maize, a haunted carousel, hayrides, zoo chats with zoo staff and more. Free with paid $10.50-$15 general zoo admission. Parking $10. (708) 688-8000 or CZS.org. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28
'Creature' feature
Universal Pictures' digitally restored horror classic “The Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954) will have its Chicago premiere when the Chicago Film Critics Association presents it at the Muvico Theaters Rosemont 18, 9701 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont. CFCA member Lee Shoquist will host the event and conduct a post-screening Q&A. Chicago's Svengoolie will introduce the movie. Go to muvico.com for tickets. $15 for adults; $12.50 for children. 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28
'Eminent Expressions'
“Eminent Expressions,” the College of Lake County Fall Choral Concert, is showcased in the Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Due to the quiet nature of songs in the program, the concert is not appropriate for children younger than 3. Tickets cost $4-$8. (847) 543-2300 or clcillinois.edu/tickets. 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28
Sara Evans
Country music artist Sara Evans headlines Pfeiffer Hall at North Central College, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. $55-$70. (630) 637-7469. 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28
Hard-knock life
Before he found fame and success as a standup comic and a FOX sitcom star, Christopher Titus endured quite a lot of abuse and betrayals in life. See how he mines his life for great comic material when he returns this weekend to the The Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. (847) 240-2001 or improv.com. 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28
Fall back in Elgin
The City of Elgin and the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission host the second annual free FallBack Arts Festival featuring storytelling, workshops, puppetry and performance at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., Elgin. The mini-fest includes the latest Page to Stage reading of the new play “Diorama” by Elgin native Jeff Whipple. Set in a natural-history museum, the play looks at how employees cope when technology threatens to eliminate their jobs. Free. See elginfallback.eventbrite.com. “Diorama” at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28