Weekly picks: Glass Pumpkin Patch sprouts at Morton Arboretum

Fragile pumpkins

See hundreds of decorative pumpkins made from colorful blown glass at the Glass Pumpkin Patch at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Along with the pumpkins, the event features glassblowing demonstrations, an art exhibition, opportunities to visit with the artists and more. $9-$14; free for kids 2 and younger. mortonarb.org. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 11-15

Primate comedy?

Actor, comedian and former suburbanite Jim Gaffigan ("The Jim Gaffigan Show," "My Boys") serves up five performances of his "Noble Ape Tour" starting Thursday at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $39.50-$89.50. (800) 745-3000 or thechicagotheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13; and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Origins of opera

Sir John Eliot Gardiner conducts the Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists in special performances of the early operas "Orfeo," "The Return of Ulysses" and "The Coronation of Poppea." These three concerts commemorate the 450th anniversary of Claudio Monteverdi, the Italian composer who was instrumental in the creation of opera as an art form. The "Monteverdi 450" series begins Thursday at Millennium Park's Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago. $35-$135 per opera; three-opera ticket packages available. Sung in Italian with projected English translations. (312) 334-7777 or harristheaterchicago.org. "Orfeo" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12; "The Return of Ulysses" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13; and "The Coronation of Poppea" at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15

Lederhosen land

Celebrate German beer, food and music this weekend with Mount Prospect's Oktoberfest. Or bring the kids to the more family-friendly Fall Festival, featuring pumpkin decorating, hay rides and more on Saturday afternoon at the intersection of Emerson Street and Busse Avenue in Mount Prospect. No admission charge. downtownmountprospect.com. Oktoberfest from 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 13 and 14; Fall Festival from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Spooky trails

A new maze is one of the exclusive features of Oak Brook Park District's Haunted Forest for 2017. The event also features hayrides, face painting, craft making and more this weekend at Central Park, 1500 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook. No admission charge, though tickets required for select activities ($20 for a packet of 25). (630) 990-4233 or obparks.org. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 13 and 14

Americana folk

Arlo Guthrie, famed for his epic song "Alice's Restaurant," brings his "Re:Generation Tour" to Elgin Community College's Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. $47-$64. (847) 622-0300 or elgin.edu/arts. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13

Troy Quin'Ton in Aurora

R&B artist Troy Quin'Ton brings his "Home Again: An Evening With Troy Quin'Ton" concert to the Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Quin' Ton performs songs made famous by artists such as Teddy Pendergrass, Jeffrey Osborne and many others. Free; donations accepted at the door. For reserved seating, email tquinton@troyquinton.com. For details, see paramountaurora.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13

Comedy dealer

Before he landed gigs as a judge on "America's Got Talent" and a host on "Deal or No Deal," Howie Mandel built a career with standup comedy. See him perform tonight at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $69-$125. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13

Bouncing back

Comedian Bill Bellamy ("The Bounce Back," "Mr. Box Office") returns for another round of standup shows starting Friday at the Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $27 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 240-2001 or chicago.improv.com. 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14; and 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15

Got a greyhound?

Greyhound dog owners and their canines can gather to socialize at the Greyhound Only Reunion at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. The event features greyhounds that are available for adoption and vendors with everything from dog clothing to greyhound-themed pottery and lawn ornaments. Raffles and food also will be available. Non-greyhound-owning guests are welcome to attend. greyhoundsonly.com. Admission is $8 for those 15 and older; kids 14 and younger admitted free. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Icy fun

Kids can learn how ice cream is made, compete in an ice cube harvest race and explore the history of ice cream during the "Ice and Ice Cream" program at the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum, 164 Hawley St., Grayslake. It's part of the center's new "Saturday Kids" hands-on series for families. Free. facebook.com/grayslakeheritagecenterandmuseum/. 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Celebrate autumn

Kids can enjoy pony and wagon rides, a petting zoo, scarecrow decorating, riding demonstrations, bounce houses and more when the Palatine Stables, 1510 W. Northwest Hwy., hosts its 20th annual Fall Festival. Live entertainment, craft vendors and pumpkin sales round out the events. Free. palatineparks.org. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Egyptian discovery

Archaeology students help to solve an ancient Egyptian mystery in the U.S. premiere of "The Scorpions' Sting" by Canadian composer and librettist Dean Burry. The Lyric Opera of Chicago presents this opera for families this weekend at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. $20; $10 kids. (312) 827-5600 or lyricopera.org/thescorpionssting. 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14; noon and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15

'Hysteria in Salem'

Actor and historian Terry Lynch portrays John Hathorne, the chief examiner/judge at the Salem witch trials of the late 1600s, in the "Hysteria in Salem: The Salem Witch Trials" program at the Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn. $5-$10. glenellynhistory.org. 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Spooky stories

Volo Bog hosts its 32nd Annual Ghost Stories Plus program, with Emmy Award-winning storyteller Jim May, on Saturday, Oct. 14. Bog tours, haunted woods and a bring-you-own dinner events run from 5 to 6:45 p.m. Doughnuts, cider and popcorn will be available for purchase. Storytelling runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is $3-$5. Minimum age is 5. Reservations are required. The Volo Bog State Natural Area is at 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. (815) 344-1294 or friendsofvolobog.org. Starts at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Lovin' spoonfuls

Hear an eclectic mix of folk and bluegrass when the David Bromberg Quintet performs in concert with special guest John Sebastian on Saturday at the Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. $46; $44 seniors and students. (847) 895-3600 or prairiecenter.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Country basics

Wynonna & The Big Noise, featuring Grammy Award-winner Wynonna Judd as the lead vocalist, continues its "2017 Roots & Revival Tour" with a performance on Saturday at North Central College's Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. $40-$60. (630) 637-7469 or finearts.northcentralcollege.edu. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Texas benefit at Penny Road

Catch a full Sunday of local rock as Penny Road Pub hosts a lineup of musicians raising funds to benefit victims of Hurricane Harvey. The musical sets, which start at 11 a.m., include Skull Rock, Kevin Lee & the Kings, The Nick Bell Band, WRECKED, The Complication, BoneShaker, Wunderlich, Hot Rocks Band Rolling Stones Tribute, Shokker, Seven Soul and Burned. Rock out with your family and friends while helping those in need at Penny Road Pub, 545 Penny Road, Barrington. $10 suggested donation. (847) 428-0562 or pennyroadpub.com. 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 15

Feats of physicality

More than 30 performers make up the Martial Artists & Acrobats of Tianjin from the People's Republic of China in two dexterous performances on Sunday at College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. $59; $49 youth. (630) 942-4000 or atthemac.org. 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15

Christian rock's MercyMe in Rosemont

Grammy-nominated Contemporary Christian rock band MercyMe brings its currently charting hit "Even If" and other fan favorites to the Rosemont Theatre when their "Lifer Tour" comes to town. Singer-songwriter Ryan Stevenson and pop-rock band Unspoken join the tour stop at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. Tickets start at $44. (847) 671-5100 or rosemont.com/theatre/. 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15

Concert higlights

• Knockout Kid, Story Untold, Rivals, California Killers, Morena and more: 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at Penny Road Pub, 545 Penny Road, Barrington. $14. (847) 428-0562 or pennyroadpub.com.

• All Hands on Deck Fest Punk Fest - Night 1 featuring Davey Dynamite and the Salt Creek Duo, Fitness, The Breathing Light, Won't Stay Dead, Law of Keanu: 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at Cobra Lounge, 235 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. $10 for Friday; $20 for Saturday; $25 for weekend pass. (312) 226-6300, cobralounge.com or changetherotation.com.

• Ozzfest/Warped Tour Tribute weekend: 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 13-14, at BaseCamp Pub, 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle. $7 per night; $10 for weekend pass (includes both nights).

• Splor, Black Bolts, Toy Robots: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at Wire, 6815 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $5-$8. (708) 669-9473 or wireismusic.com.

• Pelican, Grails, Jaye Jayle: 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., Chicago. $20. (773) 276-3600 or emptybottle.com.

• All Hands on Deck Fest Punk Fest - Night 2 featuring The World / Inferno Friendship Society, Bombflower, The Bigger Empty, The Cell Phones, The Kreutzer Sonata, Shots Fired Shots Fired, Matt Wixson, Pylons: 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at Cobra Lounge, 235 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. $20 for Saturday; $25 for weekend pass. (312) 226-6300, cobralounge.com or changetherotation.com.

• Gov't Mule: 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at Riviera Theatre, 4746 N. Racine Ave., Chicago. $36. (773) 275-6800 or rivieratheatre.com.

• Agent Orange, Flatfoot 56, Criminal Kids: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. $18-$20. (773) 281-4444 or beatkitchen.com.

• Pelican, Wolf Eyes, Sweet Cobra: 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., Chicago. $20. (773) 276-3600 or emptybottle.com.

• MisterWives "Connect the Dots Tour" with Smallpools, Vinyl Theater: 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, at Vic Theatre (show moved from the Riviera Theatre), 3145 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago. $31. (773) 472-0449 or victheatre.com.

• Roosevelt., The Million Reasons, Danny Cozzi, OUTDrejas: 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, at Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $9-$10. (773) 549-5549 or elboroomlive.com.

• Novembers Doom, Without Waves, Divinity Compromised, Varaha: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, at Wire, 6815 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $10-$12. (708) 669-9473 or wireismusic.com.

• Brand New, Nada Surf: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16. at Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago. Tickets start at $57. (773) 561-9500 or aragonballroom.com.

• The Psychedelic Furs: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. $38.50-$60. (312) 526-3851 or thaliahallchicago.com.

• Kesha: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago. Tickets start at $104. (773) 561-9500 or aragonballroom.com.

• The Psychedelic Furs: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. $38.50-$60. (312) 526-3851 or thaliahallchicago.com.

• The Obsessed, Cobalt, Chainsmoker: 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, at BrauerHouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. $18-$22. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com.

• Chicago For Puerto Rico benefit featuring The O'My's, Air Credits, Rich Jones, BoatHouse: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at 1st Ward at Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave., Chicago. $20. (773) 537-4440 or chopshopchi.com.

• Kali Masi (album release), Post Child, Kodakrome, Pylons: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at Cobra Lounge, 235 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. $8-$20; digital download and vinyl packages available. (312) 226-6300, cobralounge.com.

• The Strumbellas, Noah Kahan: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. $20-$32. (312) 526-3851 or thaliahallchicago.com.

• 20 Watt Tombstone: 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at BrauerHouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. Free. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com.