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Review: ‘Operation Mincemeat’ at CIBC Theatre spins a true wartime story into a nutty musical

In 1943, the British intelligence service, MI6, came up with a wacky strategy to trick Adolf Hitler into thinking the Allies planned to invade Greece and Sardinia (not tr...

A crazed nurse is among the characters populating Aurora’s Basement of the Dead. (Basement of the Dead Haunted House)

Scare tactics: Suburban haunts deliver Halloween thrills

It’s scary season. Check out our list of suburban haunted houses where Halloween revelers can celebrate.

Beverly Richards, left, of Mount Prospect, and Sadie Karlis, of Arlington Heights, take a photo of their cocktails during a mixology class at Bitter & Sweet Cocktail Boutique in Arlington Heights. (Rick West/Daily Herald)

‘People want experiences’: Bitter & Sweet Cocktail Boutique in Arlington Heights brings mixology to the masses

“We’re trying to redefine cocktail culture, making it accessible, making it less intimidating,” said Bitter and Sweet Cocktail Boutique co-owner Janine Durbin of the Arlington Heights’ store that offers mixology classes and boutique retail offerings.

Jack O’Lantern World in Lake Zurich received over 11,000 pounds of giant pumpkins. The pumpkins from Midwest growers will be carved into some of the world's largest jack-o’-lanterns. (Jack O’Lantern World)

11,000 pounds of giant pumpkins arrive at Jack O’Lantern World in Lake Zurich

Jack O’Lantern World in Lake Zurich received over 11,000 pounds of giant pumpkins, including a 2,212-pound one from Kansas. These massive pumpkins from Midwest growers will be carved into some of the world's largest jack-o’-lanterns.

Chef Sarah Stegner sits in her restaurant, Prairie Grass Cafe, on Sept. 29, 2026, in Northbrook. She has co-owned the restaurant for 22 years. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

The Banchet Awards announce 2027 chef and restaurant finalists in Chicago

The 2027 Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence have announced finalists in 12 categories plus three special recipients, including two pioneering chefs and an iconic deli in Chicago. New this year, The Banchets will present its inaugural Environmental Leadership Award to chef Sarah Stegner, co-owner of Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook.

Glenn Davis, left, plays Lincoln and Namir Smallwood plays his younger brother, Booth, in Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s revival of “Topdog/Underdog” by Suzan-Lori Parks. (Michael Brosilow)

Top of their game: Steppenwolf’s Davis, Smallwood deliver in provocative ‘Topdog/Underdog’

Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning “Topdog/Underdog” gets a riveting revival at Steppenwolf Theatre.

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival includes two large pumpkin walls, pumpkin carving, live music, food, costume contests and more. (Ripple Public Relations)

Things to do Oct. 2-8: Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest, Cider & Ale Festival, Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns and more

Mark your calendar for the Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival, Bill Burr at the Chicago Theatre, the Cider and Ale Festival at The Morton Arboretum, Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns at the Chicago Botanic Garden and more.