Best bets: Creation Fest, Paul Taylor Dance, Pink
Modern dance master
The Paul Taylor Dance Company has been performing the works of its namesake American choreographer for 55 years. Catch this world-class modern dance troupe at College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. $46; $44 seniors; $36 kids. (630) 942-4000 or atthemac.org. 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1
Pink's Funhouse
Get ready to snarl along with defiant pop princess Pink when her Funhouse Tour plays the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Also on the bill are The Ting Tings. $39.50-$59.50. (800) 745-3000 or allstatearena.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Christian rockin'
Fans of Christian rock, rejoice! "Creation Festival: The Tour" features bands like Jars of Clay, Thousand Foot Krutch, Audio Unplugged, B. Reith, FM Static and more. Rock on in good faith at Wheaton College's Edman Memorial Chapel, 401 E. Franklin Ave., Wheaton. $18-$50. (630) 752-5390 or creationfesttour.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25
Comedy tonight
David Alan Grier has appeared on Broadway ("Dreamgirls"), on the big screen ("A Soldier's Story") and TV screen ("In Living Color," "Chocolate News"). Now see Grier do stand up at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells St., Chicago, (312) 337-4027, and 230 Hawthorn Village commons, Vernon Hills, (847) 549-6030. $25 plus two menu-item purchase. zanies.com. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, in Chicago, and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, in Vernon Hills
Opera gala
The Lyric Opera of Chicago opens its 55th season with a revival of "Tosca." Soprano Deborah Voigt, tenor Vladimir Galouzine and bass James Morris star in autumn performances of this 1900 Puccini classic. Performances begin Saturday at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. $75-$600 opening night; $33-$207 regular run. (312) 332-2244, ext. 5600, or lyricopera.org. 6 p.m. gala opening night Saturday, Sept. 26; continues through Tuesday, Oct. 13 and returns Jan. 10-29
Make a bet
The Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center's annual "Casino Affair" fundraiser returns to the Exmoor Country Club, 700 Vine Ave., Highland Park. The $250 admission fee benefits survivor assistance and prevention programs throughout Lake County. (847) 244-1187 or ZCenter.org. 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Film fest (briefly)
WGN's Dean Richards hosts the first Elgin Short Film Festival at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. See emerging local filmmakers for just $5. (847) 931-5900 or hemmens.org. 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Mexican traditions
Aurora-based Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl celebrates and helps preserve the music and dances of different regions of Mexico. See more than 50 dancers grace the stage of the Paramount Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. $23.50; $16.50 kids. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com. 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Oh, doggy day
The 16th annual Barkapalooza dog walkathon and pet expo returns to Patriot Park, 55th Street and Grand Avenue in Downers Grove. Proceeds go to support the West Suburban Humane Society. $10 registration. Walkers with $100 or more in collected pledges get registration waived. (630) 960-9600 or wshs-dg.org. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27