Cheap fun: 'Annie' spoof, music of Mexico, Bonner Farm fair

$10 and under

Classical evening

The Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Daniel Sommerville, presents an evening of classical and miscellaneous works. Pianist Karin Redekopp Edwards is the featured guest soloist, performing Grieg's "Piano Concerto."

8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, in Edman Memorial Chapel at Wheaton College, at the northeast corner of Washington and Franklin streets, Wheaton. Tickets are $4-$6 and may be purchased at the door or in advance by visiting the ticket and information office at 418 N. Chase St., Wheaton. Call (630) 752-5010.

Thrills and chills

Get into the spirit of autumn and Halloween as the GreenMan Theatre Troupe presents "Spooky Stories: An Evening of Stories and Songs." The program, recommended for ages 12 and older, features stories of autumn - with some scary twists.

7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3, at United Methodist Church, 232 S. York Road, Elmhurst. $5. (630) 464-2646 or visit greenmantheatre.com.

'Annee Pocalypse'

Hubris Productions presents "Annee Pocalypse!" Jason Dabrowski, Calidonia Olivares and Jacob Christopher Green's twisted adults-only spoof of the family-friendly Broadway musical and movie "Annie."

9 p.m. Friday Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3, at Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted St., Chicago. $10. (800) 838-3006 or hubrisproductions.com or hydratechicago.com.

Free

The music of Mexico

Nahui Olin, a group of three Mexican-American folk dancers, presents "Danzas Ceremonial de Mexico," a program of music and dance from central Mexico, with authentic attire and musical instruments. With their program, the performers hope to honor elements in nature, totem animals, deities and sacred actions.

9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at the Crimi Auditorium at Aurora University's Institute for Collaboration at 407 S. Calumet Ave., Aurora. Free and open to the public. (630) 844-6259.

A fair at the farm

Experience the fun of an old-fashioned fair at the Bonner Farm Country Fair. Step back in time to see popular fair events from years gone by. Featured events include farm animals, wagon rides, crafts and old-fashioned games. Paint a gourd or a pumpkin, or help construct a scarecrow. Bring a picnic lunch to eat while you listen to live entertainment.

Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Bonner Heritage Farm, on the north side of Sand Lake Road, west of Route 45, Lake County Forest Preserves, Lindenhurst. Admission is $3 per person. Children ages 3 and younger are free. (847) 968-3400 or lcfpd.org.

Native American Family Day

The Elgin Public Museum presents its Native American Family Day, in conjunction with its exhibit, "The Unconquerable: Photos and History of the Kickapoo Indians." Take part in various Native American activities, including viewing a portrayal of a Potawatomi Indian from the late 18th century.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Elgin Public Museum, Lords Park, 225 Grand Blvd., Elgin. Free admission. (847) 741-6655 or elginpublicmuseum.org.

Apples for everyone!

Apples and apple treats are the stars of the day at the annual Long Grove Apple Fest. Dig into apple pie, apple doughnuts, cider and taffy apples. Other highlights include musical entertainment on five stages, horse-drawn carriage rides, an ice-cream eating contest and other family activities.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, through Sunday, Oct. 4, at the crossroads of Old McHenry and Robert Parker Coffin roads, Long Grove. Free admission. (847) 634-0888 or longgroveonline.com.

Fairs and festivals beginning this weekend

Autumn Harvest Fest, |North School Park, Arlington Heights Road and Eastman St., Arlington Heights: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3. Petting zoo, scarecrow building contest, storytime, face painting, crafts, farmers market, food vendors, all-day entertainment. (847) 577-3003, ext. 1, or ahpd.org.

Bonner Farm Country Fair, Bonner Heritage Farm, north side of Sand Lake Road, west of Route 45, Lake County Forest Preserves, Lindenhurst: Experience the fun of an old-fashioned country fair with farm animals, wagon rides, crafts, old-fashioned games and live entertainment. Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4. Admission is $3 per person. Children ages 3 and younger are free. (847) 968-3400 or lcfpd.org.

Cider Fest, |McHenry County Historical Society Museum, 6422 Main St., Union: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4. Barn raising, antique tractor contest, entertainment by Charlie B. and friends, exhibits, demonstrations and more. Free. (815) 923-2267 or mchsonline.org.

Dog-tober Fest, |Deicke Park, 11419 S. Route 47, Huntley: 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4. Free event features dog trainer demos, contests, animal communicator, pet photo sessions, rescue/shelter organizations, hot dogs, vendors, raffles and a dog blessing. All dogs must be leashed. Visit huntleyparks.org.

Fall Color Festival, |Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle: Walk the grounds to see scarecrows, decorated by Girl Scouts, on the Scarecrow Trail. The scarecrows each feature an animal theme. Other fest highlights include a taffy apple bar and a Fall Color 5K Run and Walk. Runs 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (or sunset) from Saturday, Oct. 3, through Sunday, Nov. 1. Admission is $8. Children under age 2 are free. Visit Web site for full daily schedule. (630) 968-0074 or mortonarb.org.

Fall Farm Fest, |Spring Bluff Nursery, 41W130 Norris Road, Sugar Grove: Event features horse-drawn hayrides, farm animals, antique tractor display, pumpkin painting, kids' activities and food. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. Free. Runs rain or shine. (630) 466-4278 or springbluffnursery.com.

Fall Fest, |Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. Music, games, a pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, face painting, food, potted mums for sale. From 11 a.m. to noon, Arlington Heights firefighters will display equipment and discuss fire safety. Admission is free. (847) 253-4839.

Fox Lake Oktoberfest, |Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake: Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. Features music, arts and crafts, food, a beer tent, a create-a- Pumpkin contest, hayrides, pony rides and a petting zoo. Visit foxlake.org.

Ghost Stories in the Park, |Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, Jackson and Main streets, Naperville: Sponsored by Naperville Park District and performed by Summer Place Theatre, Friday, Oct. 2, through Sunday, Oct. 4, and again Friday, Oct. 9, through Sunday, Oct. 11. Shows for children and adults are at varying times. $7. Tickets sold at the door are cash only. (630) 355-7969. Visit summerplacetheatre.com for details.

Harvest Festival, |Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe: Features a marketplace with fresh baked goods, cut flowers and handmade soaps. Other highlights include a straw bale maze, crafts, chef demonstrations, a Bulb Bazaar and a farmers market. See the sukkah display for the Jewish harvest holiday, Sukkot. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct. 4. Free admission. Parking is $20. (847) 835-5440 or chicagobotanic.org.

Harvest Weekends, Susanna Farms, 24153 West Townline Road, Lake Villa: Celebrate the fall season with Harvest Weekends at a 55-acre working farm. Highlights include a 10-foot-tall corn maze or a children's mini-maze, hayrides and animal exhibits. See Scottish Highland cows, horses, lambs and chickens. Visit the frog pond, play games and stock up on decorative fall items. Harvest Weekends run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through October. The farm is also open on Monday, Oct. 12, for the Columbus Day holiday. Visit susannafarms.com.

Heirloom Apple Festival, |Durant House Museum, LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, On Dean Street., one mile west of Randall Road, St. Charles: Costumed guides demonstrate using a pioneer apple drying basket, and will serve an array of 19th century fare. Guests can sample beef stew and savory ciders, prepared in an 1840s hearth and a Victorian wood-burning stove. 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4. Admission is $2 per person. (630) 377-6424.

Heritage Classic, |Heritage Park, 222 S. Wolf Road, Wheeling: 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4. The Wheeling Park District's annual 5K and 10K road races. No dogs or strollers are allowed in the run. Runners will be treated to a pancake breakfast following the race, compliments of the Wheeling Jaycees. Breakfast will be available to race fans and family members for $5. Call race director Tim Walsh, at (847) 465-7774 or visit wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Kinsch's Autumn Fun Fest, |Kinsch Village Florist & Greenhouse, 301 W. Johnson St., Palatine: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, through Sunday, Oct. 25. Also open on Monday, Oct 12. Features a toddler racetrack, pumpkin patch, a children's haunted house and haunted forest and train rides. Buy fall decorating items including pumpkins, mums, hay bales and gourds. Admission is $6 for ages 6 months to 12 years; $1 for ages 13 and older. There is an additional charge for some activities. (847) 359-1182 or visit kinschflorist.com.

Long Grove Apple Fest, |At the crossroads of Old McHenry and Robert Parker Coffin roads, Long Grove: Runs Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4. A wide array of apple treats and beverages, musical entertainment, children's activities and more. Free admission. (847) 634-0888 or longgroveonline.com.

Oktoberfest, |American Legion Hall, 122 W. Palatine Road, Palatine: The Sons of the American Legion host their second annual Oktoberfest, featuring German fare such as brats, potato pancakes, schnitzel and sauerbraten. Traditional German music will be played throughout the evening. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. Tickets are $10 at the door. Visit amlegion-palatinepost690.org. (847) 359-1606.

Oktoberfest, |Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville: Features authentic German cuisine and live music. 3 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the gate. Tickets are available online at napersettlement. museum. (630) 420-6010 or napersettlement.org.

Palatine Park District Fall Festival, |Palatine Stables, 1510 W. Northwest Hwy., Palatine: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. Wagon rides, pony rides, crafts, petting zoo, pumpkins, concessions, activities. Free admission; some fees inside. (847) 991-0333, palatineparkdistrict. com.

Pet Lovers' Showcase, |Cabin Nature Center, 111 S. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 3. Crafts, rescue groups, demonstrations, blessing of the animals, raffles, giveaways, vendors and more. Free; donations accepted for nonprofit and rescue groups participating in the event. (630) 595-9333 or wooddaleparkdistrict.org.

Pumpkin Fest, |Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, 1400 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village: Features craft show, music, face painting for kids, a moonwalk and children's games. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. Free admission. (847) 439-0668 or princeofpeaceumc.org.

Pumpkin Festival, |Didier Farms, 16678 W. Aptakisic Road, Prairie View: Petting zoo, carnival rides, horse-drawn hayrides, a pumpkin patch, kids games, baby chicks and piglets, food and family activities. Runs through Saturday, Oct. 31. Weekday and weekend hours and prices vary. Visit Web site for details. (847) 634-3291 or didierfarms.com.

Pumpkin Weekends, |Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora: Pumpkin patch, carousel, train and hayrides from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct. 4. $3 residents of the Fox Valley Park District, $5 nonresidents. (630) 892-1550.

Pumpkin and Scarecrow Fest, |Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Oct. 31. Tour animal exhibits, browse decorated scarecrows and more. Pumpkins, apples, cider, fall decor and more available to purchase. (630) 665-5534 or wheatonparkdistrict.com./cosleyzoo.

PumpkinFest, |Downtown Libertyville, Libertyville: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. Get a free pumpkin in exchange for a donated food item. Face paining, contests, cookie decorating, pumpkin painting and more. (847) 680-0336 or mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Scarecrow Fest, Meadowlands Farm, 13890 County Line Road, Newark: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct 4. Features vendors who recycle, demonstrations from a blacksmith, a spinner, an herb gardener and makers of kettle corn. Not-for-profit groups will sell pumpkins, mums, baked items, knitted wear and more. Hammered dulcimer, fiddle and guitar music will entertain visitors. $4; age 2 and younger are free. No pets allowed. (815) 695-5821 or MeadowlandsFarm.com.

Starry, Starry Night, |Park Central, 3000 Central Road, Rolling Meadows: Runs 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. Adults age 21 and over are invited to bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets to enjoy live music. Appetizers, beer and wine will be served. Admission $15 for Rolling Meadows residents; $18 for nonresidents. Visit RMParks.org.

Stones & Bones Fest, |Elburn Lions Park, 500 S. Filmore St., Elburn: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. Features bean bag tournament at 9 a.m., craft fair, community flea market, food, and live music from 1 to 4 p.m. Barbecue rib dinners and hot dogs will be available. Cash bar. Tournament registration at 8 a.m., with fee of $30 per team. (630) 365-6315 or elburnlions.com.

Vernon Hills Oktoberfest, Metra station, |75 Route 45, Vernon Hills: Runs 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. Kids crafts, pumpkins to paint, moonwalks, laser tag, petting zoo and live music are all available. New this year is the Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills Chamber of Commerce craft show. Free general admission. (847) 367-3700.