Budget-friendly fun: Get spooked at Ray Bradbury Storytelling Fest
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Tell us a scary story
Professional storytellers like Bill Oberst Jr., Carol Birch, Oba William King, Jim May and Megan Wells share ghost stories, fables and spooky tales from the late acclaimed science-fiction writer Ray Bradbury, a Waukegan native, at the 10th Annual Ray Bradbury Storytelling Festival at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $7.50. geneseetheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30
Free
'Intrinsic' art
See works by Addison artist Annette Perone Leiber at a free artist's reception for her solo art show, "Intrinsic," in the Elmhurst Artists' Guild Gallery at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill, Elmhurst. The show includes 75 works of art including paintings, mixed media sculpture and watercolors. Leiber has her pieces in collections across the country - including in the White House. The show runs through Friday, Dec. 4, in the EAG Gallery at the museum. The first Friday of each month is the museum's free admission day. Regular admission is $7-$8 and free for EAM members, students and kids younger than 18. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Closed Monday. elmhurstartistsguild.org. Free reception runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30
'Gremlins' at midnight
Show up late Friday night to see miniature monsters wreak havoc in a small town in a midnight showing of the 1984 comedy/fantasy film "Gremlins." Watch it at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. The film, directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, is rated PG. $5. (630) 968-0219 or classiccinemas.com. Midnight Friday, Oct. 30
'Lamplight Stories'
Take part in an outdoor evening of ghoulish tales at the Lamplight Stories program at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago. Participants are advised to dress for the weather. The program is for ages 15 and older; those younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. These scary stories are not recommended for younger children. Free. (630) 876-5900 or dupageforest.com. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31
Pumpkins take flight
Watch pumpkins soar through the air at the Mundelein Park District's annual Pumpkin Drop at Community Park, 1401 N. Midlothian, Mundelein. Pumpkins will be launched by a catapult, designed and built by Mundelein High School students. Preregistration is encouraged, and only pumpkins from participants will be accepted. Remove all materials from inside the pumpkin beforehand. Spectators are welcome. Free. mundeleinparks.org. 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1
$15 and under
'The Headless Horseman'
See a staged radio drama of Washington Irving's classic tale "The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow" at the Improv Playhouse, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. The 60-minute adaptation is suitable for all audiences. Improv Playhouse will celebrate Halloween with treats, a costume contest and a few surprises. Advance tickets costs $12 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets at door cost $15 for adults and $7.50 for students ($2 off for those wearing a Halloween costume). (847) 968-4529 or improvplayhouse.com. 7:30 and 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31
Illinois Brass Band
The 30-member Illinois Brass Band performs its "God and Country" concert, featuring hymns, patriotic selections, Americana songs and cornet soloist Michael Ackerman, at the First United Methodist Church of Lombard, 155 S. Main St., Lombard. Tickets cost $10 in advance or $12 at the door for adults; $5 in advance or $6 at the door for kids 18 and younger. Purchase in advance at illinoisbrassband.org 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1
'The Hot L Baltimore'
McHenry County College presents "The Hot L Baltimore," which focuses on the residents of a decaying hotel who are facing eviction, in its Black Box Theatre in Building E, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake. $10 students, faculty/staff, seniors and alumni; $15 for the general public. (815) 455-8746 or mchenry.edu. Show opens at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5