Things to do Sept. 12-18: Fright Fest, Des Plaines Fall Fest, Meadows Fest and more

Starts before Friday

Weed Ladies Fall Sale: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Sept. 11-12, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at Naper Settlement Daniels House, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Features seasonal floral arrangements designed by the Weed Ladies of the Naperville Heritage Society. Proceeds benefit the Naperville Heritage Society. Free. napersettlement.org.

St. Charles Jazz Weekend: Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 11-14, at various St. Charles venues. Live jazz featuring Haley Reinhart, Frank Catalano, Inversion Jazz Trio, Megan Kranz Quartet, On the AIR, Black and Blue Hearts, Extraordinary Popular Delusions, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, STC North High School Jazz Band and Kirby Fellis, Andrew Egizio, STC East High School Jazz Band, Toby Morden Trio, Mike Horton Quartet, Beveled, New Vintage Strings, Shout Section Big Band, John Wesley Experience, Matt Ulery Quintet, Samuel Wyatt, Diego Rodriguez Big Band, Andy Schlinder & Kevin Brown, Michael Shebar Trio, Gregory Hyde, Ten Cat Swing, Elaine Dame Trio, Sincerely Sinatra Big Band with Nick Pontarelli, and Mario Dueñas Electric Group. Tickets and covers at some locations. stcjazzweekend.com.

Friday, Sept. 12

Alzheimer’s Fundraising Pancake Breakfast: 8-10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at Rakow Center’s Adult Activities Center, 665 Barrington Ave, Carpentersville. In honor of World Alzheimer's Day Sept. 21, the park district is partnering with the Algonquin and Carpentersville police departments and the Carpentersville Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 4790 for a pancake breakfast with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Association. All-you-can-eat break­fast with pancakes, sausage and refreshments. $5 (cash only). dtpd.org.

St. Charles Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, in the parking lot next to the old police station on Riverview and Cedar Avenue, St. Charles. Meat, eggs, cheese, breads, sweets, honey, microgreens, mushrooms and more. facebook.com/STCFarmersMarket.

Downtown Elgin Market: 3-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, on South Riverside Drive, Elgin. Farmers, makers, live music, Sip N’ Shop and kids’ activities. Dog-friendly. LINK Matching program. downtownelgin.com/market.

Fox Lake Mayor’s Fish Fry: 4-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at the Lakefront Park Building, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake. All-you-can-eat fish fry. $10, $9 for 65 and older, $5 for kids 8 and younger. (224) 225-1404 or foxlake.org.

Sunset Social: 4:30-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at River View Miniature Golf Course, 8 North Ave., St. Charles. Minigolf with live music by Matt Nanke and food truck Teddy D’s Gourmet Grill. Drinks from Pollyanna Brewing Co. for 21 and older. Daily admission fees apply. Register: stcparks.org/events.

Roselle Cruise Nights: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at the American Legion Hall, 344 E. Maple, Roselle. The Stingrays will perform. Free. cruiseroselle.com.

Glow in the Park Lantern Walk: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn. Family-friendly event features entertainment, activities, food for purchase and a glowing lantern walk around the lake at 7:20 p.m. in support of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Lurie Children’s Hospital. Music by Tres Moustache, face painting, a balloon artist, a bubble show, an inflatable obstacle course, an inflatable slide, and a life-size inflatable Hungry Hippos game. Lanterns can be decorated on-site for $10 while supplies last, or participants may bring their own pre-decorated lanterns. Lantern kits are available for $10 at Main Street Recreation Center through Thursday, Sept. 11. Free; cash donations to Lurie Children’s Hospital are encouraged. gepark.org/glow.

Meadows Fest: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12; 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13; and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, in Kimball Hill Park, 3286 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Taste of Rolling Meadows, beer, live music and more. DJ at 5:30 p.m. and Duck Race at 7 p.m. Music lineup: The Taylor Experience at 8 p.m. Friday, Hi Infidelity at 8 p.m. Saturday and 7th heaven at 6 p.m. Sunday. Free. cityrm.org.

Des Plaines Fall Fest: 6-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13; and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Lake Park, 2200 Lee St., Des Plaines. Carnival rides, music, games, food and more. Music lineup: Friday: Libido Funk Circus at 6:30 p.m. and Too Hype Crew at 9 p.m.; Saturday: Blooze Brothers at 4:15 p.m., Are You Ready for It? A Taylor Experience at 6:30 p.m. and Sixteen Candles at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: Beyond the Blonde at 2:15 p.m. and Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press at 5 p.m. Free. fallfestdesplaines.com.

Heritage Fest: 6-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, in downtown West Dundee. Fireworks show at 8 p.m. Friday; Dundee Lions 5K and 1.75-mile walk at 8 a.m. Saturday; art and crafts fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; car show from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; business expo; and community breakfast from 8-10 a.m. Sunday. Music lineup: Friday: Bad Motor Scooter (Sammy Hagar tribute) at 6 p.m. and Hi Infidelity at 8:30 p.m.; Saturday: Bishop Super Band (hits from Dundee Middle School staff, students and friends of the late Matt Bishop) at 1:30 p.m., The Sofa Kings at 4:30 p.m., Sixes & Sevens (rock and country) at 6:30 p.m., and ARRA at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: Controlled Burn (folk rock) at 1 p.m. and The Lennys! from 3-5 p.m. Free. wdundeeheritagefest.org.

Water Street Studios Anniversary Show: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at Water Street Studios, 160 S. Water St., Batavia. Featuring works by resident artists, clay makers, Artist Collective, School of Art instructors and artist members. waterstreetstudios.org.

Family Campout: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, to 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Maryknoll Park, 845 Pershing Ave., Glen Ellyn. Splash park, mini golf course, movie in the park with hot dogs, pizza, soft drinks and snacks, camping, and a continental breakfast in the morning. Camping gear is not provided. Fee is per tent. $10-$15. Register at gepark.org/register.

Monster Jam: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12; 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13; and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. World champion athletes and their 12,000-pound monster trucks compete in wide-open competitions of speed and skill. Pit Party from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday; passes required. Tickets start at $22.60. monsterjam.com.

Villa Park Movies in the Park: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park, 318 E. Kenilworth, Villa Park. Screening of “Dog Man.” Bring a blanket or chairs. Kids younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult. In case of inclement weather, it will be moved to the library. Free. invillapark.com.

“Disney’s The Little Mermaid”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 12 through Oct. 5, at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton. Wheaton Drama production. $25. wheatondrama.org.

ETC’s “The Tempest”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 12-21, at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., 8th floor, Elgin. Elgin Theatre Company’s production of Shakespeare’s final work, an enchanting blend of comedy, romance, revenge, fantasy, magic and mortality. General admission (no reserved seats): $23-$25. elgin-theatre.org/next-production.

A Night at the Movies: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at 95th Street Community Plaza, 3109 Cedar Glade Drive, Naperville. See “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Bring chairs and snacks. Free. napervilleparks.org/anightatthemovies.

“Puffs”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 12-13, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Elgin Community College’s SecondSpace, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Follow Wayne and his Puff pals as they navigate classes, friendships and hilariously chaotic events. $16-$18. eccartscenter.org.

Saturday, Sept. 13

Naperville Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 13, in the Fifth Avenue Station parking lot, 200 E. Fifth Ave., Naperville. Locally grown food, breads, sweets and an array of products. facebook.com/NapervilleFarmersMarket.

Batavia Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 13, on North River Street, between Wilson and Spring streets, Batavia. Produce, baked goods, plants, honey and related farm products. Vendors must grow, harvest and/or produce at least 75% of market products. downtownbatavia.com/farmers-market.

Huntley Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, along Coral Street, Huntley. Fresh produce, artisanal crafts and treats from regional vendors. huntley.il.us.

Lions Heritage Fest 5K Run and 1.75 Mile Walk: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. Race starts and finishes at Oregon Avenue and South First Street at the VFW Post 2298 in West Dundee. Proceeds benefit the Dundee Township Lions Club and the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce and their charities. Donate used eyeglasses and/or a nonperishable food item at the race. $28.19-$49.54. Register: wdundeeheritagefest.org.

Wheaton French Market: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Main and Liberty streets, Wheaton. Outdoor market offering fresh produce, flowers, handcrafted goods, specialty foods, jewelry, crafts, baked goods and more. bensidounusa.com/wheaton.

Hoffman Estates Community Garage Sale: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Seascape Family Aquatic Center, 1300 Moon Lake Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Shop for treasures from local vendors. Free admission for shoppers, $30-$35 for vendors. heparks.org.

La Fiesta de Elgin Parade: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. The inaugural parade will step off at Slade and Douglas Avenue and end at Grove and Division Street, near Elgin city hall. Seating is available along Grove Avenue in the public right of way from Slade Avenue to the end of the route. elginil.gov/2525/La-Fiesta-de-Elgin.

Vintage Computer Festival Midwest 20: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. A gathering of collectors, hobbyists and those who enjoy tinkering with the computers of decades past. Free. vcfmw.org.

Classic Car, Truck & Tractor Show: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Stade’s Farm & Market, 3709 Miller Road, McHenry. Classic vehicles of all kinds on display, attractions and games, a pumpkin cannon and food. Free admission to the car show. facebook.com/stadesfarmandmarket.

Highland Park Vintage Shindig: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13-14, in Highland Park. Three shows in one, with 75 dealers, two side-by-side venues, indoor and outdoor: Art & Antiques and the Record Fair at the Art Center, 1957 Sheridan Road, and Vintage & Fashion at the Community House, 1991 Sheridan Road. Tickets, good for both days, are $10 or $12 at the door, $5-$8 for seniors, students, military and first responders. Free for kids 12 and younger. randolphstreetmarket.com.

Jarvis Square Artisan Market: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Jarvis Square Alfresco, 1500 W. Jarvis Ave., Chicago. Artisan market with 28 rotating local makers, featuring candles, soaps, plants, cards, performance arts, tarot readings, food, oddities and more. Free. jarvissquarechicago.org.

La Fiesta de Elgin: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, on Riverside Drive in downtown Elgin and 5-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin. During the day, El Mercado features Latino-owned businesses, live music, a car show and family-friendly activities such as the Illuminate Elgin interactive light board and the piñata smash. In the evening, see a large-scale Angel of Independence and art installations celebrating Mexican heritage. Authentic Mexican food, micheladas and paleta from local food vendors. Live performances by Los Yaguarú, Estilo Al Norte, Sonora Dinamita and Banda Los Sebastianes. DJ Eddy P will be emceeing and spinning tunes between sets. El Grito and fireworks at dusk. elginil.gov/2525/La-Fiesta-de-Elgin.

Revolutionary War Reenactment: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13-14, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Dozens of reenactors from the Northwest Territory Alliance camp at the park to stage mock battles and provide a look at what life was like in the 18th century. Food for purchase. $16 per car. cantigny.org.

Super Sensational Saturday: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 13, at Lufkin Park, 1000 S. Ardmore, Villa Park. Jason Kollum’s bubble-filled performance. Bring blankets and chairs. In case of inclement weather, it will be moved to the recreation center. Free. invillapark.com.

Festival Viva la Independencia: Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, on Washington and Butrick streets, and festival at the Lakehurst Center, 300 Lakehurst Road, Waukegan. Family-friendly celebration of Mexico’s Independence with the ACLC. Free. waukeganil.gov.

Lakeview East Festival of the Arts: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with music into the night, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13-14, along Broadway and Belmont to Hawthorne, Chicago. More than 120 artists, live music on two stages, local cuisine, kids’ activities and more. $5 suggested donation. lakevieweastfestivalofthearts.com.

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays in September, 11 a.m. to midnight Saturdays in October, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 13 through Nov. 1; plus 5-11 p.m. Fridays starting Sept. 26; 6-11 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 2, at Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Drive, Gurnee. Thrills by day and frights by night with haunted houses, scare zones, spine-chilling shows and rides. Tickets start at $45. sixflags.com/greatamerica/events.

Food Truck Series: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Road, Deer Park. Food trucks will be located in front of Pottery Barn and Kendra Scott to the traffic circle. Live DJ and dog-friendly. Free. shopdeerparktowncenter.com.

Dog Daze: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Fishel Park, 1036 Grove St., Downers Grove. Noncompetitive agility course, splash zone, pet-pampering station, free pup cups, doggy fashion show, photo booth, peanut butter licking contest and more. Also, food vendors, pet vendors and live music. Dogs must be up-to-date on vaccines and on leash while not in the fenced areas. dgparks.org/dog-daze-event.

El Grito — Mexican Independence Day Celebration: Noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. Music, dance, food and more. cville.org.

Englewood Music Fest: Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at West 64th Street and South Halsted Street at Kennedy King College, Chicago. Celebration of community, culture and live music. Free. Get tickets at eventnoire.com.

Naper Pride Fest: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Live music and performances by Myles Barnes, Summer Dance, Cheryl Rodey Band, Beyond the Blonde, One Foot on the Groove, Crocodile Rockstar and Sparks Fly. Food vendors and adult beverages. $5-$10. facebook.com/NaperPride19.

Windy City Market: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Handcrafted goods for sale from artists, makers and vintage curators. Free. ParkwayBankPark.com.

Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, on the grounds of Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. Craft brews, meads, ciders, seltzers and food at the 10th annual fundraiser for the museum and Churchville one-room schoolhouse. Early entry at 1 p.m. is $55. Regular admission is $45 or $20 for designated driver. elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com.

Bluesmobile Cruise Nights: 3-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at the East Metra parking lot, near the intersection of Maple and Northwest Highway, Mount Prospect. Classic cars, entertainment and more. mplions.org/cruise-nights.

Sip & Stroll: 3-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Mount St. Mary Park, off Prairie Street, St. Charles. Listen to music from New Vintage Strings and check out the sculptures in the park while enjoying a drink. 21 or older. $35. stcparks.org/events.

United Fall Fest: 3-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Congregational United Church of Christ, 40W451 Fox Mill Blvd., St. Charles. 14th annual charitable block party and community event in partnership with the Fox Mill Community and the village of Campton Hills to raise money for community charities. Live music, classic car show, kids’ corner, barbecue and beer tent. Free. cuccstc.org/unitedfallfest.

Rock the Block: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, on Main Street in Lake Zurich. Annual block party with music, food and activities. Free. lakezurich.org.

Bourbon & Beer Fest: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at The Vine, 101 Center St., Grayslake. Live bands, food vendors, cigars and over 20 breweries offering more than 40 beers and 80 types of whiskeys and more. VIP Entry at 6 p.m., general admission at 7 p.m. $50, $80 for VIP, $25 for designated drivers. beerfests.com.

Naperville Hispanic Festival: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Central Park, 104 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. Naperville Sister Cities Foundation’s fifth annual celebration of the sister cities in Mexico features live Hispanic music by Music Mariachi Los Gavilanes De Chicago, kids’ activities, food, drinks, and various South American arts, crafts and merchandise. Doors open at 5 p.m. napervillehispanicfest.com.

Sunday, Sept. 14

Buffalo Grove Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, in Mike Rylko Park, 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Meat, cheese, bakery, coffee, knife sharpening and more from 42 vendors, with weekly entertainment, a kids’ craft tent and Business of the Week vendors and nonprofits. vbg.org/165/Farmers-Market.

Judd-A-Thon: 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, 908 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873’s 12th annual 0.1K fundraising “race” to benefit VFW National Home for Children. $25. napervfw3873.org.

Lake Ellyn 1-Mile Classic & Kids Dash: 8-9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn. Run a 1-mile course around scenic Lake Ellyn Park. Awards will be presented for each age group/category. Adults may accompany kids for the Kids Dash (a shortened version of the race) but do not need to register. $20 per person. Register at gepark.org/register.

Elmhurst French Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, in a city parking lot at Park and Prospect avenues, Elmhurst. European-style market. bensidounusa.com/elmhurst.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ at The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Scott Smith’s All Animal Expo: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Bimonthly show that hosts vendors from the Midwest. $3-$8. allanimalexpo.com.

Fall Caboose Days: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, off Route 31, South Elgin. Ride with the conductor in the Big Red Caboose or with the engineer in the locomotive. $5-$8. foxtrolley.org/special-events.

Mexican Independence Day Celebration: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Woodstock Square, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Hispanic Connections hosts the ninth annual event with live music, traditional dance, family activities, local vendors, food and beverages for purchase and more. Free. woodstockilchamber.com.

Autumn Opener: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Castaldo Park, Woodridge. Build-your-own scarecrow, games, trackless train rides, concessions and more. Park at the Fred C. Hohnke Community Center and take a hayride to the event. Free. woodridgeparks.org.

Barrington Hills Fall Festival: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Hills Park District Riding Center, 361 Bateman Road, Barrington Hills. Food, drinks, attractions, live music and more. Rain or shine. Free. barringtonhills-il.gov/fall-fest.

Mexican Independence Day Festival: Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, on Main Street at Galena Street, West Chicago. Music, food, dance, family-friendly activities and a 13-foot piñata. westchicago.org.

Family Fall Fest: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Interactive seasonal activities including bounce houses, face painting, a petting zoo, balloon sculptors, pumpkin painting and more. Live music by Jeanie B! and The Jelly Beans. Free. ParkwayBankPark.com.

Railroad Street Block Party: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Duke’s Alehouse parking lot, 110 N. Main St., Crystal Lake. Local bands, food from local eateries, and family activities and games for kids. Free. facebook.com/dukesalehouse.

Harmonia Concert Series season opener: 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Faith Community United Church of Christ, 192 S. Center St., Bensenville. Pianist Michael Finlay will launch the 2025-26 season with an all-Chopin program featuring the complete Four Scherzos (Op. 20, 31, 39, 54) followed by Piano Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58. Freewill offering. faithcommunityucc.com.

BrightSide Theatre Summer in the Parks: 4-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, on the Town Center front lawn, 375 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. “Fun in the Sun: A Broadway Musical Revue” features popular and comedic songs from Broadway musicals. Part of the Bolingbrook PathFest. It will be held immediately after the Pathways Parade. ASL-interpreted show, held in partnership with Bolingbrook Arts Council & Special Events Commissions. Bring chairs or blankets. Free. brightsidetheatre.com/parks.

Summer Concerts at Phil’s Beach: 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Phil’s Beach, 328 N. Main St., Wauconda. Industrial Drive will perform. Free. waucondaparks.com.

Monday, Sept. 15

Hinsdale Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, along Chicago Avenue, between Garfield and Washington, Hinsdale. Fresh produce and unique finds from farms and stores. hinsdalechamber.com/farmers-market.

Wonderful World of Wheels: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, at Wolf’s Crossing Community Park, 3252 Wolf’s Crossing Road, Naperville. Kids 1-5 can see, touch and experience a variety of community vehicles, including a police car, tractor and more. Meet the community helpers who drive those vehicles. Free. napervilleparks.org.

Motor Monday Cruise Nights: 5 p.m. to dusk Monday, Sept. 15, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. In partnership with the Midwest Racing Preservation Association, open to cars and trucks from all makes and models. Also, food, drink and music. eastdundee.net.

Tuesday, Sept. 16

Naper Settlement Farmers Market: 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, on the museum grounds, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Offering an assortment of goods from mission-based, fair-trade or local vendors, including coffee, candles, fresh produce, pottery, honey and more. Live music from 4-7 p.m. from the Lucky Pickers. Free classes from 5-6 p.m.: Beekeeping 101 by Ryan Maywin, Downers Grove Park District Bee Keepers. napersettlement.org.

Wauconda Cruise Nights: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 101 N. Main St., Wauconda. Cars on display and family-friendly activities. Free. waucondacruisenight.com.

Wednesday, Sept. 17

Elmhurst Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, in Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church’s parking lot, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst. Fresh produce, local vendors, artisan goods and food trucks. elmhurstfarmersmarket.com or facebook.com/ElmhurstFarmersMarket.

Car Fun on 21: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, on Church and Cook streets, Libertyville. Classic car show featuring cars, trucks and motorcycles 25 years and older, music and food from Rosati’s Pizza. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Toyota Movie Nights: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St., Chicago. See “Remember the Titans.” Free; VIP reserved seating available for $33; rent a chair for $5. gallagherway.com.

Thursday, Sept. 18

Daley Plaza Farmers Markets: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago. Dozens of local merchants offering fresh produce, prepared food, flowers, garden plants, handcrafted merchandise and locally sourced goods. chicago.gov.

Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays, from Thursday, Sept. 18, though Sunday, Oct. 26, at Didier Farms, 16678 Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire. Amusement rides, shows, fall merchandise, pumpkin sales, fall treats and more. Free entry; fees for rides and attractions. happytimespumpkinfest.com.

Wrigleyville Night Market: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St., Chicago. Vendors offering specialty foods, crafts and artisanal goods, with live music and kid-friendly activities. Free. gallagherway.com.

Food Truck Thursdays: 4:30 p.m. to dusk Thursday, Sept. 18, at Jens Jensen Park, 486 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park. Food trucks and live music in the Ravinia District. Free. enjoyhighlandpark.com.

Hanover Township Fall Food Truck Festival: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at Hanover Township, 250 S. Route 59, Bartlett. Food, live music, beverage tent and carnival games. Free admission and parking. fallfoodtruckfest.com.

Naperville Cemetery Walking Tour: 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Step back into the past to learn the stories of pioneers, trailblazers and everyday heroes who lived in Naperville. $15, free for kids younger than 4. Preregistration is required at napersettlement.org.

Thursday Nights Live: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at Wheeling Town Center, 351 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. Justyna Biala will perform. Food and beverage options from local restaurants. Free. thewheelingtowncenter.com/events.

Joffrey Ballet presents “Carmen”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 18-28, at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. With choreography by Liam Scarlett. Tickets start at $46. joffrey.org.

City of Lights Film Festival: Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 18-20, at locations in downtown Aurora. Third annual festival with a lineup of shorts, features, student films and music videos. aurora.il.us.

Ongoing

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 30 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 31, at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions only available on weekends. $19 weekdays; $23 in advance online and $26 at the door on weekends; free for kids 2 and younger. Extra fees for animal rides ($8) and gem mining ($10-$25). goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

McHenry Stade’s Farm Market: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 31 at 3709 Miller Road, McHenry. Free. stadesfarmandmarket.com.

Alex Ross — Heroes & Villains: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays and Wednesdays, and 2-8 p.m. Thursdays, through Feb. 16, 2026, at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. A larger-than-life presentation of the work of legendary comic book artist Alex Ross featuring heroes and villains from the Marvel and DC universes. Museum admission $3-$10, exhibit tickets $5-$10, free for kids 3 and younger. LCFPD.org/planyourvisit.

“Hokusai & Ukiyo-e, The Floating World”: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Sept. 21, at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. $10 Tuesday through Friday; $22 Saturday and Sunday. atthemac.org/events/hokusai.

Patterned by Nature: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Sept. 21 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Celebrates the universal attraction to patterns through playfully planted gardens and nature-inspired artistic installations. Admission: $19.95-$21.95 for adults, $13.95-$15.95 for kids 3-12, and free for kids younger than 3. chicagobotanic.org/patterns.

Richardson Adventure Farm: 3-11 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays in September; open through Oct. 26 at Richardson Adventure Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, observation tower, zip line, zorbing, pig races and more. $24, $20 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and younger; $30/$24 Saturdays and Sundays in October. richardsonadventurefarm.com.

Great Orb Hunt 2025: Through Sept. 30 at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles; the prairie path at Fine Line Creative Arts Center, 37W570 Bolcum Road, St. Charles; and Dick Young Forest Preserve, 39W115 Main St., Batavia. Search for a handcrafted glass or ceramic orb. If you find an orb, register it at fineline.org/pages/the-great-orb-hunt. If you find more than one, take one and leave the rest for other searchers. The district has created maps that are available via social media. fineline.org or kaneforest.com.