Things to do Oct. 17-23: All Hallows Eve, Halloween events, Adam Sandler, iLuminate and more

Starts before Friday

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns: 6-10:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 15-19 and 22-26, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. See hand-carved, LED-lit jack-o’-lanterns staged along a festive paved pathway where visitors will encounter characters and can watch live pumpkin carving. $22-$27 for adults, $15-$18 for kids 3-12, and free for kids younger than 3. chicagobotanic.org/halloween.

Cemetery Walk: 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at West Side Cemetery, 900 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia. Respectful tour including stories of Batavia’s past residents. Weather permitting. $12. Tickets: bataviaparks.org.

Friday, Oct. 17

St. Charles Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, 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. Free. facebook.com/STCFarmersMarket.

Military Miniature Society of Illinois Show: 3-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg, 50 Martingale Road, Schaumburg. Exhibition featuring the work of modelers from around the world displaying painted miniature figures and original sculptures from historical to fantasy, armored and other vehicles, airplanes, ships, dioramas and vignettes. Vendor area offers model kits, paints, tools, books and more. $10, free for kids 12 and younger and active military with ID. military-miniature-society-of-illinois.com/about-the-show.

Boonanza: 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Community Recreation Center, 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Magic show, carnival games, a balloonist, inflatables and crafts for kids. Free. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

All Hallows Eve: 5:30-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17-18, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Magic, monsters and mythical entertainment for kids 16 and younger, including Screams From the Unknown Outdoor Haunt, Zombie Maze, Evil Rock with School of Rock, Dark Art Gallery, Naper Settlement Werewolf, Gargoyle Graveyard and Laser Tag. Costumes encouraged. $25. Tickets: napersettlement.org/285/All-Hallows-Eve.

Autumn Hayrides: 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17-18, at Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles. Ticket includes a 30-minute, tractor-drawn wagon ride and the supplies to make s’mores over an open fire. Kids 15 and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. $16. Register: stcparks.org/events.

Boo Bash Spectacular: 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Clauss Rec Center Maple Room, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. Halloween party for kids 3-5 featuring a costume contest, spooky crafts and making a treat. Register by Oct. 14. $18-$23. rparks.org.

Witches Night Out: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at the Batavia MainStreet Boardwalks. Sweets, sales, tarot and a best-dressed witch contest. Participating shops will be open late. Free. downtownbatavia.com.

Boo Thru: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Randall Oaks Park, 750 Randall Road, West Dundee. Drive through the park for candy and surprises in a reverse trunk-or-treat. Fee is $6-$9 per vehicle. Register: dtpd.org/boo-thru.

Hayrides at Hoffman Park: 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, and 5:15, 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the dog park at Hoffman Park, West Main Street, Cary. Hayride and campfire under the stars. $10 per person. Register: carypark.com.

Zombie Fun Run: 6-8 p.m. Friday Oct. 17, at Volkening Lake, 900 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Run or walk in your Halloween costume for nearly two miles while being chased by zombies. Fee includes a hot dog or brat, chips and a drink. $10-$15. parkfun.com/event/zombie-fun-run.

“Bollywood & Beyond”: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, in Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Chicago Sinfonietta presents a celebration of sound, spirit and light in time for Diwali, the Festival of Lights. $45-$65. (630) 637-7469 or northcentralcollege.edu/show.

Teen Night “The Nightmare Before Christmas”: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Arlington Ridge Center, 660 N. Ridge Ave., Arlington Heights. Open swim, open gym, pizza and a movie for sixth to eighth graders. $16 in advance, $18 at the door. Space is limited. ahpd.org.

“Buried Child”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Albright Community Theatre, 100 N. Island Ave., 3rd floor, Batavia. The Sam Shepard play examines the disintegration of the American Dream with a dysfunctional family on a rural farm. $18-$23. albrighttheatre.com.

“The Haunting of Hill House”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 17 through Nov. 8, at Village Guild Theatre, 2S720 Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn. A group of supernatural investigators journey to the ominous Hill House. $25. villagetheatreguild.com.

Paul Reiser: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, in the Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Comedy. $70-$80. atthemac.org.

The Silhouettes: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Hemmens Cultural Center Main Stage Theatre, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. “LOVE Happens” is a family-friendly shadow dance story. $20-$39. Tickets: (847) 931-5900 or hemmens.org.

Sarah Millican: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17-18, at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. Comedy; “Late Bloomer Tour.” $50.10. auditoriumtheatre.org.

Saturday, Oct. 18

Naperville Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 18, in the Fifth Avenue Station parking lot, 200 E. Fifth Ave., Naperville. Locally grown food, breads, sweets and an array of products. Free. facebook.com/NapervilleFarmersMarket.

Artisan Collective: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 18, on North River Street, Batavia. Local artisans will be selling handmade goods and vintage items. Free. downtownbatavia.com.

Batavia Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 18, 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. The Artisan Collective will be held on the third Saturday of the month featuring handmade items from artists, makers and designers. Free. downtownbatavia.com/farmers-market.

Wheaton French Market: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Main and Liberty streets, Wheaton. Outdoor market offering fresh produce, flowers, handcrafted goods, specialty foods, jewelry, crafts, baked goods and more. Free. bensidounusa.com/wheaton.

Hampshire Farmers and Outdoor Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Hampshire Commons, 113 W. Oak Knoll Drive, Hampshire. Farm-to-table goods, handmade items, packaged food, sweets, artisanal gifts and more. Free. facebook.com/HampshireFarmersMarket.

Boo Bash: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Community Center, 255 Briargate Road, Cary. Costume parade, pumpkin painting, snacks and more. $20-$30. Register: carypark.com.

Civil War Encampment & Battle: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, by the Northbrook Sports Club, off South Hainesville Road, Hainesville. Relive history as period-garbed reenactors re-create battles, bivouacs, battlefield surgeries and historical presentations of the American Civil War. Meet Abraham Lincoln, General Grant and others. Free. hainesville.org/civil-war-event.

Haunted Hoffman Family Fest: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Fabbrini Park, 1704 Glen Lake Road, Hoffman Estates. Live entertainment, Story-Walk Scavenger Hunt, carnival games, bounce house, mini golf, scenic hayride, pumpkin patch food drive, and meet members of the Hoffman Estates Fire and Police Departments. Register for the Trick or Treat Path to collect goodies and meet characters such as Elsa, Anna, Bluey, Chase, Big Bird and more. Free; Trick or Treat Path is $9 in advance, $12 on-site. heparks.org.

Midwest Daffodil Society Bulb Sale, Midwest Fruit Explorers Show & Sale and Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society Lily Bulb Sale: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19, at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Hundreds of varieties of daffodil bulbs will be available for purchase. Daffodil enthusiasts will be on hand to offer expert growing tips. Plus, see a display of freshly harvested fruit grown in the area by members of the Midwest Fruit Explorers, featuring apples, pears, paw paws, grapes, kiwis and more. The Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society will offer a variety of lily bulbs for sale. Free with general admission of $15.95-$25.95. chicagobotanic.org.

Scott Smith’s All Animal Expo: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Bimonthly show that hosts vendors from the Midwest. $3-$8. allanimalexpo.com.

Trucks and Treats: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 18, at McCollum Park, 6801 Main St., Downers Grove. Kids 12 and younger can visit trick-or-treat stations stocked with goodies from local businesses, then check out fire trucks, construction vehicles and more at the Touch-A-Truck. Free. dgparks.org.

Howl-O-Ween Canine Costume Contest: 10:45-11:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Dan Schimmel Pavilion in Willow Stream Park, 651 Old Checker Road, Buffalo Grove. Canine costume contest and doggy egg hunt. Prizes and awards for the most unique and creative costumes. Free. bgparks.org/howl-o-ween.

Frights & Delights: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Sullivan Community Center, 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills. Trunk-or-treating, a costume contest, hay rides and more. Dog-friendly event will feature a doggy costume contest and puppy adoptions. $8. vhparkdistrict.org.

Pumpkin Weekends: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19, at Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. Trick-or-treat on Saturday and Jeanie B! Children’s Concert on Sunday. $10 for ages 1 and older. foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

Wicked West Fest — Trick-or-Treat Trail: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, in downtown Westmont. Trick-or-treating at participating businesses in the downtown business district. Costumes encouraged. Free. westmont.illinois.gov.

Color-fall: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Red Oak Nature Center, 930 N. River Road, North Aurora. Kids 8-10 can explore the seasonal changes, uncover the science behind why trees shed their leaves, discover what makes fall foliage colorful and then use fallen leaves to create artwork. $10-$14. Register: redoaknaturecenter.info/special-events.

Graveyard Stories Cemetery Walk: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Churchville Cemetery and the Churchville One-Room Schoolhouse, 3N784 N. Church Road, Bensenville. GreenMan Theatre partners with Elmhurst History Museum to bring past residents of Elmhurst to life. Each tour lasts one hour, with the last tour at 4:20 p.m. $12. Reservations required. tinyurl.com/2rcrnrkp.

Harvest Hoot: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Oakton College, Parking Lot A, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. Live entertainment, an inflatable corn maze, a pumpkin-carving demonstration, family activities, a harvest artisan market, food trucks and more. No alcohol or pets. Free. desplaines.org.

Trick-or-Treat Trail: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Springbrook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave., Itasca. Kids and their guardians can walk the trail around the Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary and receive candy and other goodies. Scare-free. Free. itascaparkdistrict.com.

Sips & Sweets: 12:30-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Grayslake Village Center. Participating businesses will offer sparkling wines and treats. $35 for 18 tastings. grayslakechamber.com.

GO Waukegan Zombie Walk: 3-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Hinkston Park, 810 Baldwin, Waukegan. Zombie-themed walk. Free. waukeganparks.org.

Haunted Forest: 3-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Diane Main Park, 200 W. 59th St., Westmont. Take a wagon ride from Diane Main Park through the terrifying woods path scenes. Then walk through the wicked woods where scares await. $8. westmontparks.org.

Lindenhurst’s Haunted Trail and Bonfire: 3-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Forest View Park, 513 Forest View Drive, Lindenhurst. Entertainment, food, pumpkins and more. Free. lindenhurstparks.org.

“Farewell, Mr. Poe”: 4-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19, starting at Morton Arboretum’s Thornhill Shelter, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. In the last four days of his life, Edgar Allan Poe drifted in and out of consciousness before he died. Where did his mind wander? Find out, as the paths wind through Poe’s life and poetry, until he finally confronts his earthly departure. For ages 12 and older. Bring water, portable chairs or blankets for seating and bug spray. $17-$27. Register: mortonarb.org.

Haunted Trail: 4:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Springbrook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave., Itasca. Scares along the one-third mile loop. Family hour from 4:30-5:30 p.m., active scaring from 7-9:30 p.m. $10, $5 for a repeat trip. Tickets in advance at the recreation center or at the trail (cash only). itascaparkdistrict.com.

ArtWauk: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, in the Arts & Entertainment District, 2001 Belvedere Road, Waukegan. Art exhibits, musicians and performances in downtown Waukegan and the Belvidere Mall. Free. artwauk.com.

Ghost Story Train: 5, 6:15 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 18 and 25, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, off Route 31, South Elgin. Ride a spooky trolley to the haunted forest preserve for family-friendly frights, including stories around the campfire with treats from Margie’s Girls’ Kitchen. A ghostly musician will lead campfire songs. Costumes welcome. $20. Register at foxtrolley.org/Ghost-Story-Train.

Bald Brothers: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. “KevOnStage and Tony Baker.” Tickets start at $66.55. msg.com/the-chicago-theatre.

The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, in Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The 18-piece big band performs a tribute to Tony Bennett. $45, $20 for kids 12 and younger. eccartscenter.org.

Giordano Dance Chicago “Ignite Your Soul” Season: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Northshore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Works include an encore performance of Al Blackstone’s “Sana,” Ray Leeper’s “Red & Black,” Nan Giordano’s and Cesar G. Salinas’ “333” and a new work to be announced. $40.30-$83.40. northshorecenter.org.

“I Am, He Said” Celebrating the Music of Neil Diamond: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, in the Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Matt, Jeff and Tommy Vee, nephew and sons of the legendary Bobby Vee, come together with an all-star band to share stories and celebrate the music of Neil Diamond. $54-$65. atthemac.org.

Marta Aznavoorian performs “Invictus”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph St., Chicago. Pianist Marta Aznavoorian will be the soloist in the world premiere of composer Stacy Garrop’s “Invictus” piano concerto with the Chicago Philharmonic, conducted by Scott Speck. Tickets begin at $25.50. chicagophilharmonic.org.

Southern Avenue: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Blues, rock and gospel. $45-$53. prairiecenter.org.

Sunday, Oct. 19

Calibre Car Show: 8-11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at The Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Themed car show season closer. Free. shopthearb.com/events.

Chicago Railroadiana & Model Train Show and Sale: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. 34th annual show. $6, free for kids younger than 12. rrshows.com.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. Free. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Pet Costume Parade: Noon Sunday, Oct. 19, at Brothers’ Field, 340 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Registration is not required, but recommended. Free. longgrove.org/festival/october-days.

Witches & Wizards of Woodstock: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at historic Woodstock Square, Woodstock. All-ages event filled with mystical activities and entertainment, including The Magical Talking Hat, a fantasy-themed trivia contest, interactive scavenger hunts, live music and performances, crafts and games, food and more. Free admission; some activities have fees. witchesandwizardsevent.com.

Pumpkin Splash: 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at Arlington Ridge Center, 660 N. Ridge Ave., Arlington Heights. Pick a pumpkin in the pool and Halloween treats. For kids 2-7 accompanied by an adult. $13-$15. ahpd.org.

Trunk or Treat: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at North Suburban YMCA, 2705 Techny Road, Northbrook. Bingo, food, kids’ activities, live music and vendors. Free. nsymca.org.

iLuminate: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Dancers perform on a dark stage wearing black, digitally controlled LED suits. Tickets start at $31.80. geneseetheatre.com.

Monday, Oct. 20

Adam Sandler: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. “You’re My Best Friend Tour.” Tickets start at $50.15. unitedcenter.com.

Tuesday, Oct. 21

“Stars for Sara”: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. Music, media and memories to honor the late Sara Janz. $37.75-$159.75. desplainestheatre.com.

Wednesday, Oct. 22

Elmhurst Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, in Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church’s parking lot, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst. Fresh produce, local vendors, artisan goods and food trucks. Free. elmhurstfarmersmarket.com or facebook.com/ElmhurstFarmersMarket.

Howl-A-Ween Dog Parade: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Lions Park, 1200 Silver Lake Road, Cary. Costume parade and treats for dogs. $7 per dog. Register: carypark.com.

Family Pumpkin Carving: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Bring carving knives; the park district will provide the rest. Registration required. $26-$36. ahpd.org.

Pumpkin Festival: Various times Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 22-26, with many activities at Main and State streets and on the courthouse lawn, Sycamore. 64th annual festival with decorated pumpkins, carnivals, nonprofit vendors, craft shows, Saturday entertainment and activities. Autumn Craft and Treasures Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at Sycamore High School Fieldhouse; $1-$3 entry. The 47th annual Sycamore Chamber 10K Pumpkin Run starts at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26. Pumpkin Festival Parade at 1 p.m. Sunday. Free; some activities have fees. sycamorepumpkinfestival.com.

Thursday, Oct. 23

Daley Plaza Farmers Markets: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago. Fresh produce, prepared food, flowers, garden plants, handcrafted merchandise and locally sourced goods. Free. chicago.gov.

Ackerman Haunted Trail: 4-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Oct. 23-24, at Ackerman Park, 800 St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn. The walk will take about 10 minutes. The trail will be less scary from 4-6 p.m. and geared toward older children from 6-9 p.m. Refreshments for purchase. $5. Register at gepark.org/register.

Halloween Pet Parade: 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at Techny Prairie Park and Fields, 1700 Techny Road, Northbrook. Pet Parade and a costume contest with winners for best look-alike pet, pet and owner combo costume and spookiest animal. Must be 18 or older to register. $10 per pet. nbparks.org.

West Chicago Not-So-Spooky Trail: 6:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at Reed-Keppler Park, 129 W. National St., West Chicago. Not-so-spooky walk through the haunted woods before dark with friendly scare actors (no masks, fog or flashing lights) and a trick-or-treat path. For kids 17 and younger with an adult. $10 per child; free for adults. Register: we-goparks.org/special-events.

Craft by Beer — Mad Scientists: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. From creating chemical reactions to building explosive concoctions, it’s a blend of trivia and science for ages 21 and older. $20. Preregistration is required at napersettlement.org.

Main Street Cemetery Flashlight Tour: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at Fishel Park, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. With a flashlight in hand, learn about the happy and tragic lives of the Downers Grove residents who are buried in the cemetery and some local ghost stories. Dress for the weather. $16-$24. Register: dgparks.org.

Nate Bargatze: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Oct. 23-24, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. “Big Dumb Eyes World Tour.” Tickets start at $61.45. unitedcenter.com.

West Chicago Spooky Trail: 7:30-10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 23-25, at Reed-Keppler Park, 129 W. National St., West Chicago. A one-third-mile haunted trail with ghouls, witches and more. $15 in advance; $18 at the door. Register: we-goparks.org/special-events.

Ongoing

Creepy Critters Month: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 31 at Knoch Knolls Nature Center, 320 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville. Kids can drop in to take part in self-guided activities about spiders, bats, rats, crows, worms and vultures and participate in an indoor scavenger hunt to win a prize. No registration required. Free. napervilleparks.org/knochknollsnaturecenter.

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 30 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 are only available on the 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.

Pumpkin Fest: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Oct. 31 at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. See the zoo’s animals and thousands of pumpkins lining the zoo’s lawn. Kids’ rides for a fee. Apples, gourds, pumpkins, cider, cornstalks, straw bales and fall merchandise for purchase. Proceeds benefit Cosley Zoo. Admission: Free for Wheaton Park District residents and Cosley Zoo Members; nonresidents: $12 for ages 12-59, $10 for 60 and older, and free for kids 11 and younger. cosleyzoo.org.

Randall Oaks Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Nov. 2 at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Pedal tractors, pumpkins and fall treats for sale, and on weekends, hayrides for $3 and animal shows at 1:30 p.m. $6; free for kids 1 and younger and U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/fall-festival.

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.

Boo at the Zoo: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 31 at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Family-friendly Halloween celebration with not-so-scary thrills, festive decorations and more. On weekends, there’s trick-or-treating, a magician and other activities. Included with zoo admission. brookfieldzoo.org/BooAtTheZoo.

Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays, through 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.

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: 5-11 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to midnight Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1 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. Plus, kids’ Boo Fest and Oktoberfest. Tickets start at $45. sixflags.com/greatamerica/events.

Volo Paranormal Tours: Noon, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Nov. 2 at the Volo Museum, 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo. Tour brings to life stories of paranormal encounters at the Volo museum. $3 with museum admission. Reservations recommended. volofun.com.

Richardson Adventure Farm: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays, noon to 9 p.m. Sundays, and 3-9 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 26 at Richardson 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.

Jack O’Lantern World: Time slots start around 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Nov. 1 at Paulus Park, 215 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich, and The Forge, 227 Heritage Quarries Drive, Lemont. See and explore thousands of pumpkins arranged in displays and more, plus a pumpkin patch, 30-foot inflatables, food trucks, a beer garden, mini golf and more. Tickets range from $17.99-$27.99. Thejackolanternworld.com.

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience: Various times through Nov. 2 (except Oct. 20-21 and 27-28) at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Camp Duncan, 32405 N. U.S. Highway 12, Ingleside. Lights transform the landscape into a magical outdoor trail featuring creatures from the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films. A themed village at the end of the trail offers food and drink (Butterbeer) and a gift shop. Tickets start at $31 for kids 3-12, $46 for adults. HPForbiddenForestExperience.com.

Lumenaura: Through Oct. 26 along Aurora’s downtown riverfront. This glowing wonderland of immersive light and sound features mesmerizing art displays, interactive artistic soundscapes and a magical, family-friendly adventure. Free. yourvoice.aurora.il.us/lumenaura.