Things to do Sept. 25 to Oct. 1: Long Grove Apple Fest, Cary Main Street Fest, Huntley Fall Fest and more

Friday, Sept. 25

Alzheimer’s Fundraising Pancake Breakfast: 8-10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Rakow Center’s Adult Activities Center, 665 Barrington Ave, Carpentersville. In honor of World Alzheimer’s Day that was Monday, Sept. 21, this all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast benefits the Alzheimer’s Association. $5 (cash only). dtpd.org.

Long Grove Apple Fest: Noon to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Apple treats such as apple pies, doughnuts, caramel-dipped and candied apples, apple wine, sangria and more. Plus pie-eating contests, family activities, performances and more. Music lineup: Friday: Ipod Music at noon, The Gingers at 4:30 p.m., No More Tears at 6:30 p.m. and Kashmir at 9 p.m.; Saturday: The Acousticholics at noon, American Idiots at 1:45 p.m., Santeria at 3:30 p.m., Jagged Little Pill at 5:15 p.m., Our Name is Jonas at 7 p.m. and 7th heaven at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: the Battle of the Bands winner at noon, 2nd Hand News at 2 p.m. and American English at 4 p.m. $7, free for kids 12 and younger. longgrove.org/festival/apple-fest.

Downtown Elgin Market: 3-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, on South Riverside Drive, Elgin. Farmers, makers, live music, Sip N’ Shop and kids’ activities. LINK Matching program. downtownelgin.com/market.

Bartlett Oktoberfest: 4-10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, and 1-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Leiseberg Park, 325 E. Devon Ave., Bartlett. Live music, kids’ activities, exhibitor booths, beer and food for purchase and more. Tapping of the Golden Keg on Friday. Family activities from 1-5 p.m. Saturday. Free. bartlettoktoberfest.com.

Downtown Concerts at Port Clinton: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Port Clinton Square, 601 Central Ave., Highland Park. Scarecrow Trail and Miss Jamie’s Farm, Istvan & His Imaginary Band, Ben Tatar & the Tatar Tots, and Taylor & Mane. Free. enjoyhighlandpark.com/portclintonconcerts.

Aurora Fall Food Truck Festival: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, on Benton Street, between River Street and Broadway, Aurora. A variety of food trucks, live music and family-friendly activities. aurora.il.us.

Cary Main Street Fest: 5-9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25; 1-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26; and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, on Main Street in downtown Cary. Live music, food trucks, family stage, beverage tents, Chicago Trivia Guys and family activities. Saturday: Family area from 1-7:30 p.m. and bags tournament from 3:30-7:30 p.m. ($50 per team). Sunday: Main Street Fest 5K at 8:30 a.m., community breakfast ($10) from 9 a.m. to noon, farmers market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Music lineup: Friday: Hillbilly Rockstarz at 5:30 p.m. and Pino Farina Band at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: Onset Rock Band at 1:30 p.m., Nashville Electric Co. at 3:30 p.m., There Goes the Neighborhood at 5:30 p.m., and Mike & Joe at 7:30 p.m. Free. CaryMainStreetFest.com.

Flannel Fest: 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Fishel Park, 1036 Grove St., Downers Grove. Barbecue and beer starting at 5 p.m. and music from Wildwood Country from 6-7:30 p.m. Free. dgparks.org.

Huntley Fall Fest: 5-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Deicke Park, 11419 S. Route 47, Huntley. Live music, beer garden, food vendors, a carnival midway, model train display, scarecrow building and contest and fall activities. All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 7-11 a.m. Saturday ($12, free for kids 12 and younger with a paid adult). Car show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Craft/business show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tractor Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Fireworks at 8:45 p.m. Saturday. Music: Friday: The Diffused Blues Band at 6:15 p.m. and 7th heaven at 9 p.m.; Saturday: Polly Says at 1:45 p.m., 1, 2 Many Last Night at 3:45 p.m., Infinity at 6:15 p.m. and The Lounge Puppets at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: Todd Donnelly/Mr. Myers Band at noon, Anchors Away at 2:15 p.m. and Cadillac Groove at 5 p.m. huntleyfallfest.com.

Oktoberfest: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, and 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Scarecrow display and contest, artisan market, inflatables, family activities, food, drinks and more. Beer Stein Holding Contest at 7 p.m. Saturday. Music lineup: Friday: Polkaholics from 5-7 p.m. and The 1985 from 8-10 p.m.; and Saturday: Ed Wagner’s Brass Band at 2 p.m., Big City Nights at 5 p.m. and Bon Journeyed at 8 p.m. Free. eastdundee.net.

Oktoberfest Chicago: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26; and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at St. Alphonsus Church, 1429 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago. German food, craft beer and live music. $10 donation on Friday and Saturday, $5 donation on Sunday. chicagoevents.com/event/oktoberfest-chicago.

Oktoberfest in Libertyville: 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25-26, at Mickey Finn’s Brewery, 345 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Live music, seasonal brews, food and traditional Bavarian bier sports such as Hammerschlagen or Masskrugstemmen (stein holding). Tickets start at $28.52 at eventbrite.com.

Meadows Fest: 5:30-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25; 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26; and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, in Kimball Hill Park, 3286 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Live music, Duck Race and more. Music lineup: Friday: Billy Elton at 6 p.m. and Infinity at 8 p.m.; Saturday: Pino Farina at 6 p.m. and Hillbilly Rockstarz at 8 p.m.; and Sunday: The Taylor Experience at 5 p.m. Free. cityrm.org.

Woodridge Oktoberfest: 5:30-10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, and 5-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park parking lot, 8301 S. Janes Ave., Woodridge. German food, live music, a photo booth, beers from local breweries, a beer-stein-holding contest, a pretzel toss and more. Lineup: Friday: Linda Lee and the Golden-Aires at 6:30 p.m. and Sixteen Candles at 9 p.m.; and Saturday: Die Musikmeisters at 5:30 p.m., Polka MoJo at 7 p.m. and Nerdvana at 9 p.m. Bring a lawn chair. 21 and older. $20 at the door. Tickets: woodridgeparks.org.

Elgin Fringe Festival: 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25; 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. Fringe Central is at Side Street Studio gallery, 15 Ziegler Court, Elgin. Nearly 90 performances showcasing local and national talent in dance, theater, comedy, music, magic, circus, storytelling, experimental multimedia and more. Plus, a visual art exhibition, outdoor shows and themed parties. Tickets: Free to $12, with $4 entry buttons and an all-access pass for $95. For tickets and a schedule, see elginfringefestival.com.

Elmhurst Fourth Friday Concert: 6-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Elmhurst History Museum’s outdoor band shell, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. Los Gallos performs Americana, Chicano rock, roots rock and Latin music. Bring lawn chairs or blankets; coolers welcome. Free. elmhursthistory.org.

Park Party: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Hartmann Park, 292 Oakwood Road, Vernon Hills. Family event with food trucks and a movie under the stars. Free. vhparkdistrict.org.

Outdoor movie night: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at the Riverwalk Park band shell, 27W530 High Lake Road, Winfield. There will be a costume contest before the showing of “The Addams Family” at 6:45 p.m. Concessions for purchase. Free. winfieldparkdistrict.com.

South Elgin Movie Night in the Park: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water St., South Elgin. Concessions for purchase. See “The Bad Guys 2.” Join Movie Bingo before the movie at dusk. Free. southelgin.com/pantonmillpark.

Under the Stars: Family Cruise from 6:30-7:30 p.m., adults-only cruise from 8-9:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave., St. Charles. Family Cruise: $20; adults-only cruise: $24. Register at stcriverboats.com.

A Night at the Movies: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at 95th Street Community Plaza, 3109 Cedar Glade Drive, Naperville. See “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.” Arrive early for an hour of bingo. Free. napervilleparks.org/anightatthemovies.

Hollywood Revisited: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. A concert pianist and curator at the Hollywood Museum, collector Greg Schreiner guides audiences through a nostalgic celebration of classic film glamour with costumes worn by stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Julie Andrews, Gene Kelly and Judy Garland. $16.50-$22. hemmens.org/tickets or (847) 931-5900.

Laura Ramoso: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Comedy. “The Calm Down Tour.” Tickets start at $58.45. msg.com.

Friday Night Concert Series: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. Jan Krist will perform. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., or tune in virtually. Suggested donation $10 (cash or PayPal). twowaystreet.org.

Saturday, Sept. 26

Tailgate Swap: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Fox Valley Aero Club field, 3831 Karl Madsen Drive, St. Charles. Radio-controlled planes, helicopters, boats, cards and accessories. Vendor fee applies. foxvalleyaero.com/events.

Planting Roots, Growing the Next 250 Years: 8:30-10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Lincoln Marsh, Harrison and Pierce avenues, Wheaton. An all-ages celebration of America’s 250th anniversary on National Public Lands Day. Free. Register: wheatonparkdistrict.com.

Celebración de los Árboles: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26-27, at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Music, dance, food, storytelling and cultural performances celebrating Hispanic heritage. Included with admission. mortonarb.org.

Randall Oaks Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Sept. 26 through Nov. 1, at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Pedal tractors, pumpkin enrichments for the animals, pumpkins and fall treats for sale, and on weekends, hayrides for $3. $7; free for kids 1 and younger and U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/fall-festival.

Cantigny Fall Fest: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26-27, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Family-friendly weekend featuring a market with over 60 vendors, live music with the acoustic trio Call Me Jo, guided 45-minute garden tours, plant sales, hayrides, a beer garden and more. Kids’ activities include crafts, bounce houses and a petting zoo (some fees apply). Stiltwalker and roaming juggler both days. “Big Bubble Blast” from 3-4 p.m. Sunday. Food trucks (Kori’s Koop, Hippie Gourmet Grilled Cheese, Kissed By Fire Pizza & BBQ, Wally’s Waffles, Sugar Mama and Poupee Puff). Parking: $21 per car via cantigny.org.

Hispanic Heritage Fest: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Festive entertainment, special activities, and learn more about the rich traditions and cultures being celebrated. Included with admission. brookfieldzoo.org.

Johnny Appleseed Festival: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, in Depot Park, 100 W. Woodstock St., and Williams Street, Crystal Lake. Taste of Downtown is from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The craft fair will be on Williams Street. Great Ball Race at 3 p.m. at Williams and Brink. The fastest ball down the street and through the funnel wins $1,000. $5 per ball or $10 for three balls. downtowncl.org/events/johnny-appleseed-festival/.

“The Rainbow Fish”: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Based on Marcus Pfister’s award-winning book. For kids 4-10. $10-$12. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Autumn Fair: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Annual family event with petting zoo, pony rides, crafts, hayrides, pumpkin painting, tree-climbing demo, kids’ games, music and more. Wildlife presentation from the Flying Fox Conservation Fund. Free; small fees for some activities. genevaparks.org.

Huntley Fall Fest Pedal for Paws car show: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Deicke Park, 11419 S. Route 47, Huntley. 18th annual fundraising event open to all vehicles 1989 or older and 1990 and newer modern American muscle cars. Car clubs welcome. Car registration from 9-11 a.m. for $20 per vehicle. Boy Scout Troop 153 will be selling food. Benefits Animal Services & Assistance Program Inc. in Marengo. huntleyfallfest.com.

WingOut Chicago 2026: 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, and 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Gallagher Way Chicago, 3637 N. Clark St., Chicago. Sessions available from 1:30-4:30 p.m. and 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday and 1:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday, with VIP sessions from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. both days. Wing sampling, live music, adult beverages, competitions and more. Cast your vote for Chicago’s top wings in a competition judged by local celebrities. Tickets start at $20. wingoutchicago.com.

Blocktoberfest: Noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, on Glenview Road, between Church and Pine streets, Glenview. Live music, food, beverages and family activities. Music lineup: Band of Very Ordinary Musicians at noon, Echoes of the Alps at 1 p.m., Groove X at 1:30 p.m., Nikki O’Neill at 2:30 p.m., Northside at 3:30 p.m., Zydeco Voodoo at 4:30 p.m., Beyond the Blonde at 5:45 p.m., Andy Thomas at 7:15 p.m. and Los Lobos at 9 p.m. Free. glenviewblocktoberfest.com/experience.

Harvest Fest: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Fischer Farm, 16W680 Old Grand Ave., Bensenville. Family-friendly event featuring live music, arts and crafts, animal encounters, seasonal activities, and festive food and beverages for purchase. Free shuttles to and from the event. Free entry. bvilleparks.org.

Barks & Brews: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Heritage Park Performance Pavilion, 201 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Activities, entertainment, giveaways, local vendors and more. All pets must be leashed. $10, $20 (includes two beer tickets and a snack) for 21 and older. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

“Founding Mothers”: 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. Learn about the women soldiers, writers, printers, scholars, farmers, artists and spies who had a firsthand view of the founding of the U.S. Free; donations of $5 or $2 for kids and seniors welcome. Register: dupagemuseum.org.

Tacos and Tequila Festival: 1:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Northwestern Medicine Field, 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva. The 21-and-older event features tacos, craft margaritas, tequila shot bars, Chihuahua beauty pageant, Lucha Libre wrestling, exotic car showcase, art installations and more. Lineup: Three 6 Mafia, Ja Rule, Rick Ross, Ginuwine, Zxibit, Chamillionaire, Yung Joc, Frankie J, Mims and DJ Ashton Martin. $73 or $67 for two; VIP $147. TacosandTequilaChicago.com.

Pints By the Pond: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Peg Bond Center, 151 N. Island Ave., Batavia. Fifth annual craft beer fest with food trucks. Includes 20, 3-ounce samples and a commemorative beer glass. VIP entry at 1 p.m. is $65; regular admission is $50 or $10 for designated driver. Tickets: bataviaparks.org/pints-by-the-pond.

39th annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk: 3 and 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, and 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Bluff City Cemetery, off Bluff City Boulevard, Elgin. A guided, 70-minute tour showcases grave sites of former residents portrayed by actors in period costumes. The museum is celebrating the U.S. semiquincentennial with the theme “Hometown Heroes.” All of the characters portrayed in this year’s walk represent some kind of selfless service. $25 or $15 for youth. elginhistory.org/cemetery-walk-2026.

New Philharmonic Musica Italiana Dolce: 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” featuring tenor Jesse Donner, Respighi’s “Appian Way” from “Pines of Rome,” the Overture to Rossini’s “Barber of Seville,” and cinematic classics including themes from “The Godfather,” “Il Postino” and more. $56-$68. atthemac.org.

The Morton Arboretum walking play: 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26-27, starting at Thornhill Shelter at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. A retelling of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights.” It runs approximately 90 minutes and includes a 1.5-mile walk, with no intermission. Suitable for 12 and older, with some dark themes and mild violence. $27 for 18 and older or $17 for kids 2-17. mortonarb.org.

AEW All Out: 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the NOW Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Wrestling. Tickets start at $141.91. nowarena.com.

American Aid Society Oktoberfest: 6:30-11:50 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the American Aid Society Fest Grounds, 259 W. Grand Ave., Lake Villa. German music, food and beer. $9. americanaidsocietyofgd.org.

Bassem Youssef: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Comedy. “The Belly of the Beast Tour.” Tickets start at $36.36. msg.com.

BritBeat The Immersive Beatles Experience: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Elgin Community College Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The show reimagines the magic of The Beatles. Pre-show dinner, prepared by ECC culinary students, at 5 p.m. at Spartan Terrace Restaurant for $35; wine and beer for purchase. Show tickets:ad $45. tickets.eccartscenter.org.

Maple Street Concert: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Maple Street Chapel, 200 S. Main St., Lombard. Lombard singer/songwriter Gia Dagenhart, the 2025 Folk Alliance Region Midwest DJ Showcase Artist, will be joined by Chicago folk artist Heather Styka. $20 online with credit card; cash or check only at the door. maplestreetconcerts.org.

Mystery on Maple Street: 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Carriage House, 23 W. Maple St., Lombard. Step back to the early 1940s in Lombard for an evening of mystery, intrigue and comedy. Guests can search for hidden clues in the Carriage House and Victorian Cottage. Ticket includes appetizers, dessert and two drinks. Costumes encouraged. $60. lombardhistory.org.

Illusionist Rick Thomas’ “Nothing Happens Until You Dream”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1250 W. Wilson St., Batavia. Blend of grand illusions, quick-witted comedy and theatrical spectacle. $32-$73. bataviafineartscentre.org.

WWE/AAA/NXT Worlds Collide: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Wrestling featuring CM Punk, Rey Mysterio and El Grande Americano vs. Omos, JD McDonagh and Dominik Mysterio; Penta and Rey Fenix vs. Perros and Del Mal; Las Toxicas vs. Fatal Influence; Dragon Lee vs. Jack Cartwheel and more. Tickets start at $57.10. rosemont.com/allstate.

Copley Comedy Series: 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. With headliner Nick Gaza, featuring Vikram Balaji. $22 reserved seats. paramountaurora.com.

KC and the Sunshine Band: 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Tickets start at $66.95. geneseetheatre.com.

Sunday, Sept. 27

Barkapalooza and Rescue Fest: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St., Lisle. West Suburban Humane Society’s 33rd annual 5K run and 1-mile walk, with Rescue Fest, Barkminster Pet Contest, and vendor and food truck fair. Proceeds will benefit the dogs and cats of the shelter. $25-$35 for races or $20 per car for Rescue Fest entry. charity.pledgeit.org/barkapalooza.

Wake Up With Your Pup: 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at 3410 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. Bring your pets to the Low-Line plaza for free treats. Free. lakeviewroscoevillage.org.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Food vendors, live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. Free. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Scott Smith’s All Animal Expo: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Bimonthly show that hosts vendors from the Midwest. $3-$8. allanimalexpo.com.

Harvest of the Acorn Moon Fall Festival: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Oakhurst Forest Preserve, 1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora. Family-friendly festival featuring pumpkin painting, mule-drawn hayrides, games, education stations, crafts, folk music and refreshments. Fee for crafts and refreshments. No registration required. kaneforest.com.

Shermerfest: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Village Green Park, Shermer and Meadow roads, Northbrook. Car and truck show, CARavan parade at 10:30 a.m., “Chalk Up Northbrook,” food, live music, Rubber Ducky Race at 3 p.m. and more. Free. northbrookhistory.org.

Pioneer Day: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn. Try your hand at 1840s life. gehs.org.

CROP Walk kickoff: 1:45-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Gail Borden Public Library’s outdoor stage, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Annual CROP Walk to end hunger kicks off behind the library. Sponsored by Elgin Cooperative Ministries, Church World Services. gailborden.info.

“Late Night Catechism”: 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Audience members become part of the show as Sister quizzes the class on religious trivia and rewards correct answers with glow-in-the-dark rosaries and other prizes. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. $40. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Old Town School of Folk Music’s Lamajamal: 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Global folk music. $28.52, free for 18 and younger with paid adult. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

John Caparulo: 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia. Stand-up comedy. $31. comedyvaultbatavia.com.

Monday, Sept. 28

Paws in the Park Day: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Visiting dogs should be social butterflies. Bring proof of up-to-date vaccinations. Dogs must remain on leashes and accompanied at all times. Sanitation stations will be set up around the park. Parking: $6. cantigny.org.

Movie Monday: 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. See “Superman II” (1980). Doors open at 6 p.m. $1 (cash only at the door). Concessions via cash or card. paramountaurora.com/series/movie-mondays.

Tuesday, Sept. 29

Sinfonietta Bel Canto Voice Invitational: 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 5739 Dunham Road, Downers Grove. $25, $22 for seniors, $12 for students. Tickets: sinfoniettabelcanto.org.

Wednesday, Sept. 30

Critics Classics: 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Elk Grove Theatre, 1050 Elk Grove Town Center, Elk Grove Village. See Michael Mann’s “Manhunter: The Final Cut.” $9 or $7 matinee; $7-$6 for 60 and older, $1.50 booking fee. Hosted by the Chicago Film Critics Association. classiccinemas.com.

St. Charles Sings with Jeff Hunt: 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Baker Community Center, 101 S. Second St., St. Charles. Wednesdays @ One program with Jeff Hunt, founder and music director of St. Charles Singers, who explores various aspects of songs and singing. Free. Register: norrisculturalarts.com.

Cantigny’s Live Music in the Beer Garden: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, Sept. 30 through Oct. 4, at Cantigny Park South Grove, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Live music in the beer garden, near the Visitors Center. Music begins at 5:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted). Beer garden hours: 4:30-9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Lineup: Wednesday: Joe Fascetta; Thursday: Rozzie & Brian Duo; Friday: The Frank Russell Trio; Sunday: Juke Box Heroes (3 p.m.). Included with admission. cantigny.org.

Countdown to 250 Celebrating Our Freedom: 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at DuPage County Historical Museum auditorium, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. Terry Lynch of HFK Presents offers a tour of previous milestones such as the 50th Jubilee, Centennial, Sesquicentennial and Bicentennial and how they were commemorated. Free; donations $5 or $2 for kids and seniors. dupagemuseum.org.

Bill Burr Live: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Stand-up comedy. Tickets start at $73.35. msg.com.

Emily Rohm and the Jane Doe Traveling Show: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Original songs from her solo album, classic show tunes and songs from the musical “Ride the Cyclone.” $40. metropolisarts.com.

“Meditations and Lamentations”: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Armerding Center for Music and the Arts Recital Hall, 520 E. Kenilworth Ave., Wheaton. Wheaton College Faculty Artists features Leonardo Garcia Altino performing works for solo cello by Johann Sebastian Bach, György Kurtág, Sofia Gubaidulina and Zoltán Kodály. tickets.wheaton.edu.

Toyota Movie Nights: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St., Chicago. See “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” Free; VIP reserved seating available. gallagherway.com.

Thursday, Oct. 1

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, Oct. 1-31, at Knoch Knolls Nature Center, 320 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville. Kids can take part in self-guided activities about spiders, bats, rats, crows, worms and vultures, as well as participate in an indoor scavenger hunt to win a prize. No registration required. Free. napervilleparks.org/knochknollsnaturecenter.

Pumpkin Fest: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 1-31, at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. See the zoo’s animals and pumpkins lining the zoo’s lawn. Children’s rides for a fee. Apples, gourds, pumpkins, cider, cornstalks and straw bales for purchase. $12 adults; $10 seniors; free for kids 11 and younger. cosleyzoo.org.

Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival and Skeletons on Display: Community Night and Opening Carnival from 4-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1; full festival 4-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, in downtown Highwood. Pumpkin carving, nightly lightings of pumpkin-filled walls, music, carnival and more. Free. highwoodpumpkinfest.com.

Manhattan Short Film Festival: 4 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Glen Art Theatre, 540 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Cast your vote for best film and best actor at this short film fest. $25 (cash or check) or $28.52 online. wheatonglenellyn-il.aauw.net/the-manhattan-short-film-festival.

Cocktails & Conversation: The Art of the Script with Stephanie Walker: 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Join playwright Stephanie Walker for cocktails and a look inside her new play before its world premiere at Steppenwolf Theatre. Bar opens at 4:30 p.m., talk begins at 5 p.m. $28.52. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Cocktail Experience — Sip Around the States: 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Cantigny’s North Scallop Garden, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. The theme will be “Continental Craft.” $75, includes two cocktails and small bites. cantigny.org.

Concerts by the Campfire: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Springfield Park pavilion, 269 Springfield Drive, Bloomingdale. Simple Remedy Duo will perform. S’mores around the campfire. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Free. bloomingdaleparks.org.

World Ballet Company’s “Swan Lake”: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet. Featuring a cast of 50 international dancers, over 150 hand-sewn costumes and handcrafted sets. Tickets start at $49. rialtosquare.com.

Dan and Phil: Hard Launch World Tour: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. Comedy. Tickets start at $72.40. rosemont.com/theatre.

Grits & Eggs Podcast: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at The Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago. “Coming Thru America Tour.” $51-$141. jamusa.com.

ETC’s “The Thanksgiving Play”: Opening at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, and continuing at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 1-11, at Elgin Art Showcase, 220 DuPage St., Elgin. A satire about woke but clueless artists attempting to stage a Thanksgiving pageant with disastrous results. General admission (no reserved seats). $23-$25. elgin-theatre.org/next-production.

Live at the White House: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Five-time Grammy nominee Christian Sands performs modern jazz. $39.19, free for 18 and younger with a paid adult. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Matthew Broussard: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2-3, at the Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia. Stand-up comedy. 21 and older. $36.99. comedyvaultbatavia.com.

Ongoing

“Defining US, The 250th Anniversary of the United States” exhibit: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through April 10, 2027, at the DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. Exhibit examines how wars, elections, protests and cultural changes resonated in DuPage County. Free; donations of $5 or $2 for kids and seniors appreciated. dupagemuseum.org/visit.

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Nov. 1, at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, camel rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on weekends. $20 on weekdays; $24 in advance online and $27 at the door on weekends and Columbus Day. Extra fees for some activities. goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

Dinos! at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 25 at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. See 35 life-sized dinosaurs and more. $20.95-$29.95 and free for kids 2 and younger. brookfieldzoo.org/events.

Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays, though Oct. 31, at Didier Farms, 16678 Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire. Amusement rides, pony and camel rides, Animal Land Zoo, corn maze, fall merchandise, pumpkin sales, fall treats and more. Free entry; fees for rides and attractions. happytimespumpkinfest.com.

“Mean Girls”: 1:30 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 11, at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. The Chicago-area premiere of the Tony-nominated musical based on the Tina Fey film. Tickets start at $34. paramountaurora.com.

Minecraft Experience, Villager Rescue: 2-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sundays; and 2-7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, through Oct. 10, at EXP Rosemont, 9900 Berwyn Ave., Rosemont. The world of Minecraft comes to life in an immersive experience. Tickets start at $28. minecraftexperience.com.

Richardson Sunflower Fields: 3-11 p.m. Fridays in September; plus 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1, at Richardson Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, observation tower, sunflower field, zip line, zorbing, pig races and more. $26, $22 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and younger. richardsonadventurefarm.com.

“Jekyll & Hyde”: 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 8; plus 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 27 and Oct. 11; and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, and Oct. 14 through Nov. 4, at Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. Murder and chaos are pitted against love and virtue in this sweeping Gothic musical. Tickets start at $60.75. broadwayinchicago.com.

“Big Fish”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 4, at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton. Wheaton Drama’s production follows the life of a traveling salesman whose larger-than-life stories captivate everyone around him, except his son, Will, who is determined to uncover the truth behind his father’s epic tales. ASL shows Sept. 25. $25. wheatondrama.org.

“Ride the Cyclone”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 25, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. The Spirits of St. Cassian High School Chamber Choir return in this musical. $25-$49. metropolisarts.com.

“Come From Away”: Various times Wednesdays through Sundays, through Oct. 18, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Based on the true story of the time when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, on Sept. 11, 2001. Tickets start at $78.10. marriotttheatre.com.

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: Fridays through 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. Tickets start at $45. For dates and hours, visit sixflags.com/greatamerica/events.

“Walking With Giants” exhibit: Through Oct. 18 at the College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the McAninch Arts Center and Cleve Carney Museum of Art, in association with the COD Foundation, host an outdoor, walkable exhibition celebrating American artistic achievement. The exhibition features 10 painted silhouette sculptures, each about 10 feet tall, installed along a walkable route surrounding the MAC. The works honor influential American figures in visual art, music, theater and dance, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Dolly Parton and Lin-Manuel Miranda, among others. Free. theccma.org.