Things to do Oct. 2-8: Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest, Cider & Ale Festival, Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns and more

Friday, Oct. 2

MainStreet Libertyville’s First Fridays: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, on Main Street in Libertyville. Music, refreshments and more. Free. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Autumn Fest Jack-’O-Lantern Walk: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, in downtown Geneva. Glowing jack-’o-lanterns and family-friendly activities. geneva.il.us.

Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival and Skeletons on Display: 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. Music lineup: Friday: Black Diamond Sessions at 7:30 p.m. and Antler Chandelier at 8 p.m.; Saturday: Roger That at 5 p.m., Navy Band Great Lakes “Horizon” Rock Band at 6 p.m. and Davidson County at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday: Daddy Wasn’t There at 5 p.m. and Mr. Blotto at 6 p.m. Free. highwoodpumpkinfest.com.

Oktoberfest: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, and 3-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. German food and beer, food trucks, music, a stein-holding contest at 5 p.m. Saturday, kids’ activity area and more. The Weed Ladies will be selling floral crowns from 3:30-7 p.m. Saturday. Music lineup: Friday: Ed Wagner’s Lustige Blaskapelle from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and Polkaholics from 8-10 p.m.; and Saturday: Freeze Dried at 3 p.m., Whiskey Romance Band at 5:30 p.m. and Fool House (Wow That’s What I Call 90s Tour) at 8 p.m. $25, $15 for kids 4-12, and free for kids younger than 4. napersettlement.org/237/Oktoberfest.

Run 4 Your Life Zombie Run: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at St. James Farm Preserve, 2S541 Winfield Road, Warrenville. A 1.5-mile adventure where runners or walkers dodge playful zombies trying to steal their “life” flags. After the race, music, s’mores, drinks and activities. Family- and sensory-friendly from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and full fright from 6:30-7:30 p.m. $19-$24. Register: warrenvilleparks.org.

Night at the Museum: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at the DuPage County Historical Museum auditorium, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. Screening of “Cars,” a flashlight scavenger hunt and more. Halloween costumes encouraged. The DuPage Society of Model Engineers will host a train demonstration. $22.58. Register: dupagemuseum.org/events.

Tales & Tombstones: 6-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2-3, at Lombard Cemetery, South Main Street, Lombard. Join a guided, candlelit tour through the cemetery and meet past residents of Lombard who lived there over 100 years ago. Light refreshments. Hosted by the Lombard Park District in partnership with the Lombard Historical Society. $25 or $5 for kids 3-12. Register: lombardparks.com.

Jack-O-Lantern World: Time slots available usually starting around 6:10 p.m. and running through 10:15 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays, through Nov. 1, at Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Walk through an immersive, interactive trail featuring over 20 themed worlds with thousands of jack-o’-lanterns hand-carved by over 50 artisans. Daytime experience available from 1-5 p.m. Oct. 10, 17 and 24. $17.99-$29.99; daytime experience $14.99. thejackolanternworld.com/lakezurich/.

Matthew Broussard: 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.

“Big Fish”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2-3, and 2 p.m. Sunday, 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. $25. wheatondrama.org.

Bill Burr: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, and 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Stand-up comedy. Tickets start at $73.35. msg.com.

“Dial M for Murder”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 2 through Nov. 1, plus 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 and 21, and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14 and 28, at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview. Alfred Hitchcock’s chilling thriller with a modern twist. oillamptheater.org.

“From Dust”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 2-3 and 9-10; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4; and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Lodge Performing Arts Center, 18 Villa Court, Elgin. Eli Campbell’s original work about a doomsday prepper building an underground bunker performed by point2point productions. Donated pantry goods will be used as props to fill the production’s underground bunker and then be donated to PADS of Elgin after the production closes. $15 plus a $2 service fee per ticket. schaumburgonstage.org/point2pointproductions.

Wheaton College Conservatory of Music Homecoming Concert: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, in Edman Memorial Chapel, 401 E. Franklin St., Wheaton. Features the choral and instrumental ensembles of the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, including the Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Choir, Men’s Glee Club and Women’s Chorale. Free; no tickets required. tickets.wheaton.edu.

Friday Night Concert Series: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. Open mic night. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. or tune in virtually. Suggested donation: $10 (cash or PayPal). twowaystreet.org.

GreenRoom Productions First Friday Improv: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at the Hemmens Theater in the Round, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Family-friendly improv show. $15-$22. greenroomimprov.com.

Saturday, Oct. 3

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. eastdundee.net.

Elmhurst Fall Fest: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 3, near The Depot at Wild Meadows Trace, 511 S. York St., Elmhurst. Costumes encouraged for the Safety Town trick-or-treating, plus balloon artist, airbrush tattoo artist, carnival games and family photo opportunity. Food trucks: Beavers Donuts, Billy Bricks Deli Truck, Kona Ice, Nick’s Pizza Truck, Smallcakes of Elmhurst and Smash N’ Roll. Rain or shine. Free entry. epd.org/news/family-fall-fest.

Pumpkin Patch Festival: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at SEBA Park, 151 S. Water St., South Elgin. South Elgin Parks & Rec’s fall event features a costume pet parade at 10 a.m., craft show, inflatable, face painting, pyramid of hay, pumpkin yard games, painting station and pumpkins. Pumpkin decorating contest for local businesses and service organizations; questions, email Jess Day at JDay@southelgin.com. Fees for pumpkins and concessions. Free. southelgin.com/pumpkin.

Boo at the Zoo: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, Oct. 3-25, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Family-friendly Halloween celebration with not-so-scary thrills, festive decorations and more. Included with admission. brookfieldzoo.org/BooAtTheZoo.

Rockin’ Sale at the Lizzadro!: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 1220 Kensington Road, Oak Brook. Treasures for collectors, hobbyists and curious visitors. Unique finds and meet fellow rock enthusiasts. Free. lizzadromuseum.org.

South Elgin Pet Costume Parade: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at SEBA Park, 151 S. Water St., South Elgin. Parade begins at 10 a.m. along the sidewalk on South Water Street. Categories: scariest, cutest, funniest and best owner/pet costume. Pets must be leashed. Come early for the Pumpkin Patch Festival. Register on-site from 9-9:50 a.m. southelgin.com/petparade.

Fall Fun Days: 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Oct. 3-24, at Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles. Pumpkin decorating, wagon rides and activities. $13. Register: stcparks.org/events.

Pumpkin Weekends: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3-4, at Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. Bounce house on Saturday, bubble making on Sunday. $11 for ages 1 and older. foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

Cider & Ale Festival: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Tasting booths offer more than 60 different ciders and ales from 30 local breweries and cideries along Meadow Lake Trail, the Conifer Walk and the Frost Hill walking path. Tasting tickets include 20 3-ounce samples. No general admission. $75-$85; designated driver $35; and $12 for kids 4-17. Tickets: mortonarb.org.

Gurnee Legions of Craft Beer Festival: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at American Legion Post 771, 749 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee. Over 50 craft beers, hard ciders and food trucks. Big Brother’s Vinyl will perform. Net proceeds go to the Friends of the Gurnee American Legion. Advance tickets $50 or $60 with bourbon, $60 at the door, designated driver $10. gurneelegionsofbeer.com.

North Aurora Oktoberfest: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Riverfront Park, 25 E. State St., North Aurora. Traditional German beer and food, activities and polka music under the large covered beer tent with seating (all ages) and a smaller outdoor beer garden for 21 and older. Alcohol will only be dispensed into the village’s Oktoberfest steins, which can be purchased on-site. $13 per stein and $6 for a drink token. Free entry. northaurora.org/community/oktoberfest/.

Itasca Halloween Celebration: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Washington Park, 400 Irving Park Road, Itasca. Itasca Park District and the village host an afternoon of Halloween-themed activities including free games, a bounce house, pumpkin decorating and more. Bring canned or nonperishable food items to support the Itasca Food Pantry. A $1 donation per child is recommended. itascaparkdistrict.com.

Northbrook AutumnFest: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Meadowhill Park, 1479 Maple Ave., Northbrook. Arts and crafts, petting zoo, pumpkin chucking, horse trolley and food trucks. Free pumpkins (one per child while supplies last) and apple cider. Free. nbparks.org.

Lombard Fall Fest: 1:30-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Four Seasons Park, Finley Road and 16th Street, Lombard. Games, dancing, face painting, a candy hunt and more. Stop by the pumpkin patch to select a pumpkin (one per child) to take home. For admission, bring a food or monetary donation for the Outreach House. lombardparks.com/fall-fest/.

Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Oak Brook Park District’s Central Park West, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook. Dress in costume for the trick-or-treat trail. At the end of the walk, board the Haunted Wagon for a ride around the park. $15-$18; free for kids younger than 2. Register: obparks.org/special-events/halloween-trick-or-treat-trail.

Melodeers Harmony Showcase: 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Harper College Performing Arts Center, 1200 Algonquin Road, Building R, Palatine. The Melodeers will perform and the quartets, Prism and Stiletto, will join them. $20, $10 for kids 12 and younger. melodeers.org.

Roselle Founders Day: 2-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Claus Recreation Center, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. Music from Semple and Hillbilly Rockstarz, pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, pumpkin jump, hayrides, food trucks, beer garden, obstacle course, bumper cars, face painting, balloonist, giant slide, Euro bungee, zip line and rock wall. Hosted by the village of Roselle and Roselle Park District. rparks.org.

The Morton Arboretum walking play: 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 3-25, starting at Thornhill Shelter at The 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 and $17 for kids 2-17. mortonarb.org/explore/activities/events/walking-plays.

Pumpkin Walk: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Mike Rylko Community Park, 1000 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove. Over 100 lighted pumpkins, including two professionally carved pumpkins. Watch a live demonstration by a professional pumpkin carver, plus entertainment and a lightning bug craft. $10. Registration required. bgparks.org/pumpkin-walk.

Scarecrow Scramble: 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St., Lisle. 5K and Youth and Tot Dash. The USATF-certified race winds through slightly hilly paths of Lisle Community Park lit by luminaria. $15-$55. Register: lislepartnersforparks.org/scarecrowscramble.

American Aid Society Oktoberfest: 6:30-11:50 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the American Aid Society Fest Grounds, 259 W. Grand Ave., Lake Villa. German music, food and beer. $9. americanaidsocietyofgd.org.

Fleetwood Max: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. An authentic re-creation of the music and stage production of Fleetwood Mac. $59-$69. Rauecenter.org.

Elton Rohn: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the McAninch Arts Center, Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Elton John tribute. $45-$65. atthemac.org/events/elton-rohn.

Woodridge-Downers Grove Fourth of July Fireworks: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. Watch from any of the parking lots along 75th Street and Lemont Road, Woodridge. Free. downers.us.

Mt. Joy 2026: 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, 1300 S. Linn White Drive, Chicago. “Celebrating 10 Years Of Mt. Joy.” Tickets start at $74.75. huntingtonbankpavilion.com.

Sunday, Oct. 4

Walneck’s Motorcycle Swap Meet: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at the McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock. New and used motorcycle parts of all types and brands, leathers, sewing, jewelry, toys and more. Rain or shine. $10 for 15 and older. walneckswap.com.

Great Midwest Train Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds Buildings 1-3, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Over 300 tables of new and used model trains, accessories, parts and more for sale. $8, free for kids 11 and younger. greenbergshows.com or dupagecountyfair.org.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, 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. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Fall Festival: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Grant Township Center, 26725 W. Molidor Road, Ingleside. Food, rolling video game theater, DJ music, petting zoo, hayrides, pumpkin decorating, inflatables, police and fire demonstrations, touch-a-truck and more. Free. foxlake.org.

Aurora Pooch Parade: 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Wilder Park, 350 N. River St., Aurora. Eighth annual parade with prizes for biggest and smallest dog, best costume, Twinsies (owner and dog), most energetic and fan favorite. All dogs must be current on vaccinations and on a standard leash. Spectators welcome. Parade registration closed on Oct. 1. aurora.il.us.

Grove Folk Fest: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview. Celebrates Glenview’s history with hands-on activities, food and more. groveheritageassociation.org/events.

Autumn Harvest Festival: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Heritage Farm at Spring Valley, 201 S. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg. Demonstrations of 19th-century farm life, kids’ crafts and games, pumpkin decorating, live music, food and beverages and more. $5 per person or $20 per family; free for kids 2 and younger. parkfun.com.

The Last Straw: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Gregg House Museum, 115 S. Linden Ave., Westmont. Pan for gold or minerals (fee), crafts, rope making, old-fashioned games, hayrides, music, petting zoo, bake sale and meet a bee keeper. The Garden Club of Downers Grove can assist with making a scarecrow. The $15 fee includes a burlap bag for the head, straw, a wood stand, hay and materials. Bring clothes and items to decorate a scarecrow. Farmers market on the baseball field warning track. westmontparks.org.

Octoberfest: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Meineke Park, 220 E. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg. Food, drinks and live entertainment. Free. parkfun.com.

Civil War Solider Encampment: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, on the lawn of the Durant House Museum located at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. Civil War reenactors from the 19th Illinois and 6th Wisconsin Units host displays of equipment and demonstrations of camp life and cooking rations. At this hands-on event, visitors can handle equipment, try on uniforms and taste 1860s cooking. At 2:30 p.m., kids can learn drills from experienced soldiers and practice as a regiment. Durant House and Sholes School Museums will be open. $3 or $1 for kids 18 and younger. ppfv.org/durant-house-museum.

Oktoberfest: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Twin Lakes Recreational Area, 1200 E. Twin Lakes Drive, Palatine. Games, hayrides, raffles and more. Live music by Die Musikmeisters. Food for purchase includes bratwurst with sauerkraut, German potato salad and Oktoberfest beer. Donate five nonperishable food items to receive a free pumpkin, or buy one for $5. Free. saltcreekpd.com.

Annual Authors Fair: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, in the Gail Borden Public Library’s Alft River Room, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Meet local authors, who will be signing and selling their books. gailborden.info/authors.

Sunday Afternoon Concerts: 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, in the St. Charles Public Library’s Carnegie Room, 1 S. Sixth Ave., St. Charles. An afternoon of classical guitar with Brad Conroy featuring the music of 19th-century composer Giulio Regondi, Spanish composers Isaac Albeniz and Enrique Granados, a few originals, and a premiere of a new work dedicated to him by Eduardo Morales-Caso. Free. scpld.org.

Batavia Community Band concert: 3-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Peg Bond Center, 151 N. Island Ave., Batavia. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and food. Free. bataviaparks.org

Concert Pianist Drew Petersen: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Solo recital. $39.19, free for kids 18 and younger with a paid adult. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Elmhurst Symphony “Heroes & Villains”: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst. Season opener featuring music by John Williams (“Superman,” “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones”), Alan Silvestri (“Avengers”), and “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters. Pre-concert talk at 1:45 p.m. Tickets: elmhurstsymphony.org.

Watch What Crappens: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at The Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago. Bravo recap and gossip podcast presents the “In The Mix Tour.” Tickets start at $69.16. jamusa.com.

Monday, Oct. 5

Paws in the Park Day: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, 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, Oct. 5, at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. See “The Addams Family” (1991). Doors open at 6 p.m. $1 (cash only at the door). Concessions via cash or card. paramountaurora.com/series/movie-mondays.

My Hero Academia in Concert: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. A 15-piece band performs Yuki Hayashi’s iconic score. Tickets start at $48.75. auditoriumtheatre.org.

Tuesday, Oct. 6

Wheaton College Symphonic Band’s Children’s Concert: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Edman Memorial Chapel, 401 E. Franklin St., Wheaton. Classical to contemporary. tickets.wheaton.edu.

Feelin’ Groovy: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Michael Mahler sings Paul Simon. $45. metropolisarts.com.

Chip Leighton’s “Dad Can You Not?”: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. The comedian and author will discuss his new book, “Dad, Can You Not? A Dad’s Guide to Being Less Cringey.” $20; book and ticket $40. gortoncenter.org.

Naper Settlement Lantern Tour: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Experience history after dark and wander the grounds by lantern light to hear about the people, places and moments that shaped the community. Registration required. $15. napersettlement.org.

Wednesday, Oct. 7

Lombard Senior Fair: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Madison Meadow Athletic Center, 500 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard. Senior resources, education and screenings, and information about local programs and services. Free. villageoflombard.org/seniorfair.

Critics Classics: 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Elk Grove Theatre, 1050 Elk Grove Town Center, Elk Grove Village. See “Misery.” Hosted by the Chicago Film Critics Association. $9 or $7 matinee; $7-$6 for 60 and older; $1.50 booking fee. classiccinemas.com.

Midweek Matinee: 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. See “Dick Tracy,” with Warren Beatty, Al Pacino and Madonna. $5. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Joan Curto’s “Both Sides Now”: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Elgin Community College Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The acclaimed vocalist and her all-star band celebrate the timeless artistry of singer-songwriters from the 1960s to the ’80s. $35. tickets.eccartscenter.org.

Cantigny’s Live Music in the Beer Garden: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 7-11, 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. Wednesday: Craig Allen, Thursday: Downtown Charlie Brown, Friday: Return 2 Soul, Sunday: The Thomas Linsk Trio (3 p.m.) Included with admission. cantigny.org.

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns: 6-10:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, Oct. 7-11, 14-18 and 21-25, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. See hand-carved, LED-lit jack-o’-lanterns staged along a festive paved pathway featuring characters and live pumpkin carving. $20-$24 for adults, $13-$17 for kids 3-12, and free for kids younger than 3. chicagobotanic.org/halloween.

Irish Session: 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Quigley's Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson, Naperville. A casual gathering of musicians playing traditional Irish music on their traditional Irish instruments. wsirish.org/content.aspx.

“Love/Sick”: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 7-8; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at Madden Theatre, 171 Chicago Ave., Naperville. John Cariani’s collection of slightly twisted and funny short plays exploring the pain and joy of love. Presented by North Central College Theater. $14. northcentralcollege.edu/events/love-sick.

Robby Hoffman: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at The Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago. Comedy. “Live On Tour.” Tickets start at $55. jamusa.com.

Thursday, Oct. 8

Vernon Hills Scarecrow Fest: 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at Century Park Pavilion, 1400 Indianwood Drive, Vernon Hills. Build and decorate a scarecrow; bring clothes and accessories to decorate with. Snack is included. $25 per group. Register at vhparkdistrict.org/event/scarecrow-fest.

Pumpkin Patch Family Carving Fest: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Itasca Rec Center, 350 E. Irving Park Road, Itasca. Pumpkins, carving tools, a light snack and water will be provided. A winner will be chosen for the most creative pumpkin. $40 per family. Register: itascaparkdistrict.com.

Witches Night Out: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8. Check in at The Village Tavern, 135 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Downtown businesses will offer specials, discounts, giveaways and more. Register at longgrove.org/festival/october-days.

Mysterious Batavia: 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, starting at the Batavia Depot Museum, 155 Houston St., Batavia. Learn about Batavia’s spooky side during this walking tour of the Riverwalk. (Tour content rated PG-13.) $12. Tickets: bataviaparks.org.

Godfrey: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9-10; and 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Stand-up comedy. $39.77-$52.62. improv.com/chicago.

“Picasso at the Lapin Agile”: 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 3 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 8-18, at Playhouse Theatre, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. College of DuPage Theater stages Steve Martin’s comedy of Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein meeting at a Paris cafe in 1904. $18-$20. atthemac.org.

Yannis Pappas: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9-10, at the Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia. Stand-up comedy. 21 and older. $36-$41. comedyvaultbatavia.com.

Chelsea Handler: 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. “The High and Mighty Tour.” Tickets start at $85.10. geneseetheatre.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.

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 take part in self-guided activities about spiders, bats, rats, crows, worms and vultures, as well as 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 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.

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

Randall Oaks Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 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.

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.

Richardson Sunflower Fields: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and 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.

“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.

“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. Sunday, Oct. 11; and 1 p.m. Wednesdays, 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.

ETC’s “The Thanksgiving Play”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 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.

“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.