Things to do Sept. 26 to Oct. 2: Long Grove Apple Fest, Huntley Fall Fest, Oktoberfests and more

Starts before Friday

Elgin Fringe Festival: Through Sunday, Sept. 28, at various locations in downtown Elgin. 12th annual celebration of bold artistic experimentation showcasing artists’ work across a spectrum of forms and genres. Tickets range from free to $12. Festival entry button ($4) required for each performance, including free shows. Festival pass: $95. elginfringefestival.com.

Great Orb Hunt 2025: Through Tuesday, 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 others. Maps are available via social media. fineline.org or kaneforest.com.

Great American Coin and Collectibles Show: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26; and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Dealers, grading services and well-known names from across the numismatic world. $10. gacc.show.

8th annual Oktoberfest of Greater Racine: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 25-28, at the Franksville Craft Beer Garden in Franksville Memorial Park, 9614 Northwestern Ave., Franksville, Wisconsin. Live music, stein hoisting, hammerschalgen, food trucks, pig roast and more than 30 craft beers on tap. Free. visitracinecounty.com.

Joffrey Ballet presents “Carmen”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Sept. 25-26; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. With choreography by Liam Scarlett. Tickets start at $46. joffrey.org.

Friday, Sept. 26

St. Charles Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, 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.

Long Grove Apple Fest: Noon to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Apple delicacies, from apple wine to apple tempura. Plus, live music, family activities, a carnival and more. Music lineup: Friday: Rok Brigade (Def Leppard Tribute) from 6:30-8:20 p.m. and Hi Infidelity from 9-11 p.m.; Saturday: Rearview (Pearl Jam Tribute) from 5-6:30 p.m., Whatever, Nevermind (Nirvana Tribute) from 7-8:20 p.m. and 7th heaven from 9-11 p.m.; and Sunday: American English from 4-6 p.m. $7 per day, $15 for a three-day pass, and free for kids 12 and younger free. longgrove.org/festival/apple-fest.

Downtown Elgin Market: 3-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, on South Riverside Drive, Elgin. Farmers, makers, live music, Sip N’ Shop and kids’ activities. Dog-friendly. LINK Matching program. Free. downtownelgin.com/market.

Bartlett Oktoberfest: 4-10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, and 1-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Leiseberg Park, 325 E. Devon Ave., Bartlett. Live music, kids’ activities, exhibitor booths, beer, food for purchase and more. Family activities from 1-5 p.m. Saturday. Free. bartlettoktoberfest.com.

Scarecrow Fest: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave., Highland Park. Kids’ activities, live music, food and giant interactive scarecrows along the Scarecrow Trail throughout downtown. Music from Mary Macaroni at 4 p.m., Istvan & His Imaginary Band at 4:45 p.m., Ben Tatar & The Tatar Tots at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday June Band at 6:30 p.m. Free. enjoyhighlandpark.com.

Food Truck Festival: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, on Benton Street, from River to Broadway in downtown Aurora. Food trucks featuring diverse cuisines, music and family-friendly activities. Free. aurora.il.us.

Huntley Fall Fest: 5-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Deicke Park, 11419 S. Route 47, Huntley. Live entertainment, beer garden, food vendors, carnival midway, model-train display, scarecrow building/contest and fall activities. All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 7-11 a.m. Saturday ($10, 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; and a tractor show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Music lineup: Friday: Yankee Cowboy at 6:15 p.m. and 7th heaven at 9 p.m.; Saturday: Polly Says at 1:45 p.m., Two Beer Tommy at 3:45 p.m., Beyond the Blonde at 6:15 p.m., and LP Vinyl at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: Knievel Daredevil Band at noon, Hillbilly Rockstarz at 2:15 p.m. and Disco Circus at 5 p.m. Fireworks at 8:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Free. huntleyfallfest.com.

Oktoberfest: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, and 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Scarecrow display, touch-a-truck, inflatables, food, drinks and more. Beer Stein Holding Contest at 7 p.m. Saturday. Music lineup: Friday: Polkaholics at 5 p.m. and George Michael Reborn starring Robert Bartko at 8 p.m.; and Saturday: Ed Wagner’s Brass Band at 2 p.m., Jagged Little Pill, Alanis tribute, at 5 p.m. and Jump, The Van Halen Experience at 8 p.m. Free. eastdundee.net.

Oktoberfest Chicago at St. Alphonsus Church: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27; and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at 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.

Woodridge Oktoberfest: 5-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26-27, at Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park parking lot, 8301 S. Janes Ave., Woodridge. German food, live music, a photo booth, a beer-stein-holding contest, a pretzel toss, a variety of beers from local breweries and more. $20. Tickets via woodridgeparks.org.

Chicago World Music Festival: Various times Friday, Sept. 26, through Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago, and various locations in Chicago. Dozens of free and ticketed concerts featuring international and local artists performing world music and its subgenres from diverse geographical regions. Free. chicago.gov.

Flannel Fest: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at Fishel Park, 1036 Grove St., Downers Grove. Barbecue, beer, music from Whiskey Road Band, mechanical bull, line dancing and the Flannel Face-off. Free. dgparks.org.

International Route 66 Mother Road Festival: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27; and 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, in downtown Springfield. Cruise-in featuring cars, concerts and more honoring Route 66. Epic burnout contest Saturday. Free for spectators. visitspringfieldillinois.com.

Jack O’Lantern World: Time slots start around 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, and are available Thursdays through Sundays through Nov. 1 at Paulus Park, 215 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. 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/.

Doug Benson: 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26-27, at The Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia. Comedian Doug Benson of “Doug Loves Movies” will perform. comedyvaultbatavia.com.

Artrageous: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Music, dance and live painting. $40; $20 for kids 12 and younger. eccartscenter.org.

Cirque Italia: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26; 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27; 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28; and 7:30 Monday, Sept. 29, at Gurnee Mills Mall, 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee. Traveling water circus with a stage that holds 35,000 gallons of water. $15-$65. cirqueitalia.com.

Under the Stars: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave., St. Charles. Take a paddle wheel riverboat cruise along the Fox river. Bring wine or beer. 21 and older. $24. Register in advance at stcriverboats.com.

Saturday, Sept. 27

Naperville Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 27, in the Fifth Avenue Station parking lot, 200 E. Fifth Ave., Naperville. Locally grown food, breads, sweets and an array of products, as well as Fall Fest. facebook.com/NapervilleFarmersMarket.

Batavia Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 27, 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. 27, along Coral Street, Huntley. Fresh produce, artisanal crafts and treats from regional vendors. huntley.il.us.

Tailgate Swap: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Fox Valley Aero Club field, 3831 Karl Madsen Drive, St. Charles. Radio-controlled planes and accessories. Vendor fee is $10 per car. foxvalleyaero.com/events.

Wheaton French Market: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, 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.

Bigfoot Trail Run 5K: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at The Wilds at Red Oak, 1400 N. River Road, North Aurora. Race through woodland and prairie on paved trails and all-terrain paths. Food and games after the race. $35-$40. Register: foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/event/bigfoot-trail-run-5k-2.

Des Plaines River Trail Bike Ride: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 27, at Campground Woods Forest Preserve at the junction of Algonquin and Campground roads, Des Plaines. Riders of all ages and experience levels can join the 8-mile ride that loops back to the starting point. Afterward, there’s a celebration and an option to take a short hike in the woods. Hosted by Bike and Walk Des Plaines. Free. bike-walk-dp.org.

Randall Oaks Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, from Saturday, Sept. 27, 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.

Celebración de los Árboles: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27-28, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Music, dance, food, storytelling and cultural performances that celebrate Hispanic heritage. Included in Arboretum admission. mortonarb.org.

Body Mind Spirit Celebration: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at the Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Live learning sessions and entertainment, vendors, readings and more. $15 for both days. bmse.net.

Day of Play: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Batavia Depot Museum, 155 Houston St., Batavia. Activities, play old-fashioned games on the front yard, go on a local landmark hunt and more. In partnership with the Association of Children’s Museums Our World global initiative. Free. bataviaparks.org.

Historic House open house: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 27, at 311 Windy Point Drive, Glendale Heights. Self-guided tours of this home built in 1888 that has since been restored. Cops & Bobbers with the Glendale Heights Police Department. hrec.org.

Johnny Appleseed Festival: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, in downtown Crystal Lake. Wagon rides, a pumpkin train, kids’ games, inflatables, inflatable axe-throwing and hoops for teens, a craft fair, pumpkin bowling, storytelling, live music, dancing, food trucks, apple cider doughnuts, a scarecrow on stilts and Johnny Appleseed. At Brink Street Market: Northwest Hwy Band from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Lee’s Martial Arts from 10-10:30 a.m.; Rebecca McCarthy School of Dance from 11-11:30 a.m.; and Engage Dance Academy from noon to 12:30 p.m. At other locations: Corner Boys Band from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Depot Park’s gazebo; chalk artists at Brink and Williams, toward Main, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Birthday Cake Contest from noon to 2 p.m. in the Raue Center lobby; and The Great Ball Race at 3 p.m. at Brink and Williams, toward Main (ball sales end at 2 p.m.). Activity tickets: $1, wristband: $10. downtowncl.org/johnny-festival.

Pet Adoption Event: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. See hundreds of adoptable dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds from animal shelters from the Chicago area and neighboring states. Free entry. chicagolandhumane.org.

Pop-up Artwalk & Art Fair: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Izaac Walton Park, 201 Elmhurst Road, Prospect Heights. Sale and display of painting, pottery, jewelry and more. Free. phparks.org.

Rosetoberfest: 5K run/walk at 10 a.m. and Oktoberfest festival from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Music by Paloma, traditional German dance performances by the Society of Danube Swabians Youth Group and the Chicago Donauschwaben Adult Dance Groups, stein-holding and arm-wrestling and food for purchase. Free. $32 for the 5K. rosemont.com/thepark.

Blocktoberfest: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, along Glenview Road in downtown Glenview. Kids’ zone from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., food, beverages and more. Live entertainment includes Oil Lamp Theater at 5:30 p.m., Chris Karabas Band at 6 p.m., Blue Rose at 7:15 p.m., Sixteen Candles at 8:30 p.m. and more. Free. glenviewblocktoberfest.com.

Huntley Fall Fest Pedal For Paws car show: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, in Deicke Park, 11419 S. Route 47, Huntley. 16th annual fundraiser 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. There will be 40 custom trophies; awards at 2 p.m. Food for sale from Boy Scout Troop 153. Benefits Animal Services & Assistance Program Inc. in Marengo. Free. huntleyfallfest.com.

Worldwide Day of Play: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Century Park Pavilion, 1400 Indianwood Drive, Vernon Hills. Backyard games and contests. Free. vhparkdistrict.org.

Bull Valley Oktoberfest & Classic Car Show: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Stickney House Mansion, 1904 Cherry Valley Road, Bull Valley. Music from Forever Young from 12:30-2:30 p.m. and DJ Dave and kids’ activities. Craft beer from Kishwaukee Brewing and food from The Grilled Cheese Experiment and Sandie’s Dogs. $5; free for kids 12 and younger. (815) 459-4833 or thevillageofbullvalley.com.

HOPtober Fest: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Memorial Park, 225 W. Karlskoga Ave., Wheaton. Fall beer, hard seltzer and hard cider sampling, live music and more. Ticket includes 16 3-ounce samples and a commemorative glass. For 21 and older. Proceeds support the DuPage County Historical Museum. $45 general admission, $20 designated driver; $5 more at the door. Tickets: wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/hoptoberfest.

Rakow Renaissance Family Faire: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Gail Borden Public Library Rakow Branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road, Elgin. Costume contest, entertainment, games, crafts and take a photo with royalty. Free. gailborden.info.

38th annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk: 3 and 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, and 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Bluff City Cemetery, off Bluff City Boulevard, Elgin. The 70-minute tour showcases the grave sites of former residents portrayed by actors in period costumes. To honor the centennial celebration of U.S. Route 20, this year’s characters have a connection with roads, trails and local transportation developments. $20-$25. Register: elginhistory.org.

Bluesmobile Cruise Nights: 3-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, 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.

Yappy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Bridges Beer Garden, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. Therapy dogs, mini horses, raffles and more. Benefits Soul Harbour. Free. heparks.org/event/yappy-hour.

Knight of Champions Band Competition: 4:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Prospect High School, 801 W. Kensington Road, Mount Prospect. Gates open at 3:30 p.m. More than a dozen high school marching bands from across the Chicago area will compete, and there will be an exhibition performance by the Prospect Marching Knights at 8:30 p.m. $15. gofan.co/event/3936564?schoolId=IL15628_1.

American Aid Society Oktoberfest: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the American Aid Society, 259 W. Grand Ave., Lake Villa. German food, music from Phenix and beer. $9 donation requested. americanaidsocietyofgd.org.

Fan Halen: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Van Halen tribute. Tickets start at $63. rauecenter.org.

Sunday, Sept. 28

Barkapalooza: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St., Lisle. West Suburban Humane Society’s 32nd annual 5K run and 1-mile walk, with rescue fest, Barkminster Pet Contest, and vendor and food truck fair. Proceeds benefit the shelter. $20-$50 for races or $20 per car for Rescue Fest entry. raceroster.com/events/2025/102318/barkapalooza.

Buffalo Grove Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, 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.

Elmhurst French Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, in a city parking lot at Park and Prospect avenues, Elmhurst. European-style market. bensidounusa.com/elmhurst.

Bloomingdale Maker’s Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, in the parking lot of Old Town, Third and Franklin streets, Bloomingdale. Local vendors (home decor, jewelry, blankets, clothes), entertainment, food trucks and more. Rain or shine. facebook.com/thebloomingdalemakersmarket.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, 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. 28, 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. 28, 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.

Harvest of the Acorn Moon Fall Festival: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Oakhurst Forest Preserve, 1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora. Pumpkin painting, mule-drawn hayrides, games, education stations, crafts, folk music and refreshments. Free admission; fee for crafts and refreshments. No registration required. kaneforest.com.

40th Pioneer Day: 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Historic Stacy’s Corners, 800 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn. Professor Flim Flam and his Magic Box of Illusions will perform. Plus, try your hand at 1840s life with farm animals, music, craft-making for kids, candle making, corn shelling, apple peeling, pioneer games and toys. Learn how to do laundry 1840s style, experience 1840s school in an outdoor classroom, tour Stacy’s Tavern and more. Free. gehs.org.

Elgin Symphony Orchestra Trio: 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, in the Gail Borden Public Library Meadows Community Rooms, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. ESO Concertmaster Isabella Lippi will be joined by two ESO colleagues on piano and cello in this chamber music performance to kick off the library’s 20th season of Sunday Afternoon Concerts. Free. Register: gailborden.info.

Festival de Cultura, Comida y Vida: 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Nippersink Forest Preserve, 900 W. Belvidere Road, Round Lake. Family-friendly festival honoring Hispanic heritage with music and dance performances, cultural showcases, local food vendors, community partners sharing information on resources and support and more. Free. LCFPD.org.

Railroad Street Block Party: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Duke’s Alehouse parking lot, 110 N. Main St., Crystal Lake. Local bands, food, family activities and games for kids. Free. facebook.com/dukesalehouse.

Elmhurst Symphony’s “An Opera Afternoon”: 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst. Season opener with vocalist Jim Cornelison and music by Wagner, Puccini, Rossini, Lehar, Bernstein and Bizet. Pre-concert talk at 1:45 p.m. $35-$45; $32-$42 for seniors; $12 for students with ID. elmhurstsymphony.org.

Sinfonietta Bel Canto’s annual SBC Invitational: 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 5739 Dunham Road, Downers Grove. This season, the group is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary; the opening concert features Edward MacDowell’s 1896 “Indian Suite.” $28, $25 for seniors, $8 for students. sinfoniettabelcanto.org.

Steve Solomon’s “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m In Therapy”: 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, in Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. One of the longest-running one-man comedies in Broadway history. $35-$45. atthemac.org.

Monday, Sept. 29

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

Tuesday, Sept. 30

Trailer Fest: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, at Cinergy Cinemas, 401 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. Get first looks at the October through January slate of movies along with fast-paced trivia with prizes. $3, includes a small popcorn and a raffle ticket, with an optional sampler tasting for $8.99. cinergy.com.

Hix Bros Ukelele Band Fall Concert: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, in the Gail Borden Public Library Meadows Community Rooms, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Free. Register: gailborden.info.

28th annual Manhattan Short Film Festival: 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, at Glen Art Theatre, 540 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Wheaton-Glen Ellyn AAUW screening of short films from around the world. Each attendee will be given a ballot to vote for their favorite film. Winners will be submitted to the Academy for Oscar consideration. $25. wheatonglenellyn-il.aauw.net.

Wednesday, Oct. 1

Elmhurst Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 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.

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 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.

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

Pumpkin Fest: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Oct. 1-31 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 12-59, $10 for 60 and older, and free for kids 11 and younger. cosleyzoo.org.

Stargazing Parties: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Peck Farm Park Orientation Barn, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Fox Valley Astronomical Society hosts a short discussion, then heads outside to discover the stars, sky and planets through their giant telescope. If there’s heavy cloud cover, stargazing will be canceled, but the lecture will be held. Dress for the weather. No registration required. Free. genevaparks.org.

Thursday, Oct. 2

Daley Plaza Farmers Markets: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, 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.

Metal Threat Fest 2025: Noon to 11:45 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 2-5, at 850 N. State St., Elgin. An underground death and black metal festival for 21 and older. $108.45 for a one-day pass, $320.62 for a three-day pass, and $426.70 for four days. metalthreatfest.com.

Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival and Skeletons on Display: Community Night 4-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2; full festival 4-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, in downtown Highwood. Community Night features pumpkin carving and carnival rides starting at 5 p.m. Festival features all-you-can-carve pumpkins, nightly lightings of pumpkin-filled walls, carnival rides, costume contests (for kids and pets), pumpkin-pie-eating contest, trick-or-treating, two stages with live music and entertainment, hundreds of skeleton displays, food and beverage vendors and more. Free. highwoodpumpkinfest.com.

Vernon Hills Scarecrow Fest: 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at Century Park Pavilion, 1400 Indianwood Drive, Vernon Hills. Build and decorate a scarecrow; bring clothes and accessories to use as decorations. Snack is included. $18 per group. Register at vhparkdistrict.org/event/scarecrow-fest.

Sensory Cocktail Experience: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, in Cantigny’s Upper Display Garden, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Led by Cantigny’s mixologist and executive chef, experiment with fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs and innovative flavor profiles to create signature drinks. The theme will be Scotch & Smoke. $100. Register: cantigny.org.

Twilight at the Farmhouse: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at Powers Walker House, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Enjoy the twilight ambience of this 1850s house by candlelight and lamplight and smell the aromas of what is baking in the wood-burning stove. Kids 13 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Drop-in program. Free. mccdistrict.org.

Ongoing

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.

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.

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

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: 5-11 p.m. Fridays starting Sept. 26; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27; 11 a.m. to midnight Saturdays in October; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1; plus 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.

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: 3-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28; open various hours 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.

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