Things to do Oct. 3-9: Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival, Cider and Ale Festival, Oktoberfests and more

Starts before Friday

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. Main stage music: The Mosquitos at 8 p.m. Friday, Cheap Foreign Cars at 8 p.m. Saturday and The 9 Nine And 2000s Band at 6 p.m. Sunday. Free. highwoodpumpkinfest.com.

“Disney’s The Little Mermaid”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 2-4, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton. Wheaton Drama production. $25. wheatondrama.org.

Chicago World Music Festival: Various times through Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago, and locations in Chicago. Dozens of free and ticketed concerts featuring international and local artists performing world music. Free. chicago.gov.

Friday, Oct. 3

St. Charles Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, in the parking lot next to the old police station on Riverview and Cedar Avenue, St. Charles. Meat, eggs, cheese, breads, sweets, honey, microgreens, mushrooms and more. facebook.com/STCFarmersMarket.

MainStreet Libertyville’s First Fridays: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, on Main Street in Libertyville. Music, refreshments and more. Free. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Festival of Arts & Crafts Show: 2-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Shop for handcrafted products exhibited by local and national crafters. $5. stepbysteppromotions.com.

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

Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest: 3-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4-5, at 4731 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Vendors will be selling fresh-baked apple pies, candy apples, a bushel of apples, hot apple cider and apple-themed dishes. Plus, Kids Zone and live music. $5 suggested donation. lincolnsquare.org/apple-fest.

GT Sports Autograph & Sports Card Show: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Sports card and autograph vendors, authenticators and more. Scheduled guests include Warren Moon, Colson Montgomery, Noah Schultz, Colston Loveland and others. $5 for Friday, $10 for Saturday or Sunday. gtsportsshows.com.

Harmony Fest Featuring the Taste of Arlington Heights: 5-11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, and 3-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Harmony Park, Campbell Street and Vail Avenue, Arlington Heights. Concerts and food and drinks from local restaurants. Music lineup: Friday: Student Body at 5 p.m. and Mike & Joe at 8:30 p.m.; and Saturday: Fearless: The Taylor Tribute at 3 p.m., The Breakfast Club at 5 p.m., and Hello Weekend at 8:30 p.m. Free. vah.com/harmonyfest.

Lincoln Park Wine Fest: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Jonquil Park, 1001 W. Wrightwood, Chicago. Open-air market featuring wine tastings and food pavilions. Admission starts at $32.50. chicagoevents.com/event/lincoln-park-wine-fest.

Oktoberfest: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, and 3-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Oktoberfest beer and German food from local restaurants in a giant heated tent. Lawn games on Friday, kids’ activities from 3-7 p.m. and a stein-holding contest at 5 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.; Saturday: Freeze Dried from 3-5 p.m., Hillbilly Rockstarz from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and Fool House (1990s dance party) from 8-10 p.m. $25, $15 for kids. napersettlement.org/237/Oktoberfest.

Autumn Hayrides: 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 3-25, at Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles. Ticket includes a 30-minute tractor-drawn wagon ride and the supplies to make s’mores over an open fire. Kids 15 and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. $16. Register: stcparks.org/events.

Hayrides at Hoffman Park: 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 5:15, 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 3-25, at the dog park at Hoffman Park, West Main Street, Cary. Hayride and campfire under the stars. $10 per person. Register: carypark.com.

Night at the Museum Halloween Party: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at the DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. Family-friendly event featuring a flashlight scavenger hunt, crafts, a screening of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and more. Halloween costumes encouraged. The DuPage Society of Model Engineers will be doing a train demonstration downstairs. $18. Tickets at dupagemuseum.org/calendar.

Ghost Stories in the Park, In the Dark: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3; 6 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4; and 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 912 Sindt Court, Naperville. Summer Place Theatre’s annual event with storytellers sharing hourlong ghost stories. Not recommended for kids younger than 5. Dress for the weather; bring blankets and cushions. $7. napervilleparks.org.

“Beetlejuice Jr.”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Theatre 121 students perform in this zany afterlife adventure based on the Tim Burton classic. $15-$25. woodstockil.gov.

“Buried Child”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 3 and 17; 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 4 and 18; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at Albright Community Theatre, 100 N. Island Ave., 3rd floor, Batavia. The Sam Shepard play probes into the disintegration of the American Dream with a dysfunctional family on a rural farm. $18-$23. albrighttheatre.com.

GreenRoom’s First Fridays Improv: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at Hemmens Theatre in the Round, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. $15-$20. hemmens.org.

Homecoming Kickoff Concert: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, in the Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College, 30 N. Brainard St., Naperville. The Chamber Singers, Chorale, Concert Choir, Orchestra and Concert Winds will perform for this annual concert. A pre-concert performance by the NCC Big Band will be at 7:15 p.m. in the lobby. $7. northcentralcollege.edu/homecoming-kickoff-concert.

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience: Various times Friday, Oct. 3, through Nov. 2 (except Oct. 14, 20-21 and 27-28), at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Camp Duncan, 32405 N. Hwy. 12, Ingleside. Lights will transform the landscape into a magical outdoor trail featuring creatures from the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films. A themed village at the end of the trail will offer food and drink (Butterbeer) and a gift shop. Tickets start at $16 for kids 3-12, $29 for adults. HPForbiddenForestExperience.com.

Saturday, Oct. 4

Naperville Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 4, in the Fifth Avenue Station parking lot, 200 E. Fifth Ave., Naperville. Locally grown food, breads, sweets and an array of products. facebook.com/NapervilleFarmersMarket.

Batavia Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 4, on North River Street, between Wilson and Spring streets, Batavia. Produce, baked goods, plants, honey and related farm products. Vendors must grow, harvest and/or produce at least 75% of market products. The Artisan Collective will be held on the third Saturday of the month featuring handmade items from artists, makers and designers. downtownbatavia.com/farmers-market.

Huntley Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, along Coral Street, Huntley. Fresh produce, artisanal crafts and treats from regional vendors. huntley.il.us.

Wheaton French Market: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 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.

Family Fall Fest: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 4, at The Depot at Wild Meadows Trace, 511 S. York St., Elmhurst. Safety Town trick-or-treating and fall festivities. Costumes encouraged. Food trucks: Brown’s Chicken, Nick’s Wood Fired Pizza Truck, Tacos El Amigazo, D’s Treats & Ice Cream and Smallcakes. Free. epd.org.

Family Festival and NAMIWalks 2025: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 4, starting at the Peg Bond Center Pavilion, 151 N. Island Ave., Batavia. Activities at 9 a.m., then, at 11 a.m., join a 3-mile walk along the Fox River, hosted by National Alliance on Mental Illness Kane-South, DeKalb and Kendall County. Free. Register: namikdk.org/namiwalks.

Pumpkin Patch Festival: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at SEBA Park, 151 S. Water St., South Elgin. South Elgin Parks & Rec’s annual fall event features a costume pet parade at 10 a.m., craft show, inflatable, face painting, pyramid of hay and painting station with purchase. New: pumpkin decorating contest for local businesses and service organizations. For details, email Jess Day at JDay@southelgin.com. Free. southelgin.com/pumpkin.

Algonquin Harvest Market: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Main Street in downtown Algonquin. Algonquin Rotary Club’s eighth annual event with fresh produce, artisans, crafters, food, entertainment, giveaways and more. Free. AlgonquinHarvestMarket.com.

Boo at the Zoo: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, Oct. 4-31, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Annual family-friendly Halloween celebration with not-so-scary thrills, festive decorations and more. On weekends, there’s trick-or-treating, a magician and other activities. Included with zoo admission. brookfieldzoo.org/BooAtTheZoo.

South Elgin Pet Costume Parade: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at SEBA Park, 151 S. Water St., South Elgin. Parade begins at approximately 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. On-site registration from 9:30-9:50 a.m. Free. southelgin.com/petparade.

Pumpkin Weekends: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 4-26, and Columbus Day at Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. Bounce house on Saturday and bubble making on Sunday. $10 for ages 1 and older. foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

Randhurst Village Fall Fest: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Randhurst Village, off Randhurst Village Drive, Mount Prospect. Pumpkin decorating, tractor rides, face painting, balloon twisters, stilt walkers, bounce house and more. Stillman Nature Preserve will be bringing owls. Free entry and activities. No tickets required. randhurstvillage.com.

Two Brothers Brew Trot: 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Summerlakes Park, 3010 Talbot, Warrenville. After running the scenic course, enjoy Two Brothers beer at the post-run bash with giveaways and more. $25-$30 or $15-$20 for designated driver and those younger than 21. Register: warrenvilleparks.org.

Lombard Fall Fest: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Lombard Common. Games, dancing, face painting, candy hunt and more. Boo Bingo from 12:30-1:30 p.m. inside the Lombard Community Building. Stop by the pumpkin patch for one pumpkin per child to take home. Bring a food or monetary donation for the Outreach House. Free. lombardparks.com.

Cider and Ale Festival: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Tasting booths offering more than 60 different ciders and ales from more than 30 local breweries will be stationed along Meadow Lake Trail, the Conifer Walk and the Frost Hill walking path. Tasting tickets include 20 3-ounce samples. There will be no general admission to the Arboretum Saturday. $65-$85; designated driver: $25-$35; kids: free for members, $12 for nonmembers. mortonarb.org.

Gurnee Legions of Craft Beer Festival: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at American Legion Post 771, 749 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee. Eighth annual festival featuring beer samples, music from Big Brother’s Vinyl and more. Advance tickets: $45, day of: $55, designated driver: $10. gurneelegionsofbeer.com.

S’mores & More: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at West Main Community Park, 40W101 W. Main St., Batavia. Family event includes wagon rides, craft activities, bounce house, campfire, hot dog lunch and s’mores. Decorate pumpkins and bring in old clothes to make a scarecrow. $18. bataviaparks.org.

Itasca Halloween Celebration: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Springbrook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave., Itasca. Bounce house, games, pumpkin decorating and more. Bring nonperishable donations for the Itasca Food Pantry. Free, but $1 donation per child recommended. itascaparkdistrict.com.

Northbrook Autumnfest: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Meadowhill Park, 1479 Maple Ave., Northbrook. Bounce houses, pumpkin chucking, arts and crafts, horse trolley, petting zoo, free pumpkins (one per child while supplies last), apple cider, food truck and more. Sensory-friendly hour from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free. nbparks.org.

OAKtoberfest: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Maryknoll Park, 845 Pershing Ave., Glen Ellyn. Live music, doughnuts and cider, games and art. Follow a StoryWalk to a restored oak savanna, make a leaf crown or an acorn talisman, go on a tree treasure hunt, and participate in a group art project led by Liita Forsyth of The Little Bits Workshop. Play platform tennis on a first-come, first-served basis, with equipment and brief instruction provided. Two Hound Red’s “Oaktoberfest” beer will be available for purchase. No registration required; kids must be accompanied by an adult. Presented by the Glen Ellyn Park District and Go Green Glen Ellyn. Free. gepark.org/calendar.

Barrington Fall Wine Walk: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4; check-in location at Masa Modern Mexican, 133 Park Ave., Barrington. All attendees must check in to get a souvenir wine glass, Wine Walk tour map and sample tracking sheet. One sample is available at each wine tour location. $45. (847) 381-2525 or business.barringtonchamber.com.

Rolling Meadows Hometown Hoedown: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Kimball Hill Park, 3286 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Family activities and a performance by Buckle at 6 p.m. Free. cityrm.org.

Roselle Founders Day: 2-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Claus Recreation Center, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. Music from the Jolly Ringwalds and ’90s Pop Nation. Pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, pumpkin jump, hayrides, food truck, 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. Free. rparks.org.

A Tale of Two Chicagos: 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn. In “A Tale of Two Chicagos: The White City and the Murder Castle of Englewood,” Clarence Goodman talks about how H.H. Holmes committed a series of murders in his Englewood castle against the backdrop of the Columbian Exposition of 1893. Free for members and children, $10 for nonmembers. gehs.org.

Villa Park Brewfest: 2-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park, 318 E. Kenilworth, Villa Park. 21-or-older event featuring beers from local and regional craft breweries and food trucks. General admission (2-5:30 p.m.) in advance: $55; Gold Pass (1-5:30 p.m.): $75. GA day of: $60. Designated driver: $15. Tickets at villaparkbrewfest.com.

“Farewell, Mr. Poe”: 4-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 4-26, starting at Morton Arboretum’s Thornhill Shelter, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. In the last four days of his life, Edgar Allan Poe drifted in and out of consciousness before he died. Where did his mind wander? Find out as the paths wind through Poe’s life and poetry, until he finally confronts his earthly departure. For ages 12 and older. Bring water, portable chairs or blankets for seating and bug spray. $17-$27. Register: mortonarb.org.

Light Up the Sky: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at James O. Breen Community Park, 3615 Campton Hills Drive, St. Charles. Lighted kite show by professionals from Chicago Kite. DJ entertainment from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Treats for purchase from Sugar Mama’s Mini Donuts and Wild Fries food trucks. Free. stcparks.org/events.

American Aid Society Oktoberfest: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the American Aid Society, 259 W. Grand Ave., Lake Villa. German food, music from Phenix and beer. $9 donation requested. americanaidsocietyofgd.org.

Chicago Beer Fest: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Sample seasonal beers from over 65 breweries while perusing select museum exhibits. Early admission $70; general admission $55. No tickets will be sold at the door. thechicagobeerfestival.com.

Corridos y Canciones: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Performance by BFH (formerly known as Ballet Folklorico Huehuecoyotl). $25, $22 for seniors, and $15 for kids 10 and younger. eccartscenter.org.

Sam Morril: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Comedy. Tickets start at $33.60. msg.com.

Classic Albums Live: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Hemmens Cultural Center Main Stage Theatre, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 multiplatinum album “Rumours” is re-created live on stage. $26-$58. Tickets: (847) 931-5900 or hemmens.org.

New Philharmonic presents “Carmina Burana”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, in the Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. New Philharmonic is joined with the 80-voice Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus and soloists (soprano Emily Bursan, baritone Richard Ollarsaba and countertenor Thomas Aláan) for Orff’s “Carmina Burana.” $57-$59. atthemac.org.

Sunday, Oct. 5

Buffalo Grove Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, 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.

Great Midwest Train Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Over 110 exhibitors selling new and used model trains, accessories, parts and more. $7 online or $8 at the gate; cash only. Free for kids 11 and younger with an adult. trainshow.com.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, 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.

Fall Festival: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Grant Township Center, 26725 W. Molidor Road, Ingleside. Music, craft vendors, pumpkin carving, food, refreshments, a pie-eating contest, inflatables, petting zoo, and public works/highway, police vehicles and more. Free. foxlake.org.

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

Autumn Harvest Festival: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, 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. 5, at Gregg House Museum, 115 S. Linden Ave., Westmont. The Garden Club of Downers Grove can assist with making a scarecrow. A $15 fee includes a pillow case for the head, straw, a wood stand, hay and various materials. Bring clothes and any items you’d like to use to decorate your scarecrow. Most activities are free. westmontparks.org.

Oktoberfest: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Twin Lakes Recreational Area, 1200 E. Twin Lakes Drive, Palatine. Games, hayrides, food and drinks, 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

Authors Fair 2025: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Meet with local authors. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Free. gailborden.info.

“John Candy: I Like Me”: An Evening with Ryan Reynolds & Friends: 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. The 2025 documentary presented by producer Ryan Reynolds. Tickets start at $79.05. msg.com.

Monday, Oct. 6

Hinsdale Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, along Chicago Avenue, between Garfield and Washington, Hinsdale. Fresh produce and unique finds from farms and stores. Free. hinsdalechamber.com/farmers-market.

Wednesday, Oct. 8

Elmhurst Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 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.

Pumpkin Patch Family Carving Fest: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Itasca Recreation Center, 350 E. Irving Park Road, Itasca. The park district will provide the pumpkins and carving tools. $40 per family. Register: itascaparkdistrict.com.

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns: 6-10:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 8-12, 15-19 and 22-26, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. See hand-carved, LED-lit jack-o’-lanterns staged along a festive paved pathway where visitors will encounter characters and can watch live pumpkin carving. $22-$27 for adults, $15-$18 for kids 3-12, and free for kids younger than 3. chicagobotanic.org/halloween.

Thursday, Oct. 9

Daley Plaza Farmers Markets: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, 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. Free. chicago.gov.

Witches Night Out: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Downtown businesses will offer specials, discounts, giveaways and more. Check in and registration will take place at the Village Tavern, 135 Old McHenry Road. Free; registration is recommended but not required. longgrove.org/festival/october-days.

Mysterious Batavia: 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, starts at the Batavia Depot Museum, 155 Houston St., Batavia. Narrated walk through downtown Batavia featuring a variety of stories. Recommended for ages 18 and older. $12. Tickets: bataviaparks.org.

Jimmy Carr: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Comedy. Tickets start at $47.55. msg.com.

John Cleese & The Holy Grail at 50: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Celebrate 50 years of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” with John Cleese. Tickets start at $75.50. geneseetheatre.com.

Ongoing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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, 11 a.m. to midnight Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 1, at Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Drive, Gurnee. Thrills by day and frights by night with haunted houses, scare zones, spine-chilling shows and rides. Plus, kids Boo Fest and Oktoberfest. Tickets start at $45. sixflags.com/greatamerica/events.

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

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

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