Things to do Oct. 16-22: Nightmare on Chicago Street, Civil War Encampment & Battle, Barrington Area TasteFest and more

Friday, Oct. 16

Military Miniature Society of Illinois Show: 3-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg, 50 Martingale Road, Schaumburg. Features the work of modelers from around the world displaying painted miniature figures and original sculptures. Vendor area offers model kits, paints, tools, books and more. $10, free for kids 12 and younger and active military with I.D. military-miniature-society-of-illinois.com.

Boonanza: 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Community Recreation Center, 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Carnival games, hay rides, inflatables, pumpkin decorating and more. Free. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Nightmare on Chicago Street: 5-11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, and 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at East Chicago and North Spring streets, Elgin. On Friday, music from The Ataris at 6 p.m., Plain White T’s at 7:30 p.m., and Gym Class Heroes at 9 p.m. on Chicago Street. Food and beverage vendors, a haunted attraction, roaming performers and access to Cirque D’ Freak, Nightmare’s twisted circus-themed zone filled with sinister clowns and sideshow performers. On Saturday, across eight city blocks, a postapocalyptic world, with themed zones, costumed performers, Nightmare Alley, three stages of music, a costume contest, celebrity appearances, food and beverages. $40.86-$96.48. Tickets: nightmareonchicagostreet.com.

Villa Park Halloween Happenings: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the Villa Park Recreation Center, 320 E. Wildwood Ave., Villa Park. Come in costume to trick-or-treat outdoors at the “Spooktacular” Halloween scenes created by local merchants starting at 5 p.m. At 6 p.m., registered attendees can see a Crosstown Exotics reptile show. Indoor event is $5 for 2 and older in advance or $8 at the door. Rain or shine. Register: villaparkil.gov/283/Programs-Events.

Spooktacular Halloween Stroll: 5:15-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Family-friendly activities include pumpkin decorating or take one to go. Costumes welcome. $12.95 for 2 and older. Register: cosleyzoo.org/event-calendar.

Boo Bash: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the ARC Center, 201 W. National St., West Chicago. Halloween games and treats for kids 17 and younger, including a hayride, live entertainment, games, crafts, activities and more. Registration closes at noon Friday. $12-$15 or $15 at the door. Register: we-goparks.org/special-events.

Pumpkin, Pies, and Pinot at Wilder Mansion: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Wilder Mansion, 211 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Halloween-themed Paint & Sip featuring pumpkin painting. $25-$30. Register: epd.org.

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns: 6-10:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 16-18, and Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 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.

Zombie Fun Run: 6-8 p.m. Friday Oct. 16, at Volkening Lake, 900 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Run or walk in your Halloween costume for nearly two miles while being chased by zombies. Fee includes a hot dog or brat, chips and a drink. $10-$15. parkfun.com/event/zombie-fun-run.

Greg Fitzsimmons: 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16-17, at the Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia. Stand-up comedy. $31. comedyvaultbatavia.com.

Haunted Trail: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, and 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Springbrook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave., Itasca. Family Hour from 4-5:30 p.m. offers a less intense experience, while Active Scaring is more intense. Weather permitting. Purchase tickets in advance at the Itasca Recreation Center or at the event. $10; $5 repeat trips. itascaparkdistrict.com/event/haunted-trail.

Oddities Night: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. A Victorian Halloween gathering with a tarot card reader, a magician, spooky treats and more. 21 and older. Registration fee. ahpd.org.

“Picasso at the Lapin Agile”: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16; 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 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.

Brad Williams: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. “The Tall Tales Tour.” Tickets start at $32.85. msg.com.

Buddy Guy 90: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee will celebrate a historic milestone. Tickets start at $49. rialtosquare.com.

Camerata Chicago Mendelssohn’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago; 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Armerding Concert Hall, 520 E. Kenilworth Ave., Wheaton; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at Union Church of Hinsdale, 137 S. Garfield St., Hinsdale. Featuring Mendelssohn’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante for Four Wind Instruments, and the world premiere of composer-in-residence Tony Payne’s “Fantasia on English Melodies.” $50, $40 for 65 and older, $10 for students, and $2 for 14 and younger. VIP tickets are $75. CamerataChicago.org.

Off Book: Tour de Force (A Force of Tour): 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at The Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago. Musical comedy duo Zach Reino and Jessica McKenna. Tickets start at $45. jamusa.com.

“Tiny Beautiful Things”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 16 through Nov. 7, and a 2 p.m. matinee Oct. 24 at Village Theatre Guild, 2S720 Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed and adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos. $25. villagetheatreguild.com.

Friday Night Concert Series: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. Robinlee Garber & friends will perform. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., or tune in virtually. Suggested donation $10 (cash or PayPal). twowaystreet.org.

Lake Forest Preservation Symposium: Various times, Friday through Sunday, Oct. 16-18, at Ragdale, Lake Forest College, and select historic sites in Lake Forest. The Lake Forest Preservation Foundation and Ragdale, in celebration of their shared 50th anniversaries, brings together national and regional voices in architecture, preservation, planning, design and civic life for a three-day conversation about historic places and the future of communities. To register and for a list of events, visit lfpf.org/events.

Saturday, Oct. 17

Artisan Collective: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 17, on North River Street, Batavia. Local artisans offer handmade goods and vintage items. Free. downtownbatavia.com.

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. eastdundee.net.

Civil War Encampment & Battle: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, off South Hainesville Road, Hainesville. Relive history as period-garbed reenactors re-create battle, bivouacs, battlefield surgeries and historical presentations of the American Civil War. Free. hainesville.org/civil-war-event.

DuPage County Record Rendezvous: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at American Legion Post 80, 4000 Saratoga Ave., Downers Grove. Rock, heavy metal, soul, soundtracks, current artists and classic bands in LPs, CDs, 45s and more. $10 early-bird starts at 9 a.m. Admission $2; free parking. midwestmusicmarketplace.com.

Haunted Hoffman Family Fest: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Fabbrini Park, 1704 Glen Lake Road, Hoffman Estates. Trick-or-treat with characters. Registration required. $9 in advance; if space is available, on-site registration is $12. heparks.org.

Midwest Daffodil Society Bulb Sale: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Daffodil enthusiasts will offer expert growing tips. Hundreds of varieties of daffodil bulbs for purchase. Included with admission. chicagobotanic.org.

Midwest Fruit Explorers Show & Sale: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. See a display of freshly harvested fruit grown in the area by members of the Midwest Fruit Explorers. Included with general admission. chicagobotanic.org.

Open House Chicago: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, in several locations in Chicago. The Chicago Architecture Center hosts a free public festival that offers rare, behind-the-scenes access to sites of architectural, historical and cultural significance and spotlights businesses, organizations and creative leaders contributing to the vitality of Chicago’s neighborhoods. Free. architecture.org.

Pumpkin Train: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, at Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union. Ride to the pumpkin patch aboard a Halloween-themed electric interurban train. Pick a pumpkin, photos ops, and see an antique farm tractor and hay wagon. $11-$20. irm.org.

Scott Smith’s All Animal Expo: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Vendors from the Midwest. $3-$8. allanimalexpo.com.

Trucks and Treats: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 17, at McCollum Park, 6801 Main St., Downers Grove. Kids 12 and younger can visit trick-or-treat stations hosted by local businesses, then check out fire trucks, construction vehicles and more at the Touch-A-Truck. Costumes encouraged. Free. dgparks.org.

Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society Lily Bulb Sale: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Presented by the Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society. Included with admission. chicagobotanic.org.

Westmont Trick-or-Treat Trail: 10:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, in downtown Westmont. Trick-or-treating in the downtown business district along Cass Avenue. Caskets on Cass, a foot race of homemade caskets sponsored by community organizations, businesses and area residents, starts at noon. Costumes encouraged. Hosted by the Westmont Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau. westmontchamber.com.

Fall Fun Days: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles. Pumpkin decorating, wagon rides and activities. $13. Register: stcparks.org/events.

Fall Family Bash: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora. Halloween-themed crafts, activities and prizes. Costumes encouraged. $10-$15. Register: foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

Frights & Delights: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Sullivan Community Center, 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills. Trunk-or-treating, a costume contest, hay rides and more. Dog-friendly event will feature a dog costume contest. $8. vhparkdistrict.org.

Halloween Boo Bash: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Charles R. Beggs Activity Center, 0N020 County Farm Road, Winfield. Costume contests, trick-or-treating, bounce house, pumpkin-decorating contest, games and more. $15-$20. Register: winfieldparkdistrict.com.

Pumpkin Weekends: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, at Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. Trick-or-treat on Saturday and Ben Tater Children’s Concert on Sunday. $11 for 1 and older. foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

“Sugar Skull! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure”: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Elgin Community College Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. In this bilingual/bicultural musical, Vita thinks her family has gone loco planning a celebration for deceased loved ones. But when a spirited candy skeleton springs to life, Vita finds herself on a musical journey to unravel the true meaning of Día de Muertos. $35; free for kids 17 and younger with the purchase of a regular ticket. tickets.eccartscenter.org.

Trick-or-Treat: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. Kids can visit the trick-or-treat stations. Costumes encouraged. Free with admission. blackberryfarm.info/special-events.

Trunk-or-Treat: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at McHenry Outdoor Theater — Golden Age Cinemas, 1510 N. Chapel Hill Road, Lakemoor. Collect treats from decorated trunks and enter the costume contest. Hosted by Bremer Team, in partnership with the McHenry Outdoor Theater. Free. mchenrychamber.com.

Harvest Hoot: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Oakton College, Parking Lot A, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. Live entertainment, an inflatable corn maze, pumpkin-carving demonstration, family activities, touch-a-truck, harvest artisan market, food trucks and more. No alcohol or pets. Free. desplainesil.gov/Departments/Media-Services/Events/Harvest-Hoot.

Pumpkin Jubilee: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Lakefront Park, 10 Riverview Ave., Fox Lake. Craft vendors, a kids’ costume contest and music. $4 for pumpkin carving. foxlake.org.

Trick-or-Treat Trail: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Springbrook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave., Itasca. Kids can collect candy and other treats from stations along the trail. Free. itascaparkdistrict.com.

Clay Jenkinson: 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Renowned humanities scholar, author and historical interpreter Clay Jenkinson brings Thomas Jefferson to life. $49-$59. rauecenter.org.

Sips & Sweets: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Grayslake Village Center. Over a dozen participating businesses will offer sparkling wines and treats. $35. grayslakechamber.com.

Train Saturdays: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the DuPage County Historical Museum auditorium, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. See an HO-scale model train operated by the DuPage Society of Model Engineers. Detailed layout covers more than 2,000 feet of track and highlights some of DuPage County’s railroads and landmarks. Suggested donation: $5, $2 for kids and seniors. dupagemuseum.org.

GO Waukegan Zombie Walk: 3-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Hinkston Park, 810 Baldwin, Waukegan. Dress up in a Halloween costume or best zombie look for a chance to win a prize. Free. waukeganparks.org.

Lindenhurst’s Haunted Trail and Bonfire: 3-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Forest View Park, 513 Forest View Drive, Lindenhurst. Entertainment, food, a bonfire and more. Free. lindenhurstparks.org.

Monster Madness: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St., Lisle. For kids 2-10. Fair games, inflatables, petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, trick-or-treat walk, pumpkin patch, hayrides and more. Costumes encouraged. First 200 registrants are guaranteed a prize bag and pumpkin. Rain or shine. $20 or $25 on-site. Register: lisleparkdistrict.org.

Westmont Haunted Forest: 3-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Diane Main Park, 200 W. 59th St., Westmont. Take a wagon ride from Diane Main Park through the woods for scares. “Little Monsters” show from 3-6 p.m. “Sheer Terror” for 10 and older from 7-9 p.m. $9 (cash or credit). Purchase a fast pass for groups of 10 at westmontparks.org.

Morton Arboretum walking play: 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, starting at Thornhill Shelter at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. A retelling of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights” runs approximately 90 minutes and includes a 1.5-mile walk, with no intermission. Low-impact offering Saturday covers a shorter distance at a slower pace and stays near paved paths where possible. 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.

ArtWauk: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, in the Arts & Entertainment District, 2001 Belvedere Road, Waukegan. The monthly celebration of arts in downtown Waukegan and the Belvidere Mall includes art exhibits, musicians and performances. Free. artwauk.com.

Fall Family Happy Hour: 5-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. A festive outdoor gathering with child-friendly activities, fall crafts, hot dogs and more. $15. gortoncenter.org.

Ghost Story Train: 5, 6:15 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, off Route 31, South Elgin. Ride a spooky trolley to the haunted forest preserve for family-friendly frights, including stories around the campfire with treats from Margie’s Girls’ Kitchen. A ghostly musician will lead campfire songs. Costumes welcome. $20. Register at foxtrolley.org/Ghost-Story-Train.

Memorial Park After Dark: 5-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave., Wheaton. The park comes alive after dark with lanterns, spirits and legends, plus live entertainment, interactive activities, food vendors and the Spirit Trail-Bourbon Tasting. Proceeds benefit the DuPage County Historical Museum Foundation. 21 and older. $22.58-$65.24. dupagemuseum.org/events.

Witches Night Out: 5-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Batavia MainStreet Boardwalks, off Main Street, Batavia. Features a limited-edition Witchy Brew collaboration from Archives and Soda Surf, tarot and palm readings, pop-ups by Creepy Crochet by Emily and Wild Witch Preserves, a themed workshop, a costume contest with prizes, a witchy photo backdrop, and seasonal specials from Boardwalk Shops and guest vendors. Costumes encouraged. downtownbatavia.com.

Gorton Center Oktoberfest: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Beer and beverages, live entertainment, games and festivities, including Hammerschlagen. $75, $250 for four tickets. gortoncenter.org

Aces & Art: A Night of Luck and Giving: 6:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. The evening includes gaming tables of roulette, blackjack, craps and more, plus complimentary cocktails and bites, DJ and dancing, raffles and prizes. Proceeds support the museum’s exhibitions and education programs. $175. Tickets: facebook.com/elmhurstartmuseum.

Ben Schwartz & Friends: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Comedy. Tickets start at $66.35. msg.com.

The Barricade Boys “Broadway at the Movies”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Features music from movie musicals such as “Moulin Rouge,” “Mamma Mia!,” “La La Land,” “Ghost,” “The Blues Brothers,” “Wicked” and more. $60-$70. atthemac.org.

Dance Theatre of Harlem: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. Features “Return,” “Donizetti Variations” and “Firebird.” $51-$231. auditoriumtheatre.org.

DuPage Symphony Orchestra’s “Brahms & Beyond”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Season opener features works by contemporary Native American composers, along with Johannes Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major. $12-$47. dupagesymphony.org.

An Evening of Alton Brown: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. The Food Network star presents comedy, demonstrations, music and more. Tickets start at $62.10. geneseetheatre.com.

“I Speak Music, Songs & Stories of a Century”: 7:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Baker Community Center, 101 S. Second St., St. Charles. Two-time Grammy winner Howard Levy, with guitarist Chris Siebold, returns to “Saturday Night Lights” for the Baker Center centennial. The program, inspired by his memoir “I Speak Music,” will be filled with songs and stories from a century of music. $30. Register: norrisculturalarts.com.

“Laughter on the 23rd Floor”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, and Friday, Oct. 23, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Batavia Government Center, 100 N. Island Ave., third floor, Batavia. Albright Community Theatre production of Neil Simon’s ensemble comedy offering a fly-on-the-wall look at a zany television writers’ room in the 1950s, amid the backdrop of McCarthyism and network pressure for advertiser-friendly content. $23 or $18 for kids 13 and younger and 65 and older. albrighttheatre.com.

Sweetest Day Comedy Jam: 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Wintrust Arena, 200 E. Cermak Road, Chicago. Featuring Cedric The Entertainer, Earthquake, Bruce Bruce, Fab Monroe, Tony Rock and D’Lai. Tickets start at $84.60. wintrustarena.com.

Sunday, Oct. 18

Chicago Railroadiana & Model Train Show and Sale: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. $6 or free for kids younger than 12. rrshows.com.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, 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.

Lombard Spooktacular: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, on St. Charles Road, between Main and Elizabeth, Lombard. Games, trick-or-treating, costume contest, scavenger hunt, bounce houses, craft fair, live entertainment and more. Free. lombardchamber.com.

Pet Costume Parade: Noon Sunday, Oct. 18, at Brothers’ Field, 340 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Prizes for Best Dressed, Most Unique Costume and Judge’s Favorite. Registration recommended. Free. longgrove.org/festival/october-days.

Pumpkin Splash: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at Arlington Ridge Center, 660 N. Ridge Ave., Arlington Heights. Pick a pumpkin in the pool and Halloween treats. For kids 2-7; kids younger than 4 must be accompanied by an adult in the water. $13-$15. ahpd.org.

Trunk-or-Treat: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at North Suburban YMCA parking lot, 2705 Techny Road, Northbrook. Kids’ activities, music, food, vendors, contests and more. Free. nsymca.org.

Sunday Afternoon Concert: 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, in the St. Charles Public Library’s Carnegie Room, 1 S. Sixth Ave., St. Charles. Featuring jazz vocalist Petra van Nuis and pianist Dennis Luxion. Free. scpld.org.

McGarry, Ganz & Versace: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Jazz with Grammy-nominated artists Kate McGarry, Keith Ganz and Gary Versace. $39.19 and free for students 18 and younger with a paid adult. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Halloween Hayride: 5-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. Take a scenic hayride around Lake Gregory, plus family activities and make s’mores at the campfire. Costumes, which are encouraged, will be judged as participants enter the park. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. $11-$16. Register: blackberryfarm.info/special-events.

Monday, Oct. 19

Paws in the Park Day: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, 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. 19, at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. See “Friday the 13th” (1980). Doors open at 6 p.m. $1 (cash only at the door). Concessions via cash or card. paramountaurora.com/series/movie-mondays.

DuPage Community Concert Band: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, in the Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. $10. atthemac.org.

Tuesday, Oct. 20

“Spooky Stories and Songs of the Season”: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Hear spine-chilling stories from GreenMan Theatre. Free. Register: greenmantheatre.org.

Student Ensembles Concert: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, in the Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Features five College of DuPage ensembles: Chamber Orchestra, Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Percussion Ensemble and Jazz/Pop Combos. $10. atthemac.org.

The Rogue Route with Sarah Jakes Roberts: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. With Luvvie Ajayi Jones, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Kayla Wanakee. Tickets start at $89. auditoriumtheatre.org.

Wednesday, Oct. 21

Critics Classics: 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Elk Grove Theatre, 1050 Elk Grove Town Center, Elk Grove Village. See “Re-Animator.” 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, Oct. 21, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Blake Edward’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961). $5. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Barrington Area TasteFest: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Wild Onion Brewery & Banquets, 22221 N. Pepper Road, Lake Barrington. Sample food and drinks from local restaurants, microbrewers, wineries and distillers, with live music and a chance to grab fast-moving cash in the Barrington Bank & Trust Co. money machine. The first 200 attendees will receive a collectible TasteFest glass at the door. $50 in advance, $55 at the door. barringtonchamber.com.

Family Pumpkin Carving: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Bring carving knives; the park district will provide the rest. Registration required. $26-$36. ahpd.org.

Irish Session: 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 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.

Pumpkin Festival: Various times Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 21-25, with many activities at Main and State streets and on the courthouse lawn, Sycamore. Decorated pumpkins, carnival, nonprofit vendors, craft shows, activities and entertainment on Saturday. Autumn Craft and Treasures Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at Sycamore High School Fieldhouse; $1-$3 entry fee. The 48th annual Sycamore Chamber 10K Pumpkin Run is at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Pumpkin Festival Parade at 1 p.m. Sunday. Free; some activities have fees. sycamorepumpkinfestival.com.

Thursday, Oct. 22

Monster Bash: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at Sunset Knoll Recreation Center, 820 S. Finley Road, Lombard. Spooky games and ghoulish treats for kids 6 and younger. Costumes encouraged. $6-$7. Register: lombardparks.com/monster-bash.

Ackerman Haunted Trail: 4-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Oct. 22-23, at Ackerman Park, 800 St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn. The trail walk, which takes about 10 minutes, will be less scary from 4-6 p.m. and geared toward older kids from 6-9 p.m. Refreshments for purchase. $7. Register at gepark.org/register.

Halloween Pet Parade: 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at Techny Prairie Park and Fields, 1700 Techny Road, Northbrook. Pet Parade and a costume contest, with winners for best look-alike pet, pet and owner combo costume and spookiest animal. Must be 18 and older to register. $10 per pet. nbparks.org.

Jeff Dunham: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. The ventriloquist presents his “Inappropriate Contact” Tour. Tickets start at $98.75. geneseetheatre.com.

Spooky Trail: 7:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, and 7:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24, at Reed-Keppler Park, 129 W. National St., West Chicago. Encounter clowns, creepy crawlies and other frightful surprises along the quarter-mile Spooky Trail. Only 150 presale tickets available each night. $15 or $18 at the door. Register: we-goparks.org/special-events.

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. Extra fees for some activities. goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

Pumpkin Fest: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Oct. 31, at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. See the zoo’s animals and 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.

Boo! at the Zoo: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends through Oct. 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.

Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays through 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 Adventure Farm: 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.

Jack O’Lantern World: Time slots available 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. Saturdays, Oct. 17 and 24. $17.99-$29.99; daytime experience $14.99. thejackolanternworld.com/lakezurich.

Joliet Prison Flashlight Tours: 6:30-10 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays through Oct. 31, at the Old Joliet Prison Historic District, 1125 N. Collins St., Joliet. The historic Old Joliet Prison will be open for self-guided “Flashlight Tours.” Visitors will receive branded flashlights and will be assisted by nearly 30 illuminated interpretive signage panels. $19.99 for adults, $9.99 for kids, $6.99 for JAHM members Thursdays; $32/$12/$10 Friday and Saturday; and free for kids 3 and younger. jolietprison.org/tours.

“Jekyll & Hyde”: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 1 p.m. Sundays; and 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays, through Nov. 8, 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.

“Dial M for Murder”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1, plus 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview. Alfred Hitchcock’s chilling thriller with a modern twist. oillamptheater.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. $25-$49. metropolisarts.com.

13th Floor Haunted House: Select times and dates through Nov. 8, at 5050 River Road, Schiller Park. Featuring “Black Hollow Institute” and “The Woman in White” haunts. Recommended for 13 and older. Tickets start at $24.99. 13thfloorchicago.com.

Basement of the Dead: Select times and dates through Nov. 7, at 42 W. New York St., Aurora. Consists of an abandoned underground laboratory where terrifying creatures lurk and a 3D haunted house. Recommended for 13 and older. Tickets start at $28.99. basementofthedead.com.

“Come From Away”: Various times Wednesdays through Sundays through Oct. 25, 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.

Disturbia Haunted House: Select times and dates through Nov. 13, at University Plaza, 1213 Butterfield Road, Suite D, Downers Grove. The attraction includes an array of rooms. Recommended for 13 and older. Tickets start at $29.99. hauntedhousedisturbia.com.

Duchess Manor: Select times and dates through Nov. 1, at The Arboretum, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. The story centers on a rarely seen duchess living in the sprawling estate she constructed within The Arboretum. Also offers a lights-on experience without actors or jump scares. Tickets start at $27 or $7 for the lights-on experience. shopthearb.com.

Dungeon of Doom: Select times and dates through Nov. 7, at 600 29th St., Zion. Attractions include a decaying nuclear fallout shelter, a dead clown alley and the slaughterhouse among others. Recommended for 13 and older. Tickets start at $34.99 online; $45 at the door. dungeonofdoom.com.

Hells Gate Haunted House: Open select times and dates through Nov. 1. Park at 301 W. Second St., Lockport, and take a five-minute shuttle to the site. A grieving father engages masters of the occult and dark science to connect with his deceased twin daughters to disastrous effect in a remote, multilevel “mansion.” Recommended for 13 and older; 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets start at $40 online; $45 on site. hellsgate.com.

Massacre Haunted House: Open select times and dates through Oct. 31, at 299 Montgomery Road, Montgomery. The 35,000-square-foot space contains more than 75 rooms including the haunted house, the underground and the asylum. Recommended for older teens and adults. Tickets start at $36.99. fearthemassacre.com.

The Realm of Terror Haunted House: Open select times and dates through Oct. 31, at 421 W. Rollins Road, Round Lake Beach. Includes an opening ceremony nightly. Family Fright for kids Oct. 24. Recommended for 13 and older. Tickets start at $19.99. realmofterror.com.

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: Fridays through Sundays through Nov. 1, at Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, 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. Free. theccma.org.