Sunday picks: Thrills, chills at zoo's Creatures of the Night
Creatures of the Night
Brookfield Zoo invites guests of all ages to have some spooky fun at its Creatures of the Night event at the zoo, at First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield. For older children and adults, the “The Trail of Terror — Underneath” offers an indoor winding pathway, featuring scary creatures galore. Ride the Haunted Tram to see spooky scenes, with monsters and goblins right beside the moving trams. For younger children, not-so-scary activities include pumpkin carving, arts and crafts, a monster Mash Dance Party and more. Activities are free (except for pumpkin carving and rides on carousel) with paid $8-$12 general zoo admission. (708) 688-8000 or CZS.org. 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16
Soapy speed
Kids between the ages of 7 to 17 can compete in the all-American Soap Box Derby Association this weekend at the corner of Diehl and Frontenac Road in Naperville. $10 first-time racers; $35 per veteran racers. (630) 841-8832 or chicagosoapboxderby.org. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16
Long Grove's Oktoberfest
The annual Long Grove Oktoberfest features a variety of German fare, music and dancing. Other highlights include a parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, hayrides, pumpkin decorating and other family activities on Robert Parker Coffin Road in downtown Long Grove. Free admission and parking. (847) 634-0888 or longgroveonline.com. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16
Orchids overall
The Illinois Orchid society show off Fantastic Fall Orchids in a special sale and display this weekend at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Free admission; $20 parking per car. (847) 835-5440 or chicagobotanic.org. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16
Ghost story
Fox Valley Repertory artistic director John Gawlik directs the company's revival of the chilling thriller “The Woman in Black.” Stephen Malatratt's adaptation of Susan Hill's novel centers on a London lawyer who hires an actor to help him tell of the horror he experienced while ironing out the will for an elderly recluse. Ron Rains and Alex Hugh Brown star in the two-hander being stage at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. $29. (630) 584-6342 or foxvalleyrep.org. 2 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 30
Symphonic Sinatra
Crooner Steve Lippa teams up with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra for the concert “Simply Sinatra,” which celebrates songs sung by Frank Sinatra this weekend at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. $25-$74. (847) 888-4000 or elginsymphony.org. 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16
Still surfin'
The Beach Boys bring their classic American rock 'n' roll to North Central College's Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton, Naperville. The current lineup includes two members from the group's 1960s heyday — Mike Love (vocals) and Bruce Johnston (vocals, keyboards). $75-$95. Go to northcentralcollege.edu. 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16