Best Bets: Two new Elmhurst Art Museum exhibits; Elgin Symphony opens its 70th season
Art in Elmhurst
The Elmhurst Art Museum opens two new exhibits that focus on the 20th century this weekend: "McCormick House - Past, Present, Future" is part of the Chicago Architecture Biennial, while "What Came After: Figurative Painting in Chicago 1978-98" begins on Saturday at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 South Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. $15; $12 seniors; free for students and kids ages 18 and under. (630) 834-0202 or elmhurstartmuseum.org. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday; from Saturday, Sept. 14, through Sunday, Jan. 12
Liszt & Rachmaninoff
Pianist Dinara Klinton performs music of Liszt and Rachmaninoff with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra this weekend at two locations: first at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago. $50-$100. (312) 334-7777; then at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. $35-$85; $10 youth. (847) 888-4000 or elginsymphony.org. In Chicago: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13; In Elgin: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15
Rock project
Hear hits such as "Eye in the Sky" and "Games People Play" when Alan Parsons Live Project performs in concert Friday at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $47.50-$199. (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13
Suburban scares
Experience classic monsters from the silver screen in person when the 13th Floor Chicago Haunted House reopens for the season starting this weekend at 1940 George St., Melrose Park. $19.99-$32.99 ($10-$20 add-ons for fast pass or skip-the-line passes). 13thfloorchicago.com. 7 to 10 or 11 p.m. various dates from Friday, Sept. 13, to Saturday, Nov. 9
Big laughs
Catch up with comedian Big Jay Oakerson ("This is Not Happening," "Premium Blend") when he returns to do standup at two Zanies locations: first at 1548 N. Wells St., Chicago; (312) 337-4027. Then on Saturday at Parkway Bank Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont; (847) 813-0484. $25 plus a two-item purchase at both locations. zanies.com. 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, in Chicago; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, in Rosemont
Nitty Gritty guy
Fans of the folk group Nitty Gritty Dirt Band won't to miss seeing one of its founders, John McEuen, perform with The String Wizards in concert on Saturday at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. $30. (815) 338-5300 or woodstockoperahouse.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14
Masculine mirth
Actor and comedian Nick Offerman ("Parks and Recreation," "Making It") returns for a standup show on Sunday at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $49.50-$203.50. (800) 745-3000 or thechicagotheatre.com. 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15
Fall family fun
The Wheeling Park District hosts Fallapalooza for families with music by Mike Zabrin's Funktastic, hayrides, a petting zoo and more activities on Sunday at the Heritage Park Performance Pavilion, 201 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Free admission. (847) 465-3333 or wheelingparkdistrict.com/events. 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15