Festivals: Boo! at the Zoo, Danada Fall Fest, Haunted Forest, scarecrow fests & more

This weekend

Fall Color Festival and Scarecrow Trail: 7 a.m. to sunset daily through Oct. 31 at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. See scarecrow creations from local Scout troops set up around Meadow Lake and vote for your favorite. Free with Arboretum admission: $15 for adults, $13 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for kids 2-17, and free for kids 1 and younger. mortonarb.org.

Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Oct. 31 at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Animals on display, straw pyramid, children's rides and lots of pumpkins on the zoo lawn. $7 adults, $6 seniors, and free for kids, Wheaton Park District residents and zoo members. cosleyzoo.org.

Didier Farms Pumpkinfest: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 30 at Didier Farms, 16678 W. Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire. Hayrides, corn maze, pony rides, Animal Land, pig races, Pumpkin Playland, Sunshine Crafts and more. Free admission; activities require tickets. didierfarms.com/pumpkinfest.

Randall Oaks Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Oct. 28 at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Hay bale maze, corn bin play area, fall treats and pumpkins for purchase and face painting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $3-$5. Weekends only: Pumpkin Enrichment for the Animals, bonfires from noon to 5 p.m. and hayrides for $2. Activities are included with zoo admission, with some exceptions. $3.25 residents; $4 nonresidents; free for kids younger than 2. (847) 428-7131 or dtpd.org.

Glass Pumpkin Patch: 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 13-14, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Explore a collection of handblown glass pumpkins at the eighth annual display and sale. Arboretum admission: $15 for adults, $13 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for kids 2-17, and free for kids 1 and younger. mortonarb.org.

Hofbräuhaus Chicago Oktoberfest: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays, and 11 a.m. to midnight Thursdays, through Oct. 28 at Hofbräuhaus Chicago, 5500 Park Place, Rosemont. Nightly Bavarian entertainment, freshly brewed "Oktoberfestbier," daily food specials, celebrity keg-tapping ceremonies and more. hofbrauhauschicago.com.

Fall Festival/Oktoberfest: 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, and 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Emerson Street and Busse Avenue, Mount Prospect. German food, spirits and music. Fall Fest for kids runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and includes pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treat candy line, hay rides, and food and music in the downtown area. Oktoberfest geared for adults runs from 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday. Free. www.mpdowntown.com.

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12; 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Oct. 13; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee. Daytime hours are family-friendly, with shows and a trick-or-treat trail. Evening hours include haunted houses and costumed monsters. $57.99-$77.99 at the park. For admission deals, see sixflags.com/greatamerica.

Moonlight Hayrides: Thirty-minute tractor-drawn hayrides at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 12-13, at Primrose Farm Park, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles. Bonfire, marshmallow roast, hot chocolate and cider. $8 for residents and $12 for nonresidents. Ages 15 or younger must be accompanied by a paying adult. www.primrosefarmpark.com.

Haunted Forest: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 12-13, at Central Park, 1500 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook. Outdoor haunted maze, hayrides, pumpkin patch, crafts and fireside stories. Tickets: $1 each or 25 for $20. www.obparks.org/special-events/haunted-forest.

Des Plaines River Trail Races: 7 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Half Day Forest Preserve, 24255 Route 21, Vernon Hills. Flat, fast groomed limestone with scenic trails along a river and through woods and parks. Buckles to 50-mile finishers. Also, half marathon and full marathon with medals to finishers. Marathon is a Boston qualifier. $80-$160. www.desplainesrivertrailraces.com.

Antique and Vintage Flea Market: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Antique and Vintage Flea Market with a special accent on Halloween collectibles. lcfair.com.

Chrome and Coffee: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Iron Gate Motor Condos, 2228 Ferry Road 101, Naperville. Car show with free coffee and doughnuts. The October Marque is Japanese, but all makes and models are welcome. All donations go to Cal's Angels, which benefits pediatric cancer patients. www.irongatemotorcondos.com.

Garlic Fest: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at The Growing Place, 2000 Montgomery Road, Aurora. Sample different garlic, learn how to plant garlic and pick out favorites to grow at home. Free. thegrowingplace.com.

Boo! at the Zoo: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 13-28, at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. The annual Halloween celebration features a corn maze, giant pumpkin-carving demonstrations, a costume parade and contest, and Halloween-themed crafts and activities. Included in admission of $15.95-$21.95. www.czs.org/boo.

Boo Bash: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Maryknoll Knoll Park Pavilion, 845 Perishing Ave., Glen Ellyn. Trick-or treat trail with cartoon characters, storytelling, apple cider and treats for kids 2-8. Istvan and His Imaginary Band performs. $10-$15. gepark.org.

Cantigny Fall Festival: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, on the parade field at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Craft show, music, hayrides and more. Free with $5 parking. cantigny.org/event/fall-festival/.

Fall Extravaganza Art and Craft Fair: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 135 Buesching Road, Valker Hall, Lake Zurich. Fall art and craft fair featuring works from more than 40 crafters. Free admission. www.stfrancislzparish.org.

Family Fall Fest: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Wild Meadows Trace, 511 S. York St., Elmhurst. Safety Town trick-or-treating, family photo opportunities, inflatable corn maze, face painting, magician, fall games and food trucks. Free. www.epd.org/news/family-fall-fest.

Long Grove Scarecrow Day: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. In DIY fashion, everyone at Scarecrow Day stuffs and dresses their own custom scarecrow. The scarecrows will be displayed throughout town for the rest of the month. Free, but $5 donation helps cover the costs of the materials; proceeds benefit the Long Grove Lions Club. longgrove.org/festivals/diy-scarecrow-day.

Market Fair and Mercado Latino: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at St. Laurence Church, 225 Jewett St., Elgin. Shop for crafts, jewelry, beauty, housewares and specialty items. Plus, live music, dancers, Latin food, raffles and children's activities. Free admission. (847) 468-6900 or stlaurencechurchelgin.com.

Trucks or Treat: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Pirates Cove, 901 Leicester Road, Elk Grove Village. New Touch-a-Truck event with a Halloween theme. Guests can see the trucks and trick-or-treat for trinkets and candy. Free. www.elkgroveparks.org.

Barrington Scarecrow Festival: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Memorial Park, Hough and Station streets, Barrington. Features free pumpkin, scarecrow and cookie decorating, plus pony rides, inflatable games, face painting and other activities. Bob the DJ will emcee. Bring old clothes for scarecrow decorating. Free. www.barrington-il.gov.

Fall Festival at Palatine Stables: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Palatine Stables, 1510 W. Northwest Hwy., Palatine. Ponies, petting zoo, crafts, entertainment and more. Free admission, fees for some activities. www.palatineparks.org.

Heritage Day: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Fischer Farm & Churchville Schoolhouse, 3N784 Church Road, Bensenville. Live music, folk dancing, old-fashioned games, hayrides and animal encounters. Schoolhouse: Free. Farm: $6 for kids; $2 for adults. www.elmhursthistory.org.

Pumpkin Weekends: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 28 at Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. Family-friendly fall festivities include the pumpkin princess, seasonal crafts, harvest decor, giant corn crib, professional storyteller, world's tallest scarecrow, trick-or-treating and a pony parade. $7. www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

Trucks, Trunks and Treats: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Family Aquatic Center, 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills. Children can trick-or-treat among the trucks, plus enjoy a bounce house and hayrides. Dogs are welcome. Admission is $3. vhparkdistrict.org/events.

West Chicago Food Festival: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, in West Chicago's historic downtown. Cooking demonstrations, tasting competition, food for purchase from a variety of vendors and entertainment. Free. westchicago.org.

Pumpkin Fest: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Vogelei Park, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. Music, crafts and games. Supplies will be on hand for participants to paint, glitter and color a pumpkin. Free. www.heparks.org/event/pumpkin-fest-2.

Oktoberfest PartyZeit: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Granite City Food & Brewery, 1828 Abriter Court, Naperville. Live Entertainment by Dae, games, and prizes. 10 percent of proceeds will be donated to the local Animal Rescue Foundation. Enter to win free beer for a year. www.eventbrite.com.

Anime Fest: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at the La Grange Public Library, 10 W. Cossitt Ave., La Grange. Fifth annual Anime Fest with cosplay costume contest, artists, gaming and more. www.lagrangelibrary.org.

DogFest Illinois Walk 'n Roll 2018: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave., St. Charles. Fundraiser for Canine Companions for Independence, which provides highly trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities for free. Walk or roll along the riverfront at your leisure, or enjoy a quick walk/roll around the historic pavilion. Registration opens at 1 p.m. with the opening ceremony at 1:45 p.m. Walk begins at 2 p.m. No registration fee, but participants are encouraged to fundraise and donate. www.cci.org/DogFestIllinois.

Trick or Treat Path at Viking Park: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee. Children ages 1-6 can trick-or-treat through Viking Park. Parents must attend but do not pay. $5 for residents, $10 for nonresidents. www.gurneeparkdistrict.com.

Autumnfest: 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Meadowhill Park, Northbrook. Petting zoo, fall hayride, bonfire with s'mores, hot apple cider, children's games and face painting, pumpkin chunkin', pumpkin pitch, fall sports challenge, a food truck, festive decorations and crafts, Northbrook Theatre Jr. and Children's performances, JG's Reptile Show, music by Jeanie B & the JellyBeans and more. www.nbparks.org.

Octo Street Fest: 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, behind New York Street's Restaurant Row on Pinney Street in downtown Aurora. Artists, musicians and street performers come together for an afternoon of hula hoops, card readings, fire dance and more. A dozen artists with a darker aesthetic will set up along artist row. Music by Brian Kovacs at 2 p.m., Luis and I at 4 p.m., and The Peachtree at 6 p.m. Katiepillar Performance Art throughout the day with a fire dance performance at 5 p.m. www.enjoyaurora.com.

Barrington Fall Wine Walk: 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, throughout the village of Barrington. Visit merchants for wine samples while you shop. Check in begins at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and include a souvenir wineglass, map, 1-ounce wine sample at each location and a tasting checklist. business.barringtonchamber.com.

Lindenhurst's Haunted Trail Family Fall Festival: 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Lindenhurst Park District Lippert Community Center, 2200 E. Grass Lake Road, Lindenhurst. Costume contest, entertainment, prizes, food and treats, face painting, games, train ride, bounce house and more. Haunted Trail from 6 to 8 p.m. $1; train rides $2. www.lindenhurstparks.org.

Scarecrow Scramble 5K Run/Walk & Fall Festival: 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St., Lisle. 14th annual nighttime 5K Run/Walk, Youth Run and Tot Dash with music, food, hayrides, costume contest, bounce house, face painting and crafters. Provides recreational scholarships for families in need and benefits the Lisle Teens with Character program. $30-$45; $8 for Tot Dash. lislepartnersforparks.org/scarecrowscramble.html.

Octoberfest: 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton. Music, beer garden and food vendors. Free; $5 donation accepted to benefit DuPage County Historical Museum Foundation. wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/octoberfest/.

St. Peter Oktoberfest: 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at St. Peter Lutheran Church and School, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights. Authentic German Oktoberfest with brats, beer, polkas, and games for kids and adults. Live German music by Johnny Wagner band. Evening music by the band Jhali Llama. Free admission. Purchase food, drink and game tickets at the event. oktoberfestspah.weebly.com.

Haunted Quarry: 7 to 9 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 13 and 20, at Hall Quarry Beach Park, 400 S. Water St., Batavia. Expect plenty of scares at the Haunted Quarry. Admission is $10 ($8 in advance through Friday, Oct. 12). Not suitable for kids 10 and younger. Volunteers needed. (630) 879-5235 or www.bataviaparks.org.

Sportsman Show: 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. $5. www.kanecountyfair.com/.

Danada Fall Fest: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at Danada Forest Preserve, 3S503 Naperville Road, Wheaton. Celebration of horses with hayrides, demonstrations, Parade of Breeds, equestrian performances, kids' activities and vendors. Free; fees for some events. dupageforest.com.

Bloody Mary Fest: Noon to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at Theater on the Lake, 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Bloody Mary Competition, plus specialty brunch-themed cocktails, craft beer and brunch bites with live music, lawn games, an Artisan Market and more. $25-$90. www.eventbrite.com

Evanston Oktoberfest: 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at University Place at Oak Avenue, in the lot behind the Hilton Garden Inn, Evanston. Showcases Evanston's craft breweries and distillery as well as Chicago-area breweries. Food for purchase plus music, games, kids' activities and more. $15 for those 12 and older, free for kids younger than 12. cityofevanston.org.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration: 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at the Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave., Evanston. Music, vendors, entertainment, food and drinks for purchase, a Selena contest and more. Free. www.evanstonlatinxbusinessalliance.org.

Ghost Walk of Palatine: 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14 and 28, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. Walking tour of the downtown area including local lore back to the 1800s. Admission is $5; $3 for kids 12 and younger. Reservations are required. (847) 358-6091.

This week

Palatine Township Senior Center Fall Festival: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 15, at the Palatine Township Senior Center, 505 S. Quentin Road, Palatine. Visit with corporate members and supporters, check out free health screenings and learn about some of the programs and services offered at the Palatine Senior Center. Free admission; preregister for lunch for $5. www.ptscc.org.

Clearbrook Around the World Food Tasting: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at Arlington Toyota-Scion, 2095 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Tenth annual food festival featuring 20 different cuisines from local restaurants, raffle prizes, games and a silent auction. $35 in advance; $40 the day of. www.clearbrook.org/event/aroundtheworld.

Grayslake Pumpkin Fest: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at Central Park, 250 Library Lane, Grayslake. Kids' Halloween games, hayrides, moonwalk, giant slide, Halloween character path, costume contest and more. Rain date is Oct. 25. $8 on or before Oct. 17, $13 at the door. Adult attendance free with paying child. glpd.com.

Pinball Expo: 6 p.m. to midnight Thursday and Friday, Oct. 18-19, and 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Oct. 20, at The Westin Chicago Northshore, 601 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling. The longest-running event dedicated to pinball. Registration opens Wednesday, Oct. 17. Single day passes cost $30. www.pinballexpo.net.