Weekend picks: Kevin Farley, Nick Offerman bring the funny to Chicago
Elgin Fringe Festival
An uncurated showcase of music, theater, dance, comedy, performance art, visual arts and film, the Elgin Fringe Festival includes performances that range from family-friendly to adults-only at venues in downtown Elgin. A $3 EFF button is required for admission to all events, which range from free to $10. See elginfringefestival.com for the schedule. Noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15
Celie's story
Previews begin Friday for Drury Lane Theatre's revival of "The Color Purple," the musical adaptation of Alice Walker's well-loved novel about identity, faith and strength, at 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. $50-$70. (630) 530-0111 or drurylanetheatre.com. 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, and 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15.
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 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. $15; $12 seniors; free for students and kids 18 and younger. (630) 834-0202 or elmhurstartmuseum.org. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; from Saturday, Sept. 14, through Sunday, Jan. 12
Morrissey at Ravinia
Alt-rocker and former Smiths frontman Morrissey is joined by New York rock band Interpol to help close out the last week of the season for the outdoor pavilion at Ravinia, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. Tickets: $54-$130. ravinia.org. 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14.
Big laughs
Catch up with comedian Big Jay Oakerson ("This is Not Happening," "Premium Blend") when he returns to do standup at Zanies at Parkway Bank Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont. $25 plus a two-item purchase at both locations. (847) 813-0484 or zanies.com. 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14
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 now through Saturday, Nov. 9
Funny Farley
Writer/actor/director and stand-up comedian Kevin Farley (brother of Chris Farley and himself a Second City alum) headlines "An Evening With Kevin Farley and Guests" at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14
Liszt & Rachmaninoff
Pianist Dinara Klinton performs music of Liszt and Rachmaninoff with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra this weekend at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. $35-$85; $10 youth. (847) 888-4000 or elginsymphony.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15
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
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
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