Best bets: Harry Styles, Jack O'Lantern World, Iron Maiden & more
Oktoberfest at Buffalo Creek
Buffalo Creek Brewing goes German this weekend for its annual, family-friendly Oktoberfest celebration at 360 Historical Lane, Long Grove. With traditional food and beer on hand, guests can also participate in Oktoberfest games and challenges, sample the brewery's featured Oktoberfest beer (The Big Ludwigski) and enjoy music from The Drindolls (7-10 p.m. Friday), the Lake County Symphony Orchestra brass section (3-6 p.m. Saturday) and The Chicago Brass Band (7-10 p.m. Saturday). Free; some proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club of Lake Zurich. buffalocreekbrewing.com/. Noon to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2
Rise of the pumpkins
Forget apples and giant pretzels: Pumpkin season is upon us! Jack O'Lantern World returns to Lake Zurich for its second year with its massive carved pumpkin displays. Ticketed time slots are available for the ¾-mile walk through the exhibitions at this family-friendly event. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Prices vary by date, but admission is generally $14-$16 for kids 3-12, $20-$24 for adults. thejackolanternworld.com. 6:45-10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30; runs through Oct. 30
Hubbard Street Dance: Refraction
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago presents its fall series "Refraction" at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St., Chicago. The company celebrates Chicago's Year of Dance with the world premiere of "Love Infinite," by Chicago choreographer Randy Duncan set to an original score by Ira Antelis. Tickets start at $15. (312) 334-7777 or harristheaterchicago.org or hubbardstreetdance.com. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 30-Oct. 1, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2
A howlin' good time
Mercury Cruise's Howl-O-Ween Canine Cruise Series returns, offering pet owners and their best pals opportunities to float along Chicago waterways together. The 90-minute cruises depart from the Chicago Riverwalk, 112 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Each cruise includes pumpkin-flavored dog treats and prizes for best canine costume. Tickets are $42 for adults, $18 for kids 5-15, $8 for dogs. mercurycruises.com. 10:15 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16
Skateboards and street art
Aurora's public art department hosts "Bom' the Lot 2" a daylong event consisting of skateboarding demonstrations; 10 hours of music including bands, DJs and rappers; and 15 artists completing a mural depicting the history of Aurora. The fest takes place at public parking lot H, 14 Middle Ave., Aurora. Enter at Middle Avenue and New York Street. aurora-il.org. Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1
Mariachi at the MAC
The McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, presents a rhythmic celebration as Chicago's own Mariachi Herencia de Mexico hits the stage with its "Herederos" tour, a Hispanic Heritage Month performance celebrating the passion and artistry of mariachi music. $42-$55. atthemac.org. 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2
Maiden's 'Legacy'
Iron Maiden brings its "The Legacy Of The Beast World Tour" - and nearly 50 years of heavy metal - to the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. Dutch symphonic metal band Within Temptation joins them on tour. Tickets start at $59.50 at unitedcenter.com. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5
Superstar Styles
As fans kept snapping up tickets, Harry Styles' "Love On Tour 2022: United Center is Harry's House" tour kept adding dates for his stay in Chicago. Starting Thursday, Oct. 6, Styles and the band, joined by English singer Jessie Ware, will be holding court for two weekends onstage at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. Many shows are sold out, but watch for tickets closer to the show date at unitedcenter.com. 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6; Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8-9; Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 13-15