Best bets: The Who, B-52's and Boo! at the Zoo
Open Sesame!
When magician Justin comes to Sesame Street, Elmo is inspired to learn some tricks, bringing the entire gang along on a ride through science, illusion, colors, dance and music. The family-friendly “Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic” turns the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont, into the whimsical children's world for seven performances this weekend. Tickets start at $15; preshow meet-and-greet VIP add-ons are also available. rosemont.com/theatre. 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7; 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8; and 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9
Wines aplenty
Sample wines from around the world, chat with seasoned sommeliers, and indulge in food and beverages during the sixth annual Lincoln Park Wine Fest in Jonquil Park, 1001 W. Wrightwood Ave., Chicago. Tickets are $45 in advance, $55 at the door; VIP packages are $80. Some proceeds will benefit the Wrightwood Neighbors Association. Buy tickets at chicagoevents.com/events/lincolnparkwinefestival. 5-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9
It's Spooktacular!
For families who prefer a not-so-spooky Halloween, Santa's Village, 601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee, hosts the Spooktacular Drive Thru, incorporating family-friendly scenes featuring a witches broom lot, a monster mash bash and others. Admission is $25 online, $30 at the gate. santasvillagedundee.com. 6-9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 7-9 and 14-16, and 5:30-9 p.m. Oct. 21-23 and 27-31
Love Shack
With 46 years of unique, groundbreaking and much-beloved music, the B-52's are packing it up for now. The band plays the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago, for two nights, joined by KC and The Sunshine Band and The Rezillos. Tickets start at $99 at msg.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 7-8
Boo! at the Zoo
Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield, hosts Boo at the Zoo, its annual Halloween celebration, weekends through Oct. 23. In addition to costume contests, the spooktacular event includes a corn maze, “creepy carousel” (separate fee applies), animal chats and free goodies. Costumes encouraged for visitors 12 and younger. $17.95-$24.95. czs.org. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8-9, 15-16 and 22-23
ESO opening
Violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins joins the Elgin Symphony Orchestra for season-opening performances this weekend at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. The program includes Antonin Dvorak's “Carnival” overture, Wynton Marsalis' “Violin Concerto” and Edward Elgar's “Enigma Variations.” $20-$65. elginsymphony.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Oct. 9
'Ghostbusters Live in Concert'
Get into the Halloween spirit with a screening of the comedy thriller “Ghostbusters” accompanied by the Chicago Philharmonic playing the award-winning music from the movie. The performance will be conducted by Maestro Peter Bernstein, son of Elmer Bernstein, who originally composed the movie's score. A reception will precede the concert with themed drinks, a costume contest, a replica Ecto-1 and trick-or-treating for all ages at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. $34.75-$94.50 at mytickets.auditoriumtheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8
Doo Wop's new twist
The Doo Wop Project - featuring Broadway veterans from “Jersey Boys” and “Motown: The Musical” - bring a re-imagined take on pop and rock classics to the McAninch Arts Center on the College of DuPage campus, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. $43-$63 at AtTheMAC.org. 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9
You know Who
The legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Who bring the goods to Chicago for a midweek blowout at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., with special guest Steven Page. Tickets for “The Who Hits Back! 2022 Tour” stop range from $43 to $302 and can be purchased at unitedcenter.com. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12