Halloween happenings in the Fox Valley

How do you celebrate Halloween during a pandemic? Although social distancing makes it more challenging, there are still many events throughout the suburbs that promise spooky - and safe - fun.

Due to the resurgence of COVID-19 in Kane County, we recommend confirming events in advance.

Friday, Oct. 23

"War of the Worlds" director on Huntley radio: 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, on 101.5 FM WHRU-LP. Theater director Corey Bradberry will be the guest on radio's "It's Showtime with Rikki Lee." Bradberry is the director and co-writer of Theatre in the Dark's original audio play "War of the Worlds," being presented livestreaming over the internet through Nov. 21. Those outside the broadcast area can livestream the show at www.HuntleyRadio.com.

"Virtual Halloween Fun": 4 to 4:45 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, with Geneva Public Library. Kids in kindergarten to second grade can enjoy a story, games, and a DIY monster meet 'n' greet. Participants must register and pick up a program kit at the library in advance. Register at gpld.org.

"Edgar Allan Poe - Spooky Stories from the Schoolhouse": 9 to 9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23 with Elmhurst History Museum. On a dark and stormy night, conjure up Halloween spirit at the historic Churchville Schoolhouse through readings of Edgar Allan Poe's scariest works. Gather some fearless friends and tune in online as Elmhurst History Museum staff members tap into creepy classics like "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Raven," and more. Program link will be available online through Nov. 30. Visit www.elmhursthistory.org.

Oct. 23-25

Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, through Sunday, Oct. 25, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. More than 1,000 hand-carved, real pumpkins - some as large as 150 pounds - will light up the night. The LED-lit jack-o'-lanterns will be staged along a festive, paved pathway starting at the Esplanade. Along the way, encounter entertaining characters and watch live carvers. Visit chicagobotanic.org/halloween for tickets and information. For more information, visit www.chicagobotanic.org.

Oct. 23, Oct. 25 and Oct. 30-31

Big Timber Pumpkin Fest Trick-or-Treat: Oct. 23, 25, 30-31 at Camp Big Timber, 37W955 Big Timber Road in Elgin. Drive-through trick-or-treat and a safe and fun version of the "Terror in the Timbers" show. Visit www.bigtimberpumpkinfest.org/trick-or-treat to secure your tickets to this all-new Halloween adventure! From 3:30 to 5 p.m., dress in your favorite Halloween costume and drive through the "spooky forest." They will have special treats for every person in the car.

Oct. 23-24 and Oct. 30-31

Terror in the Timbers: Fridays and Saturdays in October at Camp Big Timber, 37W955 Big Timber Road in Elgin. Enjoy the horror of a late-night drive through the woods. Not your traditional haunted house - it's a haunted road through the scariest woods in northern Illinois. This one-of-a-kind Halloween experience allows you to simply put your car in park, sit back and let the terror begin. There is a "horror lite" version of the haunt available. Just tell the ticket taker and they will set you up. Drive-through scare service begins at 6 p.m. and will run until midnight. Timed tickets for your carload available. For tickets, visit www.bigtimberpumpkinfest.org/terror-in-the-timbers.

Saturday, Oct. 24

"The Tales of Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel": 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 24, and 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at 11 - 13 S. Water Street Mall in Aurora. This is a free, outdoor event by Riverfront Playhouse. (Social distancing will be followed. Please wear a mask.) Reservations suggested at info@riverfrontplayhouse.com.

Family Fall Fest: 9 to 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Camp Big Timber, 37W955 Big Timber Road in Elgin. Multiple sessions are available, with 50 tickets available each day. Pumpkin painting, scarecrow building and maybe even a petting zoo. Tickets are $10 per person or free for kids younger than 4. Social distancing and masks required. For tickets, visit www.bigtimberpumpkinfest.org/family-fall-fest.

Big Timber Brew Fest: Afternoon times starting at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Camp Big Timber, 37W955 Big Timber Road in Elgin. Enjoy several breweries and music during the Big Timber Brew Fest. Plus, food truck options will let you enjoy eats from some of your favorite restaurants. Ticket price includes beer samplings from 15 local breweries. The fee is $40 for individual or $400 for your very own bier garden for no more than 10 people. Vendors will bring their elixir to you. Bring your own chair or blanket. For tickets, visit www.bigtimberpumpkinfest.org.

Drive-Thru Trunk-and-Treat - Sensory Friendly and Allergy Free: 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Chapelstreet Church's Keslinger campus, 3435 Keslinger Road, Geneva. The church and Masterpiece Ministry with MyRecess Therapy will host a dress-up and drive-through event with a row of decorated trunks for a sensory and allergy friendly treat. For extra fun, dress up your car, too. They will be creating a "FUN Car Photo Booth" and having characters like princesses and mascots walking around waving at cars. Join My Recess, Buddy Break, and the Rising Lights Project for this free event, which will follow COVID-19 safety guidelines. Follow the Facebook event page or www.facebook.com/chapelstreetmasterpiece/.

Hitchcock movie marathon: 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 24 and 31 at 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Woodstock Opera House salutes master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock with marathon screenings of the classic thrillers "Psycho," "The Birds" and "Rear Window." $7 per movie. Only 50 seats available per screening. (815) 338-5300 or woodstockoperahouse.com.

"Howl-O-Ween" fundraiser: Saturday, Oct. 24, at Animal House Shelter, 13005 Ernesti Road in Huntley. This year, they have paired up with Fitness 19 and Brighter World Artistry for extra magic this spooky season. Fitness 19 will be at the shelter hosting a Puppies & Yoga event from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Brighter World Artistry will host a Spooky Halloween Craft for all ages from 1 to 3 p.m. They also will have the annual costume contest and parade from 3 to 4 p.m. so dress in your best attire! Tickets for events being sold separately on Eventbrite. Sign up at www.animalhouseshelter.com.

"Trunk-or-Treat Event and Zombie Dance Party": Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Sage YMCA parking lot, 701 Manor Road in Crystal Lake. The Trunk-or-Treat is free and open to the community from 4 to 6 p.m. The Zombie Dance Party for age 12 or older will be 5:15 to 6 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. Register for both by calling (815) 459-4455. Bring an item to donate to the Crystal Lake Food Pantry. www.facebook.com/SageYMCA/.

Jack-O'-Lantern Contest: St. Peter Lutheran Church, 18N377 Galligan Road in West Dundee, will host this free contest. You must provide your own pumpkin to decorate. Categories for submission are: Spooky, Funny and Creative. The age groups are: youth, 18 and younger; adult/individual, over 18; and family, 2 or more participants. Individuals must register with Ann Lewis. Jack-o'-lanterns must be turned in by Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to noon. The jack-o'-lanterns will be voted on by church members on Oct. 24-25, with the winners awarded at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 25. For information, contact Ann Lewis at askseekfindstpeterym@gmail.com or (847) 428-4054.

Sunday, Oct. 25

Halloween event: 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 18N377 Galligan Road in West Dundee. A free event for age 3 to fourth grade. There will be games, crafts, parade, comfort dog, possible fire truck visit and a prepackaged goody bag to take home. The winners from the Jack-O'-Lantern Contest will also be announced. Costumes encouraged. Face masks will be required and sanitizer stations will be available. Parent supervision required. In case of inclement weather the event will be canceled. For information, contact Ann Lewis at askseekfindstpeterym@gmail.com or (847) 428-4054.

"Haunted History": 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, with Batavia Public Library. Listen if you dare to Terrence Lynch tell the entertaining and chilling tales of the historical hauntings of the Midwest. Stories of the S.S. Eastland, Brookfield Zoo, Fort Dearborn Massacre, and John Dillinger (to name just a few) help to guarantee spooky goose bumps while learning a bit of history at the same time! For grade 6 to adult. Register for this Zoom program at bataviapubliclibrary.org.

Pet Costume Parade: 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, weather permitting, downtown Long Grove. Pets throughout the region are invited to don their best Halloween duds and howl at the moon at the third annual Pet Costume Parade. It's free to watch the parade, and all dogs must remain leashed. Doggie Goody Bags for participating pooches and a Gift Basket awarded to the Best Dressed Pooch or pet. Social distancing, mask or face covering required while participating. For information, http://longgrove.org/festivals/halloween-trick-or-treating.

Through Monday, Oct. 26

Lake in the Hills Halloween House Decorating Contest: Travel around Lake in the Hills between Oct. 23-26 to see spooktacular displays of Halloween spirit. You be the judge and help choose the winner. Tours are self-guided, so pack up the car and visit the best haunts with your family. This is a great way to celebrate while social distancing. Visit www.lith.org and print the voting ballot or stop by the village hall, 600 Harvest Gate, to pick one up. Return your ballots to village hall or email them to the recreation team at msteffey@lith.org by Oct. 28.

Pumpkin decorating contest: In place of the annual Fall Fun event, the Fox River Grove Special Events Committee will host a Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Choose a category and upload photos to the "Fall Fun Event" on www.facebook.com/frgliving/. There are four categories: Cutest, Funniest, Scariest, and Most Creative. (Multiple entries accepted per family, one entry per pumpkin.) Submission deadline is Monday, Oct. 26. Winners will be announced Oct. 31. See the Facebook event for contest rules and details.

Monday to Thursday, Oct. 26-29

"Drive-Thru Trick-or-Treat": 4 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26 to Thursday, Oct. 29, in local parks in Sugar Grove. Hosted by Sugar Grove Park District, in partnership with the village of Sugar Grove, Sugar Grove Township and Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce. Sugar Grove police and fire will be joining park staff at the park each evening. The four parks will be: Black Walnut Park on Oct. 26; Strubler Park on Oct. 27; Windsor Pointe Park on Oct. 28; and McDole Park on Oct. 29. When you pop open your trunk, costumed staff will drop in an individually-packed bag for each child, filled with Halloween treats and activities. All bags will be packed with care by staff wearing masks and gloves. It is free but ticketed event. Register at www.sgparks.org so there will be treats for everyone.

Monday to Saturday, Oct. 26-31

"Trick-or-Treat Goody Bags": All day Monday to Saturday, Oct. 26-31, at Harnish Main Library, 2600 Harnish Drive, Algonquin. Algonquin Area Public Library's Youth Services Desk cannot offer in-person story times this year, but they still want to see your costumes! Kids, from infant to eighth grade, in costume can receive a Halloween goody bag at the Youth Services desk. Visit www.aapld.org.

Tuesday, Oct. 27

Halloween Dance Party: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, with Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin. Wear your costume for a monstrously fun morning of music, stories, and dancing via Zoom. Register at gailborden.info.

Wednesday to Saturday, Oct. 28-31

"Tunnel of Terror": 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, Oct. 28-31, at Brittain's Car Wash, 1572 Larkin Ave. in Elgin. The car wash will be taken over by lost souls, goblins, spirits and mass murder types for local Halloween fun. Tickets are $20 per car and includes Brittain's car wash full of special effects, frights and fun, all while getting a Platinum Clean car. Five dollars of each entry goes to Food for Greater Elgin to help people with food insecurity in the Elgin area. For information, visit brittainscarwash.com or www.facebook.com/Brittainscarwash/.

Friday, Oct. 30

Spooktacular Flashlight Hunt: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road in Lake in the Hills. Lake in the Hills Parks and the Halloween Bunny will fill the Sunset Park soccer fields with candy-filled glowing eggs for the older kids that don't get to participate in our spring egg hunt. Some fun "insta" worthy photo ops will be set up for you and your besties to document the fun. Grab your friends, a flashlight and a basket when you head over to Sunset Park! Costumes are welcomed. They might even have a prize for the best one! Check in will be at the shelter near the tennis courts starting at 6:30 p.m. Hunt will start at 6:45 p.m. sharp and will be a fast paced hunt so be prepared to pick up by 7 p.m. Sign up at www.lith.org.

"Prepare for a Scare - Spooky Stories for Tween and Teens": 4 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, with Fox River Valley Public Library District. Listen to creepy and unsettling stories that will put you in the Halloween spirit. For grades 3 and up. They will meet up using Zoom, and the link to the meeting will be emailed to you on the morning of the program. Sign up at www.frvpld.info.

"Labyrinth": 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, in the Harnish Main Library parking lot, 2600 Harnish Drive, Algonquin. Algonquin Area Public Library is hosting an outdoor Halloween movie. Grab your lawn chairs, blankets and masks to watch "Labyrinth" on a big screen at the Library parking lot. Attendees will be sitting in properly socially distanced groups. Sign up at www.aapld.org.

Saturday, Oct. 31

Halloween Sensory Storytime: 11 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, with Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin. Join via Zoom for Halloween books, songs, dancing, and lots of fun! Class is structured with visual schedules. Costumes encouraged. This class is designed for children with disabilities ages 3 and up, with caregiver support. Siblings welcome. Register at gailborden.info.

Trick-or-treating event: 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Luigi's Pizza and Fun Center, 732 Prairie St. in Aurora. On Halloween night, bring the family to Luigi's where they will have 20 stops for the kids to pick up candy. Two photo spots so you can remember this spooktacular night. Goody bags with treats, coupons and discounts will be given out. Visitors are required to wear masks. Staff members will wear masks and gloves. Hand sanitizer will be provided. The public is invited. Admission and parking are free. Call (630) 756-5451 for information.

Drive Thru Trunk-or-Treat and Food Drive: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, 8901 Cary-Algonquin Road in Cary. They are partnering with the Cary-Grove Food Pantry for a food drive. Everyone is invited to drive through our parking lot and receive treats through no-contact methods. For information, contact Denise Ulaszek at youth@stbarnabas-cary.org or (847) 639-3959.

Halloween Egg Hunt: Sugar Grove Park District is bringing the egg hunt to you this year. They will come to your yard early on Saturday, Oct. 31, and hide a cache of candy-filled Halloween eggs in your front yard. The eggs will be filled with peanut-allergy friendly candy, stickers and small prizes. There are still spots open for 8:30 to 9 a.m. and 9:30 to 10 a.m. Cost is $15. Register at www.sgparks.org.

Full Moon Ride Blue Moon Edition: 9 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, starting at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin. This social night ride with a moderate pace ride for a few miles throughout the core neighborhoods. State law requires bike riders to have a clear light on the front and a red reflector or a red light on the back for nighttime riding. That would be the minimum attempt for safety, so let's all be easy to see on the street. If you have not signed the 2020 annual ride waiver, do so at waiver.fr/p-SDLTu. We continue to follow the guidance from the state of Illinois concerning pandemic safety with this helpful interpretation from Ride Illinois, bit.ly/RideIllinoisPandemicGuidance.

Trunk-or-Treat Festival: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Mall of India, Route 59 in Naperville. Collect ghoulish goodies trunk-or-treating, win frighteningly fun raffle prizes, and enjoy many kid-friendly activities! All ages are welcome. Refreshments will be available. Parents must register in advance and remain at the event to supervise their child. Wear a face mask at this outdoor event. Register via EventBrite.com.

Goebbert's Halloween Trick-or-Treat: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Goebbert's, 42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove. Their first trick-or-treat and scavenger hunt on the farm. Online tickets required at goebbertspumpkinpatch.com.

Sunday, Nov. 1

"Día de los Muertos": 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, with Fox River Valley Public Library District hosts. Discuss Día de los Muertos and complete your own alebrije. Pick up your materials at the library from Oct. 25-31 and then join in on the Zoom meeting on Nov. 1. Sign up at www.frvpld.info.

Ongoing

Mack Manor: 6-8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4-9 p.m. Sunday through Oct. 31 at Hill Top Lane and Algonquin Road, Fox River Grove. Fox River Grove's Mack family has been hosting drive-through Halloween haunts for more than 30 years. Attendees must remain in their vehicles. Free, but donations are accepted. Visit facebook.com/mack/manor.7.

Basement of the Dead House: Wednesdays to Sundays, to Nov. 1 at 42 W. New York St., Aurora. Relive your darkest nightmares and experience all new evils, presented by Basement of the Dead. Limited capacity; face masks and social distancing required. Online tickets only at basementofthedead.com.

"Little Park of Horrors": 6 to 9 p.m. through Sunday, Nov. 1, at the historic Wing Park, 1010 Wing St. in Elgin. The city of Elgin's first socially distanced, drive-through event designed to chill guests to the bone with its horror-themed props and creations. A half-mile drive of tantalizing terror awaits guests on this haunting endeavor. Visitors will experience sprawling skeletons, creepy circus clowns and cavernous dwellings, all set to lighting effects and spooky music. Those steadfast souls fearless enough to brave the park on Saturdays and Sundays will be treated to live actors and atmospherics. Wing Park will close to the public daily at 3 p.m. through Nov. 1. The Wing Park Golf Course will not be affected by the closure. Little Park of Horrors is open to vehicle traffic only. Pedestrians will be prohibited. Vehicles must enter on Wing Street and exit on McClure Avenue, following a one-way traffic route through the park. Each night, gates will open at 6 p.m. and close promptly at 9 p.m. Suggested cash donation of $5 per vehicle to support the actors and volunteers involved in the event. This experience is rated PG-13. Visit www.cityofelgin.org.

Fox Valley Mall Virtual Haunted House: through Halloween. A free, interactive visit through spooky rooms from the safety of your own home. Bonus: Make it through the Haunted House to access additional free Halloween virtual activities. The Haunted House can be access here: hauntedhouse.mallmedia.net/m/foxvalley. Visit www.shopfoxvalleymall.com/events/.

Pumpkin Daze!: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays at Abbey Farms, 2855 Hart Road in Aurora. Beer and wine tent opens at noon. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is $17 on weekends and holidays and $12 on weekdays. Kids age 2 and under are free. The last park entry is one hour before close. There is no night maze this year. The Farmstead Emporium Store is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday and closed Mondays. There is no charge to enter the store; face mask required while inside. Pumpkins are $2.99 for mini, and all regular size orange pumpkins are $7.99. All specialty (other colors) are $12.99. For your safety, they are limiting attendance in the park and store. Tickets must be purchased in advanced. Due to our limited attendance, they are unable to offer discounts for the 2020 season. Listen to live music from local artists in the afternoons (weekends) or sleuth your way through one of the largest area corn mazes. Petting zoo on the weekends. Take a visit with a trip to the pumpkin field filled with Abbey Farms grown pumpkins ready for carving! Visit www.abbeyfarms.org.

"Halloween Walk With a Twist": Through Oct. 31. Cary-Grove Chamber of Commerce invites trick-or-treaters to stop by participating businesses in Cary and Fox River Grove. The businesses will have candy waiting and will stamp your passport card. Passport cards and a list of participating businesses are available at carygrovechamber.com or at the chamber office, 445 Park Ave. in Cary, for pickup. All complete cards should be returned to the chamber office on or before Friday, Nov. 6. These will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 shopping spree at Walmart. For questions, call (847) 639-2800 or email info@carygrovechamber.com.

Spooky Windows Illusions: Through Nov. 1 at the Algonquin Commons, 1900 South Randall Road. The mall has created a number of illusions around the mall in storefronts that are spooky fun for all ages. Everything from haunted pirate ghosts, to ghouls dancing the night away can be spotted in storefronts throughout the mall. The illusions change weekly and can be viewed every evening from your car or on foot. The free hauntings begin nightly at 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Wear a protective mask, practice social distancing, and washing and sanitizing your hands often. Visit shopatalgonquincommons.com/events-promotions or www.facebook.com/AlgCommons/.

Randall Oaks Zoo's annual Fall Festival: Through Nov. 1, at the zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road in West Dundee. The zoo will be decorated for fall with special fall activities for visitors to enjoy. Pumpkins will be available for purchase during your visit. Regular admission fees apply. Event activities are subject to change and weather dependent. There will be "Pumpkin Enrichment for the Animals" at 12:30 p.m. daily, with pumpkins and fall treats for sale. On the weekends, there will be bonfires from noon to 5 p.m., animal shows at 10:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m., as well as free crafts for kids. Hayrides are $3 per person; kids age 1 or under are free. Due to capacity limits, reservations are required at www.signupgenius.com/go/805044FABAD28A3FC1-randall. Reservations must be made online before your visit, and times are available every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a maximum of 15 people per time slot. The zoo closes at 5 p.m. daily. Daily admission price is $3.75 per Dundee Township Park District resident, $4.50 per nonresident or free for age 1 or under. It will be conducted rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather. Customers are required to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth (exceptions can be made for people with medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from safely wearing a face covering). Stop by the petting zoo area to interact with the goats and visit the gift shop stand. Pony rides will not be operating at this time. Visit www.dtpd.org/fall_festival/.

Goebbert's Pumpkin Cannons: Every hour starting at 11:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. daily at Goebbert's, 42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove. The Pumpkin Eating Dinosaur will be chomping pumpkins from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Oct. 31. Online tickets required at goebbertspumpkinpatch.com.

Goebbert's Light Show: 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday, at Goebbert's, 42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove. Stay in your car and turn on the radio. $5 per person or $20 per car; cash or credit card accepted. Online tickets required at goebbertspumpkinpatch.com.

Pumpkin Park: Downtown gazebo in Crystal Lake is all decked out with pumpkins through Oct. 31. Stop by for an unusual and fun photo opportunity. Once you've taken the perfect picture, post it on Facebook or Instagram and tag it with #CLPumpkinPark. downtowncl.org.

Haunted history virtual tour: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays through Oct. 31. Author and Mysterious Chicago Tours host Adam Selzer leads a live, virtual walkabout tour via Zoom that explores the Lincoln Park Zoo's cemetery roots and its haunted history. $15, $13.50 for zoo members. See lpzoo.org/calendar.

Brookfield Zoo Dinos Everywhere!: Closes Nov. 1. Featuring more than 40 animatronic dinosaurs across the entire zoo. Did you know Brookfield Zoo is an accredited arboretum? Come see the blazing oranges, reds and yellows in the changing fall foliage. Dress up and pose for a selfie! Kids are encouraged to wear costumes to the park in celebration of the Halloween season. Each week, the zoo will give away prizes to guests who snap a selfie at one of the selfie stations and share it on social media with the hashtag #BrookfieldZoo. Participating guests will be entered to win special bonus prizes. Zoo is open at 25% capacity. Admission is $17.95 to $24.95; prices vary. For information, visit www.czs.org/fallatbrookfieldzoo.

Sugar Skull City: Through Nov. 15 and with Day of the Dead events during First Fridays on Nov. 6 in downtown Aurora. Sugar Skull City is a monthlong event for all ages with virtual, crowd-free, and self-guided, in person activities that respect both COVID-19 state guidelines and an honored cultural and local tradition. Find sugar skull art in store windows, participate in a downtown scavenger hunt and online activities, visit businesses throughout the month for Day of the Dead merchandise and specials, watch educational videos, and more. Find out more at sugarskullcity.com.