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Archive for the ‘Entertainment’ Category

Cole Rogerson works on a graphic organizer during a seventh-grade English language arts class on Sept. 25, 2026, at Hinckley Big-Rock Middle School in Big Rock. The school banned cellphones and aims for their students to do more work on paper. | Dominic Di Palermo/for the Aurora Beacon-News

By Molly Morrow  | Aurora Beacon-News

Before Hinckley-Big Rock banned cellphones, things looked a lot different at the district’s three schools. Students were using their phones throughout the school day, and there was more technology-based discipline and concern about kids recording each other without permission, school leadership says.

Even during lunch, students would often be on their cellphones.

“They would sit next to each other, but they wouldn’t be interacting with each other,” Becky Lauer, Hinckley-Big Rock High School’s principal, recalled.

In the fall of 2024, when the district implemented a strict no-cellphone policy, that all changed.

It was an adjustment — and an awkward one, at that, according to Lauer. But, in time, the high-schoolers got used to it.

Nowadays, the high school cafeteria’s a lot louder. But it’s a good kind of noise, she says.

Hinckley-Big-Rock was among the Illinois school districts that banned or restricted cellphone use well before the passage of state legislation that will prohibit students in Illinois public schools from using cellphones throughout the day starting next school year.

Brantley Karns, right, works on a graphic organizer while paraprofessional Rebekah Hett helps Micah Simonson with his work during a seventh-grade English language arts class on Sept. 25, 2026, at Hinckley Big-Rock Middle School in Big Rock. | Dominic Di Palermo/for the Aurora Beacon-News

But Hinckley-Big Rock decided to take it a step further this year, shifting away from all students having their own personal computers and instead housing district computers at school for them to be shared. In tandem with that change, administrators and teachers describe a general reduction in computer use in the classroom district-wide.

Generally speaking, students are now doing lots of reading and assignments on paper. Rough drafts of essays are being handwritten, with only the final copy typed up. The school is even looking to switch back to paper standardized tests, staff say.

Handwriting’s back, too, with more focused instruction than had been offered in recent years.

Article continues here.

Related: “Barrington parents ask District 220 to reduce students’ screen time”

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The Morton Arboretum’s Glass Pumpkin Patch returns Friday through Sunday, Oct. 9-11, in Lisle. | Bev Horne/Daily Herald

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Oct. 9

Glass Pumpkin Patch: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 9-11, at The Morton Arboretum’s west lawn, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. More than 8,000 one-of-a-kind glass pumpkins in traditional and unique colors, shapes and sizes. Glassblowing and flameworking demonstrations. Rain or shine. Presale viewing from 10-11 a.m. Friday. Tickets: mortonarb.org

Windycon 52: Noon to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, 9300 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont. “Sanctuary Under the Stars” with sci-fi and fantasy panels, author guests, gaming, a vendor hall and an art show. Three-day: $50; $30 for Friday only, $50 for Saturday only and $20 for Sunday only. Free for kids 12 and younger. windycon.org.

Godfrey: 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9-10, and 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Stand-up comedy. $39.77-$52.62. improv.com/chicago.

Jerry Seinfeld will perform Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9-10, at the Chicago Theatre. | Phil McCarten/AP

Jerry Seinfeld: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, and 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Stand-up comedy. Tickets start at $73.70. msg.com.

ETC’s “The Thanksgiving Play”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Elgin Art Showcase, 220 DuPage St., Elgin. A satire about woke but clueless artists attempting to stage a Thanksgiving pageant with disastrous results. General admission (no reserved seats). $23-$25. elgin-theatre.org/next-production

“From Dust”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9-10, at the Lodge Performing Arts Center, 18 Villa Court, Elgin. Point2point productions’ performance of Eli Campbell’s original work about a doomsday prepper building an underground bunker. Donated pantry goods will be used as props to fill the production’s underground bunker and then be donated to PADS of Elgin after the production closes. $15 plus a $2 service fee per ticket. schaumburgonstage.org/point2pointproductions.

Lucy’s Comedy: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Curated by comic and radio personality John DaCosse. Headliner Mike Marvel featuring Joanna Clark and hosted by Mike Preston. Tickets start at $29. Rauecenter.org.

Saturday, Oct. 10

Barrington Fall Wine Walk: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, check-in at Neoteca, 130 S. Hough St., Barrington. Attendees must check in to receive a souvenir wine glass, Wine Walk tour map and sample tracking sheet. One sample is available at each stop. $50. barringtonchamber.com.

Collect-A-Con: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Trading card, anime and pop culture convention. Scheduled guests include Steve Aoki, Justin Briner, Johnny Bosch, Kyle Herbert, Monica Rial and more. Tickets start at $48.37 for Saturday, $43.22 for Sunday, $63.82 for both days, and free for kids 7 and younger. collectaconusa.com.

Pumpkin Train: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10-11, at Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union. Ride to the pumpkin patch aboard a Halloween-themed electric interurban train. Pick a pumpkin, photos ops, and see an antique farm tractor and hay wagon. $11-$20. irm.org.

“Ofrenda comunitaria del Día de Muertos” exhibit opening: 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 10, in Gail Borden Public Library’s Meadows Community Rooms, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Learn more about this Mexican cultural tradition. In English and Spanish. gailborden.info.

Autumn Harvest: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at North School Park, 307 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights. Crafts, games, hayrides, a scarecrow-building contest, live music, entertainment and more. Food for purchase, including Garibaldi’s Pizza, Kori’s Koop and Poppin’ T’s Kettlecorn. Free. ahpd.org.

DIY Scarecrow Day: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, behind Fred Astaire Dance Studio, 342 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Build a custom scarecrow using clothing and accessories. Register in advance. $10 per scarecrow. longgrove.org/festival/october-days.

St. Olaf Orchestra in Concert: 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Elgin Community College Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Richard Strauss’ “Death and Transfiguration,” Danzon No. 2 by Arturo Marquez and Hungarian Dances No. 2 by Johannes Brahms. $10; free for students and kids. tickets.eccartscenter.org.

The Illinois Orchid Society Fall Show & Sale comes to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10-11. | Daily Herald

Illinois Orchid Society Fall Show & Sale: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10-11, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Presented by the Illinois Orchid Society, this show will feature artistically arranged tabletop displays from the rarest of species to cultivated hybrids. Individual orchids in 128 classes will vie for ribbons. Illinois Orchid Society offers orchid plants for sale as well as repotting services. Included with general admission. chicagobotanic.org.

Ghost Story Train: 5, 6:15 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, off Route 31, South Elgin. Ride a spooky trolley to the haunted forest preserve for family-friendly frights, including stories around the campfire with treats from Margie’s Girls’ Kitchen. A ghostly musician will lead campfire songs. Costumes welcome. $20. Register at foxtrolley.org/Ghost-Story-Train.

GreenRoom Improv: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Clean, high-energy improv comedy. $17-$24. greenroomimprov.com

Elgin Symphony Orchestra season opener: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Pianist Drew Peterson will perform Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1. Also on the program: Copland’s “Four Dance Episodes” from “Rodeo” and Stravinsky’s “Symphony in Three Movements.” Tickets: elginsymphony.org.

Sunday, Oct. 11

Barrington Hills Fall Festival: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at Barrington Hills Park District Riding Center, 361 Bateman Road, Barrington Hills. Live music by the Sons of Bildor, food, family-friendly events and activities such as pony rides, mechanical bull riding, animal exhibitions and more. Free. barringtonhills-il.gov/fall-fest

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Food vendors, live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Pumpkin Splash: 1-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at The Club, 5050 Sedge Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Swim in the pumpkin patch pool to find a pumpkin. Includes pumpkin decorations and a treat for kids. $10-$12. heparks.org.

Monday, Oct. 12

The Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake will host An Evening With David Sedaris Monday, Oct. 12. | Evan Agostini/AP

An Evening With David Sedaris: 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. A night of wit, wisdom and storytelling with the acclaimed humorist. Tickets start at $84. Rauecenter.org.

Wednesday, Oct. 14

Critics Classics: 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Elk Grove Theatre, 1050 Elk Grove Town Center, Elk Grove Village. Hosted by the Chicago Film Critics Association. See “Christine.” $9 or $7 matinee; $7-$6 for 60 and older, $1.50 booking fee. classiccinemas.com.

Movies on the Green: Dusk, no later than 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Centennial Green at the Mount Prospect Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. See “Wicked.” Bring blankets and chairs. Free. mpdowntown.com/events

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns: 6-10:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, Oct. 14-18 and 21-25, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. See hand-carved, LED-lit jack-o’-lanterns staged along a festive paved pathway featuring characters and live pumpkin carving. $20-$24 for adults, $13-$17 for kids 3-12, and free for kids younger than 3. chicagobotanic.org/halloween.

Thursday, Oct. 15

Maureen Corrigan’s “Leave Me Alone, I’m Reading”: 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Woodstock Fine Arts Association’s 63rd Annual Creative Living Series features the book critic for NPR’s “Fresh Air.” $33. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Carve & Cocktails: 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at 10 North, 10 N. Roselle Road, Roselle. 21-and-older event pairs pumpkin carving with a craft cocktail class by a professional bartender. Pumpkin and carving kit included. Register by Oct. 13. $45-$50. rparks.org.

Ongoing

“Defining US, The 250th Anniversary of the United States” exhibit: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through April 10, 2027, at the DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. Exhibit examines how wars, elections, protests and cultural changes resonated in DuPage County. Free; donations of $5 or $2 for kids and seniors appreciated. dupagemuseum.org/visit.

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Nov. 1, at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, camel rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on weekends. $20 on weekdays, $24 in advance online, and $27 at the door on weekends and Columbus Day. Extra fees for some activities. goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

Randall Oaks Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Nov. 1, at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Pedal tractors, pumpkin enrichments for the animals, pumpkins and fall treats for sale, and on weekends, hayrides for $3. $7; free for kids 1 and younger and U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/fall-festival.

Dinos! at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 25 at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. See 35 life-sized dinosaurs and more. $20.95-$29.95 and free for kids 2 and younger. brookfieldzoo.org/events

Boo! at the Zoo: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends through Oct. 25, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Family-friendly Halloween celebration with not-so-scary thrills, festive decorations and more. Included with admission. brookfieldzoo.org/BooAtTheZoo

Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays, though Oct. 31, at Didier Farms, 16678 Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire. Amusement rides, pony and camel rides, Animal Land Zoo, corn maze, fall merchandise, pumpkin sales, fall treats and more. Free entry; fees for rides and attractions. happytimespumpkinfest.com

Richardson Sunflower Fields: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1, at Richardson Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, observation tower, sunflower field, zip line, zorbing, pig races and more. $26, $22 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and younger. richardsonadventurefarm.com.

Jack-O’-Lantern World: Time slots available usually starting around 6:10 p.m. and running through 10:15 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Nov. 1, at Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Walk through an immersive, interactive trail featuring over 20 themed worlds with thousands of jack-o’-lanterns hand-carved by over 50 artisans. Daytime experience available from 1-5 p.m. Oct. 10, 17 and 24. $17.99-$29.99; daytime experience $14.99. thejackolanternworld.com/lakezurich.

“Ride the Cyclone”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 25, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. The Spirits of St. Cassian High School Chamber Choir return in this musical. $25-$49. metropolisarts.com.

“Come From Away”: Various times Wednesdays through Sundays, through Oct. 18, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Based on the true story of the time when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, on Sept. 11, 2001. Tickets start at $78.10. marriotttheatre.com.

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: Fridays through Sundays, through Nov. 1, at Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee. Thrills by day and frights by night with haunted houses, scare zones, spine-chilling shows and rides. Tickets start at $45. For dates and hours, visit sixflags.com/greatamerica/events.

Find much more here.

 

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By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Barrington’s Catlow Theatre has seen many changes since the Long family purchased the iconic movie house.

Now, in addition to the dramatic cosmetic changes that are transforming the Catlow, the theater is seeing a change in ownership.

The Long family is donating the theater to the Catlow 1927 Foundation, which will handle the theater’s management and programming. All proceeds from performances, events, movie showings, and private rentals will support operations, according to the foundation’s website, catlow1927.org.

Barrington businessman and property owner Brian Long, the foundation’s president, made the announcement Tuesday during a tour of the nearly century-old theater, which followed a reception at Barrington’s White House.

Long said the foundation will operate the theater on a business basis, believing it will survive for generations to come. The foundation keeps about five years of operating expenses in reserve, he said.

He said it was always the master plan to have the theater foundation owned and operated. Now that the fundraising effort has raised half its $6 million goal, the family is comfortable the foundation can stand on its own.

Brian and Julianne Long purchased the theater for just under $500,000 in 2022.

Article continues here.

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The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival includes two large pumpkin walls, pumpkin carving, live music, food, costume contests and more. | Ripple Public Relations

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Oct. 2

MainStreet Libertyville’s First Fridays: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, on Main Street in Libertyville. Music, refreshments and more. Free. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival and Skeletons on Display: 4-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, in downtown Highwood. Pumpkin carving, nightly lightings of pumpkin-filled walls, music, carnival and more. Music lineup: Friday: Black Diamond Sessions at 7:30 p.m. and Antler Chandelier at 8 p.m.; Saturday: Roger That at 5 p.m., Navy Band Great Lakes “Horizon” Rock Band at 6 p.m. and Davidson County at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday: Daddy Wasn’t There at 5 p.m. and Mr. Blotto at 6 p.m. Free. highwoodpumpkinfest.com.

Night at the Museum: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at the DuPage County Historical Museum auditorium, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. Screening of “Cars,” a flashlight scavenger hunt and more. Halloween costumes encouraged. The DuPage Society of Model Engineers will host a train demonstration. $22.58. Register: dupagemuseum.org/events.

Comedian Bill Burr will perform Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2-3, at the Chicago Theatre. (Chris Pizzello/AP)

Bill Burr: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, and 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Stand-up comedy. Tickets start at $73.35. msg.com

“From Dust”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 2-3 and 9-10; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4; and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Lodge Performing Arts Center, 18 Villa Court, Elgin. Eli Campbell’s original work about a doomsday prepper building an underground bunker performed by point2point productions. Donated pantry goods will be used as props to fill the production’s underground bunker and then be donated to PADS of Elgin after the production closes. $15 plus a $2 service fee per ticket. schaumburgonstage.org/point2pointproductions.

GreenRoom Productions First Friday Improv: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at the Hemmens Theater in the Round, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Family-friendly improv show. $15-$22. greenroomimprov.com.

Saturday, Oct. 3

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. eastdundee.net

Boo at the Zoo: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, Oct. 3-25, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Family-friendly Halloween celebration with not-so-scary thrills, festive decorations and more. Included with admission. brookfieldzoo.org/BooAtTheZoo.

South Elgin Pet Costume Parade: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at SEBA Park, 151 S. Water St., South Elgin. Parade begins at 10 a.m. along the sidewalk on South Water Street. Categories: scariest, cutest, funniest and best owner/pet costume. Pets must be leashed. Come early for the Pumpkin Patch Festival. Register on-site from 9-9:50 a.m. southelgin.com/petparade

Cider & Ale Festival: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Tasting booths offer more than 60 different ciders and ales from 30 local breweries and cideries along Meadow Lake Trail, the Conifer Walk and the Frost Hill walking path. Tasting tickets include 20 3-ounce samples. No general admission. $75-$85; designated driver $35; and $12 for kids 4-17. Tickets: mortonarb.org

The Legions of Craft Beer Festival returns to Gurnee American Legion Post 771 Saturday, Oct. 3. (Village of Gurnee)

Gurnee Legions of Craft Beer Festival: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at American Legion Post 771, 749 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee. Over 50 craft beers, hard ciders and food trucks. Big Brother’s Vinyl will perform. Net proceeds go to the Friends of the Gurnee American Legion. Advance tickets $50 or $60 with bourbon, $60 at the door, designated driver $10. gurneelegionsofbeer.com.

Melodeers Harmony Showcase: 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Harper College Performing Arts Center, 1200 Algonquin Road, Building R, Palatine. The Melodeers will perform and the quartets, Prism and Stiletto, will join them. $20, $10 for kids 12 and younger. melodeers.org

Pumpkin Walk: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Mike Rylko Community Park, 1000 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove. Over 100 lighted pumpkins, including two professionally carved pumpkins. Watch a live demonstration by a professional pumpkin carver, plus entertainment and a lightning bug craft. $10. Registration required. bgparks.org/pumpkin-walk.

Fleetwood Max re-creates the music of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake. (Todd Heintz Photography)

Fleetwood Max: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. An authentic re-creation of the music and stage production of Fleetwood Mac. $59-$69. Rauecenter.org.

Sunday, Oct. 4

Walneck’s Motorcycle Swap Meet: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at the McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock. New and used motorcycle parts of all types and brands, leathers, sewing, jewelry, toys and more. Rain or shine. $10 for 15 and older. walneckswap.com.

Great Midwest Train Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds Buildings 1-3, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Over 300 tables of new and used model trains, accessories, parts and more for sale. $8, free for kids 11 and younger. greenbergshows.com or dupagecountyfair.org.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Food vendors, live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Autumn Harvest Festival: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Heritage Farm at Spring Valley, 201 S. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg. Demonstrations of 19th-century farm life, kids’ crafts and games, pumpkin decorating, live music, food and beverages and more. $5 per person or $20 per family; free for kids 2 and younger. parkfun.com.

Octoberfest: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Meineke Park, 220 E. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg. Food, drinks and live entertainment. Free. parkfun.com.

Civil War Solider Encampment: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, on the lawn of the Durant House Museum located at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. Civil War reenactors from the 19th Illinois and 6th Wisconsin Units host displays of equipment and demonstrations of camp life and cooking rations. At this hands-on event, visitors can handle equipment, try on uniforms and taste 1860s cooking. At 2:30 p.m., kids can learn drills from experienced soldiers and practice as a regiment. Durant House and Sholes School Museums will be open. $3 or $1 for kids 18 and younger. ppfv.org/durant-house-museum.

Oktoberfest: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Twin Lakes Recreational Area, 1200 E. Twin Lakes Drive, Palatine. Games, hayrides, raffles and more. Live music by Die Musikmeisters. Food for purchase includes bratwurst with sauerkraut, German potato salad and Oktoberfest beer. Donate five nonperishable food items to receive a free pumpkin, or buy one for $5. Free. saltcreekpd.com.

Annual Authors Fair: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, in the Gail Borden Public Library’s Alft River Room, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Meet local authors, who will be signing and selling their books. gailborden.info/authors.

Concert Pianist Drew Petersen: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Solo recital. $39.19, free for kids 18 and younger with a paid adult. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Watch What Crappens: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at The Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago. Bravo recap and gossip podcast presents the “In The Mix Tour.” Tickets start at $69.16. jamusa.com

Tuesday, Oct. 6

Feelin’ Groovy: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Michael Mahler sings Paul Simon. $45. metropolisarts.com.

Wednesday, Oct. 7

Joan Curto’s “Both Sides Now”: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Elgin Community College Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The acclaimed vocalist and her all-star band celebrate the timeless artistry of singer-songwriters from the 1960s to the ’80s. $35. tickets.eccartscenter.org.

Cantigny’s Live Music in the Beer Garden: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 7-11, at Cantigny Park South Grove, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Live music in the beer garden, near the Visitors Center. Music begins at 5:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted). Beer garden hours: 4:30-9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Wednesday: Craig Allen, Thursday: Downtown Charlie Brown, Friday: Return 2 Soul, Sunday: The Thomas Linsk Trio (3 p.m.) Included with admission. cantigny.org.

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns returns Wednesdays through Sundays, Oct. 7-25, at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. (Chicago Botanic Garden)

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns: 6-10:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, Oct. 7-11, 14-18 and 21-25, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. See hand-carved, LED-lit jack-o’-lanterns staged along a festive paved pathway featuring characters and live pumpkin carving. $20-$24 for adults, $13-$17 for kids 3-12, and free for kids younger than 3. chicagobotanic.org/halloween.

Thursday, Oct. 8

Vernon Hills Scarecrow Fest: 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at Century Park Pavilion, 1400 Indianwood Drive, Vernon Hills. Build and decorate a scarecrow; bring clothes and accessories to decorate with. Snack is included. $25 per group. Register at vhparkdistrict.org/event/scarecrow-fest.

Witches Night Out: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8. Check in at The Village Tavern, 135 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Downtown businesses will offer specials, discounts, giveaways and more. Register at longgrove.org/festival/october-days.

Chelsea Handler brings “The High and Mighty Tour” to the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan on Thursday, Oct. 8. (Chris Pizzello/AP)

Chelsea Handler: 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. “The High and Mighty Tour.” Tickets start at $85.10. geneseetheatre.com.

Ongoing

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Nov. 1, at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, camel rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on weekends. $20 on weekdays, $24 in advance online, and $27 at the door on weekends and Columbus Day. Extra fees for some activities. goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

Randall Oaks Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Nov. 1, at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Pedal tractors, pumpkin enrichments for the animals, pumpkins and fall treats for sale, and on weekends, hayrides for $3. $7; free for kids 1 and younger and U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/fall-festival.

Richardson Sunflower Fields: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1, at Richardson Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, observation tower, sunflower field, zip line, zorbing, pig races and more. $26, $22 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and younger. richardsonadventurefarm.com.

“Ride the Cyclone”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 25, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. The Spirits of St. Cassian High School Chamber Choir return in this musical. $25-$49. metropolisarts.com.

“Come From Away”: Various times Wednesdays through Sundays, through Oct. 18, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Based on the true story of the time when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, on Sept. 11, 2001. Tickets start at $78.10. marriotttheatre.com.

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: Fridays through Sundays, through Nov. 1, at Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Drive, Gurnee. Thrills by day and frights by night with haunted houses, scare zones, spine-chilling shows and rides. Tickets start at $45. For dates and hours, visit sixflags.com/greatamerica/events.

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The Long Grove Apple Fest runs Friday through Sunday, Sept. 25-27

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Sept. 25

Alzheimer’s Fundraising Pancake Breakfast: 8-10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Rakow Center’s Adult Activities Center, 665 Barrington Ave, Carpentersville. In honor of World Alzheimer’s Day that was Monday, Sept. 21, this all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast benefits the Alzheimer’s Association. $5 (cash only). dtpd.org.

Long Grove Apple Fest: Noon to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Apple treats such as apple pies, doughnuts, caramel-dipped and candied apples, apple wine, sangria and more. Plus pie-eating contests, family activities, performances and more. Music lineup: Friday: Ipod Music at noon, The Gingers at 4:30 p.m., No More Tears at 6:30 p.m. and Kashmir at 9 p.m.; Saturday: The Acousticholics at noon, American Idiots at 1:45 p.m., Santeria at 3:30 p.m., Jagged Little Pill at 5:15 p.m., Our Name is Jonas at 7 p.m. and 7th heaven at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: the Battle of the Bands winner at noon, 2nd Hand News at 2 p.m. and American English at 4 p.m. $7, free for kids 12 and younger. Longgrovle.org/festival/apple-fest.

Downtown Elgin Market: 3-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, on South Riverside Drive, Elgin. Farmers, makers, live music, Sip N’ Shop and kids’ activities. LINK Matching program. downtownelgin.com/market.

Laura Mateja of Prost performs during the 2024 Bartlett Oktoberfest festival. This year’s event will be Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25-26, at Bartlett’s Leiseberg Park. | Brian Hill/Daily Herald

Bartlett Oktoberfest: 4-10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, and 1-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Leiseberg Park, 325 E. Devon Ave., Bartlett. Live music, kids’ activities, exhibitor booths, beer and food for purchase and more. Tapping of the Golden Keg on Friday. Family activities from 1-5 p.m. Saturday. Free. bartlettoktoberfest.com.

Hillbilly Rockstarz will perform at Cary Main Street Fest, which runs Friday through Sunday, Sept. 25-27, in downtown Cary, and at Meadows Fest Friday through Sunday, Sept. 25-27, in Rolling Meadows’ Kimball Hill Park. | Hillbilly Rockstarz

Cary Main Street Fest: 5-9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25; 1-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26; and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, on Main Street in downtown Cary. Live music, food trucks, family stage, beverage tents, Chicago Trivia Guys and family activities. Saturday: Family area from 1-7:30 p.m. and bags tournament from 3:30-7:30 p.m. ($50 per team). Sunday: Main Street Fest 5K at 8:30 a.m., community breakfast ($10) from 9 a.m. to noon, farmers market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Music lineup: Friday: Hillbilly Rockstarz at 5:30 p.m. and Pino Farina Band at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: Onset Rock Band at 1:30 p.m., Nashville Electric Co. at 3:30 p.m., There Goes the Neighborhood at 5:30 p.m., and Mike & Joe at 7:30 p.m. Free.

Explore the car show during the Huntley Fall Fest running Friday through Sunday, Sept. 25-27, at Deicke Park. | John Starks/Daily Herald

Huntley Fall Fest: 5-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Deicke Park, 11419 S. Route 47, Huntley. Live music, beer garden, food vendors, a carnival midway, model train display, scarecrow building and contest and fall activities. All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 7-11 a.m. Saturday ($12, free for kids 12 and younger with a paid adult). Car show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Craft/business show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tractor Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Fireworks at 8:45 p.m. Saturday. Music: Friday: The Diffused Blues Band at 6:15 p.m. and 7th heaven at 9 p.m.; Saturday: Polly Says at 1:45 p.m., 1, 2 Many Last Night at 3:45 p.m., Infinity at 6:15 p.m. and The Lounge Puppets at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: Todd Donnelly/Mr. Myers Band at noon, Anchors Away at 2:15 p.m. and Cadillac Groove at 5 p.m. huntleyfallfest.com

Oktoberfest: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, and 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Scarecrow display and contest, artisan market, inflatables, family activities, food, drinks and more. Beer Stein Holding Contest at 7 p.m. Saturday. Music lineup: Friday: Polkaholics from 5-7 p.m. and The 1985 from 8-10 p.m.; and Saturday: Ed Wagner’s Brass Band at 2 p.m., Big City Nights at 5 p.m. and Bon Journeyed at 8 p.m. Free. eastdundee.net.

Oktoberfest in Libertyville: 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25-26, at Mickey Finn’s Brewery, 345 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Live music, seasonal brews, food and traditional Bavarian bier sports such as Hammerschlagen or Masskrugstemmen (stein holding). Tickets start at $28.52 at eventbrite.com

Elgin Fringe Festival: 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25; 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. Fringe Central is at Side Street Studio gallery, 15 Ziegler Court, Elgin. Nearly 90 performances showcasing local and national talent in dance, theater, comedy, music, magic, circus, storytelling, experimental multimedia and more. Plus, a visual art exhibition, outdoor shows and themed parties. Tickets: Free to $12, with $4 entry buttons and an all-access pass for $95. For tickets and a schedule, see elginfringefestival.com.

Hollywood Revisited: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. A concert pianist and curator at the Hollywood Museum, collector Greg Schreiner guides audiences through a nostalgic celebration of classic film glamour with costumes worn by stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Julie Andrews, Gene Kelly and Judy Garland. $16.50-$22. hemmens.org/tickets or (847) 931-5900.

Saturday, Sept. 26

Tailgate Swap: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Fox Valley Aero Club field, 3831 Karl Madsen Drive, St. Charles. Radio-controlled planes, helicopters, boats, cards and accessories. Vendor fee applies. foxvalleyaero.com/events.

Watch dance performances during Celebración de los Árboles Saturday and Sunday at The Morton Arboretum. | Hailey Hoffman/The Morton Arboretum

Celebración de los Árboles: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26-27, at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Music, dance, food, storytelling and cultural performances celebrating Hispanic heritage. Included with admission. mortonarb.org.

Randall Oaks Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Sept. 26 through Nov. 1, at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Pedal tractors, pumpkin enrichments for the animals, pumpkins and fall treats for sale, and on weekends, hayrides for $3. $7; free for kids 1 and younger and U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/fall-festival.

Hispanic Heritage Fest: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Festive entertainment, special activities, and learn more about the rich traditions and cultures being celebrated. Included with admission. brookfieldzoo.org

Johnny Appleseed Festival: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, in Depot Park, 100 W. Woodstock St., and Williams Street, Crystal Lake. Taste of Downtown is from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The craft fair will be on Williams Street. Great Ball Race at 3 p.m. at Williams and Brink. The fastest ball down the street and through the funnel wins $1,000. $5 per ball or $10 for three balls. downtowncl.org/events/johnny-appleseed-festival/

Huntley Fall Fest Pedal for Paws car show: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Deicke Park, 11419 S. Route 47, Huntley. 18th annual fundraising event open to all vehicles 1989 or older and 1990 and newer modern American muscle cars. Car clubs welcome. Car registration from 9-11 a.m. for $20 per vehicle. Boy Scout Troop 153 will be selling food. Benefits Animal Services & Assistance Program Inc. in Marengo. huntleyfallfest.com.

Barks & Brews: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Heritage Park Performance Pavilion, 201 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Activities, entertainment, giveaways, local vendors and more. All pets must be leashed. $10, $20 (includes two beer tickets and a snack) for 21 and older. wheelingparkdistrict.com

Tacos and Tequila Festival: 1:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Northwestern Medicine Field, 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva. The 21-and-older event features tacos, craft margaritas, tequila shot bars, Chihuahua beauty pageant, Lucha Libre wrestling, exotic car showcase, art installations and more. Lineup: Three 6 Mafia, Ja Rule, Rick Ross, Ginuwine, Zxibit, Chamillionaire, Yung Joc, Frankie J, Mims and DJ Ashton Martin. $73 or $67 for two; VIP $147. TacosandTequilaChicago.com

The Morton Arboretum walking play: 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26-27, starting at Thornhill Shelter at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. A retelling of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights.” It runs approximately 90 minutes and includes a 1.5-mile walk, with no intermission. Suitable for 12 and older, with some dark themes and mild violence. $27 for 18 and older or $17 for kids 2-17. mortonarb.org.

AEW All Out: 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the NOW Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Wrestling. Tickets start at $141.91. nowarena.com

BritBeat The Immersive Beatles Experience: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Elgin Community College Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The show reimagines the magic of The Beatles. Pre-show dinner, prepared by ECC culinary students, at 5 p.m. at Spartan Terrace Restaurant for $35; wine and beer for purchase. Show tickets:ad $45. tickets.eccartscenter.org

WWE/AAA/NXT Worlds Collide: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Wrestling featuring CM Punk, Rey Mysterio and El Grande Americano vs. Omos, JD McDonagh and Dominik Mysterio; Penta and Rey Fenix vs. Perros and Del Mal; Las Toxicas vs. Fatal Influence; Dragon Lee vs. Jack Cartwheel; Dumber vs. Dumb and more. Tickets start at $57.10. rosemont.com/allstate

Sunday, Sept. 27

Barkapalooza and Rescue Fest: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St., Lisle. West Suburban Humane Society’s 33rd annual 5K run and 1-mile walk, with Rescue Fest, Barkminster Pet Contest, and vendor and food truck fair. Proceeds will benefit the dogs and cats of the shelter. $25-$35 for races or $20 per car for Rescue Fest entry. charity.pledgeit.org/barkapalooza.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Food vendors, live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. Free. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

A car and truck show is part of Shermerfest at Village Green Park in Northbrook Sunday, Sept. 27. | Joe Lewnard/Daily Herald

Shermerfest: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Village Green Park, Shermer and Meadow roads, Northbrook. Car and truck show, CARavan parade at 10:30 a.m., “Chalk Up Northbrook,” food, live music, Rubber Ducky Race at 3 p.m. and more. Free. northbrookhistory.org

Old Town School of Folk Music’s Lamajamal: 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Global folk music. $28.52, free for 18 and younger with paid adult. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Monday, Sept. 28

Paws in the Park Day: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Visiting dogs should be social butterflies. Bring proof of up-to-date vaccinations. Dogs must remain on leashes and accompanied at all times. Sanitation stations will be set up around the park. Parking: $6. cantigny.org

Wednesday, Sept. 30

Cantigny’s Live Music in the Beer Garden: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, Sept. 30 through Oct. 4, at Cantigny Park South Grove, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Live music in the beer garden, near the Visitors Center. Music begins at 5:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted). Beer garden hours: 4:30-9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Lineup: Wednesday: Joe Fascetta; Thursday: Rozzie & Brian Duo; Friday: The Frank Russell Trio; Sunday: Juke Box Heroes (3 p.m.). Included with admission. cantigny.org.

Bill Burr Live: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Stand-up comedy. Tickets start at $73.35. msg.com

Emily Rohm and the Jane Doe Traveling Show: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Original songs from her solo album, classic show tunes and songs from the musical “Ride the Cyclone.” $40. metropolisarts.com.

Thursday, Oct. 1

Stephanie Walker

Cocktails & Conversation: The Art of the Script with Stephanie Walker: 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Join playwright Stephanie Walker for cocktails and a look inside her new play before its world premiere at Steppenwolf Theatre. Bar opens at 4:30 p.m., talk begins at 5 p.m. $28.52. barringtonswhitehouse.com

ETC’s “The Thanksgiving Play”: Opening at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, and continuing at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 1-11, at Elgin Art Showcase, 220 DuPage St., Elgin. A satire about woke but clueless artists attempting to stage a Thanksgiving pageant with disastrous results. General admission (no reserved seats). $23-$25. elgin-theatre.org/next-production.

Live at the White House: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Five-time Grammy nominee Christian Sands performs modern jazz. $39.19, free for 18 and younger with a paid adult. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Ongoing

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Nov. 1, at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, camel rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on weekends. $20 on weekdays; $24 in advance online and $27 at the door on weekends and Columbus Day. Extra fees for some activities. goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

Dinos! at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 25 at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. See 35 life-sized dinosaurs and more. $20.95-$29.95 and free for kids 2 and younger. brookfieldzoo.org/events

Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays, though Oct. 31, at Didier Farms, 16678 Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire. Amusement rides, pony and camel rides, Animal Land Zoo, corn maze, fall merchandise, pumpkin sales, fall treats and more. Free entry; fees for rides and attractions. happytimespumpkinfest.com

Richardson Sunflower Fields: 3-11 p.m. Fridays in September; plus 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1, at Richardson Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, observation tower, sunflower field, zip line, zorbing, pig races and more. $26, $22 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and younger. richardsonadventurefarm.com.

“Ride the Cyclone”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 25, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. The Spirits of St. Cassian High School Chamber Choir return in this musical. $25-$49. metropolisarts.com.

“Come From Away”: Various times Wednesdays through Sundays, through Oct. 18, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Based on the true story of the time when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, on Sept. 11, 2001. Tickets start at $78.10. marriotttheatre.com.

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: Fridays through Sundays, through Nov. 1, at Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Drive, Gurnee. Thrills by day and frights by night with haunted houses, scare zones, spine-chilling shows and rides. Tickets start at $45. For dates and hours, visit sixflags.com/greatamerica/events.

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“Many of you have asked when is Durty Nellie’s last official day open? It is now official. October 4th will be our last day. Until then we have some great live music and good times to enjoy.

Stop in and reminisce and say goodbye to Jimmy, the family, the staff and all of our friends. We are grateful for all the love and support we have had from our patrons over the years. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And as the Irish say ‘Slainte’”

Source: Durty Nellie’s Facebook

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Join one of the many pie-eating contest at Long Grove’s Apple Fest, running Friday through Sunday, September 25-27.

Submitted by Jody Grimaldi

There is a certain point each year when summer starts to soften, the air turns a little crisper and Historic Downtown Long Grove begins to feel like fall.

That moment arrives with the return of Apple Fest Friday through Sunday, Sept. 25-27, bringing a weekend of apple-inspired food and drinks, live music, family activities, shopping and more to downtown Long Grove.

Apples, apples and more apples

Caramel-dipped, chocolate-covered, baked into pies, pressed into cider, mixed into seasonal drinks, and worked into sweet and savory creations, apples take center stage throughout the weekend.

Festival vendors join Long Grove restaurants, tasting rooms and specialty shops in serving up plenty of ways to taste the season. Classic carnival rides and midway games, apple pie-eating contests, kids’ crafts, dance performances, seasonal shopping and other family activities round out the weekend.

A soundtrack for the season

Apple Fest is also one of Long Grove’s biggest weekends for live music. Friday night features No More Tears celebrating the music of Ozzy Osbourne from 6:30-8:20 p.m., followed by Kashmir’s tribute to Led Zeppelin from 9-11 p.m.

Saturday delivers 1990s and alternative favorites with tributes to Green Day, Sublime, Alanis Morissette and Weezer from 1:45-8:20 p.m., before 7th heaven takes over from 9-11 p.m.

Sunday closes on a classic note with Second Hand News celebrating Fleetwood Mac from 2-3:20 p.m., followed by Beatles tribute American English from 4-6 p.m.

For details, visit longgrove.org/festivals/apple-fest.

Apple Fest 2026

  • When: Noon to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27
  • Where: 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove
  • Admission: $7 per day or $15 for a three-day pass (free for kids 12 and younger)
  • Tickets: longgrove.org/festivals/apple-fest

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Screenshot

Today’s Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District Our Open House promises a day packed with fun, family, and public safety education!

Come check out:

  • Live fire demonstrations
  • Vehicle extrication
  • Inflatable obstacle course
  • Mini horses
  • Therapy dogs
  • Meet our firefighters and explore the engines

…and plenty more!

Bring the whole family and come see what your local firefighters do, up close! We can’t wait to see you there!

Due to the weather forecast, most of the action will happen indoors.

Source: BCFPD Facebook post

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By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Sept. 18

Riot Fest: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Sept. 18-20, at Douglass Park, West Ogden Avenue and South Sacramento Drive, Chicago. Punk, rock and alternative. Friday: Twenty One Pilots, Iggy Pop, Rise Against and Pixies. Saturday: Tool, Morrisey, Social Distortion and NAS. Sunday: Pierce The Veil, Alanis Morissette, Elvis Costello & The Imposters and The Format. General admission starts at $115 for one day, $230 for two days, $340 for three days. riotfest.org.

Huck Finn Fishing Derby: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Reiner Park, 1101 N. Green Knolls Drive, Buffalo Grove. Fishing derby for kids 2-14. Awards and raffle prizes. Registration: $8-$10. bgparks.org

Old Town Oktoberfest: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at 1360 N. Wells St., Chicago. Classic German beer, bratwursts, stein-holding contests, traditional German bands and more. $10. chicagoevents.com

Rotary Club of Palatine Oktoberfest: 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, Sept. 18; noon to midnight Saturday, Sept. 19; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, on Smith and Slade streets, Palatine. German music, food, beverages, family activities and more. Free. palatinerotary.org/oktoberfest.

“Aged to Perfection” winetasting benefit: 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Elgin Community College Spartan Terrace Restaurant, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. A curated selection of wines paired with bites crafted by students and faculty from the ECC Culinary Arts Program. Seating is limited. Sponsored by the ECC Foundation and the Homecoming Alumni Committee. $75. tickets.eccartscenter.org

See a variety of makes and models during the car show at Heritage Fest in West Dundee, running Friday through Sunday, Sept. 18-20. | Rick West/Daily Herald

Heritage Fest: 6-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, in downtown West Dundee. Live music, business expo, arts and crafts fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, and a car show from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Dundee Lions host a 5K and 1.75-mile walk at 8 a.m. Saturday. Community breakfast from 8-10:30 a.m. Sunday. Entertainment lineup: Friday: Bad Motor Scooterr (Sammy Hagar tribute band) at 6 p.m. and All American Throwbacks at 9 p.m.; Saturday: School of Irish Dance at 11 a.m., Crossover at noon, Bishop Super Band (hits from Dundee Middle School staff, students and friends of the late Matt Bishop) at 1:30 p.m., Eric Case Band at 4:30 p.m., Sixes & Sevens (rock and country) at 6:30 p.m. and 7th heaven at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: Starlites at 8 a.m. in the tent, Guy Meets Girl at 10:30 a.m., The Gaffes at noon, Controlled Burn (folk rock band from West Dundee) at 1:30 p.m. and The Lenny’s at 3 p.m. Free. wdundeeheritagefest.org.

Monster Jam: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18; 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19; and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. World champion athletes and their 12,000-pound monster trucks compete in competitions of speed and skill. Pit Party from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday; passes required. Tickets start at $29.65. monsterjam.com

An Evening With Kevin Smith: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Filmmaker, actor, author and podcaster Kevin Smith hosts a live question-and-answer show. $26-$57.50. (847) 931-5900 or hemmens.org/tickets.

“The Lightning Thief”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Adapted from Rick Riordan’s first book in the “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series and featuring an original rock score. Presented by Children’s Theatre of Elgin and Fox Valley Theatre Company. $16-$18. eccartscenter.org

Teachers’ Lounge Comedy: 8-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Professional stand-up comics turned teachers share their unique experiences, anecdotes and frustrations about school life. $44-$54. rauecenter.org.

Saturday, Sept. 19

Pepper Road Fall Fest: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, on North Pepper Road, Lake Barrington. Pop-up artisan market, live music, kids’ activities, food and drinks for purchase, vendors, activities, shopping, Barnfest at All-American Reclaim, and Barrington Countryside Fire District open house. Free. barringtonchamber.com

The Great Outdoor Beer Trail: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area, Cary. Walk the one-mile paved trail while trying 3-ounce tastes from regional brewers. Includes a souvenir tasting glass, live music and food vendors. 21 and older. $70 or $15 for designated driver. Tickets: mccdistrict.org.

Lions Heritage Fest 10K/5K Run & 1.75 Mile Walk: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Races start and finish at Oregon Avenue and South First Street at the VFW Post 2298 in downtown West Dundee. Proceeds benefit the Dundee Township Lions Club and the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce and their charities. $30-$50. Register: wdundeeheritagefest.org or runsignup.com/Race/IL/WestDundee/HeritageFest10k.

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. eastdundee.net

Heritage Fest: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Freemont St., Arlington Heights. See a variety of exhibits, demonstrations and live performances. Free. ahpd.org

Run for Mental Health — Still Standing 5K: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, starting north of Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. The faith-based mental health awareness 5K also features a 1-mile fun walk. Register: runsignup.com/Race/IL/Elgin/StillStanding

21st Annual Antique Car, Truck & Tractor Show: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20, at McHenry Stade’s Farm, 3709 Miller Road, McHenry. Vintage vehicles, oldies music, family attractions and games, pumpkin cannon demonstrations, exhibitors and food. Regular admission for the attraction area. stadesfarmandmarket.com

Central States Dahlia Society’s 59th annual Dahlia Show and Sale: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Hundreds of blooms will be on display by dahlia growers from across the Midwest competing for top honors. Included in general admission. centralstatesdahliasociety.com/dahlia-show-2026.

Hoffman Estates Community Garage Sale: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Seascape Family Aquatic Center parking lot, 1300 Moon Lake Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Free entry for shoppers; $30-$35 for vendors. heparks.org

The Mundelein Arts Festival runs Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20, in Mundelein’s Courtland Commons. (Mundelein Park & Recreation District)

Mundelein Arts Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20, in Courtland Commons in downtown Mundelein. Juried art festival featuring local artists who work in a variety of media, plus music and food. Free. mundeleincommunityconnection.org.

Fall Fest: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. Pumpkin decorating, bounce houses, train rides, magic show, live DJ, large vendor market, food and treats. cville.org.

“Chicago Live!”: Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Performing arts festival featuring live music, dance, theater, and multidisciplinary performances from local and national artists. Performances include Anthony Rapp, Melody Angel, Kokandy Productions, Liquid Soul, Dancing Queen, Trinity Irish Dancers, RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Utica and Denali, Q Brothers, Nico Segal, Fat Theatre Project and more. Free. navypier.org.

Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, on the grounds of Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. Craft brews, meads, ciders, seltzers and food at the 11th annual fundraiser for the museum and Churchville one-room schoolhouse. Early entry at 1 p.m. $57.50, regular entry $47.25, and designated driver $21.50. Tickets: elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com.

Northbrook Brewfest: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Village Green Park, 1810 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Live music, beer tasting, photo booth, games and more. 21 and older. Tickets start at $49, $30 for a non-tasting ticket. nbparks.org.

Party in the Park: 4-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Community Park, 5 Parkview Lane, Hawthorn Woods. Petting zoo, train rides, food vendors, ax throwing, two live bands and the rescheduled July 3 fireworks show. Free. vhw.org

“As You Like It”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Elgin Community College SecondSpace, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Shakespeare comedy, performed by the Goodly Creatures Theatre, led by ECC alum Katrina Syrris. Proceeds will support ECC Fine Arts. Sponsored by the ECC Foundation and the Homecoming Alumni Committee. $50. tickets.eccartscenter.org

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest returns Saturday, Sept. 19, and runs through Nov. 1 in Gurnee. | Daily Herald

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: Saturday, Sept. 19, through Nov. 1 at Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Drive, Gurnee. Thrills by day and frights by night with haunted houses, scare zones, spine-chilling shows and rides. Tickets start at $45. For dates and hours, visit sixflags.com/greatamerica/events.

Sunday, Sept. 20

Green Fair: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Mike Rylko Community Park, 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Learn how to improve the environment and make the community a greener and healthier place to live. Free. bgparks.org/green-fair.

Kane County Doll Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Kane County Fairgrounds Prairie Events Center, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Doll show featuring antique, vintage and collectibles, Barbies, Steiff, doll appraisals and more. Special exhibit on Mod Francie & Friends with a presentation by Bradley Justice on “Francie Turns 60” at 1 p.m. Early bird entry at 8 a.m. for $15. Regular entry $8 or free for kids 12 and younger. kanecountydollshow.com.

Cantigny Car Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Cantigny Park south parking lot, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Vintage cars, entertainment and food and beverages. First 200 people through the gate receive a free limited-edition T-shirt. Register a vehicle for $21 until Aug. 30 or $26 after; parking included. Note: Cashless event. Parking: $21 per car. cantigny.org

Wheeling Park District’s Fallapalooza will take place Sunday, Sept. 20, at Heritage Park. | Ryan Rayburn/for the Daily Herald

Fallapalooza: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Heritage Park Performance Pavilion, 201 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Live music by the Eric Case Band, a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables, airbrush tattoos and more. Food and beverages for purchase. Free. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Heirloom Apple Fest: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Durant-Peterson House in the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. Learn about apples popular during the 19th century. Suggested donation: $3 or $1 for kids. ppfv.org

Palatine Historical Society Cemetery Walk: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Hillside Cemetery, 375 N. Smith St., Palatine. Guided tours of the cemetery as actors play the roles of Palatine residents from the village’s past. Tickets required; admission fee. palatinehistoricalsociety.com.

Comedian Ilana Glazer will perform at the Chicago Theatre Tuesday, Sept. 22. | Charles Sykes/AP

Tuesday, Sept. 22

Ilana Glazer Live: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Comedy. Tickets start at $52.25. msg.com.

Wednesday, Sept. 23

Zach Rushing: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Stand-up comedy. “The Redneck Logic Tour.” $46.19-$89.36. improv.com/chicago

THESPIAN: An Actor Prepares … to Read Your Mind: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Actor and mentalist Fred Zimmerman presents a show of performance art and psychological illusion. $40. metropolisarts.com

Thursday, Sept. 24

Elgin Fringe Festival: 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Sept. 24-25; 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. Fringe Central at Side Street Studio gallery, 15 Ziegler Court, Elgin. Nearly 90 performances showcasing local and national talent in dance, theater, comedy, music, magic, circus, storytelling, experimental multimedia and more. Plus, a visual art exhibition, outdoor shows and themed parties. Tickets: Free to $12, with $4 entry buttons and an all-access pass for $95. For tickets and a schedule, see elginfringefestival.com.

Ongoing

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Nov. 1, at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, camel rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on weekends. $20 on weekdays; $24 in advance online and $27 at the door on weekends and Columbus Day. Extra fees for some activities. goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

Richardson Sunflower Fields: 3-11 p.m. Fridays in September; plus 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1, and 3-9 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in October, at Richardson Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, observation tower, sunflower field, zip line, zorbing, pig races and more. $26, $22 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and younger; $32/$26 Saturdays and Sundays in October. richardsonadventurefarm.com.

“Jekyll & Hyde”: 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 8; plus 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 20 and 27 and Oct. 11; and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, and Wednesdays, Oct. 14 through Nov. 4, at Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. Murder and chaos are pitted against love and virtue in this sweeping Gothic musical. Tickets start at $60.75. broadwayinchicago.com

“An Iliad”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 20, at the Elgin Art Showcase, 220 DuPage St., Elgin. Janus Theatre Company’s production of Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare’s modern retelling of Homer’s epic poem. $28. janusplays.com.

“Ride the Cyclone”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 25, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. The Spirits of St. Cassian High School Chamber Choir return in this musical. $25-$49. metropolisarts.com.

“Come From Away”: Various times Wednesdays through Sundays, through Oct. 18, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Based on the true story of the time when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, on Sept. 11, 2001. Tickets start at $78.10. marriotttheatre.com.

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Enjoy wind and live music at Festival of the Vine Friday and Saturday in Geneva. | Brian Hill/Daily Herald

By Luke Zurawski |Daily Herald

Friday, Sept. 11

Sandwich Fair: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11; 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 12; and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at 15730 Pratt Road, Sandwich. Food, rides, livestock events, live entertainment and more. VFW 9/11 and POW Memorial Service is from 9-10:30 a.m. Friday. Truck pulls at 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and an antique auto show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and demolition derby at 1 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Friday Night Concert with country rock singer/songwriter Brantley Gilbert at 8 p.m. with opening act Riplock ($45). On the Ag Land stage — Friday: WSPY Noon Show from noon to 1 p.m. and The Vodka Boys from 7-11 p.m.; Saturday: The Beaux from 1-4 p.m. and The Sociables from 7-11 p.m.; and Sunday: worship at 8:30 a.m. and Sami Krueger from 1-4 p.m. $10; $7 for kids 6-12; and free for kids 5 and younger. Multi-day pass: $10-$25. sandwichfair.com.

Festival of the Vine: Noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-12; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, on James Street between Fourth and Fifth streets, Geneva. Geneva restaurants create specialties under an outdoor tent at the “Flavor Fare,” partnered with wine and live music. Arts and crafts show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Third and Campbell streets. Merchant wine events, business booths, children’s activities and more. genevachamber.com/events/festival-of-the-vine.

The Glen Ellyn Park District and Charlie’s Corner Foundation invite the community to a Glow in the Park Lantern Walk Friday, Sept. 11, at Lake Ellyn Park in Glen Ellyn. | Glen Ellyn Park District

Glow in the Park Lantern Walk and 2K Glow Run/Walk: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn. Benefits Charlie’s Corner Foundation. Music from Tres Moustache!, plus face painting and inflatables. At 7:20 p.m., attendees carry their glowing paper lanterns ($15, cash only) in a procession around the lake. Free. The 2K Glow Run/Walk will take place at Lake Ellyn Park starting at 7:45 p.m. Glow party with a DJ before and after the race. $30-$42. gepark.org.

Itasca’s Oktoberfest: 5-10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, and 3-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Washington Park, 350 E. Irving Park Road, Itasca. Live music, German food, contests and a kids’ corner. Free admission and parking. itasca.com

Alpine Thunder performs on the main stage at last year’s Platzkonzert Germanfest in Hoffman Estates. This year’s event takes place Friday through Sunday, Sept. 11-13. | Brian Hill/Daily Herald

Platzkonzert Germanfest: 5-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Virginia Mary Hayter Village Green, 5510 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Authentic German music, food and beer. Beer Olympics Friday and Saturday; Drone Show at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Free. hoffmanestates.org

“The Lightning Thief”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 11-20, at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Adapted from Rick Riordan’s first book in the “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series and featuring an original rock score. Presented by Children’s Theatre of Elgin and Fox Valley Theatre Company. ASL performance Sunday, Sept. 13. $16-$18. eccartscenter.org

Healing Field: Friday through Sunday, Sept. 11-13. Tribute of patriotism and remembrance, commemorating both the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Sponsored by American Legion Post 57, the Healing Fields will be at four locations, each offering a display of American flags honoring the lives lost. Locations: Oak Brook Polo Grounds, 700 Oak Brook Road in Oak Brook, featuring 2,977 flags honoring those who died on 9/11, with a Remembrance Ceremony at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 with Bugles Across America and guest speakers; and a closing ceremony Sept. 13 featuring the reading of the names at 11 a.m., the arrival of the “Ride to Remember” motorcycle tribute and a large American flag displayed from an Oak Brook Fire Department ladder truck at 1:30 p.m., and remarks from 9/11 Rescue and Recovery Worker and Tunnel to Towers Ambassador Tim Mottl at 2 p.m. There will also be 403 flags honoring first responders of 9/11 at Panton Mill Park, 9 N. Water St. in South Elgin; Carpentersville Fire Station, 213 Spring St., Carpentersville; and Grafelman Park, Fourth and Main streets in West Dundee. Free. truepatriotscare.com/2026-healing-fields.

Saturday, Sept. 12

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery items. eastdundee.net

La Fiesta de Elgin: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, in downtown Elgin and Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave. Music, food, culture and community pride. The festivities kick off Saturday morning with a parade, followed by El Mercado from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Riverside Drive featuring local vendors, food and live entertainment. elginil.gov.

Vintage Computer Festival Midwest 21: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Collectors, hobbyists and those who enjoy tinkering with the computers of decades past. Free. vcfmw.org.

Art on the Fox: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13, along Main Street, downtown Algonquin. 75 original artists, live music, Kid Zone for art projects, games, spin art, sand sculpture, live painting classes, food and drink. Free. artonthefox.com.

The DuPage Comic Con comes to the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton Saturday, Sept. 12. | Brian Hill/Daily Herald

DuPage Comic Con Fall Show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at DuPage County Fairgrounds Building 1, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. More than 150 comic book dealers; toy, collectible and trading card vendors; artists and guests. $10; free for kids younger than 12. mcconventions.com/dupage-comic-con.

Pet Event: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Bartlett Gazebo Park, 120 N. Eastern Ave., Bartlett. For pets and their humans. Features over 15 area rescue organizations, over 20 pet-related vendors and animal demos. Food and treats for purchase. Free. artsinbartlett.org/pet-event.

Printers Row Lit Fest: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13, in Chicago’s Printers Row, on South Dearborn, from Ida B. Wells to Polk Street, Chicago. Booksellers and authors across six different indoor and outdoor stages. Free. printersrowlitfest.org.

Richardson Sunflower Fields: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays, plus 3-11 p.m. Fridays in September, and 3-9 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in October, Sept. 12 through Nov. 1, at Richardson Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, observation tower, sunflower field, zip line, zorbing, pig races and more. $26, $22 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and younger; $32/$26 Saturdays and Sundays in October. richardsonadventurefarm.com.

The Bubbler is Back: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13, at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Festival Field, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Glowby the Bubbler returns. Included in admission. chicagobotanic.org.

Illinois Brews: 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Bowes Creek Country Club, 1250 Bowes Creek Blvd., Elgin. 15th annual fundraiser featuring local craft beer, food and live music. Proceeds provide at-risk Elgin youth with access to recreational programs and services. VIP Sneak Peek admission at 3 p.m. Register: elginparksfoundation.org/ilbrewsatbowes.

Rock the Block: 5-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, on Main Street in Lake Zurich. Annual block party with music, food and activities. Free. lakezurich.org.

Bourbon & Beer Fest: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at The Vine, 101 Center St., Grayslake. Live bands, food vendors, cigars, and over 20 breweries offering more than 40 beers and 100 types of whiskeys and more. VIP Entry at 6 p.m., general admission at 7 p.m. $60.29, $92.11 for VIP, $28.46 for designated drivers. beerfests.com

The French Connection — Food, Wine and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Concert paired with cuisine from chef Andrew Brennan of Viridian Personal Chef and Catering and a selection of French wines. Attendees will receive a commemorative wine glass. $81.88. Tickets: barringtonswhitehouse.com

Paula Poundstone: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Iconic comedian known for her smart, observational humor and a spontaneous wit. $$38.50-$75. Rauecenter.org.

Sunday, Sept. 13

Great Midwest Train Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds Buildings 1-3, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Over 300 tables of new and used model trains, accessories, parts and more for sale. $8 or free for kids 11 and younger. greenbergshows.com or dupagecountyfair.org.

Hoffman Estates Maker’s Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, in the parking lot of Vistex, off Barrington Road and Route 72. Features local vendors (home decor, jewelry, blankets, clothes and more). Rain or shine. facebook.com/thebloomingdalemakersmarket.

Scandinavian Day Festival: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at Vasa Park, 35W217 Route 31, South Elgin. Traditional food of five Nordic cultures, crafts, entertainment, vendor walkway, kids’ activities, free pony rides, and face painting. $15; free for kids 12 and younger. Free parking. scandinaviandayil.com.

Mexican Independence Day Celebration: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, on the historic Woodstock Square, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Hispanic Connections hosts the 10th annual event with live music, dance, and food and beverages for purchase. Free. woodstockilchamber.com.

Festival of Cultures: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Entertainment, activities and authentic ethnic cuisines. Free. palatineparks.org.

Summer Concerts at Phil’s Beach: 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at Phil’s Beach, 328 N. Main St., Wauconda. Mid Atlantic will perform. Free. waucondaparks.com..

Monday, Sept. 14

Motor Monday Cruise Night: 5 p.m. to dusk Monday, Sept. 14, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Cars and trucks of various makes and models. In partnership with the Midwest Racing Preservation Association. Free. eastdundee.net.

Tuesday, Sept. 15

Wauconda Cruise Nights: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15 at Route 176 and West Mill Street, Wauconda. Cars on display and family-friendly activities. Free. waucondacruisenight.com.

Wednesday, Sept. 16

Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms in Lincolnshire runs Wednesdays through Mondays, Sept. 16 through Oct. 31. | Gilbert R. Boucher II/Daily Herald

Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays, from Wednesday, Sept. 16, though Saturday, Oct. 31, at Didier Farms, 16678 Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire. Amusement rides, pony and camel rides, Animal Land Zoo, corn maze, fall merchandise, pumpkin sales, fall treats and more. Free entry; fees for rides and attractions. happytimespumpkinfest.com

Car Fun on 21: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, on Church and Cook streets, Libertyville. Classic car show featuring cars, trucks and motorcycles 25 years and older, music and food. Free. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

“Ride the Cyclone”: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 17 through Oct. 25, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. The Spirits of St. Cassian High School Chamber Choir return in this musical. $25-$49. metropolisarts.com.

Thursday, Sept. 17

Musical Matinee featuring Andrew Blendermann: 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. All-request show. $8. cuttinghall.org.

Third Thursday Art Night Out — 40 years of Kaleidoscope: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Celebrate 40 years of local art at a special exhibition honoring Kaleidoscope school founder Jill Funk. Free. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Summer Sounds on the Green Concert Series: 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 at Village Green, 5510 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Burning Red will perform. Food and beverages for sale. Free. hoffmanestatesarts.com/summer-concert-series

Ongoing

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Nov. 1, at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, camel rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on weekends. $20 on weekdays; $24 in advance online and $27 at the door on weekends and Columbus Day. Extra fees for some activities. goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

Dinos! at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 25 at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. See 35 life-sized dinosaurs and more. $20.95-$29.95 and free for kids 2 and younger. brookfieldzoo.org/events

“Jekyll & Hyde”: 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 8; plus 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 20 and 27 and Oct. 11; and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, and Wednesdays Oct. 14 through Nov. 4, at Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. Murder and chaos are pitted against love and virtue in this sweeping Gothic musical. Tickets start at $60.75. broadwayinchicago.com

“An Iliad’: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 20, at the Elgin Art Showcase, 220 DuPage St., Elgin. Janus Theatre Company’s production of Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare’s modern retelling of Homer’s epic poem. $28. janusplays.com

“Come From Away”: Various times Wednesdays through Sundays through Oct. 18, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Based on the true story of the time when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, on Sept. 11, 2001. Tickets start at $78.10. marriotttheatre.com.

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