2012 FALL CALENDAR

Falling into Fall Guide

What’s left to say about the long hot summer of 2012? Bye-bye. Bring on the crisp, cool nights and bright colorful days of fall.

This is our annual Fall Guide – chock full of stuff to do between Labor Day and early November. The guide’s first 18 pages showcase our comprehensive Fall Calendar, organized chronologically so it’s easy to see which fairs, festivals, concerts, theater productions or historic events are happening when you have time to enjoy! Pull out your smart phone or daytimer and let the planning begin.

Not sure exactly how you want to spend this beautiful season? The next 20plus pages of the guide feature lots of specifics: a weekend in the Quad Cities, where to buy apples, gourds and pumpkins, features on regional festivals, upcoming concerts, the new theater season – even a list of some really strange things you should see and do.

Many thanks to IT’s dedicated and creative staff for their amazing work on this Fall Guide and every issue of IT. And to the advertisers who support our efforts with their marketing funds. Without the lot of them there would be no IT – and that would be no fun at all.

ONGOING

Washington Park Historic Photography Display Aug 30-31, Sep 01-03, 12-4pm Mon-Fri, 12-5pm Sat-Sun, Free exhibit of Washington Park photographs dating as far back as 1902. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave.

Artist on the Plaza Through Sep 11, 12-1pm, Tuesday and Thursday outdoor instrumental, vocal, dance or musical theater performance. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza. 753-3519.

The History of The Division Through Sep 14, 8am-4pm Mon- Thu, Artwork of Matthew Schultz and personal artifacts from past 150 years of men in fictional group. (Reception Sept. 7, 6 p.m. includes lecture of The Division’s history, room 2209.) LLCC James S. Murray Gallery, Upper level, Menard Hall, 217-720-9140.

Holding Hands with History Through Sept. 21, 10am-3pm Tue-Sat, watercolor paintings by Kay Smith, Artist Laureate of Illinois. National Museum of Surveying, Inc. 521 E. Washington, 217-523-3130.

An Evening with Patsy Cline

Through Sept. 23, Weekend din-ner and show starring Julie Seeley. $34-$38. Reservations 309-965-2545. Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theater, 1451 Timberline Road, Goodfield.

Uptown Friday Night Through Oct 26, 5:30-7:30pm Fri, Every Friday Springfield Area Arts Council presents a free weekly jazz and blues performance. Robbie’s Restaurant, Old State Capitol Plaza South. 753- 3519.

Illinois Products Farmers Market Through Oct 18, 4-7pm Thursdays, Local food and entertainment. Commodity Pavilion. 785-4873. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Old Capitol Farmers Market Through Oct, 8am-12:30pm Wednesdays and Saturdays, Tasty local produce and more. Chef demos, artisans and entertainment on Saturdays. Adams between Fifth and Second. 544- 1723.

Boys in Blue Exhibit Through Dec, 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, New images and artifacts, including original Civil War battle flag. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 North Sixth St.

Luminous Ground: Artists with Histories Through Jan. 2013, 8:30am-5pm Mon-Sat, 12-5pm Sun, View the work of eleven older Illinois artists, ages 78 through 90. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St. 217-782-7386.

First Fridays Downtown First Friday of each month, 5- 8pm, Stroll, shop and eat downtown. Exhibitions, live music, great deals and fun surprises. Every first Friday. 217-544-1723. Downtown Springfield.

Super Saturdays at the Museum Sep 08, Oct 13, Nov 10, 11am- 3pm, “Make a Splash: Illinois Waterways” in Sept. “Fantastic Fossils: Dinosaurs!” in Oct. “American Indian Harvest” in Nov. Kids ages 4-8. Ongoing activities throughout the day. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-6044.

Lincoln’s Ghost Walk Through Sept., 7:30 Tue-Sat. Through October, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 90-minute walking tour by Springfield Walks. Starts at #1 South Old State Capitol Plaza. $12. 502-8687.

The A-Maze-ing Corn Maze Sep 08-09, 15-16, 22-23, 29- 30, Oct 06-07, 11am-6pm Sat, 12-6pm Sun, Maze, pumpkin painting. (Also open Mon. Oct. 8, 10am-2pm.) More activities during Corn Maze Festival on Sept. 22-23, 29-30. $5. auburnumc.org. Auburn United Methodist Church, 14100 State Route 4, Auburn.

The Great Pumpkin Patch Sep 15-30, Oct 01-31, 9am- 6pm, Visit live animals, Wanda’s Haunted Crib, mazes. Weekend activities with live music and gourd artist vendors. $5-$7. The Great Pumpkin Patch, 1749A CR 1900 N, Arthur. 217-543-2394.

Oconee Family Fall Festival Sep 30, Oct 07, 14, 21, 11am- 4pm, Hayrides, face painting, straw maze, water balloon launch, pumpkin painting and more. Oconee Sacred Heart Parish, Main St., Oconee. 217- 539-4325.

Buxton’s Corn Maize and Fall Festival Oct 01-31, 9am-5pm Mon-Sat, 1-5pm Sun, Seven-acre maze, friendly during daytime all week, and scary at night on weekends, 7-11 p.m. Admission. Other activities dur ing weekends. Buxtons Garden Farm and Flower Shop, Route 121, Sullivan. 217-728-7993.

Abe’s Corn Maze Weekends in Oct, 10am-5:30pm Sat, 12-5:30pm Sun, Walk tenacre maze, free hayrides, pumpkin painting, children’s maze, concessions. $6-$3. iWorship Center, 3200 Shaler Road. 217- 522-5362

Terror on the Square Oct 05-06, 12-13, 19-21, 26- 28, 31, 7-11pm, Mystifying illusions and ghostly holograms in 1930s funeral home. $9-$7. Petersburg Square (west side), N. Seventh St at W. Douglas Ave, Petersburg.

Auburn Haunted House Oct 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, 7pm Fri, 6pm Sat, Tortured Souls is this year’s theme. $8 admission. Auburn Masonic Lodge, 217 N. Fifth Street, Auburn, 553-1848.

Extreme Haunted Hayride Oct 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, 7- 11pm Fri-Sat, Last three Fridays and Saturdays in Oct. travel along the river, through woods, pulled by 1968 hearse. $8. 522- 7702. Riverside Park, 4105 Sand Hill Road.

Clayville Haunted House and Hay Ride Oct 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, 7- 10pm Fri-Sat, 5pm little kids, Haunts for children from 5 until 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 481-4430.

Chatham Haunted House Oct 19-20, 26-27, 31, 6-11pm, Amazing psychological scares in multi-sensory experience. $5- $3. 415-1879. Chatham Haunted House, 107 E. Spruce Street, Chatham.

Eat, Pray, Love Nov 02-Dec 01, 10am-5pm Tue-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat, Linda Post Lucas (Multiple Media) - Mary Ellen Strack (Oil & Pastel) Evie Wilson (Watercolor & Acrylic/Calligraphy). Reception Nov. 3, 5:30-7:30p.m. H.D. Smith Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St, 544-2787.

Holiday Hall Exhibition and Sale Nov 09-Dec 17, 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat, (closed Thanksgiving). Unique exhibition with more than 45 regional artists. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St. 217-523-2631

AUGUST

Primp your Pit Aug 30-31, During month of August, APL will spay/neuter pit bulls for $20, including free nail trim. Register online or 789- 7729. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road.

Pittsfield Fall Festival Aug 30-31, Sep 01, 6pm Thu-Fri, 9am Sat, Food vendors, crafts, carnival and many activities. Parade on Saturday, 11 a.m. 617-2656. Pike County Courthouse, 100 E. Washington St., Pittsfield.

Allerton Music Barn Festival Aug 30-31, Sep 01-03, 7:30pm Thu-Sat, 2pm Sun-Mon, U of I School of Music and University’s Allerton Park and Retreat Center host. Allerton Music Barn, Allerton Road, Monticello.

To Kill a Mockingbird Aug 30-31, Sep 01, 8-10:30pm, Classic drama. Free 7 p.m. Preshow. $13-$8. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-5440.

Edinburg Labor Day Picnic Aug 31, Sep 01-02, Carnival rides, games, demolition derby, bands and more. Parade is 10 a.m. on Labor Day. edinburglabordaypicnic.info. Lion’s Club Park, Edinburg. edinburglabordaypicnic.info.

Ethnic Festival Aug 31, Sep 01-02, 5-11pm Fri, 12-11pm Sat-Sun, Local ethnic groups providing ethnic foods, music and cultural activities. Free admission. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Miracle Soiree Aug 31, 6-10pm, Night of wine tasting, complimentary wine glass, dinner and music with Big Daddy Jasper. $20-$15. Hill Prairie Winery, 23753 Lounsberry Road, Oakford, 217-544-KIDS.

Budweiser Illinois Blues Festival Aug 31, Sep 01, 6pm Fri, 12pm Sat, Internationally-known blues artists on three stages. Bring a lawn chair. $20-$25. RiverFront Festival Park, Water St. south of RiverPlex, Peoria. 309-689-3019.

Prairieland Chautauqua Aug 31, Sep 01-03, 4-8pm, “Women Who Made History.” Presentations by re-enactors, music and nightly communal suppers. 243-2423. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

Manito Popcorn Festival Aug 31, Sep 01-02, Three days of festival fare, contests, battle of the bands, craft show and popcorn! manitopopcornfestival.com. Veteran’s Park and Forman Center, Manito.

Man of La Mancha Aug 31, Sep 01-02, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Over the Moon Productions presents classic tale of Don Quixote. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217- 523-2787.

SEPTEMBER

Old South Town Art Bazaar Sep 01, 2-11pm, Outdoor, flea market style artisan showcase with live painting, glass blowing demos, music and skateboarding. Free. Artifacts Gallery, 1107 S. Grand Ave, 217-303-2244.

South Town Celebration Sep 01-02, 12-10pm Sat-Sun, Two day celebration of oldest area in Springfield. Blues and jazz, Ruka Pugg, games, food, barbeque, vendors. 414-5854. Corner of S. Grand East and 11th Street. $5. South Town, 1031 South Grand Ave. East and 11th Street.

Sangamon Valley Woodcarvers Show Sep 01-02, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, Carvers from across the country exhibit. $3, 12 and under free. 546-8792. svwoodcarvers.org. ISF Illinois Building, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Arthur Amish Country Cheese Festival Sep 01-03, Three days of free cheese, entertainment, contests, car show, craft and flea markets, food and more. 800-72-AMISH. Downtown Arthur.

Jersey County Victorian Festival Sep 01-03, 7am-5pm, Large Civil War reenactment, arts, crafts, antiques, food, tractors and more. $10, under 13 free. Free parking. 618-498-5590. Hazel Dell Farm, 1510 North State St., Jerseyville.

Illinois Symphony Orchestra Sep 01, 6pm, An evening of music about agriculture, the prairie and Americana. Free. Bring your lawn chair. Old State Capitol.

Labor Day Parade Sep 03, 10am, Join in the festivities at one of Springfield’s biggest parades. Downtown Springfield.

Lama Lodru Rinpoche Calm Abiding Meditation Sep 02, 10am-12pm and 2-4pm, (Private interviews Sept. 3.) Call to register. $35, no one turned away for inability to pay. Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Road, 793- 5363.

Marbold Ice Cream Social Sep 02, 11am-4pm, Food, music, period craftsmen, children’s activities and more. Admission. Marbold Farmstead, Rte. 29, south of town. 968-5808. Greenview.

Prairie Dreams: The Story of Clayville and Its People Sep 02, 08-09, Sunday matinees, Saturday evening - Play about early days of historic stagecoach inn by Tara McClellan McAndrew. $8-$13, 206-6160. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains.

Dave Sinclair Labor Day Celebration Sep 03, 4pm, Music and ice cream social. Virginia town square, 452-7786.

Pied Piper Architectural Tour Sep 05, Oct 03, 5:30pm, Free professionally-guided architectural tour. Meets in front Lincoln- Herndon Law Office, 1 South Old State Capitol Plaza. 544-1723.

Pekin Marigold Festival Sep 06-09, Lots of unique contests and events. Music, art and so much more. 309-346-2106. Mineral Springs Park, 1701 Court Street, Pekin.

Volunteer Steward Orientation Sep 07, 8:30-11:30am, Breakfast snacks, info on Illinois Audubon Society and Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, tree and plant identification walk. RSVP 544-2473. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave.

Illinois Green Business Summit Sep 07, 8:30am-4:30pm, Includes two nationallyacclaimed authorities on sustainability, Joel Makower and Jim Hartzfeld. illinoisgba.com/Summit2012. Hilton Garden Inn, 1501 S. Neil Street, Champaign, 531-2179.

Poets, Painters and Performers Exhibit Opening Sep 07, 5-8pm, Free opening reception for works on display from this collaboration of the arts. On exhibit through Sept. 27. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery II, 2 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544-2727.

South Jacksonville Celebration Sep 07-08, 5pm Fri, 10-12am Sat, South Jacksonville celebrates with a concert in the cornfield, parade and much more. southjacksonville.org. South Jacksonville.

Atlanta Fall Festival Sep 7-8, Music, carnival, free petting zoo, car show, art and craft vendors, great food, pie and cake baking contest and auction. All throughout Atlanta. 217-732-8687.

Arenzville Burgoo Festival Sep 07-08, 8am-7pm, World’s best burgoo, craft market, food court, contests, evening enter tainment. Arenzville town park, 300 W. Main, Arenzville.

Fall Festival Sep 07-08, 9am-9pm, South Washington Street merchants, parade and dinners. Free. Mount Pulaski Town Square, 113 S. Washington Street, Mount Pulaski, 217-792-5217.

Morton Pumpkin Festival Sep 07-09, 12-16, Huge festival; make sure to check online. Sept. 12-15 is carnival, food, entertainment. Sept. 14-16 is Craft Faire. Games are Sept. 7- 9. 309-263-2491. Downtown Morton.

Arcola Broom Corn Festival Sep 07-09, 10am Fri, 9am Sat, 9am-5pm Sun, Broom activities, arts/crafts, free entertainment, great food, gigantic parade with the Famous Lawn Rangers. arcolachamber.com. Arcola.

Route 66 Association of Missouri Motor Tour Sep 07-09, Starts east of Carlinville, IL and ends in Lebanon, MO. Registration begins on Fri. at 4 p.m. at Magnuson Grand Hotel, Exit 60 off I-55, Carlinville Lake Road, Carlinville. 314-776-7385.

Greene County Days Sep 07-09, 8am-10pm, Five towns host free music, arts and crafts, food, vendors, kids’ games and contests, artisan demos, fire truck rides and more. Various locations, 217- 248-4600.

Robert Sampson Oldies Concert Sep 07, 5:30-8:30pm, Sampson sings and performs favorite “oldies” on keyboard and guitar. Bring your lawn chair. Free. Whiteside Park, Jacksonville Street, Whitehall, 217-248- 4600.

Classic Car Cruise and Forever Doo-wop Concert Sep 07, 6-8:30pm, 8:30pm concert, Cars, followed by a capella Doo Wop revue. $10 concert. Magnuson Grand Hotel & Conference Center, 19067 W. Frontage Rd., Raymond, 217- 324-2100.

Ernie Haase and Signature Sound Sep 07, 7pm, Acclaimed gospel music group takes the stage. $30-$27. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth Street, 217-523-2787.

Spring Awakening Sep 07, Sep 7-9, 13-16, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Tony-award winning electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality, and rock and roll about teens coming of age. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 1-800-838-3006.

Springfield Audubon Society Field Trip Sep 08, 7:45am, To Emiquon Preserve, Havana. Car pool from Adams. Info, 217-522-0897. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave., 217-544- 2473.

Williamsville Fall Festival Sep 08, 9am-10pm, Fishing derby, games, petting zoo, kids crafts, craft and food vendors. Gene Fore and White Lightning band provide music. Williamsville Park, Williamsville, 217-899-9825.

Scrapbook Extravaganza Sep 08, 9am-9pm, Twelve hours of scrapbooking with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Prizes. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity. $30. St. Agnes Church, 245 N. Amos Street, 787-7209.

Secretary of State Antique Vehicle Show Sep 08, In parking lot, antique, classic and sports cars, motorcycles, trucks, recreational vehicles, hot rods and tractors. 557- 7220. Meijer Store, 4200 Conestoga Drive.

Barn Keepers Barn Tour Sep 08, 9am-4pm, Eleven barns, two houses, Dorris automobile, church and cemetery, antique tractors, barn artist, fresh produce and more. $20/carload. Old Town Township, 22034 East 1000 North Road (Cheney’s Grove Road), Downs, 309-242-8571.

James J Eldred House Fall Festival Sep 08-09, 9am-5pm, Begin your Greene County Days celebration here - Purchase your MainStreet Book and begin your interactive adventure. James Eldred House, Eldred, 217-638- 2103.

Cedarhurst Craft Fair Sep 08, 10am-5pm, 130 craftsmen to be showcased, children's area and entertainment. $5-$3. Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, 2600 Richview Road, Mt. Vernon. 618-242-1236.

Art Spectacular at the Carillon Sep 08-09, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, Juried Fine Art Fair with original artwork, music, food, demos, kids art sale and more. Washington Park Rees Memorial Carillon, Fayette Road, 753-6219.

WorldFest 2012 Sep 08, 10am-4pm, Live entertainment of different countries, ethnic food, cultural displays and World Market booths. Free admission/parking. Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria.

SOB Festival Sep 08, 12-5pm, Over fifty specialty craft and homemade beers, exhibits, food and musical entertainment. $20, $15 in advance. sobfestival.com. The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St., 523-4466.

Family Carnival Sep 08, 12-4pm, Pony rides, kid’s games, bounce house, large slide and more. Color Guard, Shriner Jazz Band at noon, Shriner clowns and Elvis Himselvis. Hickory Glen Senior Living, 1700 W. Washington, 217-793-0431.

Historic Bicycle Ride Sep 08, 1-3pm, Join Springfield Bicycle Club on a free, 10-mile bicycle tour of Lincoln-related and other Springfield historic sites. Capital Complex Visitors Center, 425 S. College St., 698- 7626.

Chris Talley Trio Bluegrass Concert Sep 08, 5:30-7:30pm, Free concert. Whiteside Park, Jacksonville Street, Whitehall, 217-248-4600.

Hope Institute’s Celebrity Chef Dinner Sep 08, 6pm, Renowned Chicago Chef Stephanie Izard. $150. $250 meet and greet. Tickets by phone or online. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second Street, 585- 5172.

Pork Meets Cork Sep 08, 6-10pm, Dinner, wine and beer tastings, live music. Washington at Fifth and Sixth. $30, benefits Kidzeum. kidzeum.org. Downtown Springfield.

Sha-Boom In Concert Sep 08, 6-9pm, Nine piece rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia band performing the greatest hits of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Free. Roodhouse Park, Franklin Street, Roodhouse, 217-971-4445.

Concert in the Cornfield Sep 08, 7pm, Thompson Square with opening act Chris Cagle, CMA 2002 Top New Male Vocalist Nominee. $20, $17 in advance. Jacksonville.

Taize Healing and Wholeness Service Sep 08, 7pm, Taize sung prayer for those in tragedy. Labyrinth available to walk in prayer. Donations to Red Cross. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh Street, 528-4311.

Capital City Century Sep 09, 7am-5pm, Recreational rides of 25, 40, 62, 80, 100 miles. $17 and up. Discounts for pre-registration. (Free historic ride Sept. 8.) www.spfldcycling.org. Lake Springfield Beach House, 100 Long Bay Drive, 891-5464.

Paws and Power Sep 09, 9am-4:30pm; 6-8:30pm, Dog party/walk, $3 for APL. Juried vintage car show and more. Evening reception with music and more, $35. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217- 753-0702.

Cruise 11 to Remember 9-11 Sep 09, 10am-6pm, Car show ($11), food, crafts, 1 p.m. cruise, (3 p.m. free Blues Brothers Tribute concert. 4 p.m. free memorial service.), Downtown, 160 E. Main Street, Decatur, 217-791-1385.

St. Cabrini Fall Festival Sep 09, 11am-5pm, Horace Mann Singers 12:30 p.m. Hipbone Sam 2 p.m. Raffles, children’s games, drink/food for purchase. Free. St. Cabrini Church, 1020 N. Milton, 217- 522-8555.

Fall Farm Day Sep 09, 1-5pm, Pumpkin and face painting, farm tours 1:30-3 p.m., crafts, barrel train. Free admission. 447-3409 or gailspumpkinpatch.com. Gail’s Pumpkin Patch, 1709 2000th Ave., Beason.

Grandparents Day Sep 09, 1-5pm, Take-home craft, special activity, tour “Luminous Ground: Artists with Histories” exhibition with family-friendly guide. Free. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring Street, 782-5993.

An Enchanted Evening Sep 09, 5-8pm, Elkhart Historical Society presents music, finger food, drinks. $30. Reservations 947-2238. Cro’Hurst Mansion on Elkhart Hill, Cro’Hurst Drive, Elkhart.

Springfield Civic Garden Club Sep 10, 9am, Garden-related flea market 8:30 a.m. and after meeting with Coppertree talking about new-to-market trees, shrubs and perennials. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut Street, 217-522-4415.

Cachet Club Annual Card Party Sep 11, 6:30-9pm, Play cards or a game, $5. Proceeds to Wash. Street Mission and Sang. Co. Inter-Veteran Burial. Little Flower School Activity Center (south of school), Stevenson Dr.

Springfield Municipal Band Sep 11, 6:30pm, Free concert. Bring a chair or blanket. Douglas Park, 400 N. Macarthur Blvd.

Canton Friendship Festival Sep 12-14, 12pm Wed-11pm Sat, Carnival, rides, food, games, exhibits. Parade Saturday at 10 a.m. 309-635-0631. Canton.

Paul Mickey Science Series Lecture Sep 12, 7-8:30pm, Dr. Michael Nassaney, Western Michigan University, “Public Archaeology at Long Lost Trading Post in Southwest Michigan: The Continuing Saga of the Fort St. Joseph Investigations,” Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 785-0037.

Maldaner’s Rooftop Garden and Apiary Tour Sep 13, 5-7pm, Join Slow Food Springfield for wine, hors d’oeuvres and guided tour by Chef Higgins. $20-$25. Reservations required by Sept. 7. Maldaner’s, 222 S. Sixth Street, 691-5035.

Underground Railroad in Southwest Michigan Sep 13, 7-8:30pm, Dr. Michael Nassaney, Western Michigan University. 785-0037. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-7386.

All My Sons Sep 13-16, 7:30pm Thu-Sat, 2pm Sun, Jacksonville Theatre Guild drama. Jacksonville Theatre Guild, 210 W. College Ave, Jacksonville.

Harvest Fest Sep 14-15, 5-11pm Fri, 11am- 11pm Sat, Games for kids and adults, full country store, entertainment, food stands and more. 618-498-4823. St. Francis Xavier Holy Ghost School, 309 North Washington Street, Jerseyville.

Harvest Fest Sep 14-15, 10am-5pm, Food, crafts, bands, activities. Free admission, some activities have a fee. 632-7363. Petersburg Square, N. Seventh Street at W. Douglas Ave, Petersburg.

Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival Sep 14-16, 10am-4pm, Craft booths, historical displays, working craft area, pioneer village and more. Logan County Fairgrounds, 1408 Short 11th Street, Lincoln.

Mt. Sterling Fall Festival Sep 14-16, Entertainment, craft/food vendors, kids games, bakeoff contest, talent contest, church service and much more. Mt. Sterling, 217-773-3013.

Prairie Harvest Days Sep 14-16, 5pm Fri-5pm Sun, Tons of contests, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, parade, food, music, crafts, kiddies tractor pull and lots more. prairieharvestdays.com. Mason City, 217-414-7137.

First Annual Mission Flea-Esta Sep 15, 7am-2pm, Vendors, food concession, free face painting for kids, free spiritual readings, flea market. House of Prayer Springfield, 624 S. Fourth Street. 528-9780.

Leaf Identification Hikes Sep 15, 22, 10am-12pm, 50-different types of leaves. Adult accompaniment and pre-registration by phone required. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.

New Salem Shrine Club Car Show Sep 15, 11:30am-4:30pm, Cars, trucks and motorcycles. Justin Allgaier’s Nascar Nationwide stock car. Rain/shine. Petersburg Square, N. Seventh St. at W. Douglas Ave, Petersburg, 217- 636-8735.

Springfield Block Party Sep 15, 12-4pm, Free food, music, entertainment and children’s activities for entire family. Free. Dreamland Park, 2300 Taylor Avenue, 217-528-2299.

Sound Celebration Chorus Sep 15, 7pm, 6:30 preshow, 1940s USO Tribute by woman’s chorus. $16-$13. Portion of proceeds to Illinois Military Family Relief Fund. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth Street, 217-523-2787.

Mark O’Connor Sep 15, 7:30pm, Grammy-winning violinist. $13-$16.50. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main Street, Decatur, 424- 6318.

Rockballet LIVE Sep 15, 8pm and Sep 16, 2pm, Springfield Ballet Company with live music by band, Downstate. $26-$16. springfieldballetco.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Opening Weekend – Scarecrow Showdown Sep 15-16, 9am-6pm Sat, 12- 6pm Sun, Vote for your favorite scarecrow in Children’s Foundation fundraiser. Live music, outdoor farm activities, hayrides, pumpkins, corn/bean maze and more. $8-$12 (shopping and music free). Rader Family Farms, 1238 Ropp Road, Normal, 309-275-8765.

Edwards Place Fine Art Fair Sep 15-16, 10am-5pm Sat, 11am-4pm Sun, Premiere event with tours of Edwards Place Home, hands-on activities for kids, food, music, demos and more. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth Street. 217-523-2631.

TAP Fest Sep 16, 2-6pm, Benefit concert for families in support of Autism Program. Hickory River BBQ. $10, children 12 and under free. 414-9722. Crows Mill Pub, 1220 Toronto Road, 217-529- 2769.

Tea Gardens Sep 18, 6-8pm, Extension educator speaks on creating your own tea garden and how to grow plants used to make tea. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave., 217- 544-2473.

Prairie Grapevine Folklore Society Sep 18, 7:30pm, The Don’t Be Brothers, Nashville duo playing Celtic (mostly Irish) songs. $10- $5. 454-0178. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road.

Standard Flower Show Sep 19-20, 2-4pm Wed, 10am- 2pm Thu, “In Tune With Nature” hosted by Springfield Civic Garden Club. Free. www.scgcil.org. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave.

LakeFest Sep 20-22, 3-8pm Thu, 3-11pm Fri, 11am-11pm Sat, All-new fest in conjunction with Bassmaster Toyota Trucks All- Star Week. Live music on four stages, fishing industry exhibits, kid’s play area, festival food vendors and more. Free. Nelson Park, Decatur, 217-423-4222.

Springfield Audubon Society Program Sep 20, 7-8pm, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Naturalist Jack MacRae’s 24mile journey from Wisconsin to Michigan. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473.

Kansas with Kings X Sep 20, 7:30pm, Legendary rock band who appeared on Billboard charts for over 200 weeks in 70s-80s. $29-$35. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

Griggsville Apple Festival Sep 21-23, Weekend full of pageants, contests, food stands, crafts, parade (Sat.) and musical entertainment. 833-2637. Griggsville Park, Griggsville.

International Route 66 Mother Road Festival Sep 21-23, 6-10pm Fri, 11am- 10pm Sat, 11am-, Over 1,000 cool cars, free entertainment, swap meet and so much more. route66fest.com. Downtown Springfield.

Chris Young Sep 21, tba, Country singer. Details forth coming. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800- 745-3000.

Wonder, Worship & Blessings: An Evening with Michael W. Smith Sep 21, 8pm, Grammy Awardwinning, multi-platinum-selling Contemporary Christian artist. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207-6960.

Apple Festival Sep 22-23, 9am-6pm, Celebrating their 30th year of the Apple Festival. Pick-yourown apples or buy some from the market. Broom Orchard, Carlinville. 217-854-3514.

Clayville Fall Festival Sep 22-23, 9am-6pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, Artisan/craftsman demons, historic building tours, pony rides, pioneer crafts/games for kids, craft vendors and entertainment. $5-$3. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 572-4984.

Railroad Days Sep 22-23, 10am-5pm, Ride a vintage passenger and freight train. Must have ticket to access grounds. $18, $10 kids ages 2- 12. mrym.org. 217-762-9011. Monticello Railroad Musuem, 992 Iron Horse Place, Monticello.

Creatures of the Night Family Event Sep 22, 11am-3pm, Learn about nocturnal animals. Games, hands-on activities, specimens, talk to scientists. Free. 782-5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring Street.

Halloween Costume Swap Sep 22, 1-3pm, Bring your outgrown costume and go home with a new one. In library gallery. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483-2713.

Sangamon Watercolor Society Reception Sep 22, 5:30-7:30pm, Exhibition and dessert reception. Free and open to public. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth Street, 217-523-2787.

Come to the Cabaret Sep 22, 7pm, Professional cast of musicians perform some of your most loved songs from Broadway musicals. Free, donations to Basket of Hope, RMH. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth Street, 217-523- 2787.

Autumn Dance Your Socks Off Party Sep 22, 7-11pm, Variety of music and dance styles for all dancers. Prize for wildest socks. $10, free dance lesson 7-7:45 p.m. 652-2128. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-9515.

Francesca Battistelli Sep 22, 7pm, Christian singer. $19-$29. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

St. Louis Brass Sep 22, 7:30pm, America’s longest standing brass quintets. Free 3 p.m. workshop. $15. 217-245-3069 or [email protected]. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville.

The Midtown Men Sep 22, 8pm, Four stars from original cast of Broadway’s Jersey Boys celebrate the music that defined the 60s. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207- 6960.

Music in the Park Sep 23, 4-7pm, Free Celtic music with Skibbereen, Elk Pipes, The Emerald Underground. Bring a chair or blanket. Washington Park Playground, 1021 South Grand Ave., 217- 753-6225.

Pygmalion Music Festival Sep 27-29, Indie-rock group Grizzly Bear headlines with Best Coast, Sleigh Bells, Tennis, Dinosaur Jr. and Cloud Nothings. $15-$100. Champaign/Urbana. Various locations.

Boy Scout Trailblazer Award Dinner Sep 28, 6pm, Dinner, live entertainment, auctions. $100. 529- 2727 or alicnolnbsa.org. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second Street, 217-529-2727.

AAUW Used Book Sale Sep 28-29, 3-7pm Fri and 8:30am-1pm Sat, Books, CDs, DVDs, VHS and audio books with proceeds to fund scholarships for women. $5 Friday. Free Saturday. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut Street, 652-8730.

Prairie Land Steam Show and Fall Festival Sep 28-30, Admission $5 for the whole weekend, food, old time demonstrations, huge flea market, lots of family fun. prairielandheritage.com. Prairie Land Heritage Museum, 1005 West Michigan, South Jacksonville.

Twelve Angry Men Sep 28-30, Oct 05-07, 8pm Fri- Sat, 2pm Sun, Debate on fate of 19-year-old man on trial for fatal stabbing of his father. $18-$17. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.

Sordid Lives Sep 28-30, Oct 05-07, 8pm Fri- Sat, 2pm Sun, When family gathers for funeral of their matriarch, secrets spill. Mature audiences. $18-$20. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence. 217-528- 9760.

Slow Food Springfield Winery Tour Sep 29, 8:30am-6pm, Bus trip to Willow Ridge Vineyards, Shelbyville, Tuscan Hill Winery and dinner in Effingham. $58. Reservations by Aug. 27. Various locations, 725-5886.

Autumnal Festival Sep 29, 9am-4pm, Kids activities until noon are corn and sunflower maze, hay rides $1, Scarecrows on Parade. $2. Purchase pumpkins, gourds and scarecrow, Horticulture Center, Raab Road, Normal, 309-438- 5654.

Our Savior’s Craft Festival Sep 29, 9am-3:30pm, Browse 80 vendors with kettle corn, clothing, fine arts, crafts and more. Our Savior’s Lutheran School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Roadd, 793-6433 or 891-9381.

SCAHCE Fall Festival Sep 29, 9am-2pm, Sangamon County Association for Home & Community Education. Bake sale, homemade lunch items, holiday gifts, demos. 438-3852. Sherman Church of the Nazarene, 7085 Village Center, Sherman, 496-3255.

Gazebo Art Festival Sep 29, 9am-5pm, Original artwork of local and regional artists, music, book sale. Children’s art activities 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. Chandler Park, Macomb, 309-833-1315.

Jubilee Farm Fall Festival Sep 29, 10am-3pm, Join in the fun, activities, exhibits, bake sale, trails and llama visits. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 787-6927.

Pet Fest Sep 29, 10am-3pm, Exposition building. $3, 12 years and under free. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 782-8886.

Fall Fest Sep 29, 10:30am-4pm, Join children and families of Hope to celebrate season with food, games, tours. Mums, crafts, baked items for purchase. 585-5437. Hope School, 15 E. Hazel Dell Lane.

Beardstown Fall Festival Sep 29-30, Autumn celebration features music, parade, carnival rides, craft and flea market and more. Downtown and in park. 491-3771. Art Zeeck Park, Second St. at State St., Beardstown.

Apple and Pork Festival Sep 29-30, 9am-5pm, Great food, entertainment, crafters and a huge flea market. (Also at two churches, old Clinton Junior High School grounds, downtown at Mr. Lincoln’s Square, 217-935- 3364.) Free. DeWitt County Homestead Museum, 219 E. Woodlawn, Clinton, 217-935- 6066.

Alpaca Farm Days Sep 29-30, 10am-5pm Sat, 11am-4pm Sun, Free family event to get your hands on alpacas. Activities for kids. 632- 2590. alpacasofindianpointhills.com. Indian Point Hills, 17229 Vaneman St, Petersburg.

The Fiery Trial: Civil War Stories by Candlelight Sep 29, 6-9pm, Drop in on the Edwards family as they read letters from a son-in-law in battle and cousins in the deep South. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth Street, 217-523-2631.

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Sep 29, 7:30pm, $15, children and students free. Available at door. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217- 245-1181.

Springfield Classical Guitar Society Sep 29, 8pm, Hanser-McClellan Guitar Duo from St. Louis. One of the most respected in nation. Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2313 Whittier Ave., 217- 522-7331.

Prairie Pedal Bike Ride Sep 30, 9am-1pm, 62, 40 or 20mile ride with chili after party. Support conservation of natural areas and wildlife diversity in Macon County. $25. Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, 217-423- 7708.

OCTOBER

Springfield Civic Garden Club Oct 01, 9am, Seasonal Decorating. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut Street, 217-522-4415.

Barry Apple Festival Oct 04-07, Apple pie contest, parade (Saturday at 1 p.m.), entertainment and more. barryapplefestival.weebly.com. Downtown Barry.

Fall Fun Anniversary Celebration Oct 05-06, Kicks off Friday evening with fireworks and music. Family fun on Saturday starts at noon. Quaker Steak & Lube, 1121 West Lincolnshire Blvd.

Candlelight Tour Oct 05-06, 7-9pm, Bring the family to experience New Salem after dark. Interpreters in period clothing welcome you. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg.

Scarecrow Daze Festival Oct 05-07, Entire town decorated with scarecrows, large parade 10 a.m. on Saturday, kids games, beer tent, music, quilt show, food and crafts. Held in conjunction with Touchstone Energy Balloon Fest. Downtown and Forest Park, Shelbyville. 217-774-4644 or 217-774- 2221.

Ike Reilly Oct 05, 8pm, WUIS Bedrock 66 Live concert series. $24. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth Street, 217-523- 2787.

Jersey County Apple Festival Oct 06, 9am-5pm, Historical tours, arts and crafts, games, entertainment, raffle, refreshments. Free, tours $5. 618-498- 2811. Cheney Mansion, 601 N. State Street, Jerseyville.

Tonic of Wildness - Nature Writing Workshop Oct 06, 9am-4pm, One-day workshop conducted by three published authors and poets. $50, discounts available. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473.

Saggy Bottom 5K, Golden Ribs Cook-off Oct 06, 10am race, Live music. $20 race and shirt. $30 race, shirt, pulled pork lunch and two free drink tickets. Proceeds to American Lung Association. Details at Facebook page. Palmyra.

Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show Oct 06-07, 10am-6pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun, Demo, kid’s activities and more. $2, kids under 12 free. Illinois Building. 498-7713. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 782-8886.

Kelly Miller Circus Oct 06, 2pm and 5:30pm, Watch unloading of animals and raising of big at 7:30 a.m. Two performances. Best Western Lincoln Inn, 1750 Fifth Street, Lincoln, 217- 732-9641.

Oktoberfest Oct 06, Sponsored by Jacksonville Rotary. More info TBA. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville.

Children’s Weekend Oct 06-07, 10am-5pm Fri-Sun, Straw maze, wagon rides, petting zoo, face painting, games, crafts, corn crib and more. Bomke’s Patch, 605 Country Lake Road. 217-626-1806.

Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Fall Festival Oct 06-07, 13-14, Travel through 15 villages and historic sites with crafts, flea markets, entertainment and more during two weekends. 309-647-8980. spoonriverdrive.org. Fulton County.

Harvest Festival Oct 06-07, 1-6pm Sat, 12-6pm Sun, Entertainment both days with fish fry. Hill Prairie Winery, 23753 Lounsberry Road, Oakford.

Folk Music Festival Oct 6, 3-10pm, Tom Irwin will lead off the first Music Festival at Clayville in 25 years. More information is forthcoming. Visit Clayville Historical Site at www.clayville.org for more info.

Sangamon Watercolor Society Exhibit Opening Oct 06, 5:30-7:30pm, Enjoy the talents of local watercolor artists at this beloved annual exhibition. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth Street, 217-523-2631.

William Fitzsimmons Oct 06, 8pm, Singer/songwriter whose music has been on ABC’s Greys Anatomy, Private Practice, Brothers & Sisters, MTV’s Life of Ryan and Teen Wolf, The CW’s One Tree Hill, Lifetime’s Army Wives and more. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160, 800-207-6960.

Blessing of the Animals Oct 07, Animals living in the shelter and those brought by individuals attending the ceremony will be blessed. apl-shelter.org. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 544- 7387.

Paul Mickey Science Series Lecture Oct 10, 7-8:30pm, Dr. Michael Conner, Illinois State Museum at Dickson Mounds, presents “Exploring a 14th Century Multicultural Village.” Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash Street, 785-0037.

The Jungle Book Oct 11-14, 7:30pm Thu-Sat, 2pm Sun, Jacksonville Theatre Guild. Jacksonville Theatre Guild, 210 W. College Ave., Jacksonville.

Lincoln Legacy Lecture Oct 11, 7pm, “Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation” Speakers Allen Guelzo and Ron Soodalter. Free. 206-7094. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Henry Rollins Takes On ‘Capitalism’ Oct 11, 7:30pm, Anecdotes gleaned and perspective gained from experiences that include recent visits around the world. $32-$35. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 523-2787.

9 to 5 Oct 12-14, 19-21, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Springfield Theatre Centre production. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth Street. 217-523-2787.

Just Be Day Oct 13, 10am-2pm, Gift yourself with time on the land. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 787-6927.

Toys for Tots Cruise-In Oct 13, 11am-4pm, Silent auction, raffle prizes, 50/50 drawing, 50s music. Proceeds go to Toys for Tots Program. Lowe’s parking lot, 3101 W. Wabash Ave, 899-7293.

Central Illinois Pagan Pride Day Oct 13, 11am-dusk, Lectures, workshop, Bell Book Canto from Kalamazoo performing two sets. Anderson Park, Normal, 309- 830-5922.

Fall Festival Oct 13, 1-5pm, Food, vendors, crafts, games, and family fun. Free admission. Springfield Ball Charter, 2530 East Ash.

Dancing with the Starz Oct 13, tba, Dance contest, demos, dancing, champagne, hors d’oeuvres and music. $50- $75. Prairie Art Alliance fundraiser. 544-2727. Hilton Springfield, 700 E. Adams.

Pumpkin Festival Oct 13-14, 9am-6pm, Search for the perfect jack-o-lantern. 854- 3514. Broom Orchard, Carlinville.

Indian Summer Festival Oct 13-14, 10am-4pm, Popular prairie party with delicious food, kids activities and games, music, crafts and more. $5, $3 up to age 13. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr. 529-1111.

Highland’s Art in the Park Oct 13-14, 10am-5pm Sat, 11am, Two-day juried exhibit and sale of works by 70 professional artists, plus Dueling Desserts. Just 30 miles east of St. Louis. Lindendale Park, 1999 Park Hill Drive, Highland, 618-558-0054.

Fall Festival Oct 13-14, 10am-4pm Sat-Sun, Activities to survive winter in 1830s: clothing preparation, sewing quilts/coverlets, soap/candle making, insulating homes, chopping firewood, smoking meat, food preservation and more. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg.

Carve for the Carillon Oct 13-14, 11am-4pm, Free family event. Bring your carving tools or use the garden’s. Pumpkins supplied. Washington Park Rees Memorial Carillon, Fayette Road, 753-6219

Springfield Long Nine Game Oct 13, 1pm, Vintage baseball team takes on Chicago Salmon and Bloomingdale Bucks. Center Park, Center Park Drive off Long Bay Lane. www.springfieldlongnine.com.

The Widows of Whitechapel Oct 13, 8pm, Original play for voices about five Jack the Ripper victims. Production is in the Legacy Lounge with discussion following. $10-$15. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence.

Out of the Darkness Community Walk Oct 14, 10am, 9am check-in, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Register outofthedarkness.org. Washington Park, South Grand and MacArthur, 741-6063.

Savion Glover - SoLe Sanctuary Oct 14, 7pm, Tony-winning tap dancer, choreographer and producer. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206- 6160, 800-207-6960.

Prairie Grapevine Folklore Society Concert Oct 16, 7:30pm, Traditional blues and folk with singer/songwriters Jaigh Lowder and Jill Manning. $10-$5. 454-0178. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road.

National Fossil Day Oct 17, 9am-5pm, Museum partners with National Park Service for a day all about fossils. Free. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring Street, 782-5993.

Mid-America Mane Event Horse Show Oct 18-21, Free, hosting Pleasure Olympic Finals and prestigious national Good Hands Equitation Finals. Coliseum. midamericahorseshow.org. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Springfield Audubon Society Program Oct 18, 7-8pm, Guide to Understanding Illinois’ Historic Cemeteries. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473.

Oktoberfest and Chili Cook-off Oct 19-20, tba, Live music, art and craft vendors, contests including an art, photography and pet contest and more. 728- 2684. Sullivan Square, Sullivan.

Owl Prowl Oct 19, 6:30-9pm, Observe fascinating nocturnal creatures during indoor presentation by Illinois Raptor Center followed by hike on trails. $10. RSVP phone. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Oct 19-20, 6:30-9:30pm, Walk through display of 2012 illuminated hand-carved pumpkins. Food, Tree of Lights, spooky music. Free shuttle bus from SHG. $7-$3. Washington Park Rees Memorial Carillon, Fayette Road, 753-6219.

Halloween Dreams Oct 19-21, 26-28, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Enchanting musical revue with festive songs, puppetry and 50 pounds of candy for entire family. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence. 217- 528-9760.

Leo Oct 19, 8pm, Mind-bending, funny, surreal interplay of live performance physical theater and video projection. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207- 6960.

Christmas in the Village Oct 20, 8am-3pm, Fall and holiday items, over 20 vendors selling great gift ideas. Williamsville Community Center, 141 West Main, Williamsville, 566-3357.

Memorial’s Be Aware Women’s Fair Oct 20, 9am-2pm, Fun, informative day devoted to women’s physical, emotional and financial health and fitness. $4. Orr Building. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 757-7849.

Recycling Day and Food Drive Oct 20, 9am-1pm, Collecting electronics. $5 donation or small bag non-perishable groceries. (9-11 a.m. shred, 5 box max.) 525-1464. Springfield Township, 3298 Terminal Ave.

Oktoberfest Oct 20, ww.goldenwindmill.org. Prairie Mills Windmill Hall, Golden.

Pike County Fall Color Drive Oct 20-21, Welcome in fall with a drive and a weekend of food, fun, history and color throughout Pike County! 491-2208. pikecolordrive.com.

Autumn Historic Folklife Festival Oct 20-21, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, Two-days of artisans and craftsmen demos, handmade arts and crafts, musicians, food, drink, children’s area, Farmers Market and more hosted by the Hannibal Arts Council. Main Street. Hannibal.

Springfield Audubon Society Field Trip Oct 20, 10am-12pm, To Fancy Creek Cemetery lead by Dr. Hal Hassen. Meet at cemetery west of Williamsville. RSVP by Oct. 13, 217-522-0897.

Kickball Tournament Oct 20, 10:30am, Join in this fun fall sport with co-ed teams. For more information call 638- 3522. Springfield Ski and Boat Club, 268 Maple Grove Lane, 217-529-9090.

Ghost Train Oct 20-21, 26-28, 7-9pm Fri- Sat, 1-2:30 and 7-8pm, Ride through Camp Creek Hollow with stop at Cemetery Road. Haunted Boxcar for braver souls. Departs every half hour from museum site only. $7. Monticello Railroad Museum, 992 Iron Horse Place, Monticello. 217-762-9011.

Zoolie Ghoulie Oct 20-21, 27-28, 2-6pm Sat- Sun, Bring little ones dressed in costume for safe trick-or-treating. Contest at 5 p.m. each night. Admission. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr. 753- 6217.

Springfield Illinois Zombie Walk Oct 20, 5-8pm, Dress in your best undead attire and win prizes. More info on Facebook. [email protected]. Washington Park, South Grand and MacArthur, 217-753-6225.

Illinois Symphony Orchestra Oct 20, 8pm, Celebrate as the ISO welcomes in music director Alastair Willis. Features a World- Premiere commission by David Patrick Clark honoring Maestro Willis’s appointment. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207- 6960.

Native American Game Day Oct 21, 1-3pm, Intellectually stimulating and physically challenging games for all ages. Free. Dickson Mounds Museum, 10956 North Dickson Mounds Road, Lewistown, 309-547- 3721.

Jackson Browne Oct 23, 7:30pm, Legendary singer/songwriter performs songs from his entire body of work. Singer-songwriter and fiddle player Sara Watkins opens. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207-6960.

Walden Chamber Players Oct 20, 22, 7:30pm Sat, 11am Mon, Boston-based exciting and versatile group. $15 concert on Sat. Free lecture and performance on Sunday. 245-3069 or [email protected]. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville.

WJVO Safe Halloween for Kids Oct 25, 5-8pm, For more information phone 217-245-5119. Prairie Land Heritage Museum, 1005 West Michigan, South Jacksonville.

Lions Club Halloween Parade Oct 25, 7pm, At Chautauqua Pavilion. Kitchell Park, 411 E. Ninth Street, Pana.

Chili Supper and Silent Auction Oct 26, 4-7pm, Chili or vegetable soup, dessert, drink. $8. Auction of handmade items for scholarship and Black Hawk School. Springfield Ceramics and Crafts Club, 2626 S. Pasfield St.

Haunted Nights of Civil War History Oct 26-27, 7-9pm, 10th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry presents historical haunted house with spooky surprises around every corner. $5. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

The Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi Oct 26, 8pm, One-of-the-greatest percussion ensembles in the world. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206- 6160, 800-207-6960.

Tartuffe Oct 26-28, Nov 01-03, 7:30pm Thu-Sat, 2pm Sun, Contemporary translation of 17th century French comedy. $14-$8. Info 206-6613. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza. 206-6160.

Rocky Horror Show Oct 26-27, 8pm and 12am, Dress in costume to see interactive rock musical about Transylvanian transvestite and naive couple ensnared in his erotically evil web. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787.

Ray Wylie Hubbard Oct 26, 8pm, WUIS Bedrock 66 Live concert series. $24. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

In Plain Air Fair Oct 27-28, 10am-7pm, Acoustic bluegrass, folk and original music, arts, crafts, foot trails, primitive camping, flea market, demos and more. $10. East at Herrick sign for 3.7 curvy miles. North on 500E Road. The Clark Farm, RR1, Herrick, 539-4571.

Witches Day Out Scavenger Hunt Oct 27, 10am-7pm, Merchants host scavenger hunt for customers dressed as witches. Prizes, refreshments. 632-4392 or 632-4154. Petersburg Square, N. Seventh St at W. Douglas Ave.

Halloween Party Oct 27, Wear your one-of-a-kind costume and enjoy the party. Daddy’s Money entertains. Hill Prairie Winery, 23753 Lounsberry Road, Oakford, 217-635-9900.

Chatham Jaycees Haunted Hayride Oct 27, 4-10pm, With frights and food. $3-$2. Benefit s Shoes for kids project. Chatham Community Park, S. Main Street, Chatham.

Light Up Wimmer Cemetery Oct 27, 4-9pm, Carved pumpkin contest 5 p.m. Tours begin 5:30 p.m. Cookies and wiener roast follow cemetery walk, bring sticks and flashlight. Wimmer Cemetery, Dixon and Dickey- John Roads, Auburn, 438-3063.

Goosebumps Organ Concert /Electronic Light Show Oct 27, 7-8:15pm, Dress in black, white or as historical hero for free dramatic and evocative music, dance and electronic lighting. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh Street, 528-4311.

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