Fairs & Festivals 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.

Downtown Springfield Roktoberfest Oct 13, 2pm-12am, Miss Roktoberfest contest, German food, kids area 2-7 p.m. Oompah band and local bands. Seventh and Washington. $8. Downtown Springfi eld, 217-638-4768. Fall Festival Oct 13, 1-5pm, Food, vendors, crafts, games, and family fun. Free admission. Springfi eld Ball Charter, 2530 East Ash.

Girard Pumpkin Festival Oct 13, 8am-4pm, Craft and food vendors, games, carving and decorating contest, pumpkin chuckin’ 1-4 p.m. Landfi ll southeast of town, Farmersville Rd. $2-$1. Girard.

Harvest Festival Oct 06-07, 1-6pm Sat, 12-6pm Sun, Entertainment both days with fi sh fry. Hill Prairie Winery, 23753 Lounsberry Rd, Oakford, 217-635-9900.

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, 217-529-1111.

Jacksonville Rotary Oktoberfest Oct 06, 11am-11pm, Sand volleyball tournament, beer tasting, authentic German band, games, ethnic folk dancers, German food and more. $5. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville, 217-408-0055. Kelly Miller Circus Oct 07, 2pm and 5pm, Elephants, tigers, horses, and cast of international circus stars under circus big top. $6- $10. illiopolispto.webs.com. Illiopolis Elementary School Grounds, 341 Matilda Street, Illiopolis, 217-486-7521. Oktobertfest Dinner and Auction Oct 06, 5:30-10pm, German-themed dinner and beverages, raffl e, games, auctions and fun. $25. Blessed Sacrament School, 1725 S. Walnut St, 522-7534 x206.

Rochester Olde Towne Fall Festival Oct 06-07, 9am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, Artisans, crafters, food vendors and live entertainment. Parking available at junior high with shuttle service. South John Street, East Main and Route 29, Rochester.

Books & Authors Book Signing Oct 13, 12-3pm, Author Pam Stone of Mechanicsburg, “The Watermelon Party.” Decatur author C.S. Ringer signs copies of her book, “Who Am I.” Owl’s Roost Bookstore, 427 Pulaski St. Lincoln.

Guy C. Fraker Oct 16, 6pm, Lawyer and historian Guy C. Fraker of Bloomington speaks about new book, “Lincoln’s Ladder to the Presidency: The Eighth Judicial Circuit.”, Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363. Middle-earth Fellowship Oct 13, 10am, Second Sat. of each month discussing “The Hobbit.” [email protected], hobbit in subject line. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veteran’s Pkwy, 546-9440.

Theater & Comedy 9 to 5 Oct 12-14, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Oct. 12-13 & 19-20, Springfi eld Theatre Centre production. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787. A Long Way Home Oct 13-14, 7pm Sat, 5pm Sun, Stage play based on historical-fi ction novel by local author Thomas R. Jones. $25-$15. 800-745-3080. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

Comedian JR Brow Oct 05-06, 7:30pm and 9:30pm, Seen on HBO Comedy Central. $13-$15. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 391-joke.

Comedian Mark Klein Oct 05-06, 8pm Fri-Sat, Making laughter his living for 30 years. $12.50. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

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.

SAHBA Extravaganza Oct 13, 5pm, Wine tasting and mystery dinner theater. $50. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Rd, 698-4941.

Sordid Lives Oct 05-07, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, When family gathers for funeral of their matriarch, secrets are spilled. Mature audiences. $18-$20. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 1-800-838-3006.

The Jungle Book Oct 11-14, 7:30pm Thu-Sat, 2pm Sun, Jacksonville Theatre Guild. Jacksonville Theatre Guild, 210 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 245-1402. The Widows of Whitechapel Oct 13, 8pm, Original play for voices about fi ve Jack the Ripper victims. In Legacy Lounge with discussion following. $10-$15. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 1-800-838-3006.

The Yellow Wallpaper Oct 13, 7pm, Free performance of compelling 1892 drama with actress Aasne Vigesaa. Reservations by phone. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St, 217-524-0901.

Twelve Angry Men Oct 05-07, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Jurors 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, 217-523-2787.

Music: General Events

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

Mark Schultz and Anita Renfroe, introducing Shaun Groves Oct 04, 6:30pm, Platinum-selling recording artist, comedienne, and singer/songwriter. $10-$15. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S Koke Mill Rd, 217-753-3939.

Prairie Grapevine Folklore Society Concert Oct 16, 7:30pm, Jaigh Lowder and Jill Manning, area singer/songwriters playing traditional blues and folk songs. $10-$5 donation. 454-0178. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 217-585-9550.

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, ABC Family’s Greek and Lifetime’s Army Wives. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Dance

A Country Dance Oct 05, 12, 7-11pm, Fridays. $5, $3/ member. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 428-1560.

All About Country Dance Oct 05, 8-11pm, Free lesson at start. DJ Marilyn Ferry. $6. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 836-1438.

Dancing with the Starz Oct 13, 6pm, Prairie Art Alliance’s evening of dinner, local celebrities dancing and MC Gus Gordon. $40. Hilton Springfi eld, 700 E. Adams, 544-2787. Masquerade Bash Oct 13, 7-11pm, Mask contest (lots of categories), pool tournament, singles auctioned for dates. Tickets, 638-8989 or 816-1018. Starship Billiards, 2301 Adlai Stevenson Drive, 638-8989 or 816-1018.

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.

Art & Architecture Art Reception Oct 06, 6-8pm, Local artist Janet Sgro. Painting on display through Nov. 29. Prairie House Custom Frames, 2833 S. Sixth St, 217-523-4415. Artrageous First Friday Oct 05, 5-8pm, Meg Grider demonstrates dyeing and painting on fabric. Food, drinks. The Blue Door Gallery, 214 South 6th St, 217-753-0262. Carpe Diem Art Show Oct 05-07, 12-14, 12-4pm Fri-Sun, Through Dec. 2, eclectic display of local art. Featured artist Kevin Atterberry, Petersburg. Prairie Palette Art Gallery, on the square, Petersburg, 217-971-7431.

Craft: Art Show Oct 07, 6-9pm, Local artists display their work and live music. All ages. American Harvest Eatery, 3241 W. Iles, 217-546- 8300. Gallery Exhibit Oct 04-06, 08-11, 8am-4pm Mon-Fri, Through Oct. 11, watercolors of Carolyn Owen Sommer. Talk Oct. 4, 4:30 p.m. Room 2207. Reception 5:30 p.m. in the gallery. LLCC James S. Murray Gallery, Upper level, Menard Hall, 217-786-2219.

Gallery Exhibit Oct 06-07, 09-14, 16-17, 4-6pm Tue- Sat, 1-3pm Sun, Michelle Schneider watercolor illustrations; Richard Bilinsky; bronze sculptures. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 243-9390.

Juried Associate Member Exhibit Oct 05, 5-8pm, Free and open to public. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery II, 2 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544-2727.

Roger Shimomura Oct 04, 08-11, 15-17, 10am- 6pm Mon-Thu, Through Dec. 1, “America Behind Barbed Wire,” prints by internationally renowned artist.

Reception/talk Oct. 11, 5:30-8 p.m. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 217-206-6506. Sangamon Watercolor Society Exhibit Opening Oct 05, 5:30-7:30pm, Enjoy the talents of local watercolor artists at this beloved annual exhibition. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 217-523- 2631.

Film & Television Foreign & Independent Film Series Oct 12, 7pm, The Sum of Us, with Russell Crowe. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6665.

Symphony of the Soil Oct 04, 6-8:30pm, Explores elaborate relationships among soil, water, atmosphere, plants and animals. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 782-4617.

The Yellow Wallpaper Oct 07, 7pm, UIS Women’s Center presents screening of fi lm. Discussion follows with directors and actress. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Children’s Corner Kids’ Ghost Hunting Workshop Oct 12, 6:30-8pm, Springfi eld Ghost Society shows ghostly photos, devices and leads a ghost hunt. Ages 8-12. Advance registration required. $15. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 217-523-2631. Nature Story Adventures Oct 04, 11, 9:30-11am, Children ages 3-5 years old and adult explore different topic each week. $5-$10. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-529-1111.

Super Saturdays at the Museum Oct 13, 11am-3pm, “Fantastic Fossils: Dinosaurs!” Recommended for kids 4-8. 782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-6044.

Touch A Truck Oct 06, 10am-12pm, See a fi re truck, helicopter, tractor and more. 753-2800. Lincoln Park, Fifth St and Sangamon Ave, 217-544-1751. YMCA Arts Week Oct 04-07, 8am-7pm, Free, week-long activities for children, teens and their families. Gallery night, Oct. 3, kids/adult work, music, activities and demos. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St, 217-544-9846.

Science

Friday Night Star Parties Oct 05, 12, 8-10pm, Fridays in Sept. and Oct. weather permitting. Observatory, roof of Brookens Library. Free. uis. edu/astronomy. University of Illinois at Springfi eld, 217-206-6073.

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 St, 785-0037.

Nature

Fur, Feather, Fin Fall Fling Oct 06, 10am-6pm, Final free admission day of the season. Activity packed day includes animal programs. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-585-1821.

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

Fall Bird Hikes Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, 8am, Free and for all skill levels. Lincoln Memorial Garden Nature Center, 2301 East Lake Drive, 529-1111. Just Be Day Oct 13, 10am-2pm, Gift yourself with time on the land. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Rd, 787-6927.

Leaf Collecting Hikes Oct 07, 2pm, Sundays through Oct. 7, naturalists lead student hikes to collect 25 types of leaves. $4. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217- 529-1111.Tonic of Wildness - Nature Writing Workshop Oct 06, 9am-4pm, One-day workshop conducted by authors Tracy Zeman, Lisa Higgs and Ted Morrissey. $50, discounts available, see webpage. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

Lectures & Meetings Capital City Toastmasters Meeting Oct 10, 17, 12pm, Every Wed. hone your speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere. IDOT Hanley Building - Room 214, 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway, 524-4683.

Edu-Talk Oct 12, 5:30pm, Networking and support group for educators. Info on Facebook. Mowie’s Cue, 1277 Toronto Road, 217-529-7616. Girls Night Out Oct 11, 6-7:15pm, Stress relief, entertainment, health education, physical activity with personal trainer, speaker. $5. Register online. Dove Conference Center, Prairie Heart Institute, 619 E. Mason St, 757-6394.

Mcbrian Lincoln Douglas Toastmasters Club 51 Oct 04, 11, 6-7:30pm, Thursdays in the conference room. Public invited. Guests, members welcome. Our Savior’s Lutheran School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd, 217-546-4531.

Q.U.I.L.T.S. Oct 08, 7pm, Second Monday of each month. All skill levels welcome. springfi eldquilts.com. Atonement Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St, 217-546- 7646. Spare the Rod: Spoil the Child? Oct 05, 6-9pm, Friends of Funshop present Karen Hickman. $30, $35 couple. Funshop Facility. 753-6234. Lincoln Park, Fifth St and Sangamon Ave, 217- 544-1751.

Teen Driving Seminar Oct 15, 5-7pm, Presentations on Sangamon County Court procedure, court supervision, how driving affects insurance rates, and ins/outs GDL. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217-535-3254. Women Entrepreneurs - Central IL Oct 10, 5:30-7pm, Ryan Gruenenfelder, AARP. ‘Affordable Health Care for America Act.’; $30-$22. Register by Oct. 5 to [email protected]. 725- 8500. Indigo Restaurant, 3013 Lindbergh Blvd, 217-726-8436.

Bulletin Board Backgammon Club Oct 10, 17, 6pm, Every Wed. with Sangamon Valley Backgammon Association. 622-9447. Capital Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave, 217-546-2111 .

Blessing of the Animals Oct 07, tba, Get your pets blessed. apl-shelter.org. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd, 544-7387. Brew Ha Ha 2012 Oct 06, 6pm, Decatur Area Arts Council hosts with German food, free domestic draft beer, cash bar of craft German and Oktoberfest beers. Imagine That Band, beer drinking games, best costume. 423-3189. Hickory Point Golf Course Club House, 727 Weaver Road, Forsyth.

Christmas Assistance Applications Oct 08-09, 12, 9am-12pm, 1-4pm Mon-Wed, Fri and, Bring all necessary ID. Cannot be registered with other agencies. Salvation Army Corps Community Center, 530 N. Sixth Street, 525-2196.

Computer Genealogy Research Workshop Oct 17, 6-8pm, Hosted by Springfi eld Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. Carnegie Room North. 416-4744. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217-753-4900.

Curran Car & Motorcycle Show Oct 07, 11am-6pm, Trails End Saloon, 6445 Old Route 54, Curran, 217-483-7078. Fall Fun Anniversary Celebration Oct 05-06, Kicks off Fri. evening with fi reworks and music. Family fun on Sat. starts at noon. Quaker Steak & Lube, 1121 West Lincolnshire Blvd, 217-787-5823.

First Fridays Downtown Oct 05, 5-8pm, Every fi rst Friday stroll, shop eat downtown. Exhibitions, live music, great deals and fun surprises. 544-1723. Downtown Springfi eld.

Garden Bistro Oct 10, 5pm, Barbecue dinner and drinks. $50, $125 family. RSVP, info@springfi eldbloom.org or 789-2116, ext. 2629. Illinois Executive Mansion, 410 E. Jackson . Homecoming Weekend Oct 05-06, Friday night parade at 4:15 kicks off a weekend of sports and activities. University of Illinois at Springfi eld, 217-206-6073.

I’ll Make a Man Out of You Oct 10, 1-2:30pm, FeministFrequency.com creator Anita Sarkeesian discusses gender roles in popular culture and media. 786-2241. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786- 2200.

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 5th Street Lincoln, IL 62656-9111 , Lincoln, (217) 732-9641.

National Fossil Day Oct 17, 9am-5pm, Museum partners with National Park Service. Free. 782-5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-5993.

SAHBA Extravaganza Oct 13, 5pm, Local wines and beers and complete mystery dinner theater. $50. 698-4941. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Rd. Saggy Bottom 5K, Golden Ribs Cookoff 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. Palmyra.

Sparc’s Hush-Hush Starry Night Speakeasy Fundraiser Oct 06, 6-10pm, Dress like gangster, silent fi lm star, fl apper or wear your street clothes. Gourmet dinner and music by DK Money. $125. Sangamo Club, 227 E. Adams St, 793-2100.

Springfield Christian Women’s Connection Oct 17, 10:30am-12:45pm, Reservations by Oct. 12. $12. 787-8246. Northfi eld Inn Suites & Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr.

Youth Charity Horse Show Oct 05-07, 8am-10pm, Fun-fi lled weekend of competitive showmanship and comradery. Free and open to public. Coliseum. youthcharityhorseshow.com. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 782-8886.

Politics Foundation for a United Front Oct 09, 6-7:30pm, Fighting Citizens United: A Move To Amend Event. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217-753- 4900.

Foundation for a United Front Oct 13, 12-2pm, 13th Congressional Candidate Debate. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217-753-4900.

History 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, 217-632-4000.

Conference on Illinois History Oct 11, Prairie Capital Convention Center and Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. illinoishistory.gov/conference. Various locations.

Great War Encampment Oct 13-14, 9am-6pm Sat, 8am-4pm Sun, Two days of re-enactors, indoor and outdoor exhibits and lectures. Free. Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd, 761- 3910.

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.

Watch Day with the Experts Oct 06, 10am-4pm, Springfi eld’s Illinois Watch Company and early time pieces featured. Experts evaluate watches visitors bring in. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St, 217-492-5929.

Health Family Fun Walk Oct 07, 9am, Illinois Hands & Voices, Guide By Your Side host. handsandvoices.org. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St, 877- 350-4556.

Free Mammogram Oct 08, 15, 4-7pm, For women without health insurance. Appointment required, 545- 7296. Simmons Cancer Institute, 315 W. Carpenter, 217-545-0798.

Mind & Body Wellness Day Oct 04, 1-4pm, Educational fair with blood pressure checks, fl u vaccines, treat bags and more. Hickory Glen Senior Living, 1700 W. Washington, 217-793- 0431.

Senior Living Expo Oct 05, 8am-1pm, Free info and free services - fl u shots, bloodmobile, screenings and more. HSHS Medical Group, SPRC, Staab Polk Memorial Home sponsor. Sangamon Prairie Reception Center, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, 483- 7999.