Holiday Happenings Boo Crew Haunted House Oct. 3-4, 10-12, 17-18, 24-25, 31 and Nov. 1, 6:30-10:30pm. (Children’s lights on matinee is Saturday, Oct. 25, 4:30- 6, $5 per person.) Boo Crew Haunted House, 6500 Jett Road, Rochester, 217- 502-9177. Extreme Haunted Hayrides Oct. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, Fri. and Sat. nights, travel along river, through woods, pulled by hearse. Weather permitting. $9. 522-7702. Riverside Park, 4105 Sand Hill Rd.

Indian Knoll Pumpkin Patch and Farm Oct 4-5, 11-12, 10am-5pm Sat, 12- 5pm Sun. Pick your own pumpkin, enjoy a wagon ride to the patch, meet farm animals, play barnyard games, face painting, pumpkin painting and special weekly events. Indian Knoll Farm and Pumpkin Patch, 2850 N. E Road, Mechanicsburg, 217-827-0317. Terror in the Graveyard Oct. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-26, 30-31. Walk through an abandoned graveyard and a 500-feet trail in the woods. $10. Menard County Fairgrounds, 18450 Fairgrounds, Petersburg, 217-632-3848.

Fairs & Festivals Circus in Riverton Oct 6, 4:30pm Mon. Field of Dreams, 1100 Riverton Road, Riverton.

Lincoln Memorial Garden Indian Festival Oct 11-12, 10am-4pm Sat-Sun. Twoday event for entire family. Fairy garden, crafts, activities, entertainment, food and more to welcome in fall. $5, $3 ages 12-2. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-529-1111.

Oktoberfest Oct 3-4, 7-11pm Fri, 11am-11pm Sat. Hipbone Sam playing from 7-11 p.m. Friday. Saturday- Polka music, barrel rolling contests at 1 p.m., and beer stein races at 3 p.m. Engrained Brewing Company, 1120 Lincolnshire Blvd., 217- 546-3054.

Oktoberfest Oct 4, “Wilkommen” ceremony and Tapping of the Kegs at noon. Traditional German music, food and games. Rotary fundraiser. $5 admission. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville. Prairie Harvest Days Spooktacular Oct 3-4, Tons of contests, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, parade, food, music, crafts, kiddie tractor pull and lots more. prairieharvestdays.com. 217-414- 7137. Mason City.

St. Aloysius FallFest Oct 4, 11am-10pm Sat. Craft and food vendors, beer tent, bags tournament, carnival games and 3-on-3 for kids, mass outside 4:30 p.m. then catered dinner and live band. Open to public. St Aloysius School, 2125 N. 21st St., 544- 4553. Taylorville Chillifest/175th Birthday Celebration Oct 4-5, 9am-6pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun. Pageants, Saturday parade, entertainment, Civil War reenactment, pumpkin races, vendors, kids rides and activities and so much more. Free. Christian County Historical Society grounds. 217-824-4919. Taylorville square, Taylorville.

Books & Authors Booking the Iles House Oct 4, 10am-3pm Sat. Local authors present recently released books. Children’s book authors in morning and lunch. Free, donations for lunch appreciated. 217-971-4336. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 217-492- 5929.

Friends of Taylorville Library Book Sale Oct 4-5, 10-4pm Sat, 12-3pm Sun. Preview Night Friday, admission. Taylorville Public Library, 121 W. Vine St, Taylorville, 824-4736.

It’s Just Not My Scene (or is it?) Oct 5, 1-4pm Sun. Screenwriting and playwriting workshop. $15. Register via Vachel Lindsay Association. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St, 217-524-0901.

Panel Discussion of The Kite Runner Oct 9, 4:30-5:30pm Thu. Held in Brinkerhoff Home. Free. 217- 718-5011. Benedictine University at Springfi eld, 1500 N. Fifth Street, 217-525-1420.

Theater & Comedy Bill Cosby Oct 5, 7pm Sun. One of America’s most beloved comedians. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160. Comedian Saleem Oct 4, 9-10:30pm Sat. Winner of The Boston Comedy Festival and performed on Jay Leno and Last Comic Standing. $12.50 cash only at club. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Mary Todd Lincoln: Taking Leave Oct 4, 4pm and 7pm. Springfi eld’s Pam Brown gives dramatic presentation. $10. Tickets elkharthistoricalsociety. org. 217-947-2238. Elkhart Christian Church, 113 South Gillett Street, Elkhart.

Pete ‘n’ Keely Oct 3-5, 10-12, 8pm Fri- Sat, 4pm Sun., comedy musical about divorced couple who are forced back together to revive their failing singing careers. Stars Gus Gordon and Cynda Wrightsman. $18. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Music: General Events

Beaverfest Oct 4, 2-11pm Sat. Make-A-Wish fundraiser in outdoor pavillion. Live music at 2 p.m. and Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters playing at 7. Free, beer tickets $2. 217-414-9379. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, northwest edge of town, New Berlin.

Juvae Jazz Society Oct 5, 2-7pm Sun. Bob Draga and All Star Band, plus Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers. Food at 4:00. $35, 277-877- 4527 or 277-877-2813. Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, 4191 US 36 West, Decatur.

Localicious First Friday Part Deux Oct 3, 5-8pm Fri. Make slime, watch a pumpkin explode ooze, create earrings, mapping activity, art and museum exhibits, music of Brooke Thomas and the Blue Suns, artisans store, food and drink. Free admission and parking. 217-782-5949. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217-782-7386.

Mother Jones Dinner Oct 5, 5-9pm Sun. Dinner served at 6 p.m. with music by Canadian folk musician Len Wallace. $30 dinner, 217-789-6495 or 217- 522-4688. Documentary on the life of Mother Jones follows and is free. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St, 217- 753-0702.

Sandeep Das: Tabla Lecture and Demonstration Oct 8, 5:30-7pm Wed. Grammynominated tabla player. Polly Roesch Music Room, Visual and Performing Arts Building. Free. University of Illinois at Springfi eld, 217-206-6073.

Sinatra at Washington Park Gazebo Oct 5, 1pm Sun. Free one-hour performance by Springfi eld’s own Phil Steinberg. Bring a chair. Washington Park, 217-753-6225.

Springfield Classical Guitar Society Concert Oct 4, 8pm Sat. Matt Palmer, named 2010 Up and Coming Guitarist of the Year by Guitar International Magazine. $15. 217-816-8832. Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2313 Whittier Ave, 217-522-7331. Sunday Afternoons in the Chapel Oct 5, 4pm Sun. Amy Catron, cello; Silvan Negrutiu, piano; Visual Artist Michael Houseror. Reservations required, jwallace@ ben.edu or 217-717-3671. $12. Benedictine University at Springfi eld, 1500 N. Fifth Street, 217-525-1420.

Venice Oct 3, 8pm Fri. With a rocking sound reminiscent of The Eagles and Jackson Brown, the California band returns for what promises to be their four sold-out appearance. $45. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800- 838-3006.

Dance Dance Oct 3, 10, 8-11pm Fri. Juke House 10/3, Bobby Remack 10/10, BAM (Mike Lewis) 10/17, Kevin Turner 10/24. $10. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-9515.

Art & Architecture Art Exhibit Oct 2, 6-9, 13-16, 11am-6pm Mon-Thu. “I’m Jealous of Your Failure” on display until Oct. 23. Over 30 contemporary artists from all over country. Opening reception Oct. 2 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 217- 206-6506.

Art Exhibit Oct 2-3, 6-10, 13-15, 9am- 5pm Mon-Fri. “Inspirations from Nature,” Christy Freeman. Closing reception Oct. 16, 5-7 p.m. Charles E. Becker Library, Benedictine University at Springfi eld, 1500 North Fifth St. Art Exhibit Opening Reception Oct 4, 6-8pm Sat. Acrylic painting and jewelry by Marianne Albers McKoveck and Raku pottery by Joyce Surbeck-Harris. On display through October. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 217-243-9390.

DEMO Project Opening Reception Oct 3, 6-8:30pm Fri. Brooklynbased artist Victoria Calabro.

Free. 217-523-2631. DEMO Project, 732 N. Fourth St., 217- 206-6506. Down Under Art Exhibit Oct 3, 4-5, 5:30-8pm Fri, 7:30- 11am Sun-Sat. Reception on Friday evening. Presented and hosted by Amanda Bryan. 217- 503-8428. Charley’s Club at Cafe Andiamo, 206 S. Sixth St, 217- 523-3262.

Inspired Journeys Oct 2-4, 7-9, 12-7pm Tue-Sat. James Johnston (paintings, prints, photographs), Pam Allen (jewelry) and E. Vern Taylor (painting, pastels). Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787.

Meet the Artists Oct 3, 5-8pm Fri. Live music, wine, refreshments, door prizes every half hour. Studio on 6th, 215 S. Sixth St., 217-522-8006. Paint Nite Oct 8, 7-9pm Wed. All painting supplies provided. Advance registration required. Alcohol not included. $45. Floyd’s Thirst Parlor, 210 S. Fifth St, 217-522- 2020. theGallery Oct 2, 6-9pm Thu. Fine Art Exhibit. Spoken Word performances. 217-503- 8428. Joe Gallina’s Pizza and Restaurant, 432 E. Monroe St., 217-522-5271.

Film & Television The New Black: Family, Faith and the Fight for Equality Oct 6, 6pm Mon. Documentary about historic fi ght to win marriage equality in Maryland and evolution of issue within the black community. Filmaker Yoruba Richen moderates discussion. Free. 217-206-8507. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Children’s Corner Junior and Senior Naturalists Activities Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6. Junior Naturalists, 9-noon, ages 6-9. Senior Naturalists, aged 9-12, 1-4 p.m. $45-$40. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-529-1111.

Touch A Truck Oct 4, 10am-12pm. See a fi re truck, helicopter, tractor and more. 753-0700. Lincoln Park, Fifth St and Sangamon Ave, 217- 544-1751.

Science Friday Night Star Parties Oct 3, 10, 8-10pm. Fridays in Sept.-Oct. Enter southeast corner, Brookens Library. Free. Weather question, 206-8342 at 7 p.m. or UIS Observatory on Twitter. University of Illinois at Springfield, 217-206-6073.

Paul Mickey Science Series Lecture Oct 8, 7-8:30pm Wed. Jason King, Center for American Archeology, “Recent Geophysical and Archaeological Investigations at the Golden Eagle Site.” Free. Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St, 785-0037.

Nature Fall Bird Hikes Oct 4, 11, 8am Sat, Led by Kevin Veara. Birders of all skill levels welcome. Free. Meets at Nature Center. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-529- 1111. Fall Migratory Bird Walk Oct 4, 8am Sat. Morning walk with local birding expert. Adults and attentive kids ages 7 and older welcome. Meet in parking lot. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544- 2473.

Four Seasons Fall Garden Programs Oct 7, 1:30pm Tue. Three programs via computer with live discussion: rain gardens and hydroponics. $5 each. University of Illinois Extension, 700 S. Airport Drive, 217-782-4617.

Fur, Feather, Fin Fall Fling Oct 4, 10am-6pm. Final free admission day of the season. Animal programs, turtle races, kids’ carnival games, special animal treats and more. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-585-1821.

LOESS Rock, Fossil and Gem Show Oct 4-5, 10am-6pm Sat, 10am- 5pm Sun. Demos, kids activities and more. Illinois Building. $2-$1. 309-838-7782. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-782-1698. Springfield Civic Garden Club Meeting Oct 6, 9:15-11:30am Mon. “Doing It Dried.” Ada Lynn Shrewsbury, SCGC Past President, Accredited Flower Show Judge and Floral Design Instructor. 217-971-6888. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut Street, 217-522- 4415.

Lectures & Meetings Springfield Parental Alienation Advocacy Group Meeting Oct 6, 6-8pm Mon. 217-793- 3586. Hilton Springfield, 700 E. Adams, 217-789-1530. The Role of Entrepreneurship in Academia Oct 8, 7pm Wed. Gregory Crawford speaks about how buisness and scieneces field can work together to transform research into business opportunity. Free. 217-206-8507. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Women Entrepreneurs - Central IL Oct 8, 11:30am-1pm Wed. Women in Transition with Ms. Sheila Mack and panel offering insights to deal with present and future plans. $25-$17. Register by Sept. 10, [email protected]. 725- 8500. Indigo Restaurant, 3013 Lindbergh Blvd, 217-726-8436.

Bulletin Board Beer School Oct 4, 10-11am Sat. Tour brewery, learn about beer making process, sample a few of brews. Free class limited to 20 participants. Phone to register. 217-670-0627. Obed & Isaacs, 500 S. Sixth St, 217- 670-0627.

Boo Bark: Party in the Park Oct 4, 11am-2pm Sat. Halloween party for dogs. Dog games, cosutme contest with prizes, demos, vendors, kids area, food for purchase. $3 a dog to benefit APL. 217-544-7387. Stuart Park, Winch Lane (north of Jefferson).

Enos Park Historic Homes Tour Oct 4, 10am-2pm Sat. Self-guided tour of 17 homes. Tickets $10, $5 in advance. Tour book, tickets at Springfield Art Association. [email protected]. ERA Forum Oct 2, 7-8:30pm Thu. Sponsored by AAUW and NOW, panel discussion features women who were and are currently prominent in ongoing efforts to pass ERA in Illinois. American Lung Association, 3000 Kelly Lane, 217-787-5864.

Kids Klub Wildlife Expedition Oct 6, 6-6:45pm Mon. Explore Scheels wildlife mountain and learn more about animals on it. ages 4-12 get free ride on Ferris Wheel (height restrictions). 217- 726-6330. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur , 217-726-6330.

Lunch and Learn Oct 9, 11:30am-1:30pm Thu. Lively discussion about Cardinals, Cubs and Wrigley Field, with sports editor Jim Ruppert and sportswriter Dave Kane, SJ-R. www.uiaa.org/uis. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 217-206-6073. Soup & Stories: Paranormal Activity Oct 8, 12-1pm Wed. Presenter Carl Jones, paranormal expert and light lunch. 786-2241. R.H. Stephens Room. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, 217- 786-2200.

Food American Legion Post 759 German Dinner Oct 4, 4-7pm Sat. Rouladen or Snitzel plus red cabbage, German potato salad, spaetzle, saurerkraut/dumplings, desert, tea and coffee. $15. 217-483-4084. Chatham town square, 101 W. Mulberry, Chatham. Fall Festival and Fish Fry Oct 5, 12pm Sun. With two great bands playing. Hill Prairie Winery, 23753 Lounsberry Rd, Oakford, 217-635-9900.

Faith & Philosophy Keith Jones Oct 4, 7pm Sat. Well known gospel singer and pastor from Jacksonville. Refreshments at 6 p.m. First Baptist Church, 301 South Grand Ave. West, (217) 523-7731. The Religious Persecution of Women Oct 5, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 217-585-9550.

Sports & Fitness 16th Annual Capital City Challenge Oct 4, 8am-4:30pm Sat. PDGA sanctioned disc golf tournament with 18 holes at Douglas Park in morning, 18 holes at Lincoln Park in p.m. $15-$35. All skill levels welcome. Preregister at pdga.com. 217-972-7166. Douglas Park, 400 N. Macarthur Blvd.