The early- to mid-October weather can be lovely, though sometimes too crisp and sometimes a bit toasty. With a weekend forecast calling for a big-time cooling off, be prepared to enjoy the last of our outdoor music festivals while wearing winter wear.

For inside happenings, come hang out with Square of the Roots as they bring their squarely roots-y sound to two venues this week. First the guys cut down to a traveling trio for a show at Buzz Bomb Brewing Co. on Thursday evening from 7 to 9, then they haul in drums and all for the full deal at The Trading Post on Friday night from 8 to 11.

Downtown on Friday at Bar None, the bluegrass-y, folks-y, rockin’ trio from St. Louis known by the handy-dandy moniker of ClusterPluck (be careful, now) drops in to shake down some electrified acoustic grooves. Last seen in Springfield at Donnie’s Homespun with a larger combo, the pared-down threesome combines electric guitar, acoustic guitar, acoustic bass, dobro, mandolin, banjo and three-part vocal harmony (but not all at once) to make the most of what they got. Their use of dynamics and instrumentation blends tradition with experimentation to fuse a truly pleasant and appealing sound and approach. Plus the Pluck is staying out on the road, which is how it gets done.

For those of you hankering to be in a music video, this weekend may well be your time to shine. On Friday Off the Wall plans to record a promo video for 2019 at The Curve Inn starting at 6:30, packing in as many “Wallers” as they can to hoot and holler and cause a ruckus. Then at 2 on Sunday afternoon The Deep Hollow invites one and all to Hill Prairie Winery near Oakford for a family-friendly video shoot for their song “Carry Me Home.” The trio’s new album, Weary Traveler, is getting a good deal of important press before the upcoming national release in November.

For outdoor events on Saturday things might be the wrong kind of cool, so hope for the best, stick your head out the door and dress for the occasion. One of my favorite annual fests is Foddershock at West of Wise Winery near Petersburg, featuring food and wine plus live music, done up right this time by The ColdPeppers (1:30-3:30) and Whirled Peas (4-6). The Hope Institute out on Lake Springfield hosts their Hope-A-Palooza (3-7) with food, drinks and family-friendly activities along with the Brat Pack to spice up the scene with live 80s pop. Rolling Meadows Farm Brewery presents their festive Harvest Party festival (noon to 7) with food trucks, special beer releases and family-oriented fun stuff on the actual beer-making farm on Central Point Road, out past the airport and directly set on the Sangamon River. Musical guests include the tasty Samba Llamas and the indomitable Debbie Ross accompanied by her band (bundle up, DR).

Now I’m going ahead to next weekend so you can plan ahead. On Friday, Oct. 19 Boondocks Pub hosts a benefit for “downtown revitalization” featuring groups rained out during DSI’s fundraising Amaranth Apple Festival in July, including Andy Logan & the O.C. 75s and J.D. Simo, while me and the Hayburners open the show. On Saturday, Oct. 20 Black Sheep Cafe presents the famed 60s band from Chicago called Shadows of the Knight (“Gloria”), then Sunday, Oct. 21 Bedrock 66 Live! gives us Robbie Fulks with Linda Gail Lewis (Jerry Lee’s sister) joined by the great Telecaster master, Redd Volkaert at Bar None.

See you on the flip side of the cool.