Sangamon Valley Trail Runs Oct 26, 7:30am Sat. 5k, 10k and half marathon. triharderpromotions.com. Lewis Memorial Acres, 399 S. Koke Mill Road. 341-1309.

Main Street Pumpkin Festival Oct 26, 10am-3pm Sat. Pumpkin decorating, hay rides, costume contest, pet costume contest, pumpkin drop, carnival rides, food, fall vendors, petting zoo, Pumpkin Playland and trick or treating. jacksonvillemainstreet.com. Downtown Jacksonville, Central Park, Jacksonville, 243-5678.

Annual Tree Tour Oct 26, 1-4pm Sat. The star tree this year is the Osageorange tree that dates back to the mid-1800s. Six of the trees on the tour this year are original to the cemetery, dating back 100 years. oakridgecemetery.org. Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1441 Monument Ave., 789-2340.

Goosebumps Music Concert Oct 26, 7-8:15pm Sat. Attendees are encouraged to dress in all black, all white or in costume to participate more fully in the experience of the organ classics, vocal pieces and interpretive performance art. Free. lincolnschurch.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

Halloween at the Market Oct 26, 9:30am-12:30pm Sat. Costume contests for kids, families and dogs. This festive event wraps up the 2019 market season. Free. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 544-1723.

APL’s Chili Supper and Paw Paw Patch Bazaar Oct 27, 11am-5:30pm Sun. Chili and vegetable soup. Price includes hot dog, dessert and drink. Unique gifts, 50/50 raffle, craft and baked goods. All proceeds benefit the cats and dogs at APL.apl-shelter.org. Knights of Columbus 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road, 544-7387.

Silent Retreat/Directed Retreat Oct 27, Sun. The silent retreat is for those who would like an experience of silence and solitude. The directed retreat is for those who would like to meet daily with a spiritual director to engage in spiritual work. Retreats are from 3-5 days. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Road, 523-0901.

Death Cafe Oct 29, 10:30am-12pm Tue. Drink tea, eat cake and discuss death to increase awareness in order to help people make the most of their lives. Led by two experienced facilitators with no agendas, objectives or themes. $10. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Road, 523-0901.

Membership Exhibition Reception Nov 1, 5-7pm Fri. The full gallery will be filled with new works by all the SAA Collective artists. Free. springfieldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Civil War Tech - Underground Railroad Nov 2, 10am-12pm Sat. Escaped slaves traveling on the Underground Railroad used a variety of different natural tools to aid in reaching their freedom--holistic medicine, the stars to guide their way and natural ways of disguising themselves and their paths. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.

Run for Life Nov 2, 9am Sat. 5k and 10k runs. triharderpromotions.com. Weldon Springs State Park, 4734 Weldon Springs Rd., Clinton, 341-1309.

Bison Bonanza Super Saturday Nov 2, 11am-3pm Sat. Participants will learn how the bison relates to American Indian cultures, the difference between bison and buffalo, and how bison help maintain prairie habitats. Museum admission. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-6044.

“On My Own Time” Reception Nov 6, 5:30-7:30 PM, Thu. An art competition between employees of local businesses. Refreshments will be provided. The work will be on display through November 24. M. G. Nelson Family Gallery, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Veterans Day Panel Discussion Nov 7, 6:30pm Thu. A panel discussion with several World War II veterans and moderated by Dr. Mark DePue. Hear stories of bravery, sacrifice and humor. Free but registration required presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.

Taxidermy and Natural History Museums Nov 7, 12-1pm Thu. Explore the history of animal taxidermy and the development of museum natural history displays. Taxidermy mounts from the state museum zoology collections will be displayed. Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 558-6696.

Heart Healthy Nov 7, 6-7pm Thu. Enjoy a fun workout and hear heart healthy tips from health professionals. Free. st-johns.org/go217. Prairie Heart Institute, 619 E. Mason St., 788-0706.

Women Make Up Half the Sky Nov 7, 6pm Thu. Recognizing Women’s Qualities and Inequalities. A part of the Food and Faith Dinner Series conversations, with Vicki Schmidt, Sara Unger Isbell, Rikeesha Canon Phelon and Carolyn Bodewes. $20. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Road, 523-0901.

Central Illinois Reading Council Celebrates 50 Years Nov 7, 5pm Thu. Teachers’ night out. Appetizers and cash bar before the show by comedian Rob Little. $18. Advance tickets recommended. illinoisreadingcouncil.org, Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 414-4071.

Girls on the Run 5k Nov 9, 10am-12pm Sat. Girls in the 15-county territory who have completed the 10-week GOTR after-school program will participate in this 5k. This event is non-competitive and is not chip-timed. gotrcentralillinois.org. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 726-9808.

Schlafly Full Moon Festival Nov 9, 4-10pm Sat. Celebrate the harvest with live music, a pig roast and chili cook off.schlafly.com. Schlafly Brewery, 7260 Southwest Ave., St. Louis, 314-241-2337.

Auditions for Annie Get Your Gun Nov 9, Sat. springfieldtheatrecentre.com Springfield Theatre Centre, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Holiday Craft Bazaar Nov 9-10, 9am-4pm Sat, 10am-2pm Sun. Unique, hand-crafted goods. Concession stand and bake sale will provide refreshments. Donations of a non-perishable item or cash in lieu of admission fee. little-flower.org. Little Flower School, 900 Stevenson Dr., 529-4511.

Coin Show - Central Illinois Numismatic Association Nov 10, 9am-4pm Sun. Fifty dealers with coins, paper money, tokens, medals and bullion. Dealers both buy and sell items. Early bird entry at 7am, $20. General entry $1 from 9am-4pm, ages 16 and under are free, as are CINA members. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., 793-2178.

217 Comfort Food Week Nov 11-17, Mon-Sun. Spaghetti, grilled cheese and meatloaf, oh my. Stop by participating restaurants to get your fill. Illinoistimes.com. 217-753-2226.

Creatures of the Night Story Time Nov 12, 10-11am Tue. Come learn about the fascinating creatures that are awake when we are asleep through stories and a craft. Museum admission. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-6044.

Illinois History Forum - The Anti-Slavery Movement in Illinois Nov 14, 12-1pm Thu. Suggested reading: Eric Foner’s “Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad.” Moderated by Jeanne Schultz, executive director of the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.

Music at the Museum: Switchback Nov 14, 7-9pm Thu. The award-winning duo of Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack. $8 member, $10 non. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 558-6696.

Christmas in the Park Nov 15-16, 4-8pm Fri, 9am- 3pm Sat. Christmas decorations, ornaments, hand-pieced pillows, small themed trees and plenty of Santas, snowmen and angels. Country Place Condo Clubhouse, 1/2 mile east of Toronto Road and 1/2 mile north of North Cotton Hill Road, 626-1738.

Abe’s Trail Trek Nov 16, 8:30am Sat. 5k, 10k and half marathon trail runs. triharderpromotions.com Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 341-1309.

Auditions for Beyond the Beanstalk: You Don’t Know Jack Nov 16, Sat. springfieldtheatrecentre.com Springfield Theatre Centre, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Capital City and LLCC Band Performance Nov 19, 7-8pm Tue. Free. llcc.edu. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2319.

Daphne’s Sister: The Art of Eleanor Spiess-Ferris Nov 20, 12-1pm Wed. Explore the work of the Chicago figurative artist in this Brown Bag Program presented by Doug Stapleton. Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 558-6696.

Who’s Checking the Fact Checkers? Nov 20, 6pm Wed. Finding Truth in the Age of Alternative Facts. Co-sponsored by LLCC Academy of Lifelong Learning. llcc.edu. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

North Mac Glo Bingo Nov 23, 5:30-10pm Sat. Sponsored by the North Mac Public Schools Foundation. Tickets $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Virden Knights of Columbus, 1320 N. Dye St., Virden, 965-5888

Memorial’s Festival of Trees Nov 23-Dec 1, 10am-8pm Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm Sun. A nine-day holiday event featuring more than 200 decorated trees and wreaths, hand-crafted gingerbread village structures, hand-decorated gingerbread cookies and live entertainment. $5 adults, $3 children 3-12 and 2 and under are free. memorialmedical.com. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 725-8047.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner Nov 23, 5pm Sat. CORAL will provide the traditional meat entrees, potatoes, dressing and drinks. Guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share at the meal or a food donation for the food pantry. Free. Lincoln Park, Fifth Street and Sangamon Ave., 544-1751.

Christmas on Vinegar Hill Nov 23, Sat. Throughout Mt. Pulaski. Crafts, antiques, baked goods and food. 792-3222.

Winterland Holiday Zoo Lights Nov 29, 5-9pm Fri-Sun. Every Fri, Sat and Sun through Dec 29. $7 adults, $5 children 3-12, age 2 and under free. hensonrobinsonzoo.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Fun Frosty Friday Nov 29, 10am-1pm Fri. Fun for the entire family including planes, trains, automobiles, face painting, balloon art and a life-size candy land adventure. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.

The Polar Express Pajama Party Nov 29, Dec 1, Fri-Sun. Everybody in their jammies for crafting and cocoa before a screening of the film. Includes a photo with our special guest from the North Pole. $15. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Christmas at Sugar Creek Vendor Fair Nov 30, 10am-3pm Sat. Over 60 vendors, lunch items, bake sale and used books. Blood mobile will be on site. Also bring a food donation for the local food pantry. Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, 1022 New City Road, Chatham, 725-4359.

Companions on the Journey Dec 2, 11:30am Mon. A monthly gathering for seniors to promote positive social connections. Following a shared lunch, speakers will give a short presentation. $20. Reservations required. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Road, 523-0901.

Springfield Civic Garden Club Dec 2, 9am Mon. The program is Behind the Scenes presented by True Colors Floral. New members welcome. Free. scgcil.org. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 563-940-5735.

Lunch and Learn: Illinois History Symposium Dec 3, 9:30am-3:30pm Tue Casting Lincoln: The Sculptures of John McClarey and Art Scents: Exploring the Aesthetics of Smell presented by Dr. Larry Shiner. Morning and afternoon presentations are free to attend with complimentary snack refreshments. A registration fee of $25 includes lunch.UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Dr., 206-6058.

Larry the Cable Guy - Remain Seated Tour Dec 5, 7:30pm Thu. The show features new material and is part of a tour that is leading up to the taping of his new comedy special at the end of the year. $39+. uis.edu. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Holiday Dance Party Dec 5, 6pm Thu. Get in the holiday spirit with this fun, energetic holiday dance class. Free. st-johns.org/go217. Fit-Club West, 2811 W. Lawrence Ave., 787-1111.

Illinois Symphony Chamber Orchestra Dec 6, 7:30-9:30pm Fri Soprano Awet Andemicael. Tickets will go on sale on Sep 3. ilsymphony.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 206-6160.

Annual Franciscan Nativity Festival Dec 6-8, 2-7pm Fri-Sun. Saint Francis of Assisi’s Feast of Feasts visualized through a variety of nativity scenes. Free. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Road, 523-0901.

Springfield Jaycees Holiday Lights Parade Dec 7, 5:30pm Sat. Free. springfieldjaycees.net. Downtown Springfield. Route is Jefferson to Fifth to Monroe to Sixth to Washington.

Fresh evergreen wreathmaking workshops Dec 7, 9am-12pm Sat. Bring pruning shears and any custom decorations. Plant materials, wreath frames and wire will be provided. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Age 18+. $30-$35. springfieldparks.org. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.

Winter Holiday Floral Show Dec 7-22, 12-5pm Sat-Sun, 12-4pm Mon-Fri. Up to 15 different types of poinsettias will be displayed among the decorated fresh evergreens and tropical foliage. Free. springfieldparks.org. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.

Busy Elves Workshop Dec 7, 10-11:30am Sat. Make a holiday craft and treat along with playing seasonal games. Early registration is recommended as class size is limited. Ages 3-5. $27-$37. Washington Park Preschool, 1400 Williams Blvd., 546-3970.

2019 Holiday Walk Dec 7, 1-4 PM Sat. Listen to Christmas carols and explore the home that is decorated for the season. Edwards Place, 700 N. Fourth St. 523-2631.

Caroling at the Carillon Dec 8, 4-5pm Sun. Sing holiday carols accompanied by the carillon by a roaring bonfire. The Trinity Wind Ensemble will provide seasonal interludes. Cookies and hot chocolate and a visit from Santa.Free.carillon-rees.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-3853.

Holiday Home Tour and Tea Dec 8, 1-5pm Sun. Knollwood Retirement Village will host the tea. Tickets available at Jacksonville Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, County Market or from any Pilot Member. $15 in advance. jacksonvilleil.org. Jacksonville Downtown, Central Park Plaza, 243-5678.

Tales from the Vault - Civil War Battles Dec 12, 12-1pm Thu. Bullets, letters and maps will be displayed and Christian McWhirter will discuss of what it was like to be a Civil War soldier. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.

APL Tree of Lights Dec 14, 12-5pm Sat. Enjoy cookies and punch, take a tour of our shelter and meet some of our furry residents. Donations for lights on the tree are $5. apl-shelter.org. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 544-7387.

Annual Christmas Tea Dec 14, 11am and 3pm Sat. Guests will learn about 19th century holiday traditions and practices while enjoying tea and desserts. Caroling, holiday stories to share and gifts to take home. $35/$30 for SAA members. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Capital City Men’s Chorus Dec 15, 4pm Sun. Tickets $10 at the door. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. W., 494-8859.

Winter Solstice Evening Dec 21, 6:30pm Sat. An opportunity to contemplate the goodness of the seasons and how their rhythms form our sense of life’s journey with wonder. $20 includes a meal of soup and bread. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Road, 523-0901.