Holiday Happenings

Boo Crew Haunted House Oct 11-12, 18-19. So scary it’s only recommended for ages 10+. Younger children’s matinee Sat, Oct 19 3-6pm. Gen. admission $17, VIP, $30, matinee $7, blackout admission Nov 1 $20 including glow stick. Rain or shine. Boo Crew Haunted House, 11083 Buckhart Road, Mechanicsburg.

Haunted Woods of Creek Hill Oct 12, 19, 7-11pm Sat. Located in the heart of the Devil’s Triangle. $5 or $10 for a speed pass. illinnoistimestix.com. Haunted Woods of Creek Hill , 3078 N. 1550 East Rd., Mount Auburn, 217-561-0590.

Indian Knoll Pumpkins Oct 12-13, 19-20, 10am-5pm Sat, 12- 5pm Sun. Wagon rides, face painting, barnyard games and animals, barrel tractor rides, fall treats and more. indianknollpumpkins.com. Indian Knoll Pumpkins, 2850 N.1000 E. Road, Mechanicsburg, 217-827-0317.

Terror in the Graveyard Oct 11, 7-11pm Fri. Travel through an old, abandoned graveyard and along a terrifying trail into the woods. $13 for adults, $10 ages 10 and under. Menard County Fairgrounds, 18450 Fairgrounds, Petersburg.

Terror on Washington St. Haunted House Oct 11-12, 18-19, 7:13-11pm Fri-Sat, 7:13-11pm Fri-Sat. $10, military discount available. $5 friendly ghost tours Oct. 19 and 26. Terror on Washington Street, 513 E. Washington St., Clinton, 217-935-3364.

Fairs & Festivals

Campfire Singalong Oct 12, 4-7pm Sat. Hot dogs and veggie dogs, s’mores and other tasty treats. Seating is limited, so bring your own chair. Free. Enos Park Community Garden, 1022 N. Fifth St., 708-580-8432.

Carve for the Carillon Oct 12, 11am-3pm Sat. Pumpkins will be available as long as supplies last. Bring carving tools. Finished pumpkins will be displayed at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853.

Indian Summer Festival Oct 12-13, 10am-4pm Sat-Sun. Live music, a fairy woodland, hiking, pumpkin painting, food trucks, vendors, crafts for children. $8, free for ages 10 and younger. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.

Oktoberfest Oct 12, Sat. Bags tournament. Lake Press Club, 13 Club Area, 217-529-1221.

Trinity Fall Festival Oct 11-12, 4-8pm Fri, 10am-8pm Sat. Carnival rides, bounce houses, skill games, prizes, inflatable laser arena, corn hole tournament and food trucks. Rides are $2 each or unlimited with $15 wristband. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217-787-2323.

Books & Authors

Friends of Sherman Library Book Sale Oct 11-12, 3-7pm Fri, 9am-3pm Sat. Adult and juvenile hardback and paperback books, $.50-$1. 217-496-2496. Seaney’s Greenhouse, 100 Illini Blvd., Sherman, 217-652-2175.

Friends of UIS Library Used Book Sale Oct 10, 10am-4pm Thu. Great selection of books of all types, DVDs and CDs. Bargain prices from $1 to $3. Cash or check only. 217-206-6597. UIS Brookens Library, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6605.

Route 36 Book Talk Oct 14, 6-7:30pm Mon. Author Allan Ferguson will discuss his unique resource guidebook that takes the reader on a 1,400-mile journey along Route 36 including profiles of forty-five towns and cities. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

Spoken Word

Poetry Open Mic Oct 16, 6-8pm Wed. Free. springfieldpoetsandwriters.com. 217-725-9058. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-528-1901.

Theater & Comedy

Akeem Woods Oct 11-12, 7:30pm. and 9:30pm. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217-391-JOKE.

Beautiful, The Carol King Story Oct 18, 7:30-9:30pm Fri. The inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom. $24+. UIS Performing Arts Center, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Belly Laffs Comedy Oct 12, 8pm Sat. Clay Foley headlines. Also featuring Meredith Hopping and Tim Laffey with host Al Nimpson. $10. Godfather’s Pizza, 1549 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-522-4886 or 217-871-1509.

Bright Star Oct 10-13, 17-20, Thu 7pm, Fri and Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm.. Inspired by real events, this Broadway musical tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 40s. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Mike Marvel Oct 18-19, 8-9:30pm Fri-Sat. Marvel’s comedy is based on growing up in Wisconsin — football, hunting, fishing, and his wife and kids. $12.50 prepaid online or cash at thedoor.mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut St., Mason City, 217-482-5233.

Murder Mystrery Dinner Theatre Oct 18, 6-9:30pm Fri. Hill Prairie Winery, 23753 Lounsberry Road, Oakford, 217-635-9900.

The POP! Does Comedy Oct 12, 6-9pm Sat. Local comedy and music. $8 in advance, $10 at the door. 217-494-7520. Arlington’s Restaurant, 210 S. Broadway, 217-679-6235.

The POP! Variety Show Oct 15, 7-9pm Tue. Comedians, magicians, musicians, juggling and more. Lots of local talent. $8 in advance, $10 at the door. 217-494-7520. Anvil and Forge Brewing and Distilling Company, 619 E Washington St, 217-494-6200.

Young Frankenstein Oct 11-13, 18-20, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. A monster musical comedy. The comedy genius Mel Brooks adapts his legendary funny film into a brilliant stage creation. $20, seniors and students $18. 217-523-2787. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Music: General Events

A Very Special Evening with Vince Gill Oct 20, 7:30-9:30pm Sun. $39.50-$129.50. UIS Performing Arts Center, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Music at the Museum: Noah Derksen Oct 10, 7-9pm Thu. Contemplative folk musician. $8 members, $10 adults. 217-558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

The Ball Brothers Oct 12, 6-7:30pm Sat. $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Ages 12 and under are free. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 217-636-8463.

Dance

Dance for Hope Oct 11, 12-12am Fri. Ballroom dance night every second Friday of the month. $8 per person. danceforhope3111.com. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 217-522-9106.

Art & Architecture

6x6 Art Raffle Oct 17, 6-8pm Thu. Over 100 miniature artworks will be raffled. Come play games to increase your chances of winning a piece and enjoy refreshments and live music. Free. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787.

About Becoming Through Oct. 23. Featuring the work of pastelist Tracey Maras, ceramicist Danny Brikshavana and painter E Vern Taylor, in addition to new work from other Collective artists. 217-523-2631. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787.

Fall Watercolor Exhibit Oct 11, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. Hosted by the Sangamon Watercolor Society. Watercolor artist Karen Knudson will speak. Refreshments. Free. springfieldart.org. 859-312-2968. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

One Nighter: Ceramic Pumpkins Oct 12, 5-8pm Sat. With instructor Kathy Adams. Piece will be glazed for you. $20 members, $30 non. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

One Nighter: Copper Enameled Vessel Oct 18, 6-9pm Fri. Instructed by Poppy Vincent. All materials are provided. $30 members, $40 non. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Sangamon Watercolor Society Opening Reception Oct 11, 5:30-11pm Fri. A show of the works of members of the society. Refreshments. Free. M.G. Nelson Family Gallery, 700 N. Fourth Street, 523-2631.

The Art of Fashion Oct 18, 6-9pm Fri. Reception and runway walk. Free. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 801-810-9278.

Film & Television

Hocus Pocus Under The Stars Oct 19, 7pm Sat. Bring a lawn chair and your favorite snacks and enjoy the sassy and scary Sanderson sisters. Free. Staab Funeral Homes - Sherman, 2626 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 217-528-6461.

Children’s Corner

Brett Creager Memorial Youth Outdoor Day Oct 12, 12-4pm Sat. For kids under 16 with door prizes, hands-on demonstrations, waterfowl ID, hunting dog demonstrations, lunch and more. Free, 217-836-4467. Sangchris Lake State Park, 9898 Cascade Road, Rochester.

Nature

Nature Walk Oct 13, 1-2:30pm Sun. An easy two mile walk/hike on nearly level and well-maintained wood chip and grass pathways through woodland and prairie. Dress appropriately and bring water. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473.

Owl Prowl Oct 17, 6-8:30pm Thu. Learn about these nocturnal creatures during an indoor presentation followed by a night hike. Tickets $10 adults, $5 children 6-12. Not for recommended for children under 5. illinoisaudubon.org. 217-899-6150. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473.

Star Party Oct 11, 18, 8-10pm Fri. The observatory’s telescopes will be used to view a number of celestial objects. Weather permitting. Free. 217-206-8342. UIS Brookens Library, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6605.

Lectures & Meetings

Alateen and Al-Anon Oct 13, 20, 6:30pm Sun, 6:30pm Sun. Two separate group meetings that take place at the same time and location, but in different rooms. 502-6777. spi-alanon.weebly.com. Real Life Church, 2701 Hermitage Rd.

Central Illinois Numismatic Association Meeting Oct 10, 7-10pm Thu. Monthly business meeting followed by an auction. Free and open to the public. 217-793-2178. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 4175, 2801 West St., 217-528-5740.

Finding Truth in the Age of Alternative Facts Oct 16, 6pm Wed. Pants on Fire: Exploring big and little lies in everyday interactions. Moderated by Jim Leach. Free. 217-786-2432. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Navy Club Sangamon Ship 32 Auxiliary Oct 10, 7-9pm Thu. Discussion of the auxiliary’s future plans and ways to help the community. Open to those with past or present family members in the water borne forces. Navy Club Ship 32, 3100 Stanton Ave., 217-585-9132.

Bulletin Board

Boys and Girls Club Great Futures Gala Oct 17, 5-8:30pm Thu. Complimentary heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine. Cash bar, silent and live auctions, live music and awards presentations Tickets $50. bgccil.org. 544-0548. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-585-2941.

Celebrate Sound, Dont Walk in Silence Oct 19, 10am-12pm Sat. A walk for hearing health. Proceeds to go to Erin’s Pavilion and hearing aids for low income elderly. Free coupon for hearing test. $20. celebratesound.org. 217-891-2782. Washington Park Picnic Shelter, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 217-544-1751.

Credit Coaching Workshops Oct 15, 12-1pm Tue. Local finance professionals will present the information and work with participants to obtain their credit report, assist them in interpreting it and suggesting methods to improve the score. Free. Sangamon County Department of Public Health, 2833 South Grand Avenue East, 217-535-3100 or 888-217-3505.

Fall GAYla Dinner and Auction Oct 18, 5:30pm Fri. Dinner, silent and live auctions benefiting the Phoenix Center. $50. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-585-2941.

Firefighters Comic-Con Oct 19, 9am-5pm Sat. Show off your best cosplay. $2 adults, $1 in costume. Kids 12 and under are free. 217-691-6472. Firefighters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 217-622-0099.

Get Your Licks on Route 66 Oct 10, 11am-3pm Thu. The tour, which started in California and follows Route 66, will stop in Springfield. Stop by to spin the prize wheel and win fabulous gifts for you and your pet. apl-shelter.org. 544-7387. PetSmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy., 217-698-3091.

Honoring Our Heritage Award Oct 10, 6pm Thu. Celebrating organizations that support and empower the Black community by paying it forward. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-529-7777.

Licks of Love Oct 13, 1-7pm Sun. Live music, food, 50/50 drawing and silent auction. All proceeds to benefit nonprofit that helps reduce euthanasia by rescuing abandoned, stray and kill shelter animals. Free. 217-899-0275. The Blue Grouch Pub, 510 W. Maple Ave. S., 217-527-8395.

LLCC Campus Visit Day - Fall Edition Oct 14, 10am-12pm and 5-7pm.. Free event for prospective students and their families. 217-786-2577. llcc.edu. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Pose and Paint Oct 12, 10am-3pm Sat. Choose a fall or winter theme for an indoor mini photo session (perfect for Christmas cards), then instructors will guide you to create your own work of art. Pre-registration. Various fees. Springfield Masonic Center, 1020 Rickard Road, 217-793-7728.

Ride in Honor Oct 13, 12-4pm Sun. Stops at veterans’ memorials at Spaulding, Camp Butler National Cemetery, Oak Ridge Cemetery and New Berlin, followed by food and drink at VFW Post 755. Proceeds benefit Land of Lincoln Honor Flight. $10 per bike plus $5 for a co-rider. Staab Funeral Home, 1109 S. Fifth St., 217-528-6461.

Springfield Clinic's Career Fair Oct 17, 11am-7pm Thu. Bring your resume because on-the-spot interviews may be conducted for qualified candidates. Reps from benefits, IT, clerical and customer service, nursing and ancillary services will be on hand. Wyndham at Springfield City Centre, 700 E. Adams St., 217-789-1530.

The brief but profound career of The Beatles Oct 17, 6:30pm Thu. Historian Clarence Goodman covers their definitive history from when John met Paul to when they crossed Abbey Road one last time. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

UIS Preview Oct 14, 9am-3pm Mon. Meet faculty, tour facilities, learn about academic programs, athletics, admission, financial aid, etc. uis.edu. 217-206-4847. University of Illinois at Springfield, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Food

Chili Supper and Silent Auction Oct 13, 12-6pm Sun. An allyou-can-eat chili supper, plus beverages and dessert. Carry out is available. Adults $7, kids $3. Hot dogs $1. Lake Springfield Beach House, 100 Long Bay Dr., 757-8660.

Illinois Products Farmers Market Oct 10, 4-7pm Thu. Shopping, health and wellness information, live entertainment and more in a street party atmosphere. Free. agr.state.il.us/nightmarket. 217-524-3297. Illinois State Fairgrounds, The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Old Capitol Farmers Market Oct 12, 16, 19, 23, 8am-12:30pm Sat, 8am-12:30pm Wed. Local produce, baked goods and products and live entertainment. Free. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.

Politics

US and Latin America: Challenges and Opportunities Oct 10, 7:30pm Thu. Ambassador John F. Faisto will speak. mywacci.com. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

History

2019 Lincoln Legacy Lecture Oct 15, 6-9pm Tue. Professors Jason Silverman and Mark Steiner will discuss Lincoln’s views on immigration and citizenship. Moderated by Dr. Michael Burlingame. Free. 217-206-6058. UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Dr., 217-206-4782.

Girl Scouts Walk through the Years Exhibit An exhibit highlighting scout history that has built leaders, community advocates and entrepreneurs. Free. Open during regular mall hours. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.

Our Hometown Project Oct 17, 6:30pm Thu. Authors Ray and Pam Bruzan will present photos and historic artifacts of Rochester Township that they have acquired during the past year. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Dr., Rochester, 217-498-8454.

Tales from the Vault Rare Books Oct 10, 12-1pm Thu. Reference Librarian Meghan Harmon highlights some books from the rare book collection. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

The Myth and Facts of Lincolns Assassination Oct 22, 5:30-7pm Tue. Historian and author Tim Good will share his research and conclusions about the assassination. Free. 217-525-1961. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

The Past Tense and the Present (is still) Tense Oct 16, 12-1pm Wed. Bring your lunch and listen to Richard Leary tell of travels to Greek, Roman and Byzantine ruins, churches and museums. Part of the Brown Bag Lectures. Free. 217-558-6696. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 217-785-0037.

Underground Railroad Fall Bus Tour Oct 13, 12:30-5pm Sun. Join our storyteller tour guides, outfitted in 19th century period attire, as we travel the sites of the Underground Railroad in Jacksonville. $20, children 10 and under $10. 217-479-4144. Illinois College, McGaw Fine Arts Building, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville.

What Land Records Can Tell Oct 10, 6-7:30pm Thu. Ruth Ann Hager will discuss the types of land records, how to find them, sources and online option. Part of Chatham Area Public Library’s Family History Month. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 217-483-2713.

Auditions

Open auditions Oct 15, 6:30pm Tue. The Plight Before Christmas. Show dates are Nov. 22-23. theatre7.net. Theatre 7, 131 N. Water St., Decatur, 217-423-2107.

Health

10 Signs of Alzheimer’s Oct 10, 12:15-1:45pm Thu. Separate myth from reality and address commonlyheld misconceptions about Alzheimer’s. Learn how to recognize the warning signs and why early detection matters. Registration 800-272-3900. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

An Introduction to Mindfulness Oct 15, 7pm Tue. Mindfulness has the potential to benefit anyone who takes a breath. Licensed psychologist Robert Bollendorf will describe the benefits of mindfulness and the many ways it can be used. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

College of Nursing Open House Oct 16, 5-7:30pm Wed. Learn about the University of Illinois at Chicago’s BSN, MSN, and DNP Programs offered right here in Springfield. Program layouts, admission requirements and clinical rotations. Free. uic.edu. UIC College of Nursing, One University Plaza, Student Affairs Building, 217-206-8123.

How We Move with Michael Chiapetto Oct 22, 6-7:30pm Tue. Michael Chiapetto will discuss the impact of movement and physical stress on our health. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 217-483-2713.

November is Epilepsy Awareness month Oct 22, 6:30-8pm Tue. Brainstorm ideas for epilepsy awareness and education. Free. 260-580-6817. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

Out of the Darkness Walk Oct 19, 1pm Sat. Join the effort to raise awareness and funds that allow investment in research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy and support survivors of suicide loss. Free. 312-890-2377. afsp.donordrive.com. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-753-0702.

Faith & Philosophy

Film Night Oct 12, 7-8:30pm Sat. First film showing at the new building. Free. First Baptist Church, 4150 Sandhill Rd, 217-523-7731.

Finding the Pathway to Unity Oct 11, 6:30-8pm Fri. 217-546-9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-544-9595.

Forest Healing: The Kinship of Trees Oct 18, 12:30am Fri. For those who would like a full-sensory experience that will help facilitate emotional, physical and spiritual wellness. With Lisa Rose and Dan Frachey. $139. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 217-523-0901.

Hope Oct 16, 6:30-8pm Wed. Cancer Companions ministry team will conduct nine group sessions offering encouragement and support to anyone in treatment, post treatment or caregivers. Free. stjohns-springfield.org. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 217-793-3933.

Journey to the Heart Oct 19, 10am Sat. The speaker will be Sister Sharon Zayac, OP. $10 donation. Registration at Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-787-6927.

The Dawn of a New Day Oct 13, 4:30-6:30pm Sun. Presentation, fellowship and food. Free. 217-546-9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-544-9595.

Welcome Home: The Story of the Prodigal Son Reimagined Oct 19, 6:30pm Sat. The cast of this production is comprised of members of local churches. freshvisionschurch.com. $20 in advance, $25 at the door, ages 5 and under are free. General concessions are included with the ticket. Fresh Visions Community Church, 1551 J. David Jones Pkwy, 217-726-5988.

Sports & Fitness

Halloween Hustle 5K Oct 12, 10am-2pm Sat. Runners are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes. Food and prizes. All proceeds benefit Helping Hands. Registration $30. Lincoln Park, Fifth Street and Sangamon Avenue, 217-544-1751.

Youth Charity Horse Show Oct 11, 8am Fri. This allvolunteer organization, whose mission is Kids Helping Kids, donates its annual proceeds to a area charity and brings young riders together for a fun weekend of competitive showmanship and camaraderie. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.