Holiday Happenings

Boo Crew Haunted House Oct 18-19, 7pm Fri-Sat. 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 19, 7-11pm Sat. $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 19-20, 10am-5pm Sat, 12-5pm Sun. Wagon rides, face painting, barnyard games and animals, barrel tractor rides, fall treats and more. No admission fee; small charge for certain activities. indianknollpumpkins.com. Indian Knoll Pumpkins, 2850 N.1000 E. Road, Mechanicsburg, 217-827-0317.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Oct 18, 6:30-9:30pm Fri. More than 2,000 illuminated handcarved jack-o-lanterns will be displayed showcasing carving talents of area residents, artists and District 186 students. Adults $7; children 4-11 $5; children 3 & under Free. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.

Tales After Dark Oct 23, 6:30-9pm Wed. Master storytellers Mike Anderson, Dan Keding and Bobby Norfolk will spin spooky tales. Appropriate for all ages. Adults $5, students and children are free. 217-243-5678. Illinois College, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-245-3000.

Spooktacular Oct 19, 6:30-8:30pm Sat. Suitable for all ages and includes historical characters, special eerie lighting and music, DJ, snacks/drinks, crafts and games. $10 per family ticket in advance, free for members. No tickets will be sold at the door. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

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

Trick-or-Treat Event Oct 18, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. Candy stops in the Lincolnera neighborhood, volunteers in period clothing,114th Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry encampment, Junior Ranger activity and 1860’s era games. Canned food donations accepted. 492-4241. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth St., 217-391-3221.

Books & Authors

Fall Fiction Fest Book Sale Oct 19, 10am-2pm Sat. Help out the Friends of the Lincoln Library and get some new reads. Join us in the Defrates Reading Room to purchase quality used fiction. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

Letters of Ilinois Soldiers Oct 17, 6-8pm Thu. Civil War Round Table featuring author Mark Flotow followed by a debate about the conflicting viewpoints between the North and the South that led to the war. Free. Books on the Square Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 217-965-5443.

Sherlock Holmes Society Meeting Oct 19, 9am Sat. Discussion about The Adventure of the Priory School. The public is invited. 546-8387. sherlock.lolopop.org. Free. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217-726-6330.

Theater & Comedy

Beautiful, The Carol King Musical 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.

Bright Star Oct 17-20, Thu 7pm, Fri and Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm.. Inspired by real events, this new 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.

Kenny Smith Oct 18-19, 7:30 and 9:30pm.. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217-391-JOKE.

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 the door. 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.

Young Frankenstein Oct 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. 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.

Beautiful and Bold Oct 19, 7:30pm Sat. Cellist Camille Thomas. UIS Performing Arts Center, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Dan Grover Oct 19, 10am-12pm Sat. Guitar and vocals. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.

Engelbach-Hart Music Festival Oct 17, 7:30pm Thu. Grammy Award-winning soprano Christine Brewer performs on Thursday and the Faculty Collage Concert performs Friday. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-245-3000.

Illinois Symphony Orchestra Oct 19, 7:30-9:30pm Sat. Cellist Camille Thomas. ilsymphony.org. 800-401-7222. UIS Performing Arts Center, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Sacred Concert Oct 20, 3-4pm Sun. Presented by the Westminster Presbyterian Church Choir. Free. chiaracenter.org. 217-522-3386. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 217-523-0901.

St. Andrew’s Society Bonfire Oct 19, 5-10pm Sat. Annual membership drive. Receive $5 off new or renewed memberships. Live music. 217-793-2059. Knights Action Park, 1700 Knights Recreation Dr., 217-546-8881.

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 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 Craft Class for Adults Oct 21, 6:30pm Mon. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Fall Watercolor Exhibition Oct 17, 12:30am Thu. Hosted by the Sangamon Watercolor Society, the exhibition runs through the end of October. Free. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

One Nighter: Cabochon Pendant Oct 19, 10am-12pm Sat. Instructed by Sam Brown. Perfect for beginners as well as experienced jewelry makers. $30 members, $40 non. springfieldart.org. 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.

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.

Movie Matinee: Shazam! Oct 19, 2pm Sat. Ages 13+. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Children’s Corner

Lil’ Pumpkin Day Oct 19, 10am-5pm Sat. In partnership with Children’s Miracle Network. Giant pumpkin carving, best jack’o lantern contest, activities. Free admission, $15 for activities. Indian Knoll Pumpkins, 2850 N.1000 E. Road, Mechanicsburg, 217-827-0317.

Sensory-friendly Henson Robinson Zoo Oct 19, 5-6:30pm Sat. For children with autism and their families. Free. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.

Nature

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 18, 8-10pm Fri. Hosted by John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics. 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 20, 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.

Railroads, Revenue, Revitalization Oct 18, 7:30am Fri. The new 3 R’s of education for District 186, with Allan Woodson, Tom Kerins and Jack Pfeiffer. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Sex Addicts Anonymous Oct 21, 6-7pm Mon, 6-7pm Thu. A 12-step meeting for those seeking freedom from addictive or compulsive sexual behavior. Confidentiality assured. Email [email protected] or phone 217-306-7335 for meeting location.

Springfield Breakfast Optimist Club Oct 18, 7am Fri. Meets every Friday. Visitors are welcome. 217-546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546-7646.

Springfield Philatelic Society Meeting Oct 21, 6:30-8:15pm Mon. Business meeting at 7pm followed by stamprelated program. DVD programs, quarterly auctions, monthly mini auctions, buy and sell opportunities before and after the meeting. Free. 217-341-4838. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546-7646.

Bulletin Board

AARP Smart Driver Course Oct 21-22, 8:30am-12:30pm Mon-Tue. Learn how to drive more safely and confidently and receive a certificate for completing this course and qualify for a discount on your insurance premium. Registration required. Fees. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

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 are $50 at the door or in advance. 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.

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.

Legal Aid for Seniors Oct 21, 9am-3pm Mon. Land of Lincoln Legal Aid is accepting appointments to assist seniors with wills and other legal matters. Free. 217-529-8402 ext. 149. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

PFLAG monthly meeting Oct 21, 7-8:30pm Mon. PFLAG meets on the third Monday of every month, offering support to members of the LGBTQ community, their families and friends. Free and snacks provided. aluuc.org. 217-801-2698. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

Springfield Clinic Career Fair Oct 17, 11am-7pm Thu. Bring your resume as 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.

St. John’s College Bachelor’s Preview Oct 21, 5:30-7pm Mon. Learn more about the college’s programs, admission requirements and how to register. St. John’s College of Nursing, 729 E. Carpenter St., 525-5628.

The brief but profound career of The Beatles Oct 17, 6:30pm Thu. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the last LP by the band. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Food

Old Capitol Farmers Market Oct 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.

History

Australia’s Return of Cultural Heritage Project Oct 23, 7-8:30pm Wed. Presented by Christopher Simpson, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Free. 217- 782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Debate about Secession Oct 17, 7-8pm Thu. Civil War Round Table featuring author Mark Flotow followed by a debate about the conflicting viewpoints between the North and the South that led to the war. Free. Books on the Square Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 217-965-5443.

Finding Ancestors in the Land of Lincoln: Genealogical Research in Illinois Archives Oct 21, 6-7:30pm Mon. learn about basic sources for Illinois research and about little-known treasures of the Illinois State Archives and the Illinois Regional Archives Depositories (IRAD). Free. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 217-483-2713.

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.

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.

Health

Alzheimer’s Training Class for Family Caregivers Oct 23, 6-7:30pm Wed. Learn about Alzheimer’s and dementia, techniques to manage behavior, activities to encourage engagement and assisting with the activities of daily living. RSVP at 217-547-1300. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 217-483-2713.

Glucose and Blood Pressure Screenings Oct 23, 9-11am Wed. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

How We Move Oct 22, 6-7:30pm Tue. Chiropractor Michael Chiapetto discusses the impact of movement and physical stress on our health and how to use movement to live healthily. 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.

Springfield Walk Team Kick-Off Oct 18, 4:30-7pm Fri. Out of the Darkness walk teams can checkin early, turn additional donations, pick up shirts and decorate signs and buttons. Snacks and drinks provided. Free.afsp.org. 217-787-0110. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.

Faith & Philosophy

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.

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

Old Time Religion - New Skool Oct 20, 3pm Sun. A gospel rap concert featuring K3hlab, Rodderick Lamar and Dyg, along with community choirs and dance groups. 217-523-3969. St. John AME Church, 1529 E. Capitol Ave.

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

Canine Agility Trials Oct 19-20, 8am Sat-Sun. Agility is a timed dog sport in which the dog and handler negotiate an obstacle course that requires conditioning, concentration and teamwork. Hosted by Capitol Canine Training Club. Free. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.