DuPage, Will and Cook to offer pumpkin fests, comedy, Pet Promenade

OCT. 24

LAUGHS ON TAP: 7:30 p.m., Alter Brewing Company, 2300 Wisconsin Ave., Downers Grove. There will be a new lineup of stand-up comedians. Cost: $10. Information: www.alterbrewing.com/events/laughs-on-tap-2.

"SKELETOBER" DISPLAYS DOZENS OF LIFE-SIZED SKELETONS: Month of October, in front of La Grange businesses. A church features a singing skeleton in a choir robe, a real estate business hosts a skeleton family with a newborn, a music school's skeleton is playing a keyboard, and the skeleton in front of a fitness studio is working out with weights. Information: Map at lagrangeevents.com.

FIRST FOLIO THEATRE'S "SHERLOCK'S LAST CASE": Through Nov. 3, Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook. To open its 24th season, First Folio Theatre will begin with the literary-inspired production "Sherlock's Last Case," by Charles Marowitz. A threat hangs over the world's most famous detective as he faces an opponent he never expected. The thrilling adventure mixes suspense, humor and breath-stopping surprises. When Holmes' life is threatened, it's up to the ever-dependable Dr. Watson to solve the case. The play is directed by Janice L. Blixt. Cost: $29 to $44. Information: 630-986-8067, www.firstfolio.org.

FAIR TRADE RUG EVENT: Through Oct. 27, Ten Thousand Villages of Glen Ellyn, 503 Pennsylvania Ave. Information: rugs.tenthousandvillages.com/event/rug-event-glen-ellyn-il/, 630-790-1166.

VISIÓN LATINO THEATRE COMPANY STAGING THE LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA MUSICAL "IN THE HEIGHTS": Through Oct. 27, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Jedlicka Performing Arts Center on the campus of Morton College, 3801 S. Central Ave., Cicero. Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for seniors. Information: visionlatino.com, www.jpactheatre.com.

JACK'S PUMPKIN GLOW: Opening at twilight Oct. 24 to 27, Sensory Garden Playground, 2751 Navistar Drive, Lisle. The pumpkin wonderland is coming to the suburbs this Halloween season, providing a festive fall activity with a third-of-a-mile trail filled with 5,000 hand-carved jack o’ lanterns. Cost: $16.99 to $27.99. Information: glowpumpkin.com.

GORDON FRANCE FROM THE LA GRANGE AREA EXHIBITS "PAINTING THE TOWN": Through Oct. 26, La Grange Art League Gallery, 122 Calendar Ave. The noted artist shows 35 acrylics and watercolors of Chicago streets, intersections and landmarks. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Information: Gallery at 708-352-3101.

FILM CLASSES: Various dates, First United Methodist Church, 1032 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. The instructor is Sue Thornquist of Downers Grove. Different classes are offered Oct. 24 and 29, Nov. 14 and 19 and Dec. 5 and 10. One can register by emailing Thornquist at srthorn55@gmail.com.

THEATRE OF WESTERN SPRINGS PRESENTS "ACCOMPLICE": Through Oct. 27, TWS, 4384 Hampton Ave. It's described as a diabolically clever comedy, written by Rupert Holmes and directed by TWS Artist-in-Residence Greg Kolack. Curtain is at 8 p.m. Oct. 24 to 26, and at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27. Cost: $22 to $24. Information: 708-246-3380, www.theatrewesternsprings.com.

ARTS DUPAGE MONTH: October, across DuPage County. To view attractions, visit www.artsdupage.org.

EXHIBIT BY ABSTRACT ARTIST KIP PASTA: Through Nov. 2, Addison Center for the Arts, 213 N. Lombard Road. The center is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Cost: Free. Information: www.addisoncenterforthearts.com, 630-458-4500.

ARTIST MAURICIO FORERO'S "SOUTHS AND NORTHS": Through Nov. 23, Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St. Gallery hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Cost: Free. Information: www.riversideartscenter.com, 708-442-6400.

OCT. 25

"BECKY'S NEW CAR": Through Nov. 9, Village Theatre Guild, 2S720 Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn. The thoroughly original comedy, which has serious overtones, is a devious and delightful romp down the road not taken, a news release stated. Curtain is at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, plus shows at 3 p.m. Nov. 2 and 9. Cost: $19.99.
Information: 630-469-8230, www.villagetheatreguild.org.

GLENDALE HEIGHTS JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUB FALL BUNCO FUNDRAISER: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., Glendale Lakes Golf Club, 1550 President St., Glendale Heights. Cost: $25 to $30. Information: shawurl.com/3bvn, 630-546-2849.

TRICIA ALEXANDER WITH ALPHA STEWART JR.: 8:15 p.m., Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. Alexander is an award-winning singer, songwriter and healing artist, while Stewart is a master of rhythm and dynamics. They have toured together for 40 years. Cost: $10. Information: twowaystreet.org, 630-969-9720.

THE WHAT 4 PERFORM ABBEY ROAD: 8:30 p.m., FitzGerald's, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. It features Phil Angotti, Scott Ligon, Casey McDonough and John Perrin with special guests, performing The Beatles "Abbey Road" as the album celebrates its 50th anniversary. Cost: $15. Information: www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com, 708-788-2118.

A TRADITIONAL IRISH BAND, STEAM QUARTET: 7 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 493 Forest Ave., Glen Ellyn. It stars Katie Grennan, Dennis Cahill, John Williams and Steve Morrow, who have won music awards, appeared in movies, Irish festivals, touring companies, Lincoln Center and Sydney Opera House. Additional parking is available at the First Congregational Church, 535 Forest Ave. Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Information: Tickets at www.graceglenellyn.org.

OCT. 26

LIBRARY FRIENDS BOOK & BAKE SALE: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 26 and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 27, Thomas Ford Memorial Library, 800 Chestnut St., Western Springs. A members-only sale is from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 25, and bag sale prices apply Oct. 27. Information: fordlibrary.librarymarket.com, 708-246-0520.

GLEN ELLYN HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL: 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., downtown Glen Ellyn. The parade steps off at 9:45 p.m., followed by entertainment and trick-or-treating. The Glen Ellyn Food Pantry will collect food donations and will sell hot apple cider and donuts. Information: glenellynchamber.com.

WHEATON FRENCH MARKET: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays until Nov. 9, Municipal Parking Lot 3, Main and Liberty, downtown, Wheaton. Information: wheatonchamber.com.

OCT. 27

PET PROMENADE AND PARTY IN THE PARK: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ty Warner Park, 800 N. Blackhawk Drive, Westmont. Cost: Free. Information: www.westmontchamber.com.

DUPAGE COMMUNITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE: 3 p.m., McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn. Join the ensemble on stage for cabaret seating and a dance floor. Cost: $7. Information: atthemac.org, 630-942-4000.

AMERICAN WIND BAND FALL CONCERT: 3 p.m., Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 West Brush Hill Road. It's an adult community band based in Downers Grove. Cost: Free. Information: americanwindband.org.

OCT. 28

CD ONE PRICE CLEANERS' ANNUAL COAT DRIVE: Oct. 28 to Nov. 10, at all its suburban sites. The company locations are collecting coats for the Angel Harvey Family Health Center of the Infant Welfare Society. They will accept gently used children, teen and adult winter coats. CD One will clean all coats and deliver them for distribution in time for winter. Information: visit www.cdonepricecleaners.com.

OCT. 29

ROOTS OF PEACE PROGRAM: 7 p.m., Congregation Etz Chaim, 1710 S. Highland Ave., Lombard. A variety of temples and churches will welcome ROOTS, a nonprofit group that speaks about Jewish-Palestinian relationships and its grassroots work to bring about peace. Cost: Free. Information: 630-627-3912, congetzchaim.org/node/6167.

"NIGHT AT PAWGWARTS” FOR KIDS: 5 to 7 p.m., Tuthill Family Pet Rescue & Resource Center, 21 Salt Creek Lane, Hinsdale. Hinsdale Humane Society celebrates Halloween by sorting its resident pets into the "Harry Potter" series houses. It will feature children's games, crafts and activities presented by Village Children’s Academy, as well as Halloween treats. Cost: $5 donation suggested or a donation of supplies from the shelter’s wish list at hinsdalehumanesociety.org/help/wish-list. Information: 630-323-5630, ext. 12.

BINGO AT AMERICAN LEGION POST 80: 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Alexander Bradley Burns Post 80, 4000 Saratoga Ave., Downers Grove. Doors open at 4 p.m. There will be a variety of games and progressive jackpots, with food and refreshments available. Cost: Free admission. Information: 630-968-9710, www.post80.org.

PUMPKIN FEST: All October, Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Information: cosleyzoo.org.

OCT. 31

HALLOWEEN FUN FAIR: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Westmont Community Center, 75 E. Richmond St. All ages are welcome to the family event. Cost: Free. Information: westmontparks.org, 630-969-8080.

"PETER AND THE STARCATCHER": Through Nov. 9, Arena Theater in Jenks Hall at Wheaton College, 433 Howard St., Wheaton. The prequel to "Peter Pan" is based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. Cost: $5 to $11. Information: tinyurl.com/y5y8ybbx, wheaton.edu.

NOV. 1

AMERICAN ENGLISH'S BEATLES TRIBUTE: 9 p.m., FitzGerald's, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Information: www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com, 708-788-2118.

NOV. 2

ONE-WOMAN HISTORICAL PLAY: 2 p.m., Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St. Maria Bakalis presents her original play titled "The Lady, The Locket & The Loves of John Wilkes Booth." It's a mysterious tale surrounding a woman's locket presented to a lover from the infamous Booth, who assassinated President Lincoln. Cost: $10 per adult, $8 per GEHS member, and $5 per students age 18 and younger. Information: 630-469-1867, www.glenellynhistory.org.

CAMERATA CHICAGO AND ITS NEW CHOIR PRESENTING HANDEL'S "MESSIAH" CHRISTMAS PORTION AND "HALLELUJAH CHORUS": 3 p.m., College Church, 332 E. Seminary Ave., Wheaton. Maestro Drostan Hall will conduct the performance with five soloists: soprano Robin Wiper, mezzo-soprano Sarah Holman, tenor Jonathan Johnson, baritone Gerard Sundberg and boy soprano Asher Moses singing the part of The Angel. Jonathan Saylor will give a free talk before the concert. Cost: $50 for adults, $40 for seniors and $10 for students. Information: www.cameratachicago.org.

NEW PHILHARMONIC: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 and 3 p.m. Nov. 3, McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Maestro Kirk Muspratt will conduct a concert featuring award-winning former Canadian Brass trumpeter Jens Lindemann in a program including works by Richard Wagner, Alexander Arutiunian and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Information: AtTheMAC.org, 630-942-4000.

"WINGED SOULS & MILKWEED": 2 to 3 p.m., Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville. Monarchs flock back to Mexico at the beginning of November, just in time for the Day of the Dead holiday. Program participants will prepare milkweed seeds for the Forest Preserve and take some home for their own gardens to feed monarchs next spring. Cost: Free for ages 10 or older; register by Oct. 31. Information: ReconnectWithNature.org, 815-886-1467.

NOV. 5

FALL FLORAL CENTERPIECE DEMONSTRATIONS: 1 p.m., Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St. The Glen Ellyn Woman's Club presents a local Green Branch florist, flower designer Noel Luchinski. Cost: Free. Information: Guests should call 630-363-5327 to make a reservation.

NOV. 7

SENIOR SINGERS INVITED TO JOIN LILAC TOWN SENIOR CHORUS: 10 a.m. to noon every Thursday, Lombard Community Building, 433 E. St. Charles Road. It is presented by the Lombard Park District as a free, friendly and informal setting for people to sing. Information: Call Patti Plomb at 630-620-7322.

NOV. 8

"MCCORMICK HOUSE – PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE" PLUS IMAGIST EXHIBIT: Through Jan. 12, Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave. Chicago Imagist fans will enjoy "What Came After – Figurative Painting in Chicago 1978-1998," while architecture enthusiasts will revel in the sophistication of the Mies van der Rohe McCormick House exhibition that for the first time portrays a full, 1950s domestic representation of the rare single-family home. Special tours also are planned. Information: elmhurstartmuseum.org.

AMERICAN LEGION BINGO: 7 p.m., 123 Main St., West Chicago. Weekly bingo, raffles and pull tabs on Fridays for ages 18 and older. Proceeds help veterans and the community. Check out additional dates. Information: wchicago.mhsoftware.com.

NOV. 11

CHORAL-AIRES CHORUS GUEST NIGHTS: 7 p.m., Redeemer Lutheran Church, 345 S. Kenilworth Ave., Elmhurst. A noted a cappella barbershop harmony chorus, the Choral-Aires Chorus of Sweet Adelines International meets to rehearse Monday nights. Information: choral-aires.com.

ELMHURST HARMONIE REHEARSALS: 7 p.m. Mondays, Elmhurst Elks Lodge, 711 W. St. Charles Road. Formerly the Elmhurst Men's Chorus and Elmhurst Ladies' Chorus, the group invites everyone who loves to sing to join rehearsals for the holiday season. Information: elmhurstharmonie.com.

NOV. 16

BUSY BEAVERS CRAFT CLUB: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 16 and Dec. 21, Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road, Romeoville. Each program offers a different craft activity in the museum; drop by between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monthly themes are November's turkeys, and December's snowy owls. Cost: Free to all ages. Information: ReconnectWithNature.org.