The days might be getting shorter, but not the amount of fun you can squeeze in.

Want to sample some craft beer on a scenic riverfront? Or are you in the mood to take a musical journey from Paris to Athens?

If you’re into running, there’s a dash of apple cider waiting for you at the finish line of a new road race.

Should you prefer something with a slower pace, then check out a backroads sale of homemade and vintage items.

Also, this one of the last times this growing season to spend some time at the outdoors section of one of the more popular farmer’s markets.

Here are 5 Things To Do in the Sauk Valley (with a bonus item if you’re willing to make a day trip):

1 Hops on the Rock is back. Sterling Main Street’s craft beer festival returns from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Sterling Marketplace after a year hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Designated drivers are encouraged – there’s even a DD ticket option – and there is plenty of parking in the municipal lot. The event is for those 21 and older only, and a valid ID must be shown upon entry to receive a wristband. No pets are allowed, and no outside food or beverage will be permitted. General admission tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 at the gate. They include a branded sampling glass and 12 sampling tickets. Samples are 2 ounces; additional samples are two for $1.

2 A fall concert begins at 2 p.m. Sunday at Mathis Theatre at Sauk Valley Community College. The college music department promises an autumn journey with its renditions of “Flores de España” by Pascual Pérez Choví, “Streets of Athens” by John Cacavas, and “Scenes from the Louvre” by Norman Dello Joio. The event is free.

3 Put your running shoes on. Last year, the inaugural Sauk Valley Apple Cider Run was a virtual jaunt. This time runners can enter in the 5K, 10K and half-marathons for real. It all gets started at 8 a.m. Half the proceeds will be donated to the United Way. The run starts and ends at Selmi’s Greenhouse & Farm Market in Rock Falls, and all participants will receive a free apple cider donut and apple cider drink after it’s done. Registration at svappleciderrun.com is open until midnight Friday. It’s $25 for the kids 5K, $45 for the adult 5K, $55 for the 10K and $65 for the half-marathon.

4 Livengood’s Barn Backroads Barn Sale runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Carroll County Fairgrounds, 28374 Milledgeville Road in Milledgeville. If you’re 13 and older, it’s $3 to get in. The sale will feature more than 70 vendors selling a variety of handmade, homemade, vintage and repurposed items, along with many food vendors. Find Backroads Barn Sale on Facebook or call Livengood’s Barn at 815-499-5934 for information.

5. The Twin City Farmers Market is open year-round, but the outdoor portion closes at the end of October. The market is open 9 a.m. to noon at Twin City Produce co. Building, 106 Ave. A in Sterling. The market strives to provide a year-round source of freshly grown produce and locally raised meat, poultry and eggs, while also promoting the advantages and benefits of local agriculture. It still is raising money to install a welcoming and ADA compliant entrance. Donations can be made at the market.

Bonus: Golf is a great spectator sport. If you’re willing to travel, you can show your support for local teens taking part in the Illinois High School Association state championships. The first round is Friday, while championship qualifiers advance to Saturday’s action. Sauk Valley schools will be represented at two boys meets. Class 1A is at Prairie Vista Golf Course in Bloomington and Class 2A is at Weibring Golf Club in Normal – and two girls meets. Class 1A is at Red Tail Run in Decatur and Class 2A is at Hickory Point Golf Course in Decatur.

Do you have Information on upcoming event or attraction? Be sure to let us know about it. Please submit information for Sauk Valley Media’s weekly calendar to news@saukvalley.com. Include a contact person and phone number.