5 Things To Do: Macbeth witches, ghost train, ‘scary’ fun

Want that spine-tingly feels? Or how about some family-focused Halloween fun during daylight? This week’s calendar is filled with opportunities to enjoy all the season’s costumed fun.

Colorfully painted pumpkins dry on the sidewalk during a past Scarecrow Festival in Dixon. (Michael Krabbenhoeft)

1 Dixon’s annual Scarecrow Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday on the Riverfront. Activities include pumpkin painting, a doughnut-eating contest, pumpkin racing, line dancing, a petting zoo and a scarecrow contest. Street performers, the Dixon Municipal Band and craft and food vendors will be on hand.

2 The Haunted Train Walk will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the Dillon Home, 1005 E. Third St. in Sterling Bring a flashlight and take a spooky stroll through the grounds of the historic home and watch as a skeleton crew brings a train to life. There are Halloween decorations and photo opportunities with ghoulish creatures. Admission is free; those younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The first 500 children will receive a goodie bag at the end of the walk.

"Macbeth" director Tori Duffin goes over a scene with the three witches Tuesday evening at Sauk Valley Community College. (Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com)

3 Fire burn and cauldron bubble? Let the “Weyward Sisters” be your guide as Sauk Valley Community College stages a wickedly witchy production of “Macbeth” at 7 p.m. Saturday outdoors at the campus’ fire pit along the river. Admission is free; donations will be accepted. Hot cider will be served and bathrooms will be open, but masks must be worn inside.

4 Timber Lake Terror, The Haunted Experience at Timber Lake Playhouse, continues its run Friday and Saturday nights in October. It includes the Trail of Terror, Fun House, Haunted House, and an Escape Room, all at 8215 Black Oak Road in Mount Carroll.

5 Looking ahead to Wednesday, Completely Unchained, a Van Halen tribute band, will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Dixon Historic Theatre, 114 S. Galena Ave. The performance includes renditions of “Running With The Devil,” “Ain’t Talking ‘Bout Love,” “Dance The Night Away,” “Panama,” “Jump,” “Hot For Teacher,” “The Cradle Will Rock,” and “Eruption.” It’s a love letter to Van Halen’s music from 1978 to 1984. Tickets start at $25.