n Oktoberfest
Sept. 28
Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road
(708) 688-8000
http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/Oktoberfest
Toss on some lederhosen and enjoy live polka music at the zoo’s beer garden. Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest beer and a seasonal menu featuring brats, sausages, pretzels with beer cheese and more will be available for purchase. Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., zoo open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: $29.95, $24.95 for seniors and $20.95 for kids 3-11, plus $17-$20 parking.
n Walking Play: ‘The Grimmest of Tales’
Weekends, Sept. 28-Oct. 27
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 968-0074
As the shadows grow longer and Halloween approaches, the arboretum will delve into the darker side of the spooky, twisted and gory tales written by the Brothers Grimm. The performance is recommended for kids 10 and older due to scary content and mentions of death and gore. Time: 4 to 6 p.m. Cost: $25, $15 for kids 2-7. RR, MD
n Mayslake by Moonlight Tour
Oct. 4, 11, 18 & 25
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 206-9566
See Mayslake Hall in a new light. After the sun sets, enjoy a guided tour of this historic mansion by flashlight. Take in the architecture and history, and thrill to urban legends, tales of hauntings and stories of mischief. The program is for ages 12 and older; those under 18 must be with an adult. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. Cost: $15. RR
n Oktoberfest
Oct. 4-5
Naper Settlement
523 S. Webster St., Naperville
http://www.napersettlement.org
(630) 420-6010
Traditional German cuisine and beer will be overflowing in a giant heated tent with live music at this annual event, which includes professional pumpkin caring demonstrations and lawn games in the beer garden, children’s activities and a stein holding contest. See the website listed above for full schedule. Time: 5 to 10 p.m. Oct. 4, 3 to 10 p.m. Oct. 5. Tickets: $20, $15 for ages 4-12. MD
n Cider and Ale Festival
Oct. 5
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 968-0074
Sample hard cider and seasonal beers from more than 30 local providers, with tasting booths stationed along Meadow Lake Trail, the Conifer Walk and the Forest Hill walking path. Festival attendees must select one of three time slots when buying tickets. VIP ticket holders may enter at 11 a.m. Time: noon to 3 p.m. Tickets: $75, $85 for VIP, $35 for designated driver, $12 for kids 4-17. RR, MD
n Boo! at the Zoo
Weekends Oct. 5-20
Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road
(708) 688-8400
http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/events
Gather ghoulfriends and ghosts and goblins and head to the zoo for this annual Halloween celebration. Don a favorite costume and take memorable snapshots at the many Halloween-themed photo frames and vignettes, enjoy special zoo chats and take a spin on the Creepy Carousel or the anniversary Ferris wheel to view the park in its beautiful fall foliage. Time: 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. activities, zoo open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: $29.95, $24.95 for seniors and $20.95 for kids 3-11 plus $17-$20 parking.
n Glass Pumpkin Patch
Oct. 11-13
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 968-0074
Explore a dazzling display of more than 7,000 one-of-a-kind glass pumpkins in traditional and unique colors, shapes and sizes at this annual celebration of autumn and artistry. Glassblowing exhibitions will take place every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Glass pumpkins are available for purchase from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission: $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, $12 for kids ages 2-17 and free for those 2 and younger. MD
n Hinsdale Fall Family Fest
Oct. 12
Burlington Park
30 E. Chicago Ave.
(630) 789-7090
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr
Dress in a favorite Halloween costume and enjoy inflatables, food trucks, entertainment and crafts at this annual event. Free pumpkins will be available to the first 500 participants. The Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a costume contest at its booth from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with winners announced at 1:30 p.m. The Hinsdalean will take photographs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids also can trick-or-treat at selected businesses in the downtown business district. Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
n Cantigny Fall Festival
Oct. 11-13
Cantigny Park
1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
(630) 668-5161
The festival begins Friday night from 6 to 11 p.m. with live music and lawn games. The fun Saturday begins at 10 a.m. with 100 craft vendors, hayrides and a petting zoo, with live music from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Walking tours will leave from the back of the visitors center at 11 a.m. and 12:30, 2 and 3:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Hours on Sunday are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free with $20 parking.
n Teens: Spooky Fall Paint and Snack
Oct. 14
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
(630) 789-1986
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
Middle- and high-schoolers can embrace the spooky season by decorating canvases while listening to Halloween music and enjoying terrifying treats. Time: 3 to 4 p.m. RR
