There will be opportunities to holiday shop and take part in season activities this weekend during Princeton's Christmas Walk and the Holiday Market at the Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center.

Musical theater will be on the stage at IVCC and in Henry over the weekend, along with another event to kick off the holidays in Spring Valley.

Run a 5k at the Celebration of Lights, take in a Stephen King classic on the stage or see a USO-style show this weekend in the Illinois Valley.

The Veterans Parade and Air Show is set Sunday in downtown Utica, it will highlight a weekend that also includes a wine and art walk in Ottawa, musical bingo in Marseilles and the beginning of DiNovember in Peru.

From a Ghouls Night Out to a spooky organ and piano concert, there's a variety of Halloween activities coming to the Illinois Valley this weekend.

Harvest and fall festivals in Oglesby and Naplate will have activities for the whole family this weekend. There also will be a haunting in Streator for families, and one for adults in Ottawa.

It's Burgoo weekend in La Salle County, but there's plenty of activities throughout the area, including the inaugural Monster Mash Balloon Bash in Princeton and Smoketoberfest in Ottawa.

Oktoberfest is not limited to human parties, Ottawa's Barktoberfest is proof of that. Along with Barktoberfest, there are fall/Oktoberfest celebrations planned in Princeton, Marseilles and Walnut over the weekend.

Here are five things to do this weekend in the Illinois Valley, including a train ride opportunity in Bureau, Ottawa's weekend seasonal festivals, a Renaissance Faire at Cedar Creek Ranch and Quiet Fest in La Salle.