Northwest Illinois, eastern Iowa and southwest Wisconsin are home to frightfully fun haunted houses.

“Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience” is now open at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Camp Duncan off Route 12 in Ingleside. The experience runs through Nov. 2.

The Fall Fox Fest is Sunday, Oct. 5 in downtown Oswego.

Jeremy Kahn Quartet with Vocalist Petra Van Nuis will perform on Oct. 11.

The 75-25 Reserve Light Whiskey won high honors at the Heartland Whiskey Competition.

The self-proclaimed Bozologist — he’s written the book on Bozo — has taken his massive collection of toys, merchandise, research, and historical ephemera and put it in one place in downtown Elgin.

Performances are set for Oct. 10-11 and 14.

The band is touring to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its debut album 'Sparkle and Fade.'

Take a private ghost tour of Waukegan's Genesee Theatre during this Halloween season.

The company’s premiere of “The Great Gatsby” is a Broadway-style take on the iconic story.

Watch football and baseball playoff games at one of these lively sports bars in northern Illinois.

Proceeds from the concert will benefit Rotary Club of Crystal Lake Dawnbreakers.

Fusing modern electro-pop with retro grooves and cinematic energy, Rosaway offers a captivating live show featuring flute, drums and soulful vocals that blend French sophistication with infectious, danceable rhythms.

HellsGate Haunted House in Lockport is now open for the 2025 Halloween season.

Check out these delightfully frightening haunted houses in northern Illinois, guaranteed to bring the scares this season.

Autumn on Parade, Old English Faire happen this weekend in Oregon.

Naperville Oktoberfest

The Old Joliet Prison will host a special anniversary screening of "The Blues Brothers" on Oct. 4.

The Norge Ski Club's Jumptoberfest is set for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4-5 at the Fox River Grove club.

NIU's Homecoming Parade and Block Party is from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 in downtown DeKalb.

The Monster Mash Balloon Bash is Saturday, Oct. 4 at the Bureau County Fairgrounds, while the Ottawa Scarecrow Festival is also Saturday.

BG Hospitality Group owns the Gia Mia locations, Livia Italian Eatery, Ella's Italian Pub, Fire + Wine and moto imōto.

Looking for something fun to do in DeKalb County this season? Check out this list of family-friendly events.

Fall events in Kendall County include Yorkville's Scarecrow Walk, the Oswego Cemetery Walk, Fall Fest at the Kendall County Fairgrounds and more.

It's a weekend of fall fun in Ottawa, with the Scarecrow Fest Saturday and Fall Fest on Sunday.

Lisa Ann Walter is known for her role as Melissa Schemmenti on ABC’s smash hit “Abbott Elementary."

Enjoy tricks, treats and scares at the Bureau County Fairgrounds this weekend!

Fans can see Taylor Swift's new music video, behind the scenes footage and more in this special movie screening.

The Beatles tribute band will perform

Check out these award-winning pizza places in Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties, as well as the Sauk Valley and Illinois Valley, to celebrate National Pizza Month during October.

The cult classic film will be shown at its original filming location in Joliet on Oct. 4.

The Taylor Swift–themed event is a celebration of community, music and local businesses.

Check out these fantastic fall festivals in Sycamore, St. Charles, Utica, Aurora and more.

The rural Oglesby farm provides a unique agritourism experience.

The Treehouses of Starved Rock are steps away from Starved Rock State Park’s system of picturesque hiking trails, canyons, waterfalls and bluffs.

Featuring a carefully curated setlist of their greatest hits, this show will showcase the powerful harmonies, soaring ballads and electrifying performances.

These northern Illinois pumpkin farms are ready to welcome guests for a day of family-friendly fall fun.

The event will have live music by The Fall Guys, a special OAKtoberfest beer from Two Hound Red, apple cider doughnuts, apple cider, games and much more.

Classic Seger brings the energy, excitement and raw power of a vintage Bob Seger concert.

For the entire month, wine lovers are encouraged to host small, casual get-togethers to celebrate their love of wine.

The lineup includes several national touring artists, tribute shows, classic movies with Q & A with their stars, comedy shows, holiday performances and more.

The 2025-26 season opens Oct. 4 and Oct. 5 at the McAninch Arts Center, located on the campus of College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn.

Attractions include a petting zoo, model trains and music from the Big Sky Trio, pumpkin sales and various vendors.

Explore the spooky side of Kendall County at upcoming programs in October.

October is a jam-packed month at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, with events for adults-only and the whole family.

Take a ghost tour of the historic building on Wednesdays in October, and enjoy craft beer and spirits at McHenry Brews & Barrel Fest Oct. 18.

Australian-born guitarist Orianthi will perform Oct. 11, while rock band Buckcherry takes the stage Oct. 19.

New this year is the Women's Skillet Throwing Competition, which has four age categories.

Activities include a creative fall craft, pumpkin decorating, face painting, a bounce house and a make-your-own-scarecrow craft.

The group that draws inspiration from around the globe, incorporating elements of folk, rock and chamber pop with Celtic and world music to create a wholly original sound.