The Sidetracks 10
Our top picks for what to do in McHenry County, the region and Chicago
1. CIDER FEST
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: McHenry County Historical Society Museum, 6422 Main St., Union
INFO: Annual event features cider pressing demonstrations, entertainment, barn raising, tractor contest, food and more. Free fest and museum admission. Call 815-923-2267 or visit www.mchsonline.org.
2. FRIGHT FEST
WHEN: Saturday through Oct. 31
WHERE: Six Flags Great America, 542 N. Route 21, Gurnee
INFO: The theme park is transformed into a Halloween playground with shows, haunted houses and more. Visit www.sixflags.com.
3. “THE WOMAN IN BLACK”
WHEN: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 11
WHERE: Memorial Hall Civic Theatre, 10308 Main St., Richmond
INFO: Stephen Mallatratt adaptation presented by the Riverview Theatre Company. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 seniors and students at 815-354-7796 or www.riverviewtheatre.org.
4. HAL SPARKS
WHEN: 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg
INFO: Comedian performs standup. Tickets are $19 at 847-240-2001 or www.symfonee.com/improv/chicago.
5. CHICAGO COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
WHEN: 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
WHERE: Grant Park, 300 S. Columbus Drive, Chicago
INFO: Two-day fest features Miranda Lambert, John Rich, The Flatlanders and others. Free admission. Call 312-744-3315 or visit www.explorechicago.com.
6. LONG GROVE APPLE FESTIVAL
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today through Sunday
WHERE: Long Grove Historic Village, 307 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove
INFO: Apple-themed celebration with activities, food, live entertainment, shopping and more. Call 847-634-0888 or visit www.longgroveonline.com.
7. HARVEST FESTIVAL
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
WHERE: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
INFO: Features a marketplace of fresh baked goods, roasted nuts, cut flowers and more. Call 847-835-5440 or www.chicagobotanic.org.
8. “BREAKING LEGS”
WHEN: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 24
WHERE: Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock
INFO: Woodstock Musical Theatre Company comedy presentation. Tickets are $23 adults, $20 seniors and students at 815-338-5300 or www.woodstockoperahouse.com.
9. ANTIQUE TRACTOR SHOW
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
WHERE: Petersen Farm, McCullom Lake Road, McHenry
INFO: Festival will feature tractors, trucks and construction equipment, petting zoo, hay rides, food and more. Admission is $3 adults, $1 children. All proceeds benefit FISH of McHenry Food Pantry. Call 847-628-6152 or visit www.tractorsforcharity.com.
10. CELTIC WOMAN
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
WHERE: Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan
INFO: Group comes to area on Island of Hope tour. Tickets are $38-$68 at 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.
