The Sidetracks 10
Our top picks for what to do in McHenry County, the region and Chicago
1. SCARECROW FESTIVAL
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. today and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: downtown St. Charles
INFO: Annual fest features more than 100 hand-crafted scarecrows, music, carnival rides, craft show and more. Free. Call 800-777-4373 or visit www.scarecrowfest.com.
2. SETTLERS’ DAYS
WHEN: through Monday
WHERE: various locations throughout Marengo
INFO: Annual festival features parades, crafts, petting zoo, carnival rides and more. Call 815-568-6680 or visit www.settlersdays.org.
3. JERRY SEINFELD
WHEN: 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont
INFO: World-famous comedian and sitcom star performs his stand-up routine. Tickets are $45-$75 at 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.
4. FALL DIDDLEY
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Boone County Fairgrounds, Belvidere
INFO: Craft fair features more than 300 crafters and artists. Admission is $6. Visit www.mhrl.org.
5. CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
WHEN: through Oct. 22
WHERE: AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois St., Chicago (plus other locations)
INFO: 45th annual fest will feature more than 145 films, plus appearances from John Woo and Willem Dafoe. Visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com.
6. LEON REDBONE
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Visual & Performing Arts Center at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin
INFO: Veteran folk musician with distinctive voice performs. Tickets are $28 and $32 at 847-622-0300 or www.tickets.elgin.edu.
7. FALL PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday
WHERE: The Barn Nursery & Landscape Center, 8109 S. Route 31, Cary
INFO: Festival includes gourd painting for children, face painting 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 50 percent discount on plant material. Call 847-658-3883 or visit www.barnnurserylandscape.com.
8. WAYNE NEWTON
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan
INFO: “Mr. Las Vegas” performs. Tickets are $55-$80 at 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.
9. SMOTHERS BROTHERS
WHEN: 4 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
INFO: Featuring comedians and musicians Tom and Dick Smothers, with special guest The Yo Yo Man. Tickets are $32.50-$59.50 at 630-896-6666 or www.paramountaurora.com.
10. GHOST STORIES PLUS
WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside
INFO: Ghost storytelling event is sponsored by the Friends of Volo Bog. Admission is $5 adults, $2 children donation at the door. Call 815-344-1294 or visit www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks.
