Following the Changing Fall Foliage
Oct. 16
(630) 719-2468
In this engaging webinar, learn how community scientists are using tools from the USA National Phenology Network to record the appearance of fall colors in trees and how scientists are using this data to understand forests. Guided by experts from the Arboretum’s forest ecology research team, participants will learn new ways of viewing fall color, be introduced to websites and apps to begin recording fall color and get deeper insights into the seasonal changes that trees go through each year. Time: 1 to 3 p.m. Cost: $16. RR, MD
Pumpkin Pickup
Oct. 17
Signature Homes
22 N. Lincoln Ave., Hinsdale
Compass Signature Homes will sponsor its fifth annual pumpkin pickup on the front porch. Enjoy cider and some sweet treats, too. Time: 9 a.m. to noon.
Fall Color Hike
Oct. 17
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Observe how the leaves change color on a 2-mile hike around Black Oak Trail. This program is for ages 13 and older. Participants must wear masks and practice physical distancing. Time: 10 a.m. RR.
Woodland Family Hike
Oct. 17-18
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 719-2468
Families with children 4 and older can enjoy a fall color hike around Meadow Lake. Learn how plants transform during the fall and take home a colorful memento of a special time among the trees. Hikes begin and end in the Children’s Garden. Strollers are welcome. Times: 11 a.m. to noon or 2 to 3 p.m. Cost: $17, including arboretum admission. RR, MD
Virtual Glass Pumpkin Patch
Through Oct. 18
The Morton Arboretum’s 10th annual Glass Pumpkin Patch has been adapted to an online format due to large gathering restrictions in Illinois. A stunning array of handblown glass pumpkins will be available for purchase online, with in-person pick up at the Thornhill Education Center parking lot. A link to the sale will be available on the website on Oct. 14.
Painting fall leaves virtual workshop
Oct. 19-25
https://www.clarendonhillslibrary.org
(630) 323-8188
The Clarendon Hills Library presents artist Christine Thornton of Hello Art Studio for a virtual workshop on painting colorful fall leaves. Participants will learn to draw leaves and apply fun, easy watercolor techniques to create a beautiful work of art. There will also be an opportunity to interact with Christine and other workshop participants. The program is geared toward adults and high school age youth. Register to receive the link to the instructional video, which will be available on demand from Oct. 19 to 25. RR
‘Madmen & Prisoners: Two Tales by Poe’
Oct. 20-Nov. 1
(630) 986-8067
This 27-minute streaming video contains two excerpts from First Folio Theatre’s production of The Madness of Edgar Allan Poe: “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Pit and the Pendulum,” which were recorded live during a 2018 performance. Nominated for a Jeff Award for “Best Adaptation” when it premiered in 2008, First Folio’s production of The Madness of Edgar Allan Poe has become a perennial audience favorite. An email link and password to access the video during all of the above dates will be sent when tickets are reserved. Cost: Tickets are available on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Mayslake by Moonlight
Oct. 21, 25, 26, 28, 29
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 206-9566
After the sun sets, enjoy an outdoor walking tour of Mayslake’s grounds and discover the urban legends, tales of hauntings and stories of mischief while learning about the property’s history and ownership. Masks that cover the nose and mouth are required. This program is for all ages; those under 18 must be with an adult. Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $15. RR
Halloween Gore-Tastic Lab Hour
Oct. 22
Darien Park District
7301 Fairview Ave.
(630) 789-7090
https://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr
Kids ages 6-12 will investigate what makes Halloween so chilling in this electrifying science workshop. Have fun with weird and horrifying Halloween concepts like puking pumpkins, static powered witches, horrific Halloween pranks, blood and bruises, the science of a haunted fall carnival, creepy candy experiments and more. Themed souvenirs are included. Time: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Cost: $27. RR
Halloween Parade
Oct. 23
Cantigny Park
1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
Dust off those costumes early and enjoy this unique event. Drive through Cantigny to see all the events that were missed this year due to COVID-19. More information and ticket sales will be announced soon. Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Halloween Hoopla Expo
Oct. 24
Adolf Funeral Home
7000 S. Madison St., Willowbrook
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49A9Ae28ABFEC70-trunk
Join the Willowbrook-Burr Ridge Chamber of Commerce at an outdoor COVID-responsible Halloween celebration featuring trunk-or-treating, an expo and a DJ. Time: 3 to 5 p.m. RR
Virtual Halloween Party
Oct. 27
https://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Join the library for this virtual Halloween party. Dress up in costume and listen to a special storytime. Pick up a Halloween craft bag during the week of Oct. 26. Please include an email address when registering to receive an online meeting invitation. Time: 10 to 10:30 a.m.
Mystery and Horror during the Golden Age of Radio
Oct. 27
https://www.clarendonhillslibrary.org
(630) 323-8188
Steve Darnall, host of “Those Were the Days” on WDCB radio offerss a taste of spooky radio drama just in time for Halloween. This virtual Zoom presentation uses sound clips from some of radio’s best-known mystery and horror programs (including “Escape,” “Inner Sanctum” and “Lights Out”) to illustrate how radio could truly be a “theater of the mind” and use music, voices and sounds to create indelible — and often frightening — “pictures.” Time: 7 p.m. RR.
Virtual Halloween Costume Pageant
Oct. 30
Participants will vie for prizes, categories for children in kindergarten through fifth grade and for pets. Viewers can help decide the winners by mentioning their favorite contestants in the comments. The pageant will be broadcast on the MAC Facebook page starting at noon and throughout the entire Halloween weekend. The winner will be announced at 7 p.m. Oct. 31. To enter, see the website listed above.
Virtual Teen Game Night — Werewolf
Oct. 31
https://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Participants in grades six to 12 will use their wits to discover who is secretly a werewolf before time runs out. Provide an email address during registration to receive an invitation. Time: 4 to 5 p.m.
Spooky, Slithery and Slimy
Oct. 31
(708) 839-6897
In honor of Halloween, virtually meet a few of the most misunderstood creatures that call Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center their home in this Facebook live event. Time: 11 a.m.
Fall Hike
Oct. 31
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 W. 111th St., Lemont
(630) 257-2045
Enjoy a refreshing trail hike, winding through the woodlands and prairie. Participants must wear masks and practice physical distancing. Time: 1 p.m. RR
Full Moon Night Hike
Oct. 31
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
The moon will be the guide during this search for creepy, crawly, nocturnal creatures on this 1-mile adventure. Participants must wear masks and practice physical distancing. Time: 6:30 p.m. RR
Scarecrow Trail
Through Nov. 1
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 719-2468
Take a stroll around Meadow Lake to view scarecrows created by local scout troops and school groups. After your walk, vote for your favorite scarecrow online. Cost: arboretum admission is $15, $13 for seniors, $10 for children 2 to 17, free for kids younger than 2. MD
Key
RR - registration required
MD - member discount
