Ghosts, goblins, things that go bump in the night? There’s no shortage of spooky — and not-so-spooky — events and programs planned in Elgin in the days leading up to Halloween on Sunday, Oct. 31.
If you’re looking for something to bring the kids to or to check out yourself, there’s lots of options:
Big Timber Murder Mystery: An interactive whodunit dinner party set in the Roaring 20’s. When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, to benefit Three Fires Council Boy Scouts of America. Where: Three Fires’ Camp Big Timber, 37W955 Big Timber Road. Cost: $60 per person, $100 per couple. Limited to adults 21 and older. Tickets/more information: www.bigtimberpumpkinfest.org.
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Day of the Dead Exhibit: Annual celebration of the traditions for the Mexican observance of Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. When: noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 23-24 and Oct. 30-31. Where: Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Blvd. in Lords Park. Cost: $2 for adults, $1 for ages 3 to 12, free ages 3 and under and for museum members. More information: email [email protected].
Gail Borden Public Library events and programs:
Teen Scream Horror Film Festival: Scary movie night for children and teens in grades 6 to 12. When: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20.
Halloween Hullabaloo: Spooky stories, crafts and other family activities. When: 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 22. An online version will be presented at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 28.
Halloween dance and costume parties for kids ages 2 to 6: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, and 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27.
Desmond Cole – Ghost Patrol Party: Book-themed party for elementary school children. When: 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28.
All programs are free and being held at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. Registration is required — online at gailborden.info/register, by phone at 847-429-4597 or in person at the library. More information: gailborden.info/fallprograms.
Halloween Extravaganza: Children’s party hosted by the Elgin Police Department, with crafts for kids, vendors and a costume contest. When: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28. Where: 151 Douglas Ave., outside Elgin Police Department. Cost: Free. Tickets to special haunted walk-through area are free but must be obtained at www.eventbrite.com. More information: email [email protected].
Halloween Pops Concert: The Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra, a nonprofit youth symphony, will perform movie music, including selections from “E.T.” and “Star Wars.” When: 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31. Where: Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way. Cost: $20 for adults and $13 for students and seniors when purchased online, $2 more when purchased at the door. Tickets: www.eventbrite.com. More information: www.midphil.org.
Little Park of Horrors — A Haunted Drive Experience: City-sponsored drive-thru attraction featuring scary props, special effects and actors. When: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, Oct. 21-24 and Oct. 28-31. Where: Wing Park, 1010 Wing St. Cost: $10 per vehicle. Tickets must be purchased in advanced. Tickets and more information: cityofelgin.org/littleparkofhorrors.
Terror in the Timbers: A drive-thru attraction featuring scary props, special effects and actors. When: 6:30 to 10 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, Oct. 21-23 and Oct. 28-30. Where: Three Fires Council Boy Scouts of America Camp Big Timber, 37W955 Big Timber Road. Admission: $65 per car. For an additional $25 per car, a scary walk can be added to the experience. Tickets/more information: www.terrorinthetimbers.com.
Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.