THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Halloween Season is Here!

Not only is the fall season being celebrated in Chicago and the Chicagoland area, but it’s also Halloween season! It’s never too early to begin preparing for our next holiday, so let’s get started!!

For some great family fun that reveals famous people, unusual places, and unforgettable folklore, it’s time for Haunted Tales: The Online Halloween Family Scavenger Hunt for Kids hosted by Watson Adventures. Kids ages 10 and older team up with their adults to explore real places that are said to be haunted while learning the tales of the ghosts who linger there. Just follow a trail of clues across eerie websites in search of answers to some very tricky questions. A few of these ghost plagued places include Philadelphia’s creepy Eastern Penitentiary and its bygone prisoners, the Hollywood Hotel where Marilyn Monroe and other celeb ghosts haven’t checked out yet, learn the chilling fates of victims of the Salem Witch Trials, and more! This online kids’ scavenger hunt takes place on Saturdays, October 10, 24, and 31 and Sunday, October 25, for one hour. So, who’s ready to Zoom with the ghosts!

Historic downtown Long Grove is transforming into Halloween Town for October with COVID-19 measures enforced to provide visitors with a safe yet fun way to celebrate fall. The suburb’s biggest homage to scarecrow-making returns this Saturday (11 a.m.-6 p.m.) for an afternoon dedicated to harvesting charm and family fun with Do It Yourself Scarecrow Day! All scarecrow engineers are to amass at Brothers Field (342 Old McHenry Road) to build their own custom scarecrows. For $10, each set of builders receives a wood base, straw for stuffing, and building guidance from a team of volunteers. Participants are encouraged to bring old clothing, shoes, hats, gloves, and accessories to dress their creations. Afterwards, all scarecrows are propped up throughout downtown Long Grove for the rest of the month. Visit the DIY Scarecrow webpage for further details. Hope to see you out there!

In what would have been Bank of America’s 43rd annual running event this weekend, this year, they bring the Chicago Marathon Virtual Experience to you with the same spirit and celebration of the in-person event. A variety of distances are offered for runners of all ages and fitness levels that include a 1 mile, a 5K (3.1 miles), an 8K (4.97 miles), a Half Marathon (13.1 miles), and the Marathon (26.2 miles), which began this past Monday, October 5, and culminates on Sunday, October 11. While nothing can replace the excitement of mass participation road races, a virtual run allows you to set your own date, time, and goal in your own community. Afterwards, celebrate your accomplishment of crossing your own finish line. Also, everyone participating in this virtual experience can purchase one of three commemorative packages!

If you’re in the mood for a little live jazz music, then Saturday Night at The Green Mill may have what you’re looking for. This Saturday night series beginning at 8 p.m. brings Grammy® Award-winning vocalist Kurt Elling to the stage with a livestream concert pairing his own prior evening gigs with shows by some of modern jazz’s most acclaimed and inventive artists such as Marquis Hill (Chicago’s very own trumpeter), Lizz Wright (vocalist), and Makaya McCraven (drummer/producer). In addition to his role as host, Elling may even sit in from time to time!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago