Big Week | Oct. 27-Nov. 3

Libraries host Halloween fun

Libraries in both Riverside and North Riverside are getting into the “spirit” of the season with family friendly Halloween-themed events.

Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, invites families to its Halloween Storytime and Parade on Friday, Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. Join library staff outside for stories and songs followed by a trick-or-treat parade through Guthrie Park. No registration required.

North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., invites all ages to a special Trunk-or-Treat event in the library’s parking lot on Saturday, Oct. 30 from noon to 3 p.m. (while supplies last and weather permitting). Library staff will pass out goodies from their decorated trunks. Costumes encouraged.

Register at northriversidelibrary.org/events-new so the library can estimate supplies needed.

Ghost hunt at North Riverside Park Mall

North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road, invites all ghouls, goblins, superheroes and princesses to a Halloween Ghost Hunt at the shopping center on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pick up a clue sheet at customer service and follow clues to find 13 hidden ghosts throughout the mall and get a prize when you turn in your clue sheet. No registration necessary.

Nazareth Academy stages ‘Clue’

Nazareth Academy will stage the play “Clue” (high school edition), a farce-meets-murder mystery based on the 1985 Paramount movie inspired by the classic board game on Oct. 28-30 at 7 p.m. in the Romano Family Theatre at Nazareth Academy, 1209 W. Ogden Ave. in LaGrange Park.

Who killed Mr. Boddy? In what room? With what object? The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu.

All seats are reserved at $15 each. Reservations can be made by calling 708-387-8515. All audience members must be masked for the duration of their visit.

‘Halloween Animals’ virtual program

Brookfield Zoo invites you to “Halloween Animals: Bats, Wolves and Creepy Crawlies” a virtual lecture on Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.

Andre Copeland, interpretative programs manager for the Chicago Zoological Society, will present fascinating facts and fiction behind some of the zoo’s resident animals that are associated with the fall holiday.

Why do wolves howl at the moon? What does spotting a spider on Oct. 31 mean? Copeland talks about connections to folklore and the idea that their long-term attachment to cultural beliefs may provide people with a sense of place.

Online reservations are required. The program is free but a $10 donation is appreciated. Visit CZS.org/LectureSeries.

And more

• The Parent Community Network will host a screening of “The Upstanders,” a documentary about the resilience and power of connection to end bullying on Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lyons Township High School North Campus Reber Center, 100 S. Brainard Ave., LaGrange. Register at pcn-upstanders.eventbrite.com.
• Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., presents the exhibition “Portable Memorials and Abject Objects” featuring the work of Rebecca Keller through Nov. 27. Gallery hours are Thurs.-Sat. 1-5 p.m. Visit riversideartscenter.com for more.
• Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Ave. in Western Springs, presents “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens based on the novel by Mark Haddon. Show runs Oct. 21-31. Tickets are $23/$25, students $15. Call the box office 708-246-3380 or visit theatrewesternsprings.com.
• The Brookfield Chamber of Commerce continues its 60-to-Win raffle drawings every Thursday through Nov. 18 at 4:30 p.m. at Joe’s Saloon, 9220 47th St. in Brookfield. You can also watch a livestream on the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce Facebook page (facebook.com/BrookfieldIllinois). Winners’ names will be posted each week at brookfieldchamber.net.
• Riverside Arts Center presents “Porcelain Utopia: Mid-Century Lustron Homes in Illinois and Beyond,” an exhibit of photographs by Dirk Fletcher in the lobby of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, through Dec. 31. Free. Open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., invites you to explore your family tree by visiting their Ancestry Help Desk every Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. through November. There’s also Crafterdarks: Day of the Dead Craft for all ages (both in person and Zoom) on Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. and Stretching & Meditation via conference call (800-747-5150, code 1453322) on Nov. 1 at 6:30 p.m.

Kids ages 4-up can choose either in-person or Zoom attendance for Lapsit Storytime on Oct. 28 at 10:30 a.m.; After School Art Escape (in person only) on Oct. 28 at 3:30 p.m.; ABCs and 123s on Nov. 1 at 10:30 a.m.; Story Safari on Nov. 3 at 10:30 a.m.; and Builders Club (Zoom only) on Nov. 3 at 4 p.m.

Visit northriversidelibrary.org/events-new to register for all programs.

• Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., invites you to Chair Yoga via Zoom on Oct. 28 at 11 a.m. and Harry Potter Craft Night on Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. Come in costume and check out crafts for kids and adults alike. Wizards welcome, muggles tolerated. Visit brookfield.evanced.info/signup to register for programs.
• Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, invites you attend “Can You Afford to Retire?” presented by Bentron Financial Group via Zoom on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.

For kids there’s Mini-Movers Storytime in the Community Room on Nov. 1 at 9:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; Friday Flix for teens in the Teen Room on Oct. 29 at 3:30 p.m.; Preschool/Kindergarten Storytime on Nov. 2 at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; and After School DIY for teens on Nov. 3 at 3:30 p.m. Registration required.

Visit riversidelibrary.libcal.com/calendar to register for programs.

• Riverside Chess Club, open to anyone age 5 through adult, meets in person each Wednesday at 5 p.m. in Guthrie Park, Riverside and Bloomingbank roads in downtown Riverside. Players of all levels welcome. Children under 7 require caregiver over 13. Email sean@riversidechessclub.org for more info.