Happy Halloween!

While your weekend will most likely revolve around costumes and candy, there are more ways to get in the spirit of the season than just trick-or-treating. Head out to a favorite local haunted house, dress up your pup for a parade at Chicago Botanic Garden, leave the kids at home and have your own fun at ROOF on theWit, or head out to a party at C2 Winnetka.

Or, go see David Sedaris instead.

Read “The Real Cost of Public Shaming,” our interview with author Jon Ronson, who will be speaking Saturday, Oct. 31 during the Chicago Humanities Festival. 

An Evening With David Sedaris

Oct. 30
Chicago

The hilarious author of “Me Talk Pretty One Day” and “Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls” is in town for an evening of readings, including unpublished works, a Q&A session, and a book signing at the Auditorium Theatre. There are only a few tickets left, so buy yours right now.

100th Annual Haunted House

Oct. 30
Winnetka

This tradition is back for its 100th year! If you have young children, visit the not-so-scary haunted house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The traditional haunted house will be open 7-9 p.m., and the Halloween Party is the place to be 6-8 p.m.

Spooky Pooch Parade

Oct. 31
Glencoe

Don’t let your dog miss out on all the Halloween fun. For two hours, dogs will be allowed in the Chicago Botanic Garden to show off their clever costumes.

Enchanted Forest

Oct. 31
Chicago

Spend Halloween 27 stories up at ROOF on theWit’s Enchanted Forest. Music will be provided by Four Color Zack, and those with the most haunting costumes will win prizes. RSVP by calling 312-239-9502.

C2 Education Winnetka’s Halloween Party

Nov. 1
Winnetka

After an evening of trick-or-treating, the Halloween fun continues at C2 Education with pizza, games, a costume contest and more. Email winnetka@c2educate.com or call 224-836-1810 to RSVP by Oct. 30.

Looking Ahead

• Join Make It Better on Nov. 2 for a day of shopping around Glenview. Ten percent of proceeds from participating shops, including Vintage Nest, Country Classics, Mingle Juice Bar and Stella315, will go to Kohl Children’s Museum. Learn more here.