¿Qué onda, Chicago? Halloween is right around the corner, and I need you to know this is my fave holiday. My October plan is simple: binge every scary movie I love, then hit the town between screenings. Lucky for us, this week has haunted happenings, pumpkin carving and even a little mezcal to keep the spirits up. 👻

But before the scares, let's reset…

Cold plunges, Pilates and an Elderbrook sunset DJ set on the lake. The Wellness Retreat takes over Northerly Island Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with workouts, talks from Gabby Bernstein and Elle Macpherson, and a Wellness Village full of saunas and recovery stations. Get 25% off at checkout or enter to win tix.*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Come for the brews, stay for the boos. Zoo Brews: Howls & Growls turns Lincoln Park Zoo into an adults-only Halloween party October 23-24, with unlimited craft beer and cider samples, carousel and Ferris wheel rides, a costume contest and a live DJ. Enter to win tix.*

• Funk-rock five-piece The Main Squeeze kicks off the Harris Theater's Mix at Six season Thursday, October 15, at 6 p.m. The band has toured with George Clinton and Umphrey's McGee, and the last time they played the Harris, they had the crowd out of their seats. Enter to win tix.*

• Oktoberfest, minus the hangover. Mocktoberfest takes over Palmhouse this Saturday, October 10, from noon to 4 p.m., with unlimited NA beer and mocktail samples, free tarot readings and chair massages, a stein-holding contest and live music. Hosted by Chicago AF, open to the sober and the sober-curious alike. Get tix.*

• Win a trip to see Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr and Tom Segura at the Cubs' spring training home. The debut Fastball Comedy Festival hits Mesa, Arizona, October 17-18, and one winner and a guest get round-trip airfare, a three-night hotel stay and two-day premium passes. Entries close October 12. Enter to win.*

• Plus other just-announced shows from Jay Wheeler, Young Dro, SosMula, Lúnasa and more!

MAGIC, MEZCAL & MORE

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• Make it a Tim Burton October. Edward Scissorhands in Concert Live to Film hits the Auditorium Saturday, October 24th with the Chicago Philharmonic performing Danny Elfman's score live. Join us before the show for the Cut Above Pre-Party with costumes, cocktails and Chicago's own, Svengoolie. Enter to win the Scissorhands Box Suite and pre-party tickets now!*

• Six Corners is getting spooky. The Nightmare Before Christmas screens at Filament Theatre October 8, 9 and 11, with a Halloween Town makeover, a tarot reader and Worm's Wort hot cocoa. Sunday's 11 a.m. "Not So Scary" matinee is made for little ones, and every ticket helps reopen the Portage Theater. Get tix.

• Honor your loved ones the colorful way. Riis Park hosts a free Día de los Muertos Altar Making Workshop Friday, October 9, from 3 to 6 p.m., where teens can build a personalized altar with flowers, symbols and mixed media. Bring copies of photos of loved ones or pets, and the park provides everything else. Save your spot.

• New to Do312, or just never got past the homepage? Our Welcome to Do312 guide breaks down how to RSVP, win giveaways, score free monthly tickets with Do312 MORE and even add your own events. Level up!

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