Arts and Culture

The Austin-based indie folk rocker returns to Bloomington this week for one night at the Castle Theatre.

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra opens its season this week with some of classical music's spookiest selections. The orchestra plays at Illinois State University on Halloween night, officially christening its newly enlarged concert hall stage.

The Logan County town is home to the American Giants Museum, touted as the country's largest collection of restored larger-than-life fiberglass statues. Next month, Atlanta adds a UFO-shaped Futuro House to its roadside attractions.

The McLean County-based theater troupe for people with disabilities is working to provide unrestricted access to the performing arts. Their debut show with an adult cast, Night of the Macabre, opens this weekend.

Leaf turning appears to be slightly behind schedule this year, with peak fall colors coming as soon as next week. Other predictions say it could take a little longer than that — but don't wait until November.

Candace Summers' new book "Mourning in McLean" will be available for purchase at several events this week in the Twin Cities, including a presenatation hosted at the Bloomington Public Library.

Trick-or-treating in Bloomington and Normal is the last bite of the apple this Halloween. But the whole month is packed with a pumpkin-spiced blend of cozy and spooky activities around McLean County.

More than 100 artist/vendors are participating in this year's juried art fair, which takes over Uptown Normal one weekend a year.

Amy Erdman Farrell will discuss her award-winning book Oct. 5 at Illinois Wesleyan University.

The garden unveiled a new addition this week: a bronze cast sculpture by Bloomington's Herb Eaton that nods to the Twin Cities' circus roots.