Week ahead filled with fall fun

Score some nachos: The NFL season is just starting — and there’s already a big rivalry game. The Green Bay Packers are hosting the Minnesota Vikings today. So far, the Vikings are off to a hot start, with the Vikings a surprising 3-0 behind quarterback Sam Darnold. Can the streak continue against Wisconsin’s team? And will Jordan Love be back leading the Packers? Tune in noon Sunday on CBS to find out. And, as always, have your game snacks ready.

Raise a glass: Rustic Road Brewing Company’s outdoor Oktoberfest celebration wraps up today, with live music, food and family entertainment in Celebration Place in HarborPark. The festival is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Highlights include an Oktoberfest Dog Costume Contest at 2:30 p.m., a “Brat Toss” challenge at 3 p.m. and a “Brat Slingshot” for a fun twist on a meat raffle.

Organ recital: Organist Brian Schoettler is performing a one-hour recital starting 4 p.m. today at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church, 2001 80th St. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. The concert is part of the church’s 150th anniversary celebration.

Cruise on in: Today is the final 2024 Cruise-In Night at the Bristol 45 Diner. From 4:30-8 p.m., the public is invited to “bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a night in the park with music from the ‘50s and ‘60s.” All cars are welcome to this free event at the diner, 8321 200th Ave. in Bristol.

Welcome to October: Consider this a public service announcement from your pooch: Oct. 1-7 is Walk Your Dog Week. October is also National Pizza Month, so why not walk with Spot to get a slice somewhere?

Toy story: The Civil War Museum, 5400 First Ave., is hosting an exhibit showcasing a classic all-American toy. “G.I. Joe: America’s First Action Figure” examines toy soldiers, from the 1860s to the 1960s. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. General admission to the museum, including this exhibit, is free.

A prickly subject: Head to the Kenosha Public Museum this morning for Museum Munchkins. The programs are designed to “get your preschoolers excited about science and the world around them.” Each week, participants learn about a different museum collection animal through songs, stories and activities. Today’s theme is “Porcupines.” The free program is 9:30-10 a.m. at the museum, 5500 First Ave.

Your move: It’s another Chess Night at the Southwest Library with the Kenosha Chess Association. 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 2 at the library, 7979 38th Ave. All skill levels are welcome. Admission is free.

Hello, handsome: Oct. 3 is National Boyfriend Day, and we are expecting a call any moment now from Harry Styles. And if your canine companion is the your cuddle buddy, remember that it’ still Walk Your Dog Week!

Pumpkin time: More than 1,000 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns and festive illuminations light up the nights during the Racine Zoo’s Halloween event, Jack-O’-Lantern Nights. The event is open 6-10 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, through Nov. 3. Visitors walk through the zoo along a paved pathway decorated with lights and decorations, including intricately designed jack-o’-lanterns. Food and beverages are available, as are fire pits and seasonal souvenirs. Admission is $10; free for children age 2 and younger. Note: Admission is only available at the door. Cash or credit card accepted.

On stage: The Carthage Musical Theatre Program presents “Xanadu,” opening tonight in the college’s Wartburg Theatre. The show is directed by Professor Matthew Hougland, with music direction by Yu-Mei Chang. Shows are Oct. 4-6 and Oct. 10-12. The totally realistic plot follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, California, in 1980. Tickets are $8-$14. Call the box office at 262-551-6661.

Give a hoot: A free folk music hootenanny is 6-9 p.m. Oct. 4 at Anderson Arts Center, 6603 Third Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The free event is open to everyone. Everyone is invited to join this informal get-together. Bring an acoustic instrument or just come to sing along.

“Goldfinger” marathon time: Oct. 5 is James Bond Day, celebrating the world-famous secret agent. Wait … what? How does a spy remain effective when he’s known to everyone?

Celebrating the arts: The new, two-day Kenosha Performing Arts Festival starts today at four Downtown venues. The festival features 32 half-hour performances, including a range of genres: classical guitar, storytellers, a trombone ensemble, jazz musicians, a string quartet … really, all sorts of entertainment. For a schedule of Oct. 5-6 performers and ticket information, go to kenoshacreativespace.com.

Grab your flannels: Head to Petrifying Springs Park Oct. 5 for Flannel Fest, featuring the Jockey Undie Run and a Lumberjack Show. There will also be food trucks and live music, along with a Pet Costume Contest and a “Most Interesting Beard” Contest. It all starts at 11:30 a.m. with the Undie Run, a 3K run/walk in the park, 5555 Seventh St. in Somers. The race will be followed by Flannel Fest, hosted by Petrifying Springs Biergarten. Activities include the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, with showtimes at 1, 3 and 5 p.m.; the beard contest at 12:30 p.m.; a pet costume contest at 2:30 p.m.; and live music from Kyle Jennings, starting at 6 p.m. Admission is free.