Thursday, Sept. 19

16th Annual Culinary Arts Night: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Downtown Madison, Key Bank Courtyard. Features about 40 local restaurants and wine shops. Water, soft drinks, wine, and beer provided. Includes entertainment, high-reward raffle, and silent auction. Cost: $40 per person. All proceeds benefit the Madison Exchange Club's service programs. Rain date: Sept. 26. For info, visit madisonexchange.org.

Friday, Sept. 20 to Sunday, Sept. 22

Guilford Fair: 1 to 11 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday. Guilford Fairgrounds. For info, visit guilfordfair.org.

Saturday, Sept. 21

Branford Arts Festival: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Branford Green. For info, call 203-208-4455.

25th Annual Deep River Family Day: 5K at 9 a.m. at Devitt's Field; activities throughout town from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; fireworks at 8:30 p.m. at Plattwood Park; and more. For info, visit deepriverct.us.

Cruise Blues & Brews Festival: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chester Fairgrounds,

11 Kirtland Ter. All proceeds benefit the At-Risk Boys Fund. Rain or shine. For info, visit cruisebluesandbrews.com.

Super Hero Day: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. Cost: $10 per person. Costumes encouraged. Trolleys depart every half hour. For info, visit shorelinetrolley.org.

Old Saybrook Community Day: 1 to 4 p.m. Old Saybrook Green. Features music, food, games, dancing, and other activities. For info, visit oldsaybrookchamber.com.

Saturday, Sept. 21 & Sunday, Sept. 22

Semi-Annual Clam Dig and Oyster Harvest: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Surf Club, 87 Surf Club Rd., Madison. Shellfish license required. Weather permitting. For info, call 203-245-5600, option 3.

Sunday, Sept. 22

Tour de Branford: 8:30 a.m. Stony Creek Brewery, 5 Indian Neck Ave., Branford. For info, visit raceplace.com/events/60908/5th-annual-tour-de-branford.

Shoreline Chefs Meals on Wheels Fundraiser: 3 to 6 p.m. Water's Edge Resort and Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Features tastings from local restaurants, beer/wine tastings, and live music. Cost: $40 in advance; $45 at the door. For info, call 860-388-1611, ext. 210 or visit ecsenior.org.

Thursday, Sept. 26 & Sunday, Sept. 29

Guilford Performing Arts Festival: Features 70 live performances at various locations throughout Guilford. For info, visit guilfordperformingartsfest.org.

Annual Used Book Sale: Thursday, 7 to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 3 p.m. Branford Green. For info, visit facebook.com/jbmlfriends.

Friday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Sept. 29

38th Annual Fall Book and Bake Sale: Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. For info, call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Saturday, Sept. 28

Halloween Window Painting: 10 a.m. to noon. Individuals, groups, and families (up to seven individuals) can decorate a business window in Guilford. Sketches must be submitted by Sept. 23. Cost: $25 per group. Winners announced at Halloween Spooktacular (Oct. 27). For info, call 203-453-8068 or visit guilfordparkrec.com.

Sunday, Sept. 29

Second Annual Walk for Autism: 9 a.m. North Haven Middle School, 55 Bailey Rd. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. Pre-registration cost: $25, plus $1.88 sign-up fee. Proceeds benefit Benhaven. For info, call 203-488-2681.

Friday, Oct. 4

First Friday in Chester: 5 to 8 p.m. Chester Center. For info, visit facebook.com/visitchesterct.

Saturday, Oct. 5

20th Annual Lake Gaillard Walk: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lake Gaillard, North Branford. Buses will transport participants from Jerome Harrison School, 335 Foxon Rd., North Branford, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Cost: $10; free for children 6 and under. For info, call 321-474-2074.

Saturday, Oct. 5 & Sunday, Oct. 6

Hammonassett Festival: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guilford Fairgrounds. Cost: $5 for adults; free for children 12 and younger. No pets. For info, visit hammonasset.org/hammonassett-festival.

Sunday, Oct. 6

11th Annual Vista Tour de Shore: Westbrook Elks Lodge, 142 Seaside Ave. 5, 25, 40, and 60-mile routes. Register solo or team. For info, visit vistalifeinnovations.org.

Dogtoberfest: Noon to 3 p.m. North Haven Green. Features music, food, dog and human costume contests, dog trick and talent contests, vendors, raffle prizes, and more. Proceeds benefit The Animal Haven. For info, visit theanimalhavenct.org.

Animal Awareness Day: Noon to 4 p.m. Branford Green. Free. Features music, food, vendors, rescue groups, mini horses, bake sale, kids' activities, and Blessing of the Animals at 1:30 p.m. Hosted by Branford Compassion Club. Rain or shine. For info, visit branfordcompassionclub.org.

Harvest Festival: Noon to 4 p.m. Essex Elementary School, 108 Main St., Centerbrook. Free, but tickets sold for food and activities. Rain or shine. For info, contact eesharvestfest@yahoo.com.

Friday, Oct. 11 to Sunday, Oct. 13

*Sleepy Hollow Lantern Tour: Tours start at 7 p.m. Cost: $12 per person. Parmelee Farm Homestead, 465 Rte. 81, Killingworth. Cost: $15 per person. Tickets must be purchased online. For ages 8 and older. Hosted by Artful Living. For info, call 860-389-1363 or visit artfullivingct.com.

Saturday, Oct. 12

Bauer Park Harvest Festival: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 257 Copse Rd., Madison. Free. Includes pony rides, hay rides, old-fashioned games, food, cider pressing, and more. For info, visit madisonct.com.

Chowder Challenge for a Cause: Noon to 3 p.m. Guilford Green. Cost: $10. For info, visit shorelinechamberct.com.

Essex Scarecrow Festival: 2 to 5 p.m. Essex Village. Features live music, a beer tasting, photo booth, scarecrow scavenger hunt, free admission to the Connecticut River Museum, outdoor movie showing, and more. Rain or shine. For info, visit essexct.com.

Saturday, Oct. 12 & Sunday, Oct. 13

Autumn Arts Festival: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Madison Green. Free. Presented by Spectrum Art Gallery and Arts Center Killingworth. Rain date: Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For info, call 860-663-5593 or visit artscenterkillingworth.org.

Sunday, Oct. 13

Dogs on the Docks Parade and Competition: 1 to 3 p.m. Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St., Essex. Cost: $10 per dog; $5 per additional dog. Rain or shine. For info, visit ctrivermuseum.org.

25th Annual Autumn Moonlight Walk: 7 p.m. Surf Club, 87 Surf Club Rd., Madison. Bring flashlight. Includes bagpiper, refreshments, and telescopes for viewing with the Astronomical Society of New Haven. For info, visit madisonlandtrust.org/events.

Saturday, Oct. 19

Ivoryton Pumpkin Chase: Registration begins at the Ivoryton Village Green at 7:30 a.m. (Main St.); race starts at 8:30 a.m. for children and 9 a.m. for 5K. T-shirts given to first 150 5K registrants. Proceeds benefit Ivoryton Library. Rain or shine. For info, visit ivorytonlibrary.org/ivoryton-pumpkin-chase.

Harvest Day: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Dudley Farm Museum, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. Includes demonstrations of early 19th-century skills, crafts and games for children, food, music, and a special October Market. Free; bring donation for Guilford Food Bank. Rain date: Oct. 26. For info, visit dudleyfarm.com.

Inaugural Fall Pie Festival: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Branford Green. Hosted by the Branford Garden Club. For info, contact 203-314-0222 or mstorm31@comcast.net.

Ivoryton Pumpkin Festival: 5 to 7 p.m. Ivoryton Green. Free. Hosted by Essex Park and Recreation. For info, visit facebook.com/ivorytonvillagepumpkinfestival.

Saturday, Oct. 19 & Sunday, Oct. 20

Ballet Spooktacular: Saturday, 1 & 4 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., & 4 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Costumes for children encouraged. For info, visit katharinehepburntheater.org.

Sunday, Oct. 20

Run for The Cove: Registration at 9 a.m.; fun run at 10 a.m.; 5K at 10:30 a.m.; 2-mile memorial walk at 10:40 a.m.; prizes awarded at 11:30 a.m. Hammonasset Beach State Park, 1288 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info, visit covect.org/race.

25th Annual Men Who Cook Fundraising Gala: 5 to 8:30 p.m. Guilford Yacht Club, 379 New Whitfield St. For info, call 203-458-6699 or visit womenandfamilylife.org.

Tuesday, Oct. 22 & Wednesday, Oct. 23

Ghost Walks: 6, 6:30, & 7 p.m. Clinton Historical Society, 103 East Main St. Refreshments served. Reservations required. Rain date: Oct. 24. For info, visit clintoncthistory.org.

Friday, Oct. 25

Trunk or Treat at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets: 4 to 7 p.m. 20 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Rain date: Oct. 28. For info, visit clintonct.com.

Costumes & Cocktails: 7 to 10 p.m. The Stone Agency, 350 Goose Ln., Guilford. Cost: $40. For info, contact 203-453-3890 or office@shorelinearts.org.

Friday, Oct. 25 & Saturday, Oct. 26

Shoreline Haunted Hayride: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Augur Property, 290 Forest Rd., Northford. Cost: $7 pre-sale; $10 at the door. For info, visit guilfordparkrec.com.

Friday, Oct. 25 to Sunday, Oct. 27

Haunted River: Ghostly Tales & Valley Lore: 6 to 8:40 p.m. Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St., Essex. Tours leave every 20 minutes. Cost: $13; $9 for ages 7 to 12. For info, visit ctrivermuseum.org.

Saturday, Oct. 26

Steam Train Half Marathon & Relay: 7:30 a.m. race start. Essex Steam Train, 1 Railroad Ave. For info, visit steamtrainhalf.com.

Halloween at Henry's: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Henry Whitfield State Museum, 248 Old Whitfield St., Guilford. Bring a flashlight. Cost: $6; $5 for seniors 60 and older; free for children 12 and younger. Free parking. For info, call 203-453-2457 or visit cultureandtourism.org.

Pumpkin Carving Party: 1 to 4 p.m. Parmelee Farm, 465 Rte. 81, Killingworth. For info, visit parmeleefarm.org.

North Haven Trunk or Treat: 4 to 5 p.m. North Haven High School Parking Lot, 221 Elm St. For North Haven residents. Weather permitting. For info, call 203-239-5321, ext. 530.

Annual Halloween Party: 5 to 7 p.m. Recreation Center, 308 Main St., Old Saybrook. For children in preschool to grade 4. Includes music, dancing, cookie decorating, games, prizes, giveaways, photo booth, and candy. Free. For info, visit oldsaybrookrec.com.

Owl-O-Ween: 6 to 8 p.m. Parmelee Farm, 465 Rte. 81, Killingworth. Hosted by A Place Called Hope. For info, visit parmeleefarm.org.

*Spooky Swing Dance Party: 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Cost: $25. Prizes awarded for best-dressed couple and individual. For info, call 877-503-1286 or visit katharinehepburntheater.org.

Sunday, Oct. 27

WALK for Vista: 9:30 a.m. Walk starts at 10 a.m. Vista's Madison Campus, 107 Bradley Rd. For info, visit vistalifeinnovations.org.

Halloween Spooktacular: 2 to 4 p.m. Guilford Green. For info, call 203-453-8068 or visit guilfordparkrec.com.

Thursday, Oct. 31

Trunk or Treat: 4 to 6 p.m. Madison Green. For info, visit madisonct.com.

Friday, Nov. 1

First Friday in Chester: 5 to 8 p.m. Chester Center. For info, visit facebook.com/visitchesterct.

Friday, Nov. 15

Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause: 6:30 to 11 p.m. The WoodWinds, 29 Schoolground Rd., Branford. Hosted by Raise the Roof/Habitat for Humanity. For info, visit raisetheroofct.org.

Saturday, Nov. 16 & Sunday, Nov. 17

Shoreline Arts Trail Open Studios Weekend: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 40 member artists exhibit in Branford, Guilford, and Madison. Free. For info, visit shorelineartstrail.com.

Ongoing

Haunted Houses & Trails

*The Haunted Isle: Open Fridays and Saturdays, Sept. 20 through Oct. 26 from 7 to 10 p.m. Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. For info, visit shorelinetrolley.org/special-events/haunted-isle.

The Haunted Graveyard: Open weekends Sept. 27 through Nov. 2 at dusk. Lake Compounce, 186 Enterprise Dr., Bristol. For info, visit hauntedgraveyard.com.

*Trail of Terror: Open Sept. 28 through Oct. 27 from 7 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday; 7 to 10 p.m., Sunday. 60 North Plains Hwy., Wallingford. For info, visit trailofterror.com.

*Nautical Nightmares: Wake of the Banshee: Open Oct. 11 through 27 from 6 to 10 p.m. Mystic Seaport. Tours depart every 15 minutes. Cost: $28 to $19. Not recommended for children younger than 12. Advance registration required. For info, call 860-572-0711 or visit mysticseaport.org.

Corn Mazes

Bishop's Orchards Corn Maze: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and Columbus Day through October. Main Orchard, 526 New England Rd., Guilford. Cost: $7 per person; free for children under 2. Theme: Ice cream cone (in honor of Bishop's new ice cream stand). For info, call 203-458-7425 or visit bishopsorchards.com.

Lyman Orchards Corn Maze: 3 to 6 p.m., Wednesday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 3. Lyman Orchards, 32 Reeds Gap Rd., Middlefield. Cost: $10 for adults 13 and older; $5 for children 4 to 12; free for children 3 and younger. Theme: NASCAR champion Joey Logano. For info, visit lymanorchards.com.

Scarecrows

Scarecrows on the Guilford Green: Scarecrow Building Contest on Saturday, Sept. 28, and then on display the weeks following. For info, call 203-453-8068 or visit guilfordparkrec.com.

Essex Scarecrow Presentation: Friday, Oct. 4 to Saturday, Oct. 12. Main streets, Essex, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton. Presented by Essex Board of Trade. Free. Scarecrows due Thursday, Oct. 3. For info, visit essexct.com.

Scarecrow Walk About: Starting Columbus Day weekend. Main St., Deep River. For info, call 860-526-2014.

Scarecrows on the Green: Friday, Oct. 18 to Sunday, Nov. 3. Branford Green. Hosted by Branford Garden Club. For info, visit branfordgardenclub.org.

Scarecrow Fest: Runs through October. Downtown Old Saybrook. For info, visit oldsaybrookchamber.com.

Scarecrows Invade Madison: October, dates TBA. Downtown Madison. For info, visit madisonct.com.

Farmers' Markets

Ivoryton Farmers' Market: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays through Sept. 28. Ivoryton Green. For info, visit ivorytonfarmersmarket.com.

Chester Sunday Market: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 13. Chester Center. For info, visit chestersundaymarket.jimdo.com.

Madison Farmers' Market: 3 to 6 p.m. Fridays through Oct. 25. Madison Green. For info, visit madisonctfarmersmarket.com.

Old Saybrook Farmers' Market: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, 3 to 6 p.m. Through Oct. 30. 210 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info, visit oldsaybrookfarmersmarket.com.

The Dudley Farm Summer Farmers' Market: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. For info, visit dudleyfarm.com.

Westbrook Farmers' Market: 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays through Oct. 4. Lawn of the Teresa Mulvey Municipal Building, 866 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. For info, call 860-391-4040.

East Haven Farmers' Market: 8 a.m. to noon. Sundays through Oct. 13. Parking lot of East Haven Town Hall, 250 Main St. For info, visit "East Haven Farmer's Market" on Facebook.

Theater

Shear Madness: Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St. Runs through Oct. 6. For info, visit ivorytonplayhouse.org.

Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie: Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St. Runs Oct. 23 to Nov. 10. For info, visit ivorytonplayhouse.org.

Billy Elliot: The Musical: The Goodspeed, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Runs through Nov. 24. For info, visit goodspeed.org.

Misc.

Weekends from Saturday, Oct. 5 through Sunday, Oct. 27

Pumpkin Patch: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. Trolleys leave every 20 to 30 minutes. Cost: $10 per person. No reservations required. For info, visit shorelinetrolley.org/specialevents/pumpkin-patch.

*=Not recommended for young children.