Why are dolls scary? What is the thrill and fascination with being scared that Halloween provides? Such questions and many others will be addressed at Davenport's German American Heritage Center on October 29 in the live lecture Unraveling the Mystery of Dolls: Thrills, Halloween, & Germany, with presenter Dr. Ellen M. Tsagaris explores why some people find dolls terrifying, as well as the origins of Halloween and Germany’s role in the holiday.

Detailing cases involving everything from puzzling paranormal encounters to reports of cryptozoological creatures, an internationally lauded author, explorer, and TV presence brings his national tour to Davenport's Adler Theatre on October 20, with Josh Gates Live! An Evening of Ghosts, Monsters, & Tales of Adventure treating audiences to an unforgettable evening with the host of Discovery Channel’s Expedition: Unknown and Syfy’s Destination Truth.

A Dubuque native who enjoys bringing comfort, healing, and honesty to those in need. Melissa Culbertson - better known by her stage moniker Melissa the Medium - will speak to and with audience members at Maquoketa;'s Ohnward Fine Arts Center on October 21, the professional counselor beloved for employing her Christian background as guidance while she delivers messages from the spirit world.

Appearing locally with familiar traveling companions such as Peanut, José Jalapeño, Bubba J., Sweet Daddy Dee, and a new friend not unreminiscent of a current U.S. president, comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham brings his national "Still Not Canceled" tour to Moline's Vibrant Arena at the MARK on October 19, the performer's comic talent and audience rapport establishing why he holds the Guinness World Record for “Most Tickets Sold for a Stand-Up Comedy Tour.”