The days are getting shorter and the trees are beginning to lose their leaves, which means the Fall season is now upon us. In the Chicagoland area there are so many activities centered around the traditions and natural beauty associated with this tranquil season. We’ve found the most notable events and activities that are sure to satisfy your every sense.

1.    Friday, October 18th marks the day of the Northwestern University Homecoming Parade on Sheridan Road. The parade begins at 8:00pm and will feature Olymipic Gold Medalist Matt Grevers, as well as music performances by local musicians and students. Upon the conclusion of the parade, make your way to NU’s campus to view fireworks over the lake. The celebration does not end there, however. The Northwester Wildcats take on the Purdue Boilermakers at Ryan Field the following morning. Kick off is scheduled for 11:00am, so be sure to arrive early.

2.    Evanston is celebrating their fine arts and culture, with Arts Week Evanston. The festivities will begin on Friday, October 10th through the 19th. You will experience an array of musical performances, from classical symphonies to local favorites. You can also learn a thing or two by attending some of the workshops and classes, like the Pinhole Camera Family Workshop or the Drop-in Ceramics Class. Experience unbelievable art by touring the many art galleries and studios that will also be open throughout the week. There are far too many shows and activities to begin to list here, so visit the City of Evanston website.

3.    The Evanston farmers market will be running for a few more weeks, so make sure to take advantage of the fresh vegetables, fruit, and flowers while you still can. The market is held from 7:30am until 1:00pm Saturdays at Oak Avenue and University Place. Be sure to attend on October 30th, where adults and children can make pumpkin crafts and even win some prizes. Call (847) 866-2958 for more information.

4.    With Halloween approaching, the time is now to pick up your pumpkin and carve those Jack-O-Lanterns. Didier Farms in Prairie View not only has the pumpkins, they have pony rides, a petting zoo, hay rides, a corn maze, crafts, and much more. Visit the Didier Farms website for more information, and directions.

5.    Take to the trails and absorb the natural beauty this fall season produces in Wheeling, IL. The Des Plains River Trail runs south through the Potawatomi Woods Preserve along Milwaukee Avenue, and is perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Start at the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Dundee Road, and enjoy the outdoors while the weather still permits it.

As the season changes, our summer weather slowly is getting cooler. While it’s still pleasant, check out some of the area’s timeless homes and gardens. Evanston has a rich cultural history immersed in art and architecture. Take some time to appreciate the history and fine beauty you’ll find right around the corner. Here is a short list of local attractions that you won’t want to overlook.

1. Northwestern University Sculpture Garden and Gallery
   1967 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60201
   847-491-2300

   The Sculpture Garden of Northwestern University’s Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art constitutes one of the most significant groupings of modern sculpture in the region. In 1987, Leigh Block, bequested a large group of outdoor bronze sculptures to the museum. These pieces formed the core of the collection, which now features monumental sculptures by some of the 20th century’s most renowned European and American sculptors. In 1989, the Block Museum opened its Sculpture Garden with nine of the monumental bronzes donated by Block. The Sculpture Garden was designed by Chicago architect John Vinci and has grown to 22 pieces. Located on the University’s Evanston campus, it is open year-round. Free Block Sculpture Garden Tours are available by appointment only. For more information about the Sculpture Garden call (847) 491-4852. (more…)

That is theme of this year’s 4th of July festivities in Evanston, IL. This is the 87th year that the Evanston Fourth of July Association has been in charge, and boy, do they have it down!

The parade, which begins at 2pm, is a fourth of July staple for all Evanstonians. With over 140 entrants, this is more than a parade - it’s an event. In fact, it has become so popular that people start setting up chairs along side the road  three days before the parade even occurs. The procession begins at Central Park Avenue East on Central Street and ends at Ashland Avenue.

The festivities don’t stop with the parade. At 7:30 head to Clark Street beach to hear the Palatine Concert Band perform on the lakefront as pre-firework entertainment. Enjoy the live music until 9 and wait just 15 minutes for fireworks to light up the sky, capping off the evening in true 4th of July fashion.

Every year Evanston’s 4th of July festivities top those of the prior year - so don’t miss what they have in store for 2008!

More information here>>

This 35-year-old fest is making it’s way back to Evanston this weekend. The Custer Street Fair is a culmination of 350 artists and craftspeople who come from across the nation to sell paintings, ceramics, jewelry, antiques, and much, much more. They are joined by 150 businesses and commercial exhibitors who partake in a traditional sidewalk sale.

If arts and crafts aren’t your thing, over 30 food vendors will be there to give you a scrumptious variety of international foods that you do not want to miss!

If you still need convincing, the live entertainment should help sway you. The stages will feature some of Chicagoland’s jazz legends, the Native American Dance Troupe, the Rich Maisel & Terre Cohen Orchestra and plenty more incredibly talented acts. So come on out on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22 between 10am and 9pm to the Custer Fair, and spend the day appreciating the arts with your family and friends.

For more information on this event, click here.