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.

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.

This Saturday May 17th starts another full summer of Evanston’s popular Farmer’s Market. For those of you who have been to other Farmer’s Markets, this one, stocked with over thirty vendors, does not disappoint. For those who have not, there you’ll find the freshest fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, flowers and bakery goods that the Midwest has to offer.

The kick-off this Saturday will take place from 7:30 a.m. till 1 p.m. and will have special activities from 8 a.m. until noon. With face painting, sailboat rigging lessons, and live music, this farmer’s market is not just a place to shop, it’s an event. Bring your friends, bring your family and don’t forget to take advantage of the free parking in the Maple Avenue Parking Garage.

If you can’t, however, make it this Saturday, do not worry. The Evanston Farmer’s Market will be back every Saturday for the rest of the summer.

Click here to view a map for this event.

In a day when children seem to prefer video games and texting to playing outside, having the chance to celebrate those who take an interest in something more thought provoking and challenging, like art, is brilliant. Saturday May 17th from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. the YEA, also know as the Young Evanston Artists, will be showcasing artwork all along the sidewalks of the Chicago Dempster Merchants.

The artwork will come from a variety of students, varying in ages from 5 to 17. This is a great opportunity to support the choice these students made to express themselves artistically and the fact they want to share their expressions with the community. The more recognition they get, the more encouraged they and their peers will be to keep creating and expressing themselves through art.

Click here for a map of the Chicago Dempster Merchants.