|
Home Opener - New Stadium!
Friday, October 2
Ryan Field | 1501 Central St., Evanston
This month, the Northwestern Wildcats welcome fans to the beautiful new Ryan Field as Northwestern football finally returns home! The Wildcats host Penn State (October 2), Ball State (October 10) and Rutgers (October 24). With its stunning design, modern amenities and incredible atmosphere, the brand new Ryan Field is a must-see for all college football fans!
| |
| |
Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers Indigo Park Tour
Saturday, October 3
Evanston SPACE at Cahn Auditorium, Northwestern University | 600 Emerson St., Evanston
Catch three-time Grammy Award winner Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers live in Evanston! Known for his distinctive blend of rock, jazz, bluegrass and more, Hornsby has performed with the Grateful Dead, Ricky Skaggs and countless other artists. Don’t miss this opportunity to see a legendary musician live on the North Shore.
| |
| |
Wilmette Wine Walk
Saturday, October 3
Downtown Wilmette - Bottle Shop (starting point) | 1148 Central Ave., Wilmette
Stroll through local spots, sip on some amazing wines, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of charming downtown Wilmette! It’s the perfect way to explore the town, meet fellow wine lovers, and have a blast. Don’t miss out on this awesome chance to taste, chat, and unwind in a super friendly setting! Don’t forget your souvenir wine glass!
| |
| |
2026 Evanston Made Studio Tour
Saturday and Sunday, October 3 and 4
Artist Studios Throughout Evanston
Step inside Evanston’s creative community during the free Evanston Made Studio Tour! Follow the self-guided tour to meet local artists in their studios, see where they create and discover works ranging from ceramics and jewelry to painting, photography, sculpture, fiber arts, woodwork and more. It’s a unique chance to meet the artists behind the work and experience Evanston’s vibrant art scene up close.
| |
| |
Harvest Fest 2026
Saturday and Sunday, October 3 and 4
Chalet Nursery | 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette
Celebrate the season at Harvest Fest. During the two-day event, kids can enjoy a petting zoo, crafts, build your own scarecrow, Touch-a-Truck, and more - plus cider and popcorn to snack on. Invite your friends, bring the kiddos, and come shop fall and Halloween favorites while making festive family memories.
| |
| |
The Grove Folk Fest
Sunday, October 4
The Grove National Historic Landmark | 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview
Spend a day under the trees at The Grove with live folk music, local artisans and the colors of fall all around you. Grab a seat in the outdoor dining hall for pork and bean stew, pie, cider and more. Wander the trails, take a hayride, explore the historic Kennicott House and Redfield Estate and meet costumed interpreters who bring Glenview’s past to life.
| |
| |
Night of 1,000 Jack-O'Lanterns
Wednesday, October 7 - Sunday, October 25 (select nights)
Chicago Botanic Garden | 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
Step into a world of Halloween magic as you walk an eerily enchanting path aglow with artist-carved pumpkins, including 75 giants weighing 150 pounds each! Watch live carving in action, meet costumed characters, and enjoy playful frights around every corner. It’s a spirited evening of family-friendly fun, just creepy enough to keep you on your toes!
| |
| |
Falling for Fall Market
Saturday, October 10
Wheeling Town Center | 375 W. Dundee Rd., Wheeling
Shop the final Fall Market of the season at Wheeling Town Center! Discover an exciting selection of bread, sweet treats, specialty sauces, seasonings, candles, jewelry, clothing, crafts and more from local vendors. Stroll the plaza, enjoy samples and live music, and find something special to take home. Free admission and parking! Everyone is welcome!
| |
| |
Taste of the Town 2026
Wednesday, October 28
Chevy Chase Country Club | 1000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling
Get your tickets for the foodie event of the year! More than two dozen of the area’s most popular restaurants, wineries, taverns, and meeting places will be serving samples from their menus – a true culinary feast! Along with food and drink tastings, guests will also enjoy live entertainment, raffle drawings, prizes, and much more.
| |
| |
Live Theater on the North Shore
Throughout October
Various Venues
October’s live theater lineup has something for everyone, including Northlight Theatre’s The Front Page (through October 25), Oil Lamp Theater’s Dial M for Murder (October 2 – November 1), Writers Theatre’s Sisters (through November 8) and The Royale (October 22 – November 29), Wirtz Center’s IMAGINE U: Grace and the Butterfly Effect (October 29 – November 8), and The Skokie's I'm Not a Comedian... I'm Lenny Bruce (October 8-10)
| |
| | | |
