Celebrate Spooky Season in Skokie

Enjoy a scary good time in Skokie this October! Check out upcoming Halloween events, including Downtown Skokie Trick-or-Treat on Saturday, October 28 and trick-or-treat at the Skokie Farmers’ Market on Sunday, October 29.

Reminder: Electoral Referendums Implementation Meeting Tonight

Tonight, Tuesday, October 10, the Village will host its third public meeting as it works to implement three citizen-initiated referendums impacting future Skokie Village Board elections. Join us at 7 p.m. at the Skokie Public Library, Petty Auditorium or watch live on YouTube.

Meeting materials: View the meeting agenda, proposed electoral district map, data table, and other materials in advance of tonight’s meeting on the Village’s Electoral Referendums web page.

Free Document Shredding Event this Sunday

Have documents to securely shred? Join the Village’s Consumer Affairs Commission for a free document destruction event this Sunday, October 15, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Skokie Public Library’s west parking lot (access from Park Avenue).

Don’t forget to shop after you shred at the Skokie Farmers’ Market, open from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. next to Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St!

Fire Prevention Week: Five Cooking Safety Tips

Fire Prevention Week is October 8 through 14, 2023. This year's theme is "Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to Fire Prevention."

Five cooking safety tips: The Skokie Fire Department provides five reminders to stay safe while cooking. Take a minute to review them!

Coming Soon to Westfield Old Orchard

Westfield Old Orchard today announced three new stores set to open in the former Lord & Taylor space in 2024, including:

Artisan-crafted, sustainably sourced home furnishings brand Arhaus
High-tech mini golf experience Puttshack
Top fashion brand ZARA, relocating from its current space

The redevelopment is part of a multi-phase development plan at Westfield Old Orchard that also includes a public park and event space, as well as new residences, eateries, wellness facilities and outdoor amenities.

“The transformational redevelopment now underway at Westfield Old Orchard will enhance experiences for Skokie residents and visitors, supporting the center as an economic engine for our community," said Mayor Van Dusen.

Got talent? Artists Sought to Develop Design Concepts for New Village Seal

The Village Seal Committee is seeking artists and designers knowledgeable of Native communities in Skokie and the Great Lakes region to develop design concepts for a new Village seal.

Deadline extended: The Committee recently extended the deadline for artists and designers to submit their qualifications to Friday, November 17. View the Request for Qualifications (PDF) and please share it with those who might be interested.

Get Your Tickets for ‘Ghosted’

Love a great story? Join the Skokie Fine Arts Commission for “Ghosted,” a live storytelling event with true tales of sudden disappearances, eerie coincidences, and other mysteries.

Space is limited – reserve your seat for the free event, which will take place on Wednesday, October 18, 7:30 p.m., at Take Flight Spirits.

October is Arts & Humanities Month!

Celebrate the diversity of arts and entertainment in Skokie all month long. Follow the Explore Skokie Instagram and Explore Skokie Facebook accounts for highlights of art exhibitions, programming, performances and more.

Renter’s Guide to Sustainable Energy

Do you rent your home or apartment? Join the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) at the Skokie Public Library this Thursday, October 12 at 6:30 p.m. for a free seminar to learn how you can save energy and contribute to a sustainable future. Register here.

Help meet our community-wide goal: Skokie’s Environmental Sustainability Plan aims to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030. Help us reach our goal by saving energy at home.

It’s Not Too Late to Get Your Flu Shot

Time slots are still available for the Skokie Health and Human Services Department’s flu shot clinic this Thursday, October 12, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Oakton Park, 4701 Oakton Street. Schedule your appointment.

Fight the Bite: West Nile Virus Cases Rise

Illinois has seen a surge in West Nile virus (WNV) cases this year. Even though summer is over, mosquitoes are still hungry! Preventing mosquito bites is the greatest approach to avoid contracting WNV and other mosquito-borne infections.

What you can do: Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, treat clothing and gear, and take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors. Visit the CDC WNV Prevention page for ways to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

Reminder: Fall Leaf Collection Begins Next Week

On Monday, October 16, Public Works will begin seasonal leaf collection operations, which continues through early December, weather permitting.

Where to leave leaves: Instead of bagging leaves in landscape bags, residents can rake leaves into the street next to the curb in front of their home. (Do not place leaves in the street prior to October 14.) Crews will collect leaves throughout Skokie every five to seven days, as weather permits. Review fall leaf collection guidelines.

Another Option: Leaf Them Alone. Did you know that fallen leaves can help improve soil quality and provide nutrients to landscaping and lawns? Try raking a few inches of leaves into your landscape beds, or mulch leaves into your lawn.