Fall Festivities Round Up
With more of us spending countless hours working indoors behind screens, many are looking for festive in-person and outdoors activities to fill fall weekends and evenings. As the leaves turn color, temperatures cool, and the calendar ticks down toward year’s end, there’s still time to enjoy a collection of local markets, art showcases, and tours in and around Chicago and Evanston. We compiled a list of several local options for fall fun.
Chicago Cultural Center
Visit the Chicago Cultural Center, a hub of arts, culture, architecture, history, and educational events year-round. Before heading inside, take a moment to view the building’s new exterior artwork, a 132 by 100 foot mural honoring 20 women who have shaped the city's vibrant arts and culture landscape, designed by internationally renowned artist and Macarthur Fellow, Chicago’s own Kerry James Marshall.
Holiday Market
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Skokie Park District Holiday Gift Market, November 15,10 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Oakton Community Center. Treat yourself, your friends, and your loved ones to a variety of special handmade gifts from local artists this holiday season.
Chicago Turkey Trot
Runners, fans of the Chicago lakefront, those who want to support the Chicago Food Depository, and anyone looking for a new way to work up a Turkey Day appetite can get out on November 27, for the 47th Annual Chicago Turkey Trot, featuring a 5K or 8K run or walk, the Kids Run, and Turkey Trot Tailgating in Lincoln Park, beginning at the North Pond at 7 a.m.
Evanston Recreational Programming
Take a few minutes to browse the fall issue of the Evanston Recreation Programming Guide to find a variety of classes, activities, and community events. One standout event, Nightmare on Foster Street, at the Fleetwood Jourdain Community Center on November 1, 6–9 p.m., offers an opportunity for those looking for one more day of Halloween spooktacular!
Art Market
Evanston Made is hosting First Saturday Evanston Art Events, a series of self-guided tours through Evanston’s creative installations. Enjoy art activities on the street, shopping for handmade goods, and meeting Evanston’s small business owners. These events will run throughout the day on the first Saturday of each month, through the end of the year.
Downtown Evanston History Tour
Explore Evanston’s past on the self-guided Downtown Evanston History tour. Use the Vibemap app to navigate through 30 historical sites, including architectural gems and cultural landmarks. Collect points as you follow along at your own pace to earn a “Master Storyteller” title. A contest to launch the tour is open through November 1 with online content available year-round.
We’d love to hear how you’re spending your off-screen time. Whether you’re celebrating holidays, the season, participating in sports and hobbies, or exploring the pre-winter wonders of natural spaces, share it with us! Please share photos, memories, and recommendations with your colleagues on the Northwestern IT Teams channel.