With temperatures rapidly dropping, excursions into Chicago are becoming less and less manageable. Though it may seem like the only fun to be had in the Chicagoland area is reserved within the parameters of Chicago itself, Evanston has loads of events and activities running throughout the fall season. If you just so happen to have some free time this fall, here are ways you can spend your time in Evanston!
1. MDM Fall Festival & Pumpkin Carving Contest
Saturday October, 8
At the annual event hosted by Main-Dempster Mile, which is an organization of businesses located on the streets Main and Dempster, participants compete for three $300 prizes awarded by both judges and festival-goers. Contestants can register via this link or compete as walk-in entries. Aside from the pumpkin carving competition, other activities at the fest include line dancing lessons, a Halloween story-time, a book sale and a live performance by The Masters Collection, who identify as “a network of independent artists that come together under one umbrella for the purpose of musical production and performance.” The festival will also feature local food and drink vendors, such as Firehouse Grill, YoFresh Cafe and With Love. The event will take place at The Mexican Shop this year, located at 801 Dempster Street.
2. Downtown Evanston Fall Festival
Sunday October, 9
Now, what's better than one Fall Fest? Two Fall Fests!!! The Downtown Evanston Fall Fest is the city’s sole fundraising event of the year. There will be food and drinks from vendors Soul & Smoke, 5411 Empanadas and Right Bee Cider. Admission is free but to purchase any of the craft beer on display, festival goers must first buy a $10 Downtown Evanston reusable cup which they can continue to refill with IPAs (India pale ales) for only $5 a cup. The festival will feature live musical performances and fall activity stations, such as mask making and pumpkin decorating. This year's Fall Fest will take place from 12 to 5 p.m. at Fountain Square.
3. Tuesday Repair Café
Tuesday October, 11
Remember that bike with the busted brake sitting in your garage? Or the flickering lamp that won't stay on no matter how many new light bulbs you buy? Well, lucky for you, Evanston’s Tuesday Repair Café is here to help! From 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m, the Robert Crown Branch Library will bring in repair specialists to help Evanstonians with all their repair needs. Repairs can range anywhere from clothing that needs mending to small appliances and household items. Though walk-ins are accepted, those who register will be given priority. The repair café begins in the fall, operating on Oct. 25, Nov. 8, Nov. 22, Dec. 13, with the last café taking place on Dec. 27.
4. Vintage Flea Market
Sunday October, 16
Vintage Garage Chicago will be back in Evanston for its 10th season! Vintage Garage is Chicago's only “all vintage flea market” featuring home decor, clothing, accessories and collectibles dating from the 1880s to the 1890s. On the fifth floor of Evanston’s Maple self-park garage, shoppers can peruse the market and its 75 vendors starting at 10 a.m. until the market closes at 4 p.m.. Admission is $6 and shoppers can buy their tickets ahead of time using this link.
5. The last day of Evanston's Farmers Market
Saturday November, 5
All good things must come to an end – and the Evanston Farmers Market is no exception. Gracing the corner of University Pl. and Oak Ave, the Evanston Farmers’ Market has been a local staple for the past 47 years. Running from early May through early November, the Farmers’ Market features produce from 54 vendors, who sell everything from seasonal flower arrangements to kombucha. The Market’s standard hours run from 7:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. The first 30 minutes after opening are reserved for senior and/or disabled shoppers who may require accommodations.