#1
Fri, Oct 2, 2026 · 7:00pm
Northwestern vs. Penn State
College football at Ryan Field in Evanston, with a food festival that starts at 5pm.
Limited Run
Things to Do in Evanston & Oak Park the Weekend of Oct 2–4, 2026
Stumblday's hand-checked ranking of the best things to do in Evanston & Oak Park the weekend of Oct 2–4, 2026: 20 picks, refreshed weekly.
20 picks · checked Sep 21
20 picks
#1Fri, Oct 2, 2026 · 7:00pm · Limited Run
Northwestern vs. Penn State
College football at Ryan Field in Evanston, with a food festival that starts at 5pm.
Add to calendar#2
Cahn Auditorium, Evanston, Evanston & Oak ParkSunday, October 4, 2026, 1–2pm CTPaid tickets
A Talk and Singalong with Monty Python’s Eric Idle
Eric Idle talks and leads a singalong at Cahn Auditorium in Evanston afternoon.
One Day Only
#2Sunday, October 4, 2026, 1–2pm CT · One Day Only
Cahn Auditorium, Evanston, Evanston & Oak ParkA Talk and Singalong with Monty Python’s Eric Idle
Eric Idle talks and leads a singalong at Cahn Auditorium in Evanston afternoon.
Add to calendar#3
Sun, Oct 4, 2026 · 3:00pm
Chicago Stars FC vs. Denver Summit FC
Chicago Stars FC take on Denver Summit FC at Martin Stadium in Evanston.
Limited Run
#3Sun, Oct 4, 2026 · 3:00pm · Limited Run
Chicago Stars FC vs. Denver Summit FC
Chicago Stars FC take on Denver Summit FC at Martin Stadium in Evanston.
Add to calendar#4
Sat, Oct 3, 2026 · 8:00pm
Jaripeo Ranchero: Banda El Recodo, Banda Los Recoditos & Banda Machos
Three bandas share one bill at Allstate Arena for a single night of jaripeo ranchero.
Limited Run
#4Sat, Oct 3, 2026 · 8:00pm · Limited Run
Jaripeo Ranchero: Banda El Recodo, Banda Los Recoditos & Banda Machos
Three bandas share one bill at Allstate Arena for a single night of jaripeo ranchero.
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#5
Sat, Oct 3, 2026 · 8:00pm
Cristian Castro – Nada Solo Exitos Tour
Cristian Castro plays his Nada Solo Exitos Tour at Rosemont Theatre.
Limited Run
#5Sat, Oct 3, 2026 · 8:00pm · Limited Run
Cristian Castro – Nada Solo Exitos Tour
Cristian Castro plays his Nada Solo Exitos Tour at Rosemont Theatre.
Add to calendar#6
Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Evanston & Oak ParkThrough Oct 25, 2026
BOO! at the Zoo
Brookfield Zoo's Halloween tradition brings festive décor and family-friendly surprises.
Limited Run
#6Through Oct 25, 2026 · Limited Run
Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Evanston & Oak ParkBOO! at the Zoo
Brookfield Zoo's Halloween tradition brings festive décor and family-friendly surprises.
Add to calendar#7
Proksa Park, Berwyn, Evanston & Oak ParkSaturday, October 3, 2026, 1–5 p.m.Ticket required
Berwyn Brewfest
The 12th annual Berwyn Brewfest features dozens of craft drinks and cocktails with live music and food at Proksa Park.
One Day Only
#7Saturday, October 3, 2026, 1–5 p.m. · One Day Only
Proksa Park, Berwyn, Evanston & Oak ParkBerwyn Brewfest
The 12th annual Berwyn Brewfest features dozens of craft drinks and cocktails with live music and food at Proksa Park.
Add to calendar#8
Fri, Oct 2, 2026 · 7:00pm
World Ballet Company: Swan Lake
World Ballet Company brings Swan Lake’s transformations and Tchaikovsky score to Skokie with a cast of 50.
Limited Run
#8Fri, Oct 2, 2026 · 7:00pm · Limited Run
World Ballet Company: Swan Lake
World Ballet Company brings Swan Lake’s transformations and Tchaikovsky score to Skokie with a cast of 50.
Add to calendar#9
Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston & Oak ParkSat, Oct 3, 2026 · 8:00pm
Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers
Bruce Hornsby brings the Noisemakers to Cahn Auditorium, drawing on a musical path through roots, jazz, bluegrass and classical music.
Limited Run
#9Sat, Oct 3, 2026 · 8:00pm · Limited Run
Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston & Oak ParkBruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers
Bruce Hornsby brings the Noisemakers to Cahn Auditorium, drawing on a musical path through roots, jazz, bluegrass and classical music.
Add to calendar#10
George Van Dusen Theatre at North Shore Center, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Evanston & Oak ParkSat, Oct 3, 2026 · 3:00pm
Leonid & Friends
Leonid & Friends has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Limited Run
#10Sat, Oct 3, 2026 · 3:00pm · Limited Run
George Van Dusen Theatre at North Shore Center, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Evanston & Oak ParkLeonid & Friends
Leonid & Friends has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendar#11
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Evanston & Oak ParkThursday, October 1, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday, October 2, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Saturday, October 3, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.$15 advance three-day pass
Great American Coin and Collectibles Show
Dealers fill Hall G with rare coins, collectibles, expert talks and Heritage lot viewing.
One Weekend Only
#11Thursday, October 1, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday, October 2, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Saturday, October 3, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. · One Weekend Only
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Evanston & Oak ParkGreat American Coin and Collectibles Show
Dealers fill Hall G with rare coins, collectibles, expert talks and Heritage lot viewing.
Add to calendar#12
Northwestern University, Evanston, Evanston & Oak ParkSunday, October 4, 2026, programs from 11am to eveningPrograms ticketed individually
Chicago Humanities: Northwestern University Day
Chicago Humanities: Northwestern University Day has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
One Day Only
#12Sunday, October 4, 2026, programs from 11am to evening · One Day Only
Northwestern University, Evanston, Evanston & Oak ParkChicago Humanities: Northwestern University Day
Chicago Humanities: Northwestern University Day has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendar#13
FitzGeralds Patio, Berwyn, Evanston & Oak ParkSaturday, October 3, 2026, 2:00 PM$55.80
Pachanka Music Culture Presents: Latin American Music Festival
Pachanka Music Culture Presents: Latin American Music Festival has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Limited Run
#13Saturday, October 3, 2026, 2:00 PM · Limited Run
FitzGeralds Patio, Berwyn, Evanston & Oak ParkPachanka Music Culture Presents: Latin American Music Festival
Pachanka Music Culture Presents: Latin American Music Festival has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendar#14
Oil Lamp Theater, Evanston & Oak ParkFri, Oct 2, 2026 · 7:30pm$55
Oil Lamp Theater Presents “Dial M for Murder”
Oil Lamp Theater Presents “Dial M for Murder” has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
One Weekend Only
#14Fri, Oct 2, 2026 · 7:30pm · One Weekend Only
Oil Lamp Theater, Evanston & Oak ParkOil Lamp Theater Presents “Dial M for Murder”
Oil Lamp Theater Presents “Dial M for Murder” has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendar#15
FitzGeralds Nightclub, Berwyn, Evanston & Oak ParkSaturday, October 3, 2026, doors 7:30 PM, show 8:30 PM$26.44 – $189.70
Elizabeth Moen Returns to FitzGeralds Nightclub
Elizabeth Moen Returns to FitzGeralds Nightclub has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Limited Run
#15Saturday, October 3, 2026, doors 7:30 PM, show 8:30 PM · Limited Run
FitzGeralds Nightclub, Berwyn, Evanston & Oak ParkElizabeth Moen Returns to FitzGeralds Nightclub
Elizabeth Moen Returns to FitzGeralds Nightclub has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendar#16
Welsh Ryan Arena / McGaw Hall, 1501 Central St, Evanston & Oak ParkSat, Oct 3, 2026 · 7:00pm
Northwestern Wildcats Women's Volleyball vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Volleyball
Northwestern Wildcats Women's Volleyball vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Volleyball has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Limited Run
#16Sat, Oct 3, 2026 · 7:00pm · Limited Run
Welsh Ryan Arena / McGaw Hall, 1501 Central St, Evanston & Oak ParkNorthwestern Wildcats Women's Volleyball vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Volleyball
Northwestern Wildcats Women's Volleyball vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Volleyball has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendar#17
Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Evanston & Oak ParkMay 22–October 25, 2026; during zoo hoursIncluded with zoo admission o…
Dinos!
Life-size dinosaurs take over Brookfield Zoo, included with admission and open to all ages.
Limited Run
#17May 22–October 25, 2026; during zoo hours · Limited Run
Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Evanston & Oak ParkDinos!
Life-size dinosaurs take over Brookfield Zoo, included with admission and open to all ages.
Add to calendar#18
Northlight Theatre, Evanston, Evanston & Oak ParkSeptember 9 – October 25, 2026 (extended)Ticketed
The Front Page
The Front Page has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Limited Run
#18September 9 – October 25, 2026 (extended) · Limited Run
Northlight Theatre, Evanston, Evanston & Oak Park#19
Block Museum of Art, Evanston & Oak ParkOn view through Dec 6, 2026Free admission
The Block Collects 2026
The Block Collects 2026 has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
FreeArt
#19On view through Dec 6, 2026 · Limited Run
Block Museum of Art, Evanston & Oak ParkThe Block Collects 2026
The Block Collects 2026 has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendar#20
Block Museum of Art, Evanston & Oak ParkOn view through Dec 6, 2026Free admission
Picturing the Modern Metropolis: Prints and Photographs
Picturing the Modern Metropolis: Prints and Photographs has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
FreeArt
#20On view through Dec 6, 2026 · Limited Run
Block Museum of Art, Evanston & Oak ParkPicturing the Modern Metropolis: Prints and Photographs
Picturing the Modern Metropolis: Prints and Photographs has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendar