Between the Chicago Marathon and the Cubs, this is a big weekend in Chicago. Find even more events (three festivals, a cabaret for a good cause and a presidential debate watch party) in our weekly 5 Things to Do.
The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest
Oct. 7-9
Highwood
If you love pumpkins, there’s no better place to be this weekend than this annual festival. Carve pumpkins, go trick or treating, enter the costume contest, enjoy hay rides and pony rides, visit the petting zoo, take home a craft and more, all while benefitting Make-A-Wish Illinois.
Evanston Public Library Storytelling Festival
Oct. 7-9
Evanston
Some of the best storytellers in the country, including Jim May, Megan Wells, Sadarri Saskill, Donna Washington and Scott Whitehair, are heading to Evanston for this second annual festival. In addition to great storytelling, there will be food trucks, writing workshops, panel discussions and more.
Fall Bulb Festival
Oct. 7-9
Glencoe
Take in Chicago Botanic Garden’s changing colors with live music, a harvest market, bulb sale, and family activities (including a straw-bale maze). And don’t forget to take a selfie in front of the gourd mountain.
Bernie’s Book Bank Cabaret
Oct. 8
Lake Bluff
Join Bernie’s Book Bank for their first Cabaret event. Enjoy music, appetizers and drinks while supporting Bernie’s Book Bank and their mission to bring books to at-risk children in and around Chicago.
Debate Watch 2016: Second Presidential Debate
Oct. 9
Chicago
The Chicago History Museum and WBEZ Chicago are hosting debate watches with panel discussions throughout this election season. The evening begins with a viewing of “Lincoln’s Undying Words.”
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