Ready for fall?
The signs are there. A few leaves are already floating on the wind, Cars are filling school parking lots, Theater billboards and marquees announce show openings. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the next full moon after this weekend’s large orb, is the Harvest Moon on Sept. 20, 2021.
It’s time to start marking the calendar with fun, fall activities. Just don’t let too many weeks go by without snagging tickets for events that sell out.
Two 2021 festivals that sell out before people on the go realize the tickets are gone, are the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Night of 1,000 Jack o Lanterns and Lightscape.
Jack o Lanterns Oct. 13-17 and Oct. 20-24, 2021
“A: Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns is one of our most popular events at the Garden and in 2019, we expanded this event to run for 10 evenings due to popular demand, “said Zombolo, associate vice president of visitor events and programs.
“I’ts become an annual fall tradition,” she said and added, that people are “ amazed by the artistically carved pumpkins.” And it’s all “ in a beautiful fall setting,” said Zombolo.
According to Zombolo, the event adapted procedures to fit recommended pandemic protocols. “Last year we implemented new procedures including limited capacity per timeslot, a one-way trail with a separate entrance and exit, and extra space between pumpkins. We will be continuing those procedures in 2021.”
Tickets are time and date sensitive. They go on sale to members Aug. 23, 2021 and to the public Aug. 27. Adults: $16/$18, Children 3 – 12: $12/$14
Children 2 and under are free. A $20 parking fee applies to nonmembers and must be purchased ahead, online. Members park for free. The Garden closes at 5 p.m. during the event and reopens at 6 for ticketed event guests.
Lightscape Nov. 12, 2021 to Jan. 2, 2022.
Now in its third year, the event’s famed winter cathedral will be back along with sing along musical trees but there will also be new features and a newly reworked, 1.25 mile path.
Tickets are already on sale for Lightscape. As with Jack o Lanterns, tickets are date and time sensitive. Ticket information for Lightscape.
Jodie Jacobs