All That's New on Chicago's North Shore

Reinventing excellence. Transforming local legends into contemporary showstoppers. Find out what the fuss is all about as these dramatic new and reimagined powerhouses open their doors to dazzle you this Fall. Your days and nights out and about are getting a magnificent makeover with a state-of-the-art stadium, theater, museums and shopping destinations. All these and more await when you find out What’s There to Do in Chicago's North Shore. 

 

Ryan Field, Northwestern University, Evanston

New Ryan Field, Northwestern University (Evanston)
“Reimagined from the ground up” brand-spanking new Ryan Field will be the best place in the country to watch a football game, soccer match or concert. This first of its kind, NFL-type stadium for college football leverages modern engineering to put you on top of the action with a premium experience including top-tier food and real bars. Every seat is an individual chair with cupholders and armrests. No benches. No bleachers. And the canopy roof covers every fan while dynamic pregame festivals enhance the vibe with food, drinks, live music, DJ’s and entertainment.
 

Northlight Theatre, Evanston

Northlight Theatre (Evanston)
The curtain rises on the glamorous return of Northlight Theatre to its hometown in Downtown Evanston. Established in 1974 as Evanston Theatre Company, this gem grew into one of the largest, longest running theaters in Chicagoland. Savor an enchanting theatre-going experience from the inviting lobby, comfortable seats, excellent sightlines and clear acoustics complimented by free parking, zero subscription handling fees and concession discounts — all in a vibrant neighborhood to celebrate your night out.
 

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, Skokie

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center (Skokie)
Expanding on its mission to “Remember the Past; Transform the Future,” the museum reopens to reveal exciting facility upgrades such as a new Welcome Center to accommodate vastly more guests of all ages and abilities. Witness a redesigned state-of-the-art auditorium and a “reflection space” within the Karkomi Holocaust exhibition supported by more restrooms, updated security and ticket offices. Online exhibitions continue to offer moving stories like The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
 

Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum, Evanston

Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum (Evanston)
Beyond exploring their expanded gardens with 1,700+ regional Native medicinal plants, pollinator plants and food crops, visitors of all ages will be warmly welcomed to a fully transformed museum experience. This culturally significant space will reopen with new exhibitions highlighting Indigenous histories, contemporary Native life, repatriation, foodways and environmental stewardship across the Great Lakes. Indigenous Chicago: Reframing Chicago as a Native Place was developed by the Newberry Library as a major exhibition to reframe Chicago as an enduring Native place. Through archival materials, maps, photographs, contemporary art and storytelling, you’ll explore more than five centuries of history while centering Indigenous voices, Tribal Nations with historical ties to this land, and Chicago’s vibrant urban Native community.
 

Plaza Del Lago, Wilmette

Plaza Del Lago (Wilmette)
Strolling along a picturesque neighborhood street, lake breezes in your hair, you admire a charming Spanish-style bell tower as you spot all kinds of treasures. Iconic Plaza Del Lago debuts dazzling upgrades to one of the oldest open-air shopping centers in the U.S. Check out the lush landscaping, revitalized gathering spaces and a new central path. Time to enjoy delicious meals, grab the perfect dress, and spend an afternoon listening to music in the sunshine. You’ll find perennial favorites Convito Café & Market and Starbucks among new shops like Hermés, rag & bone, and Thom Browne, wellness spots Pilatesville and StretchLab and new restaurants like The Henry.