I'm not happy about being the one to tell you this, but I think that Autumn is officially here. Those long lazy days of summer are now a mere memory, go ahead, sigh and accept it. But just because summer is over doesn't mean there aren't still a lot of things to do. The trees on my street are really starting to show their color and on that note I'm heading out of town this weekend before we're covered in snow. So enjoy your weekend and take in some of these great events.

Thursday, October 9th

Rev. Dr. Joan Martin will deliver her lecture "Remembering Matthew W. Shepard: The Necessity of Historical Memory and The Virtue of Ordinary, Everyday Courage," this afternoon at Elmhurst College.

Tegan and Sara are performing this evening at the Riviera in Uptown. If you watched the Late Show with David Letterman! on Tuesday night, you got a sneak peak (personally I fell asleep but really did want to see them.)

(Read the CP interview with Tegan and Sara from August, 2007)

Carpenters Halloween is making the audience scream at Mary's Attic on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Click here NOW and get your tickets for next weeks show!

If you're looking for a little magic tonight, check out The Magic Cabaret at the Greenhouse Theater - 2257 N Lincoln Avenue. You never know what he might pull out of that hat!

Friday, October 10th

Now is the perfect time to head over to Michigan and check out the trees, be the first to report back on their amazing color. Don't forget your camera! Ben Fold takes the stage at the Congress Theater performing his new album.

If you're looking for a little magic tonight, check out The Magic Cabaret at the Greenhouse Theater - 2257 N Lincoln Avenue. Just make sure he doesn't cut your boyfriend in half!

Saturday, October 11th

Today is National Coming Out Day

As part of National Coming Out Day stop in at Borders in Oak Park 2PM-4PM for a book signing
of "Out and Proud in Chicago." Marie Kuda, Tracy Baim and other writers will speak.

Sweet Chic takes place at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 7PM. Check out fashion formed from candy wrappers and the current Jeff Koons exhibit.

A fundraiser for The AIDS Quilt Songbook Concert is at Hydrate tonight 8PM-10PM, your $10 donation helps fund the December 1st (World AIDS Day) Condert that will benefit Season of Change.

Sunday, October 12th

The whistle blows at 8 a.m. officially starting the Chicago Marathon. Join the Lakeside Pride Band at the corner of Broadway & Addison to cheer on the runners.

Local publisher StepSister Press presents a double reading of their newest releases at Women & Children Book Store in Andersonville at 4:30PM