North by Northwestern

Wildcat Welcome is the perfect week to explore the city. What, like you have classes to go to? Grab an old friend, or a new one, and check out the best stuff to do off campus:

	Cubs vs. Brewers There’s one game left in the Cubs’ three-game series against Central Division rivals the Brewers. As of the start of the series, the Cubbies were first in the division, but the Brewers are tied with the Phillies for the wild-card lead. The Brew Crew definitely stands to lose or gain more this time, since the Cubs have pretty much clinched the division, but it is still one of the last good regular season series. The game’s sold out, but suck up the sketchiness and chat up a scalper for an overpriced, but awesome, ticket. When: Thursday at 1:20 p.m. Where: Wrigley Field How to get there: Take the Red Line on the El to Addison
“The Nereid Beckon” If you find some free time and want to do something equally free, go to the Evanston Art Center and see its current Sculpture on the Grounds: “The Nereid Beckon.” On the art center’s lawn are five 16-foot long ship-like bottles made from thousands of smaller plastic bottles, each containing a message or drawing about Lake Michigan. At night, the bottles are lit-up and look like they’re drifting towards the Gross Point Lighthouse. When: Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Evanston Art Center How to get there: Head down Sheridan toward North Campus, past Long Field, until you hit Central.
	Concert Scene Get a head start on checking out the Chicago music scene; it may be the first week back, but there are already plenty of shows from a variety of genres to satisfy your musical tastes. Indie darling Jenny Lewis is a highlight, but with anything from the French Kicks, The Dillinger Four and even Live gracing the city’s stages, you’d be hard-pressed not to find something to your liking. When: Depends on the show: Go to Ticketmaster for all the basics on the shows. How to get there: Depends on the show, but it’s a safe bet you’ll be taking the El or the Intercampus shuttle. Check the shuttle schedule here.
Wildcat Football Last but definitely not least, head down to Ryan Field and see our 3-0 Wildcats take on Ohio (not State). You get in free with your Wildcard and it’s a great way to start off the school year. Did I mention we’re 3-0? Wear some purple, show some school spirit and cross your fingers that it doesn’t rain. When: Saturday, Sept. 20, at 11 a.m. Where: Ryan Field How to get there: Take the free NU shuttle bus which picks up at Sherman and University, Sheridan and Emerson, Sheridan and Foster, Tech and Patten Gym.