So maybe you’re not quite ready for fall yet—summer’s still in the air and, emotionally, you’re not prepared to put away your sunglasses and flip-flops. This year, paint yourself a new outlook on fall: It may be the end of summer, but it’s the start of the city’s biggest cultural season. That means a huge batch of new movies, music, shows, exhibits and restaurants, including Paul Kahan’s long-awaited Belgian-style restaurant, the Publican, and a giant red ball invading Chicago landmarks (seriously). Psych yourself up with the following 33 pages of autumn events—if you get started now, you might be able to check some of them out while you still need shades.

	Restaurants & Bars: Salivate over new restaurants from some favorite chefs; plus, will the new Chicago Gourmet food fest add up?
	Shopping: Chicago’s first Zara store is just one way to save on posh wearables this fall.
	Art & Design: A playful art installation bounces into town.
	Books: Kerouac’s long journey takes its scroll on Columbia College.
	Clubs: DJ C’s more vital than vitamins.
	Comedy: The judges from Impress These Apes show off their humanlike smarts.
	Dance: Namah dance troupe brings Iranian dance to Chicago.
	Film: Charlie Kaufman’s back to playing mind games; plus, we spy fall flicks with action and intrigue.
	Gay & Lesbian: The film Milk does justice to a modern martyr.
	Kids: The Notebaert paints it black with its spooky exhibit.
	Museums & Culture: The Chicago History Museum goes glam; construction goes green.
	Music: Are new music video games plug-and-play, or just toys?
	Opera & Classical: A Messiaen festival is music to our ears.
	Sports & Rec: The Blackhawks’ upcoming season looks more cool than ice cold.
	Theater: Mike Daisey’s newest isn’t a flowery look at the White House.
	TV & DVD: The Ex List’s Elizabeth Reaser is the freshest thing about this fall’s TV déjà vu.