The larger-than-life bubble sculptures at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe close for good on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Evanescent, the iridescent bubble installation that has dotted the garden's 385 acres since June 6, is the centerpiece of this summer's Shimmering Summer program. Both the installation and the broader program end the same day. Residents who haven't visited can still see the sculptures through Sept. 20.

The garden urged visitors on X on Thursday, Sept. 10, to catch the shimmering sculptures before they're gone.

Oktoberfest caps the season

The garden is sending off summer with a two-day Oktoberfest on Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20. The event is labeled "A Shimmering Summer Finale" on the garden's website, positioning it as the closing celebration for the entire Shimmering Summer season.

Oktoberfest features German fare, lawn games and live music. Doors open at 11 a.m. on Sept. 19.

The timing means visitors on Sept. 20 can pair the last day of Evanescent with the second day of Oktoberfest in a single trip to the garden at 1000 Lake Cook Road.

Ticket pricing for Oktoberfest had not been posted on the garden's event page as of Friday, Sept. 11. Visit the garden's Oktoberfest page for updates.

Glowby the Bubbler returns this weekend

Before the finale, interactive improv performer Glowby the Bubbler returns to Festival Field on Saturday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to a garden announcement. The performance pairs with the Evanescent sculptures still on display across the grounds.