Five best autumn events

From marauding machines to alfresco art, Tom Henry picks the best of the North-west

1. Le Corbusier, Liverpool

Also known as The Art of Architecture, this show will be the UK's biggest exhibition for 20 years on the Swiss-born architect. Many consider Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, who chose to be known as Le Corbusier to be one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, a founder of architectural modernism. Original architectural models, furniture, drawings, and paintings will be on display in the Crypt of Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral.

2 October 2008 to 18 January 2009 at The Crypt, Metropolitan Cathedral. For more information, call 0151 709 9222 or see www.liverpoolmetro cathedral.org.uk

2. Liverpool Biennial, Liverpool

Now in its 10th year, Liverpool's Biennial is Europe's second-largest contemporary arts gathering. Over 35 commissions by established and emerging artists comprise this year's title show, MADE UP, an exploration of the city's new freedom to make things happen. Over half the works will be in public spaces, so expect to see both bemused locals and art aficionados musing over the pieces on show. The Biennial also encompasses the John Moores 25 Painting Prize.

20 September to 30 November at various venues including Tate Liverpool. A map is available from the 08 Place on Whitechapel. For more information, go to www.biennial.com

3. Tatton Park Biennial, Knutsford

Tatton Park Biennial in Knutsford, 40 minutes east of Liverpool, is an outdoor art project involving more than 30 artists, performers and writers who will develop new work in response to Tatton Park's gardens and collections. There are six permanent and 12 evolving commissions on display, with tours, performances and talks available to allow a greater understanding of the park's heritage.

Until 28 September in Tatton Park. For more information, call 01625 374400

4. Fred, Cumbria

Europe's largest festival of site-specific contemporary art can best be described as a creative invasion of the landscape. For 16 days, a host of international artists have been invited to take their work out of the galleries and into the spectacular natural environment of Cumbria. It's now in its fifth year, and previous FRED events have seen work on buses, up the fells, under the lakes, in the woods, at the service station, down the pub and around a mountain. Over the past four years, over 350 artists have created 164 projects.

26 September to 12 October at various venues across Cumbria. For more information, call 01768 371561 or see www.fredsblog.co.uk

5. La Machine, Liverpool

A giant mechanical creature known as La Machine is set to invade the streets of Liverpool for three days in September. The details for this specially commissioned project, involving French theatre magicians are top secret. Artichoke, the company behind the project, was responsible for the spectacular Sultan's Elephant in London in 2006. Its latest effort is sure to be a similarly magical piece of urban theatre that will enthral the capital of culture.

5 September to 7 September in Liverpool City Centre. For more information, call 0151 233 2008 or see www.lamachine.co.uk