As we dive into the Windy City’s calendar, The city is brimming with an eclectic array of events and activities that will ignite your sense of adventure and immerse you in the city’s unparalleled energy. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a festival-goer, or simply someone looking to savor the lively spirit of Chicago, this guide is your gateway to discovering 15 must-attend fun experiences that will define September 2023 in the Windy City Chicago.
From electrifying concerts that will make your heart race to the kaleidoscope of colors at Chicago’s world-famous festivals and the irresistible aroma of bratwurst and craft beer at Oktoberfest Celebration in Chicago, there is an immense amount of entertainment that you will be coming across. So, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a journey through the streets of Chicago this weekend where every corner promises an unforgettable memory and celebration.
Visit the 17th Annual Hyde Park Jazz Festival
Enjoy the 17th Annual Hyde Park Jazz Festival for a free two-day celebration with 37 free performances! These concerts represent the creative diversity in Chicago jazz and feature some of the most compelling emerging and venerable artists on the national and international scene. In addition to performances and other programs, the festival includes local cuisine, artisan pop-up shops, and picnic areas on the Midway.
Be a part of the Oktoberfest Celebration
With lively music, spirited dancing, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Chicago’s Oktoberfest is an annual event that brings a little piece of Munich to the Midwest. Experience some of the good.
- Beer n’ BBQ Festival: Break out your steins and celebrate the start of fall by joining Navigator Taproom and Operation BBQ Relief for the 3rd annual Oktoberfest: Beer n’ BBQ Festival. Choose from a selection of smoked chicken pulled pork German brätwurst as well as all the sides and fixings.
- Brewing District’s Oktoberfest: Immerse yourself in a day of festivities that celebrates the spirit of craft beer, community, and good times. Indulge your taste buds with a tantalizing array of culinary delights, as each taproom showcases delectable food pairings to complement their exceptional brews.
- Oktoberfest in Libertyville 2023: Enjoy live music, a fine selection of seasonal brews, nosh and traditional Bavarian bier sport like Hammerschlagen or Masskrugstemmen. Come in your best dress and enjoy time spent with your neighbors and friends at this unique community event.
Attend the Annual Moon Festival Chinatown
You can be a part of celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chicago Chinatown! This enchanting occasion is one of the Asian tradition’s most significant cultural festivals, second only to the Lunar New Year. It’s a time when everyone comes together to revel in the full moon’s brilliance and the warmth of family reunions. The streets are adorned with vibrant lanterns that light up the night, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.
You will get to indulge in the delicious tradition of sharing mooncakes, symbolizing unity and togetherness. And to truly embrace the spirit of this festival, raise a glass of fragrant chrysanthemum flower wine, a beverage steeped in tradition and culture.
Take a Stroll through Weekend Festivals
Chicago is surrounded with some amazing weekend festivals that will dive you into a world of vibrant colors, delicious aromas, and lively music on a journey through weekend festivals. Some of them are listed below:
- Chicago Latina Expo 2023: This two-day expo focuses on providing Latinas with the tools to break down the systemic barriers that prevent them from achieving social and economic mobility. The Latina Expo will explore health wealth business systemic racism and equality, aiming to create more opportunities for Latinas to succeed in the boardroom and in their lifestyles.
- Chicago Gourmet 2023: The annual food festival returns this year with a four-day slate of programming and events to celebrate the city’s dining scene. You’ll find other classics like Rick Bayless’ Tacos & Tequila, Grand Cru, and more; plus the return of beer-centric, Oktoberfest-inspired Prost.
- Taste of Egypt Fesitval: This enjoy a day filled with Fun Activities for the entire family. You will get to enjoy activities like camel rides, live music, church tours, petting zoo, henna tattoos, bouncy houses/ inflatables, crafts, art, jewelry, souvenirs, personalized hieroglyphics and many more other fun activities.
- World Music Festival Chicago: Enjoy world tunes played by award-winning musicians from over 20 countries who perform live at the Chicago Cultural Center and at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. The festival also celebrates 11 years of Ragamala, the largest all-night long presentation of live Indian classical music in the United States.
- Chicago Water Lantern Festival: Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Watch your unique lantern drift out into the water as it joins other lanterns carrying hope, love, happiness, healing, peace, and connection. It’s a night that you’ll never forget.
Celebrate 41st Chicago Music Awards
The Chicago Music Awards (CMA) each year honors the best of Chicagoland Entertainers in all genres of music within the 200-mile radius of Chicago. From Pop, R&B, Reggae Reggaeton, Afrobeat, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Hip Hop, Gospel, Latin, and other music categories.
You can join for a night of celebration and music at the 41st Chicago Music Awards (CMA). Celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop & a Stepper’s Tribute to Casper the creator of the Cha Cha Slide, with dance & Steppin.
Explore some other Interesting Events
- As you dive deeper into the month, visit the autumn wonderland for a Fall Festival celebration at Sonny Acres Farm in West Chicago! Prepare yourself for non-stop family fun as you explore various attractions and amusements.
- You can also take a stroll through the Halloween Artisan Market. There will be a beautiful selection of handcrafted sweets, artisanal crafts, food trucks, and a joyous atmosphere that celebrates the arrival of autumn.
- For all the Bollywood lovers, SK production is organizing a Bollywood on boat Party for you guys. You will be partying at the Underground with Experienced bartenders and enjoying a seamless and elite service.
Remember to check the event schedules and ticket availability in advance. So get your friends and family hyped and have a great time enjoying some fantastic events in Chicago.
