The breeze in September is so refreshing in Chicago! The air on the cheeks seems cooler and people are ready for the best time ever in the Windy City! Things to Do in Chicago this September 2024 brings back so many annual events and festivals. I have made you an amazing list of events and festivals from the Chicago September Events Calendar that will fill your schedule with events in Chicago!
I know you are the most excited about something special (shush!!) this month. Let’s count what’s there for you this summer! The musical and food festivals this month make September more alive than ever. But wait, there’s more! Labor Day is celebrated dedicatedly this month with fun and exciting events in Chicago! Plus, the annual and quirky festivals, concerts, and parties ๐are always in the limelight!
Explore events and things to do in September in Chicago as it unfolds its summertime surprises, inviting you to savor the unique offerings that make this weekend in Chicago special.
Satisfying Festivals in September!
Events from September 1st to 30th
Did you miss out on some amazing festivals last September? Donโt worry; thereโs a spectacular lineup of annual festivals in Chicago that you can cover up! These thrilling traditions happen like clockwork each September, so if you missed out last time, get ready to check off some bucket-list moments!๐
PAWS Chicago 5K
It is a spectacular cause, plus you get to see so many fur babies right in front of your eyes; this PAWS run is actually the best therapy for you!๐ง It is the largest gathering of the year, raising funds and awareness for homeless dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. Sponsor giveaways, a dog ability course, a pet spa so your pets can let loose๐งด, a photo station, and loads of treats! Of course, there is an adoption center where you can give home to anyone you please! Be a part of a bigger cause and see heaven in Chicago this September.
๐ Montrose Harbor, 601 W. Montrose Drive, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 7, 2024
Collaborative Works Festival
CAIC Institute aims higher and bigger to learn the performance of art songs and vocal chamber music! They organize this festival, featuring two main stage concerts and a masterclass!๐ต The 2024 festival is wrapped around and inspired by William Shakespeareโs work. Music of countless composers will be around it. It will be a magical experience, and the range of things you can learn and observe is endless.
๐ Roosevelt University, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 5 to 7, 2024
Bike the Drive
For the past 22 years, the Active Transportation Alliance has organized Bike the Drive, a fundraiser for better walking, biking, and transit across Chicagoland.๐ดโโ๏ธ In simple words, it makes the city easier and more accessible for people who love to walk, bike, or transit. More than 16,500 riders attended last year, and I am sure the number is increasing significantly this year. The post-ride festival lets you cool off, have a beer๐บ, listen to live music, and leave your kids for fun activities!
๐ Grant Park Butler Field, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 1, 2024
Lakeview East Festival of the Arts
Art knows no form, and this is evident enough at this arts festival. More than 120 artists showcase their art in Chicago, where you can adore paintings, sculptures, photography that might leave you thinking, exquisite furniture, unique jewelry, and more (visit and find out!) There will be live demonstrations as well, and trust me, it will be jaw-dropping! Entertainment, you ask? Oh, thereโs plenty! There are two stages for live music, beer tents, shops, local restaurants, a beautiful garden, and a kid zone as well.
๐ Lake View East, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 14 and 15, 2024
Printers Row Lit Fest
Daydreaming about walking through the streets with thousands of books lined up for you is pretty normal. ๐คทBut, well, this Lit Fest in Chicago made it happen!! 100 exhibitors, 20 author publications, streets lined up with indie presses, booksellers, local publishing houses, individual independent authors, and artists; it’s literally a book carpet!๐ The most adorable part of it is the childrenโs storybook parade! The headliner for this year is Laureate Tracy K. Smith (if you donโt know, you should! GOOGLE HER!)
๐ Chicagoโs historic Printers Row neighborhood, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 7 and 8, 2024
El Grito Festival
Mexican Independence Day falls in September, and it is the time when Mexicans party quite literally. You can not just witness it but also be a part of it at this festival in Chicago. The insane blend of Latino food vendors๐ฎ, live music by extraordinary artists, authentic Mexican mariachi dances, a bar (much needed to keep the energy up!๐คญ), and finally, a kid’s carnival area sucks everyone into the happy bubble for a day! The pride is filled on the streets with people cheering and having the best time of the year.
๐ Butler Field in Grant Park, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 14 and 15, 2024
Destinos
This is the 7th edition of the International Latino Theater Festival, organized by the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance.๐ฌ The event features the longest lineup in its history and works by artists from Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, the United States, and Chicago will be displayed around the city. It is a seven-week festival that takes over the city and features Latino theater companies and performers at their best!
๐ Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 30 to November 17, 2024
9th Annual RNDD Fall Gallery Walk
Back for its ninth year of bringing Chicago the best gallery walk, the RNDD fall gallery walk is ready to see your plans this September. Art by some of the most talented artists will be displayed in twenty-one design showrooms and galleries,๐ผ๏ธ with vignettes created by leading designers in Chicago. It is the best place to get inspiration for your decor styles and make your home feel like heaven!
๐ River North Design District, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 6, 2024
Reeling Fim Festival
The LGBTQ+ community has fought a lot to get where they are, but they need more empathy and understanding from the world.๐ To accomplish that, the Reeling Film Festival was born out of the desire to showcase the talents of LGBTQ+ filmmakers and sensitize people to the community. It is the second longest-running film festival in the world, with genres as diverse as the community itself.๐ฅฐ People from around the Midwest come to Chicago for just this every year.
๐ Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September, 2024
Chicago Live!
Comparatively new yet beloved by the city, Chicago Live! is a free two-day performing arts festival, returning for its fourth year this September in Chicago. In no time, it has become one of the largest FREE performing arts festivals in the Midwest,๐ธ and its location is where Chicagoโs happening life thrives! More than 110 artists and organizations perform across five stages spread all across the Pier.๐ It is a lively atmosphere where you cannot see any face without a smile!
๐ Navy Pier, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 21 and 22, 2024
Food: Your Happiness Potion!
Events from September 1st to 30th
Screaming and sharing these amazing festivals around Food & Drinks in Chicago today to bring out the foodie in you (and of course alcohol lover!) to these festivals!
Taste of Chicago
A tradition older than 40 years, the Taste of Chicago has been an iconic food festival, or a legend, if I must say!๐ Everyone gathers at the iconic lakefront festival in Chicago for three days in September to enjoy the festival at its core. Dozens of food trucks and 40 vendors will be present, serving delicious food that will make you lick your fingers;๐ plus, the live music by excellent artists is insanely engaging! You can also enjoy Chicago SummerDance, Lifeway Foods Family Village, and Eliโs Cheesecake Birthday Celebration simultaneously!
๐ Grant Park, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 6 to 8, 2024
Chicago Gourmet
It is artistic, expressive of culture, and genuinely tasteful! This autumn, Chicago Gourmet will be hosting a delectable culinary fashion show, and you’re invited to the front row.๐ The culinary events lineup features the best chefs, cuisines, and beverages.๐ฅ It’s an annual celebration of food and foodies. Enjoy the returning favorites and brand-new offerings! It is an event awaited by all.
๐ Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 21 to 29, 2024
Lakeview Taco Fest
As the breeze gets cold in September, the taco fest at Lakeview is back for its 11th tasteful year.๐คฉ The task of making the tastiest tacos lies on ten local eateries, and they make the tastiest ones with endless combinations of traditional chicken, steak, chorizo, and beef, or stuffed with mushrooms, seafood, goat, and duck!๐ฎ The pairings of beer and tacos are exquisite! Two stages will be set for music; many activities will keep your kids occupied! Donโt forget to vote for Chicagoโs โBest Tacoโ.๐
๐ 3500 N Southport Ave, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 7, 2024
Chef BBQ
Chicagoโs Chef BBQ festival believes in supporting localities and moving ahead in the same direction. Hence, more than 100 top restaurants, brewers, winemakers, and mixologists come together for this festival.๐ฎ All ingredients are used by Green City Marketโs local and sustainable farmers. It is important that you attend this festival, as it benefits the nonprofit mission to set the future of food by sustainable farmers, educating communities, and expanding the reach of locally-grown food.๐ Serve your cravings and help for a better cause, both rolled in one!
๐ South End of Lincoln Park, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 5, 2024
Lincoln Park Uncorked
Here’s a date idea with all your girlfriends; hear me out!๐ฏ The best combination is the finest wines, delicious food, and a lot of laughter, and it’s all part of Uncorked at Lincoln Park! Between Diversey and Webster, so many businesses are turning into pop-up tasting rooms, and it is the best idea to explore it like a wine crawl with your friends!๐ท These tickets sell out swiftly, so be quick!
๐ 2448 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 12, 2024
Taste of Greektown
Chicago has a small area in itself where you enter the Greek world! Yes, the strip of Halsted has been the epicenter of the cityโs top-notch Greek restaurants for decades. Not breaking the streak, the highlight festival of Halsted is here for its 34th year.๐ The mouthwatering food and beverages from local eateries, combining Old World customs with modern freshness, will again be a key lure. Music by Greek bands and activities for kids are a selling point!
๐ 315 S Halsted St, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 6, 2024
Taste of Polonia
Disappear yourself in the Polish culture in Chicago for four days and experience the best part of Polonia here. Taste of Polonia festival has everything that any cultural festival consists of, but so much more!๐ฆ There is live music, dance performances, Polish food and beer, exhibitions, a carnival, local merchants, a casino, and kids’ activities! Experience the various genres like pop, Alternative, ethnic, rock, and classical dance at the three stages with 60 live bands and artists.
๐ Copernicus Center, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ August 30 to September 2, 2024
Oktoberfest
Events from September 1st to 30th
Munich might have the best Oktoberfest, but Chicago doesnโt lag behind! This Bavarian festival has been celebrated in Chicago for the past two decades; it started in a parking lot but has multiplied to three neighboring streets๐, spilling all over the West Lakeview neighborhood!
What does a Bavarian beer festival have? Brats, brews, and brezn;๐ป Chicagoโs Oktoberfest has that and more! More than 180 types of beers around the world, live music, German food delicious enough to lick your fingertips, stein-holding contests, bratwurst eating competitions, and so much fun are complimentary!๐
You Canโt Imagine Life Without Music, Can You?
Events from September 1st to 30th
The one living in Chicago knows what it means as Spring steps into the city! Yes, itโs time for the best music festivals in Chicago!๐ถ Music is in every vein of the Windy City and Spring brings out the best of music for people. Come enjoy the ones which you fancy the most.
Up in Smoke Music Festival
A festival proud to give a stage to local and favorite bands from different parts of the country, Up in Smoke is the heaven to find new and extraordinary voices that have emerged from a backyard or neighborโs garage. ๐ฉโ๐คTo keep you energized, two of the top cuisines, i.e., Mexican street food and traditional BBQ, were thrown in a pot together to make exquisite BBQ street tacos, and a wooden bar stacked with beers๐ป, cocktails, tequila, bourbon, mezcal, and non-alcoholic refreshments!
๐ Americanos, 11060 South Western Avenue, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 6 and 7, 2024
Riot Fest
Since 2005, Riot Fest has grown into a huge three-day festival with an insane lineup of artists! Genres like punk, rock, indie, and alternative music are majorly covered in the festival, which has a lit lineup of artists. There are multiple stages where you can go and groove,๐๏ธ plus a world-famous comedy tent. The live performances, delicious food, and eclectic art installations make sure your weekend is jam-packed this September in Chicago!
๐ Douglass Park, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 20 and 22, 2024
ARC Music Festival
At the birthplace of house music, this festival brings internationally renowned talent for three days straight! Four immersive stages surround the venue with global house and techno music.๐ง The Grid stage features an industrial atmosphere, while Elrow in Spain is known for its outrageousness. The Expansions stage features deeper sounds, and a new fourth stage features national and international artists among the best talent in the Midwest. ๐
๐ Union Park, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ August 30 to September 1, 2024
North Coast Music Festival
As soon as Labor Day comes around the corner, people look forward to the biggest Labor Day Weekend party every year.๐ Returning for its 14th year, it continues to give an excellent experience with amazing lineups of artists! The festival is spread over three days with seven huge stages, happening only a 30-minute drive from Chicago. More than 100 artists๐ will show up to make it a musical haven where there are no differences among people!
๐ Union Park, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ August 30 to September 1, 2024
World Music Festival Chicago
Want a passport to explore the culture, music, and rhythms from around the world? Well, you are lucky if you are in Chicago because the World Music Festival is celebrating its 24th year this September.๐๐ถ This free, city-wide feature observes 30 artists from 22 countries and enriches Chicago’s already extensive diversity! Indian classical music๐ท, Bulgarian bagpipes, or Congolese funkโwhatever you can think of is already there!
๐ Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 20 to 29, 2024
Craziness Unfolds at Concerts
Events from September 1st to 30th
When so many famous artists knock on the doorstep of Chicago, it welcomes them with open arms.๐ค Concerts in Chicago are a treat where your experience triples and your love for the band or artist increases a thousand times. See which ones are here this month!
Avril Lavigne
There’s a lot of power in branding, and sometimes it helps to tell people right away that if they purchase an Avril Lavigne ticket, they will hear “Complicated” and “Girlfriend.”๐ With her critically acclaimed first album, Let Go, being over 20 years old, Lavigne has transitioned into her role as a legacy artist. She recently appeared at the emo nostalgia-fest When We Were Young, performing her old hits with everyone from Olivia Rodrigo to Miranda Lambert.๐๏ธ She is now revealing her The Greatest Hits Tour. No chance it goes unnoticed by anyone in Chicago!
๐ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 10, 2024
Outlaw Music Festival Tour
Wondering what a festival is doing here? To clear your first doubt, itโs not a mistake.๐ฅณ Let me give you some history. It was inaugurated in 2016, but looking at how amazing it went, Blackbird, Rothbaum, and Nelson decided to convert it into North Americaโs biggest annual touring franchises.๐ฆ Experience Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, and Southern Avenue to create magic and melody this September in Chicago!
๐ Credit Union, Tinley Park, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 7, 2024
Kacey Musgraves
Admired as the “Rebel Queen of Nashville,” two-time Grammy winner Kacey Musgraves is bringing a more traditional approach to the modern country scene and pushing aside the vapid, fist-pumping party anthems of bro-country!๐ She is here with a brand new album and The Deeper Well World Tour this September in Chicago! This singer-songwriter doesn’t fool around and directly covers hard-hitting themes and subject matters.๐ถ๐ She leaves no emotional stones unturned; indeed, the music industry is in good hands if she is here.
๐ Allstate Arena, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 12, 2024
Cigarettes After Sex
In the city of El Paso, Texas, in 2008, Greg Gonzalez started Cigarettes After Sex, and the world cannot thank them enough for the kind of melodic music they make!๐ผ Soft pop sound, delicate vocals, east-listening music videos, and poignant lyrics about love and life can bury you in your thoughts and feel out of the world.๐ Their new album titled โXโsโ has been released, and they have not waited for the tour to promote it (good for us, right?)! They have 100โs millions of Spotify streams and 300+ million YouTube viewers, and itโs constantly growing!
๐ United Center, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 23, 2024
Andy Grammer
Gained his popularity when Honey Iโm Good started to show up on every story and every Spotify list, Andy knew there was only going up from here.๐ After signing with S-Curve Records, his debut album reached the top of the Billboard Chart in 2011. His R&B melodies are best for grooving on a summer day carefree and feeling young love blooming!๐ป His concerts are where people sing every line along with him. Have the best time! He is coming to Chicago, and you arenโt? Thatโs a shame!
๐ North Shore Center, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 8, 2024
Annual 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade
Event on September 15th
Mexicans celebrate their Independence Day in September in style every year in Chicago with a grand parade, one of the largest parades in the Midwest, if I must brag!๐ The Annual 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade is filled with colorful floats, mariachi bands, and folkloric dancing with a “Celebrando Nuestras Tradiciones” theme!
The performances have the elegance of quinceaรฑeras rhythms of Mexican rhythms and highlight the Mexican heritage in Chicago and throughout the United States.๐ More than 400,000 participants, residents, and visitors gather to celebrate the day along the two-and-a-half-mile business corridor!
Lit Parties to Dance Shamelessly!
Events from September 1st to 30th
This month has something to offer for every version of you! Let your night lover be free at the parties in Chicago this July. No doubt that it will end up with you craving to go to another one!
Plugged In Presents
Set sail in the Chicago River to see the shimmering stars and Chicagoโs skyline, and get tipsy on the amazing music and drinks of your choice. It is the night exclusively for people who love music more than themselves and can dance their hearts out on DJ sets of DJ Onwa, DJ Slinky, and DJ Jackie Rob DMI!๐ This sunset boat party is 3 hours long, and you might get tired, but the music ainโt stopping! Take a day off and stare at the stars with drinks and fantastic music!
๐ Island Party Hut, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 14, 2024
The Sky Affair House Music Day Party
Tune in to the music at the beautiful and huge rooftop for The Sky Affair House Party for Labot Day celebration!๐ฅ The lineup of amazing DJ artists will keep you entertained throughout the night.
- Wayne Williams
- Miguel Migs
- Gene Hunt
- The Chosen Fews
- The Strictly Jaz Unit
- Boo Williams
๐VU Rooftop, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 2, 2024
7th Annual Labor Day Jazz Festival
Event from September 1st to 2nd
Chicago loves free outdoor festivals during Labor Day weekend and concerts happen around the city and eventually end up at Millenium Park.๐๏ธ One such festival that everyone attends is the 7th Annual Labor Day Jazz Festival, also known as the Chicago Jazz Festival.
The Chicago Jazz Festival has been happening for the past 40 years, although it has shifted to Labor Day weekend for the past seven years.๐ At this festival, you can see Jazz legends as well as influential modern masters, and it’s the best way to see the genreโs evolution through time.
Walk in the Season of Fall
Events from September 1st to 30th
Fall season is here and the markets are set up all around the city for you shoppers. The city is spread with markets with everything that you can ask for, so take your bags๐๏ธ and roam the city today as Fall Festivals in Chicago have just started!
Andersonville Vintage Market
Shop antiques, jewelry, clothing, trinkets, and more from over 30 sellers at this Andersonville market, which is open four times a summer to help you find the ideal vintage item for your collection.๐๏ธ This September is the last time this market will be set, so if you don’t roam the whole market this month, you will need to wait for another year for its summer pop-ups! That’s not what you want, right? ๐ซ
๐1500 W Catalpa, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 22, 2024
Randolph Street Market Festival
Set to search for both new and old treasures! For its 21st year, the cherished Randolph Street Market Festival returns with two days of carefully curated vintage and antique shopping in the European tradition. Shop from hundreds of merchants, grab a bite to eat ๐ญand a cocktail from neighborhood eateries, and tap your toes to live music. It will be held on various dates till the end of the year.๐ Check the dates here.
๐1341 W Randolph St, Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 28 and 29, 2024
Argyle Night Market
Established by Uptown United in 2013, the Argyle Night Market is a summertime event that takes place every year on Thursdays and offers live musical๐ผ and cultural activities in addition to dishes from nearby Argyle businesses. This free outdoor event is becoming more and more popular every week, with an average of 5,000 visitors.๐งโ๐คโ๐ง This colorful and multi-award-winning event takes place on Argyle, the city’s first shared street. Their intention is to ensure that EVERYONE feels comfortable at the market!
๐Argyle St., Chicago, United States
๐๏ธ September 1st to 5th, 2024
Wrapping Up!
So there you have it, the amazing list of events that will fill you with thrill, excitement, adventure, and serenity and groove you into a festive vibe at once! It was my job to share the best events from the list with you! Now, itโs your turn to go to the best ones you found.
If you wish to explore any events in Chicago further, click on the link below to have the events that will make your September a blast!
