September 2019
We recommend the best events, festivals, and fun things to do in Chicago, Illinois.
Ukrainian festival
September 7 – 8, 2019
Ukrainian Village Fest offers folk dancers, music, food (potato pancakes, borsch, pierogi, kabobs, blintzes), beer, wine, and a kids’ area on Superior Street (from Oakley to Leavitt).
Ravinia music festival
September 1 – 15, 2019
See nationally known performers at Ravinia Festival, billed as America’s oldest outdoor music festival at Ravinia Park in Highland Park.
Circus in the park
September 1 – Oct. 20, 2019
Chicago locations
Midnight Circus in the Parks is a series of shows at nine parks, which is perfect for families.
Opera in the park
September 6, 2019
(7:30 p.m.)
Spectacular singing and orchestral music await you at Stars of Lyric Opera at Millennium Park, which invites you to pack a picnic. See a list of what you can bring. Free.
German festival & parade
September 6 – 8, 2019
Chicago German-American Oktoberfest has German music, culture, beer, and food at Lincoln Square (Western Avenue & Leland Avenue). The Von Steuben Parade is Saturday at 2 p.m. Free.
Mexican independence festival
September 6 – 8, 2019
Thousands attend Festival de La Villita for authentic Mexican cuisine, music, artisans, carnival rides, and family entertainment at 26th Street and Kostner Avenue. Free.
Forest Park Ribfest
September 7, 2019
(1 to 10 p.m.)
Hear live music, eat great food, visit the beverage tent, and enjoy children’s activities at Ribfest at 7824 Madison Street in Forest Park. Free admission.
Beer & wine tasting
September 7, 2019
(3 to 6:30 p.m.)
Taste 50 beers or wines with hors d’oeuvres outdoors, and bid in the silent auction indoors during Stems and Steins at Norwood Park Historical Society for age 21+.
Waukegan air show
September 7, 2019
Bring your own chairs to watch planes on the ground and in the air at Northern Illinois Airshow, with food and non-alcoholic drinks for sale. Wear sunscreen. No pets. Children age 12 and younger are free.
Family festival
September 7 – 8, 2019
The 79th Street Renaissance Festival in Auburn Gresham is a community festival with entertainment, food vendors, a marketplace, and a kids’ corner on 79th Street (from Racine to Loomis). Free.
Movies in the Parks
September 7 – 27, 2019
Watch 130 Movies in the Parks, beginning at dusk. Dates may change depending on the weather. Free.
Scandinavian festival
September 8, 2019
Enjoy food, crafts, and entertainment from Northern Europe at Scandinavian Day Festival in South Elgin at beautiful Vasa Park. Children age 12 and younger free.
Kite festival
September 8, 2019
Bring sunscreen and a chair or blanket to DeKalb Kite Fest to watch giant inflatable kites, dancing kites, and fighting kites, with free kite making and a candy drop for kids, plus kites for sale at Lucinda Avenue and Kishwaukee Drive in DeKalb. Free except parking.
Whisky tasting
September 13, 2019
The Whisky Extravaganza includes unlimited tastes of more than 100 whiskies, culinary pairings, and master classes at the Revel Fulton Market for age 21+.
Rock festival
September 13 – 15, 2019
Riot Fest is a huge outdoor punk, rock, and alternative music festival on multiple stages at Douglas Park for all ages. See the event map for food vendors, bars, and carnival rides. Gates open at 11 a.m.
Halloween farm
September 13 – Nov. 3, 2019
The Haunted Barn at Bengtson’s Pumpkin Fest in Homer Glen is fine for mature kids. The Fun Barn will entertain even the youngest children. Also enjoy kids’ rides, pig races, a pumpkin chucker, and a petting zoo.
Bourbon & BBQ
September 14 – 15 2019
Chicago Bourbon & Barbecue Fest features two music stages, nine barbecue kitchens, a bourbon tasting pavilion, and vendor booths filling the streets at Damen Avenue & Roscoe Street. Donation $5.
Classic car show
September 14 – 15, 2019
See 600 classics ranging from muscle cars to rare imports at The Classic Auto Show, with celebrity talks and 200 vendors in the Rosemont convention center.
Butterfly festival
September 15, 2019
The Monarch Butterfly Festival has a butterfly tent, live animals, an arts & crafts fair, children’s activities, and food vendors at Lake Katherine Nature Center in Palos Heights.
Beer tasting
September 19, 2019
(4:30 to 9 p.m.)
A ticket to Harvest Hop Down includes unlimited seasonal beer tastings from 20 local breweries, food stations, and live music at Millennium Park Plaza.
Oak Park “Oaktoberfest”
September 20 – 21, 2019
Enjoy live music, craft beer, wine, local restaurant food, and a kids’ root beer garden (Sat. noon to 5 p.m.) at Oaktoberfest in Oak Park. Bring cash. Free.
Japanese festival in Lincoln Park
September 21 – 22, 2019
Experience authentic Japanese festival food, beverages (tea, beer, sake), and cultural performances (Taiko drumming, calligraphy, martial arts, ink painting) at Chicago Japanese Matsuri in the plaza of NewCity at 1457 N. Halsted Street.
Beer in the Woods
September 28, 2019
Beer in the Woods features tastings from 30 breweries and cideries, live animal displays, DJ music, bird walks, home brewing demos, local food trucks, and activities for both beer and nature enthusiasts at LaBagh Woods. No dogs.
Half marathon & 5K
September 29, 2019
The Chicago Half Marathon begins in Jackson Park and goes along scenic Lake Shore Drive. Free to watch.
Tour historic homes
September 29, 2019
Walk, bike, or drive between houses on the Historic Berwyn’s Bungalow Tour to hear about their history.
Free science museum
September 2019
Show Illinois ID to enter the Museum of Science and Industry free during Free Days. The museum is not free on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.
