September-October Festivals 2023

September 1-3

TASTE OF MELROSE PARK

Authentic Italian and Mexican foods, many priced under $4; family entertainment; bands: Lake Effect, Boy Band Review, Soul Sacrifice Santana Tribute, Chicago’s Own Piano Man Band, The Rat Pack, The Tony Ocean Show, R-Gang, IPop and more. melrosepark.org

September 1-3

NORTH COAST MUSIC FESTIVAL

Seat Geek Stadium, 7000 S. Harlem, Bridgeview Expansive stadium with padded turf allows you to feel the grass without the usual festival mud. Six different stages offer 100 different artists, including Marshmello, Flume, Zeds Dead, Alesso, Alison Wonderland, Liquid Stranger, Gigantic Nightmare, DJ Snake and Lane 8. North Coast is more than music; it’s installations that interact with all your senses. Gen Admission $75 daily. www.northcoastfestival.com

September 1-4

TASTE OF POLONIA

5216 W. Lawrence Ave. & surrounding Fri 5-10:30 pm, Sat & Sun Noon-10:30 pm, Mon Noon-9:30 pm

Largest Polish fest in the U.S. offers live music: polka, rock, pop, Top 40, dance, 80s, classical and more; casino; exhibits; carnival rides; 30+ vendors and craft beer tent; Polish food, shish kebab, ribs. Family activities include bounce inflatables, climbing wall, face painting. Daily tickets $10 ’til end of May, $15 afterward/kids 12 and under FREE at topchicago.org

September 2-3

WINGOUT CHICAGO

Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St. 20+ varieties of wings available, plus live music and alcoholic beverages. Tickets $15+ at wingoutchicago.com

September 2-3

WEST LOOP ART FEST

Fulton & Peoria

10 am-7 pm daily

Diverse range of media and interactive art across four blocks. Wine tastings, children’s crafts, live music. www.starevents. com/event/west-loop-art-fest

September 8-10

TASTE OF CHICAGO

Grant Park

Established in 1980, uniquely Chicago summertime tradition returns with array of eateries showcasing the city’s culinary excellence and diversity. FREE admission, food purchased with tickets. www.chicago. gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/taste_of_ chicago.html

September 9

WORLD DUMPLING FEST

CTA Blue Line Plaza @ Logan Square

11 am-7 pm

Chicago Cultural Alliance brings dumplings from neighborhood restaurants to highlight diversities – and similarities – among the city’s people. Live music, interactive crafts, drinks. FREE admission, but tasting tickets on-site and online at www.starevents.com/ event/world-dumpling-fest

September 9 & 10

PRINTERS ROW LIT FEST

On Dearborn, Polk to Ida B. Wells Largest FREE outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest features 100 booksellers with everything from tattered to rare, and “hot off the press,” books. Seating for speaker events unticketed, first-come, first-served. Presented by not-for-profit Near South Planning Board. printersrowlitfest.org

September 15-17

RIOT FEST

Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Dr. 11 am-10 pm

Now in its 18th year, Riot Fest strives to be the definitive touchstone for independent music: punk, rock, alternative, metal and hip-hop. Carnival rides, amazing food ven dors, incredible shopping. riotfest.org

September 16-17

WEST LOOP BAVARIAN BLOCK PARTY

Washington @ Sangamon

Sat Noon-10 pm, Sun Noon-8 pm

Fill your stein with a variety of German beer or go sober-friendly at this Oktoberfest packed with oompah music, brats, bret zels, beverages and kids’ activities. $10 donation benefits The Haymarket Center and its mission of providing recovery services to the community.

September 22 - October 1

WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL CHICAGO

Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., and Citywide Global grooves by 30+ award-winning artists and ensembles from around the world at multi-venue festival representing 22 countries and regions of the world. Now in its 22nd year of live performances, the festival also celebrates 10 years of Ragamala, the largest all-night long presentation of live Indian classical music in the United States. FREE www.chicago.gov/city/en/ depts/dca/supp_info/world_music_festival. html

September 23-24

HYDE PARK JAZZ FESTIVAL

Sat 1 pm-Midnight, Sun 1-7 pm Chicago’s most critically acclaimed artists, along with nationally and internationally recognized talents, on 14 stages across the neighborhood. $10 suggested donation. www.hydeparkjazzfestival.org

September 23-24

RANDOLPH STREET MARKET

1341 W. Randolph St.

10 am-5 pm

Chicago’s version of the market at London’s Portobello Road, this is the place to find on-trend pieces you see in influencers’ homes, and the unexpected in décor, vintage clothes, jewelry and books. General Admission $12; Seniors/kids $5; under 12 FREE. randolphstreetmarket.com

September 23-25

OKTOBERFEST CHICAGO

1429 W. Wellington Ave.

Fri 5-10 pm, Sat & Sun Noon-7 pm

Enjoy authentic German fare, for the 20th year, inside and outside St. Alphonsus Church. $10 admission. chicagoevents. com/event/oktoberfest-chicago

September 30 & October 1

APPLE FEST

Lincoln Avenue, between Lawrence and Sunnyside

Sat & Sun 9 am-6 pm

Welcome fall with cider, apple-flavored dishes, and live music. $5 suggested donation. www.lincolnsquare.org/apple-fest

OCTOBER

October 6-8

LINCOLN PARK WINE FEST

Jonquil Park, 1001 W. Wrightwood Ave. Fri 5-10, Sat 11-10, Sun 11-7 chicagoevents.com/event/lincoln-parkwine-fest

-Compiled by Suzanne Hanney & Emma Murphy