September Festivals

September

September 22-25: Chicago Gourmet

Create a stir on the Harris Theater rooftop with Chef Rick Bayless, tacos and tequila on the Harris Theater rooftop 7-10 p.m. on Thursday, and Hamburger Hop with Chef Stephanie Izard 6-9 p.m. on Friday; Late Night Gourmet Friday 9 p.m.-midnight at TAO Chicago, 632 N. Dearborn St.; “Grand Cru” with the world’s finest wines, 2-5 or 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, and “Prost! In the Park” at 1-4 p.m. Sunday – German classics, cold beer and cocktails – hosted by Chef Sarah Grueneberg. Starting at $60, but some sessions sold out at www.chicagogourmet.org

September 22-October 6: Reeling Film Festival 2022

Reeling Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival is the second-oldest running festival of its kind. Reeling celebrates its 40th year with in-person screenings at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave. (opening night only); Landmark Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N. Clark St. (9/23-29) and Chicago Filmmakers, 1326 W. Hollywood Ave., (9/30-10/2). Virtual screenings hosted on Eventbrite September 30-October 6. Among this year’s films is “Bros,” the first romantic comedy from a major studio (Universal) about two gay men – maybe, possibly – stumbling into love, starring Billy Eichner and an all-LGBTQ+ principal cast, also, "Chicago Stores" presented by Brave Space Alliance. reelingfilmfest.org

September 23-December 11: Day of the Dead Exhibition

National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St. Tues-Sun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sundays and major holidays. The Museum’s 36th annual Day of the Dead exhibition remembers in particular individuals from Mexico and the U.S. who have died from COVID-19 and other tragedies in the last year. Opening reception 6 p.m. Sept. 23; Love Never Dies Ball 6 p.m. Nov. 5 with live music by DJs, food, adult beverages, creative cocktail attire encouraged, $125 in advance, $150 at door. The annual act of grieving has long been an essential aspect of the yearly celebration of life, as it offers a restorative way to acknowledge and accept the inevitable. Folk art, fine art and photography from both sides of the U.S./Mexico border express a sense of continuity and culture during this season of remembering. Please visit www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org for more details on all of the virtual presentations and in-person activities. Admission to the museum is always FREE.

September 23, 30/October 7: Chicago Food Truck Festival

Fridays at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) hosts a rotating selection of food trucks from around the city to support the industry while simultaneously bringing diverse lunch options to the Loop.

September 23 & 24: West Town Art Walk

Along Chicago Avenue, between Milwaukee and Western avenues 5-8 p.m. Friday, noon-8 p.m. Saturday Annual event features local businesses, galleries, home and garden retailers, and self-guided public art walking tours. The West Town Art Walk celebrates art in all forms.

September 24: Dutch Festival

Elim Christian Services east campus, 13020 S. Central Ave., Crestwood. 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Pannenkoek (pancake) breakfast ’til 10 a.m., with donations accepted. Farmers Market and Dutch Village vendors, Dutch cuisine like banket (pastries with almond filling), hutspot (beef and potatoes), or pizza, hamburgers, bratwurst, hot dogs, and more, at affordable prices. Dutch wooden shoe dancers, reptile shows, petting zoo, train rides, pony rides and children’s games. FREE admission, parking and shuttle bus. Tickets for children’s games and food court can be purchased on-site or at elimcs.org/dutch-festival. Proceeds support Elim’s mission: equipping children and adults with disabilities to thrive at Elim and beyond. ​

September 24: Beer in the Woods

LaBagh Woods, 5275 N. Cicero Ave. 2-6 p.m. Enjoy tastings from 35+ local breweries and cideries (Alarmist, Dovetail, Eris Brewery and Cider House, Hopewell Brewing, Horsethief Hollow, Lake Effect, Maplewood Brewery and Distillery, Old Irving Brewing, Orkenoy, Whiner Beer and more), guided walks in the Forest Preserves, nature-inspired crafts, live animals, music, food vendors, and so much more! Raffle prizes include beer merch, outdoor gear, tickets to local attractions. Tickets $15 for non-drinkers, up to $90 for others at www.eventbrite.com. Sponsored by Friends of the Forest Preserves, event proceeds go to improve the Forest Preserves of Cook County, fotfp.org

September 23-24: Oaktoberfest

Marion Street at North Boulevard, south of Lake Street, downtown Oak Park Local food, craft beer & wine, kids’ root beer garden Saturday. Live music features 21st century/ blue collar rock & roller Will Hoge; guitarist/singer/songwriter Nathan Graham; Sophie Sputnik, aka Waltzer; Jackie Venson, The Black Opry and Rich Robbins. FREE admission. oaktoberfest.net

September 23-25: St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest

1429 W. Wellington Ave. Lincoln/Wellington/Southport Fri 5-10 p.m., Sat Noon-10 p.m., Sun Noon-7 p.m. Savor the three B’s of Bavarian cuisine: Beer, Brats and Betzeln (German for pretzels) with recipes passed down by German immigrants who founded the church 140 years ago. Oktoberfest Chicago returns for its 20th year of seasonal revelry. Outdoor festival features lively polka music from The Bratwurst Brothers, Sgt. Sauerkraut’s Polka Band, and the Polkaholics along with Chicago festival bands like Rod Tuffcurls, Stache and 16 Candles. Craft Beer Tasting Nights ($40) will be Friday 6-9 p.m., and Saturday 4-7 p.m. inside the church’s historic basement beer hall. On Sunday, fest-goers will gather to watch the big game on a giant screen in the church parking lot. Regular admission $10 Fri & Sat, FREE to those with U.S. military ID and one guest. chicagoevents.com/events/oktoberfestchicago

September 24: Community Powwow

Busse Woods Picnic Groves 20-24, adjacent to the Busse Lake Boating Center. Noon- 4 p.m. Celebrate the tribal diversity of Chicago’s Native American culture while recognizing National Public Lands Day. Enjoy Native American foods and vendors; listen to local stories. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange to recognize “Every Child Matters,” and the history of residential schools that took children away from their tribes in the name of white assimilation. More information at fpdcc. com/event/community-powwow

September 24 - 25: Randolph Street Market

Randolph Street Market, 1341 W. Randolph St. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. This European style antique market has a mix of some of the most unusual and stylishly crafted mix of vintage and modern decorative objects, housewares, fashion for men/women/children, art, hostess gifts and more from 125 vendors. Come visit to find some unique gifts for friends and family, or maybe even yourself. General admission is $10 and is valid for both days.

September 24-25: Hyde Park Jazz Festival

Midway Plaisance at Ellis and South Woodlawn, and other venues in Hyde Park. Sat. 3-10:30 p.m., Sun. 2-6 p.m. Headliners include Maggie Brown, Chicago Soul Collective and Dee Alexander, Victor Garcia Sextet, Douglas R. Ewart & Black Bamboo Fire, DJ Sadie Woods, Etienne Charles & Creole Soul, Billy Branch & the Sons of the Blues, Ernest Dawkins Quartet & Special Guest, and more. The festival is a collaborative platform that supports the development of jazz, particularly on the South Side. In February, it won a $50,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant focused on jobs for students of color who want to learn to produce cultural events, on monthly stipends for three artists, and for a project director for Back Alley Jazz in South Shore. $10 donation, hydeparkjazzfestival.org

September 30: Beatles vs. Stones Showdown

Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. 7:30 p.m. Two world renowned tribute bands battle it out in alternate sets as part of national tour. Representing the Fab Four is Abbey Road, vs. Satisfaction, The International Rolling Stones Show. Tickets $32; seniors and students $30 at prairiecenter. org or box office, 847.895.3600 10 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays.