SEPTEMBER
Unearthing Layers, Connecting Stories
Wrigleyville Night Market
Chicago Bound
Drum City Community Drum Circle
Taste of Greektown
Taste of Chicago
Throwback Music Festival
Chicago Food Truck Festival
Festival de la Monarca
Mid Autumn Moon Festival
T.I.P. Fest (Teens in the Park)
Printers Row Lit Fest
Miracle in Mundelein
Renegade Craft Fair
Chicago Underground Film Festival
Oak Park Film Festival
Spoon River Anthology
Out of the Darkenss Chicagoland Walk
Pages 6 & 7
El Grito at Grant Park
Run the Parks 5K Run, Walk, or Roll
Annual 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade
Peotone Historical Society Old Mill Fall Fest
Lakeview East Oktoberfest
Handel's "Water Music" on the River
Englewood Jazz Festival
Reeling: The Chicago International LGBTQ+ Film Festival
Oksoberfest
West Loop Bavarian Block Party
Riot Fest & Carnival
World Music Festival Chicago
Dia de Muertos: Where the Past is Present
World Dumpling Fest
Beer in the Woods
Oktoberfest at Lincoln Park Zoo
Pages 8 & 9
Walk to End Alzheimer's
Chicago LIVE! at Navy Pier
Chicago Gourmet
Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up
St. Al's Oktoberfest
Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
AIDS Run/Walk
Elim Dutch Festival
Hyde Park Jazz Festival
Destinos Latino Theater Festival
OCTOBER
Lincoln Park Wine Fest
West Town Art Walk
Andersonville Arts Weekend
Chicago Beer Festival
Lincoln Square Apple Fest
Historic Pullman House Tour
Native American Harvest Pow Wow
Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Columbus Day Parade
Chicago International Film Festival
Pages 10 & 11
Night of 1000 Jack-O-Lanterns
Arts in the Dark Parade
Rosehill Cemetery Crypt 5K Run & Walk
Open House Chciago
Roscoe Village Halloween Block Party
Haunted Halloween Ball
27th Annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
NOVEMBER
SkyRise Chciago
Hot Chocolate Expo & Run
Pages 12 & 13
312 Comedy Festival
Black Harvest Film Festival
Chicago Toy and Game Fair
Renegade Craft Fair
West Loop Spirits & Wine Fest
Carino Festival de Cine
Millennium Park Christmas Tree Lighting
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Ice Skating at McCormick Tribune Park
Christkindlmarket
Millennium Park Holiday Market
Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer
Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Life-Time Turkey Trot 5K & 8K
DECEMBER
Millennium Park Sing-Along
Page 14
SportsWise
Page 15
The Playground
Dave Hamilton, Creative Director/Publisher dhamilton@streetwise.org
Suzanne Hanney, Editor-In-Chief suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com
Julie Youngquist, Executive Director jyoungquist@streetwise.org
Amanda Jones, Director of Programs ajones@streetwise.org
Ph: 773-334-6600 Fax: 773-334-6604
Office: 2009 South State Street
SEPTEMBER
September 4
UNEARTHING LAYERS, CONNECTING STORIES
Sun Yat-Sen Park, 251 W. 24th Place 6-8 p.m.
¡Anímate! Studios brings a showcase of local writers to discuss personal experiences with environmental justice. Southwest Side residents tell their stories in the form of creative essays, poetry, and more; attendees are invited to discuss the topics with the authors and build on their own experiences. FREE.
September 5
WRIGLEYVILLE NIGHT MARKET
Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St. 4-8 p.m.
Local country group Big Sadie takes the stage, as over 50 vendors selling vintage clothing, home goods, and more open to the public. Admission is free, with additional costs for food and drink. FREE admission.
September 6
CHICAGO BOUND
Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave. 6-7:30 p.m.
Artists and personalities from various walks of life come together to tell the story of the Chicago Blues. Lucy Smith and the Lucy Smith Quintet perform classic blues numbers by artists such as Koko Taylor, Muddy Water, Willie Dixon, and Memphis Minnie, as local media figure Cheryl Corey narrates the story of the revolutionary individuals who shaped the city’s unique sound. FREE.
September 6
DRUM CITY COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLE
Maplewood Park, 1640 N. Maplewood Ave. 6 p.m.
The Rhythm Evolution non-profit group provides a communal drumming experience. Visitors are invited to bring their own instruments, or to use drums provided on a first-come, firstserved basis. The drum circle will be followed by a Movies in the Parks presentation of "The Sandlot" at 7:30 p.m.
September 6 - 8
TASTE OF GREEKTOWN
315 S. Halsted St.
Friday 4-10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy feta, tzatziki, and other delicious Grecian dishes, accompanied by live musicians, dance troupes, and plenty more entertainment. $10 suggested donation.
September 6 - 8
TASTE OF CHICAGO
Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain (Jackson & Columbus) 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Grant Park plays host to roughly 40 eateries and a dozen food trucks from all over the city. Free concerts accompany the dishes from 4-7 p.m. on the Main Stage and 11 a.m.-7:25 p.m. on the Goose Island stage. Chicago SummerDance will be offering free dance lessons over all 3 days, alongside a "family village" with activities for children. Food vendors take cash and credit.
September 6-8
THROWBACK MUSIC FEST
6030 N. Milwaukee Ave.
5-10:30 p.m. Friday, Noon-10 Sat, Noon-8:30 p.m. Sun
A blast from the past descends on Gladstone Park, featuring live tribute bands, a classic car show, food vendors, a carnival, a First Responders Heroes celebration, and more. Other highlights include a Saturday pet parade and costume contest and a "Miss Throwback" contest open for entry to those 21 and over. Entrance fees are based on donations, with children under 5 entering free. throwbackmusicfest.com
September 6, 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4
CHICAGO FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) hosts a weekly rotating selection of food trucks from around the city to support small businesses and bring diverse lunch options to the Loop. Enjoy comforting classics, tasty treats and fusion cuisine, all in one location. Follow BACP on Twitter, FB and Instagram.
Chicago
September 7
FESTIVAL DE LA MONARCA
151st and Indianapolis Blvd., East Chicago, IN 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
In honor of the monarch butterfly’s migration across borders to its native forests in Mexico, the Nature Conservancy presents a free festival celebrating the butterfly’s connection to Mexican American communities. Swarms of monarch butterflies are released in synchronization with live music, dance ceremonies and exhibitions of traditional Mexican culture. nature.org
September 7
MID AUTUMN MOON FESTIVAL
Ping Tom Park, 239 W. 18th St. 1:30-3:30 p.m.
A traditional event dedicated to the reunion of friends and family. A special show is organized by the Chicago Chinese Culture & Arts Society, featuring a variety of performing arts. FREE.
September 7
T.I.P. FEST (TEENS IN THE PARK)
Northerly Island Park, 1521 S. Linn White Drive
Noon - 4 p.m.
Teens in the Park provides a platform for young artists to perform, network, and celebrate their talents, presenting singers, rappers, dancers, spoken word artists, musicians, and poets between the ages of 14 and 24, in a free all-ages event open to the public.
September 7-8
PRINTERS ROW LIT FEST
On Dearborn from Polk St. to Ida B Wells St. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
The largest free literary festival in the Midwest returns to Printers Row, headlined by Pulitzer Prize winner and former US Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith. 8 stages present panel discussions and readings by prominent authors, alongside over 100 booksellers and a variety of literary programs for adults and children. printersrowlitfest.org
September 7 – 8
MIRACLE IN MUNDELEIN
1345 Armor Blvd, Mundelein
This 21+ only concert is the first in Illinois to allow open cannabis consumption on the grounds. 2024 Headliners include Wiz Khalifa, Slightly Stoopid, and Rebelution. Tickets $79+ at themiracleconcert.com
September 7 – 8
RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR
On Division St. between Damen and Ashland Aves. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. both days
Over 400 craft designers, makers, and artists from Chicago and beyond gather for an annual Flagship Fair. Clothing, furniture, jewelry, ceramics, and artwork are offered for sale by independent artisans. Entry is a $5 suggested donation, 10% of which goes to the Nature Conservancy environmental group. renegadecraft.com
September 11-15
CHICAGO UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL
Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., Harper Theatre, 5238 S. Harper Ave. and more venues.
CUFF is the world’s longest-running underground film festival, with everything from experimental narratives to avant-garde documentaries to cinema that defies norms. www.cuff.org
September 12-14
OAK PARK FILM FESTIVAL
Classic Cinemas Lake Theater, 1022 Lake St., Oak Park & Madison Street Theater, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park
Celebrate the suburb’s connection to Hollywood, including a red-carpet screening of a new edition of “The Abyss,” with Oak Park’s Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. www.opilff.org
September 13, 14, & 15 and 20, 21, & 22
SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY
Address given upon registration 7-9 p.m.
The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame and Working in Concert collaborate to present a series of performances based on Edgar Lee Masters’ classic Spoon River Anthology. The shows are held in the Hyde Park household where Masters produced the series at Kenwood and 49th Sts. Three separate plays, spoken word and cabaret. Admission is $35 for each night, with tickets available at workinginconcert.org/events/srhf
September 14
OUT OF THE DARKNESS
CHICAGOLAND WALK
601 W. Montrose Ave.
Event starts 9 a.m., walk begins 11 a.m.
The American Foundation for Suicide Foundation presents a three-mile walk to raise funding for support of suicide survivors. Registration is available until September 13 at afsp.chicagowalk.org/details
September 15
September 14 – 15
EL GRITO AT GRANT PARK
Grant Park, 331 E. Randolph St.
Grant Park hosts a celebration of Mexican Independence Day featuring live music and dance, authentic Mexican food, and entertainment for families. “Super Early Bird” elgritochicago. com.
RUN IN THE PARKS
5K RUN, WALK, OR ROLL
3100 S. Lake Shore Drive
9 a.m.-Noon
In support of the Chicago Parks Foundation, Run in the Parks presents a timed 5K run along Lakefront Trail and a 1-mile guided walk in Burnham Park, followed by a post-race gathering with food, drinks, and community celebration. Entry is $40 for the 5K, or $20 for all events excluding the 5K. www. chicagoparksfoundation.org/run
September 15
ANNUAL 26TH STREET MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
26th Street from Albany to Kostner Aves. The 53rd annual parade highlights a procession of cultural traditions from across Mexico. Celebrations begin at noon, as the procession winds the 2.5-mile course down 26th Street, presented by the Little Village Chamber of Commerce.
September 15
PEOTONE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OLD MILL FALL FEST
427 W. Corning, Peotone
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Peotone Mill, constructed in 1872, is one of 4 remaining Dutch mills in Illinois and opens for visitors in this free event. Antique exhibits, historical re-enactors, artisans, and other volunteers re-create 19th-century Midwestern life. Food and drinks available for purchase. willcountythresh.org/events/ peotone-historical-societys-old-mill-fall-fest
September 15
LAKEVIEW EAST OKTOBERFEST
Murphy’s Bleachers, 3655 N. Sheffield Ave.
3:30-7:30 p.m.
East Lakeview Neighbors organizes a pig roast, $20,000 in silent auction items, traditional German food, beer and wine, $500 door prize with proceeds to benefit local charities. Tickets $30 in advance at Eventbrite.com or $35 at the door.
September 18
HANDEL'S 'WATER MUSIC' ON THE CHICAGO RIVER
Chicago Riverwalk
7-8:30 p.m.
The Music of the Baroque orchestra boards a boat on the Chicago River for a water-borne performance of composer George Handel’s "Water Music." The orchestra will be accompanied by a choir group composed of students from various Chicago high schools. FREE. There will be multiple vantage points along the Riverwalk, including at Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza.
September 21
ENGLEWOOD JAZZ FESTIVAL
Hamilton Park, 513 W. 72nd St.
Noon-6 p.m.
The 25th annual festival in Hamilton Park focuses on emerging jazz artists and celebrated masters, featuring previous young performers as leaders of their own ensembles. Corey Wilkes, Nicole Mitchell, Junius Paul, and Greg Ward are among the headliners. Other highlights include the presentation of the Spirit of Jazz awards and an encore performance of the jazz poetry opera, "Paul Robeson: Man of the People."
September 19 – October 6
REELING: THE CHICAGO LGBTQ+ INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Various Venues & Times
Marking its 42nd year, Reeling is the second longest-running fest of its kind. It prides itself on showing a diversity of genres to illustrate LGBTQ+ contributions to our culture and sensitizing the public to issues. Screenings at the Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave.) on the opening night of September 19, Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema (2828 N. Clark St.) from September 20 to 26, at Chicago Filmmakers (1326 W. Hollywood Ave.) September 27 to 29, and virtually through October 6. reelingfilmfest.org
September 20
OKSOBERFEST
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2400 N. Cannon Drive 6-9 p.m.
The largest non-alcoholic beer festival in the Midwest comes to Lincoln Park Zoo for an adults-only event. Drinks of all kinds accompany brats and giant pretzels, with performances by a live polka band. Tickets begin at $20+ at tickets.lpzoo.org/ events.
September 20-21
WEST LOOP BAVARIAN BLOCK PARTY
Washington Blvd. And Sangamon St. 5-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday
A sober-friendly Oktoberfest features a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for visitors to enjoy. Festivities are accompanied by genuine German treats, live music, and kids’ activities, presented by the Haymarket Center, whose mission is to provide recovery services to the community. $10 suggested donation. www.hcenter.org/west-loop-fest/
September 20 – 22
RIOT FEST & CARNIVAL
Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Dr. 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
The popular annual music festival goes all-out as it returns to Douglass Park. Headliners this year include Fall Out Boy, Beck, Pavement, and Slayer. Tickets $100+ at riotfest.org
September 20 – 29
WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL CHICAGO
78 E. Washington St., Various Venues & Times
A week of music from across the world comes to Chicago, centered at the Chicago Cultural Center. Performers come from countries including Brazil, South Korea, India, and Senegal. www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/wmf.html
September 20 – December 8
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS: WHERE THE PAST IS PRESENT
1852 W. 19th St.
Tuesday – Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Mondays and Major Holidays
Life and death intertwine at this annual exhibit presented by the National Museum of Mexican Art. Popular artworks from the museum’s collection reveal the importance of death in connection, memory, and family. Admission is free, with donations encouraged to support the museum’s mission of sharing culture and art. Check back for special Dia de Los Muertos celebrations in late October.
September 21
WORLD DUMPLING FEST
Logan Square Park, 3150 Logan Blvd. Noon-9 p.m.
A variety of dumplings from neighborhood restaurants across Chicago – Polish, Colombian, Chinese, Nepalese and more – are offered in Logan Square Park. Live music and dance joined by local craft vendors lining the streets. Tickets are $1 per person.
September
21
BEER IN THE WOODS
LaBagh Woods, Cicero & Foster Avenues
1-5 p.m. VIP; 2-5 p.m. GA
As a fundraiser for the activities of the Friends of the Forest Preserves nature organization, LaBagh Woods hosts an exclusive beer gathering. Craft breweries from across the county present ciders and beers for sampling, accompanied by guided nature walks and art workshops. General 21+ admission is $55 and can be purchased at fotfp.org
September
21
OKTOBERFEST AT LINCOLN PARK ZOO
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2400 N. Cannon Drive 6:30-10 p.m.
Lincoln Park Zoo plays host to a celebration of German culture, with local craft beers, a live polka band, lawn games, and more. The 21+ party gives exclusive after-hours access to the zoo and its exhibits. Tickets are $45+ at tickets.lpzoo.org/ events.
September 21
WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S
Soldier Field, Southeast Lawn, 1410 Special Olympics Dr. Opening at 8 a.m.
The Alzheimer’s Association holds this 3-mile walk to support care for patients with Alzheimer’s and research surrounding the disease. Free registration is required to participate; personal donations are encouraged. Registration is available at act. alz.org.
September
21
–
22
CHICAGO LIVE! AT NAVY PIER
600 E. Grand Ave.
Noon-9 p.m. Both Days
Navy Pier presents a free two-day performing arts festival featuring dozens of artists, including a variety of dance, musical, and gymnastic acts. This year’s headliner is a rare solo acoustic set by local icon Jeff Tweedy at 8 p.m. Saturday. navypier. org/chicago-live
September 21 – 29
CHICAGO GOURMET
Various Venues & Times
A "culinary fashion show" descends on Chicago, with worldclass food and beverages from renowned chefs including Art Smith, Paul Kahan, Rick Bayless, and Marcos Carbajal. Luncheons, evening galas, and a "Hamburger Hop" fill the week in various locales across the city. Tickets $75+ at chicagogourmet.org.
TBA JACK’S PUMPKIN POP-UP
1265 W. Le Moyne St.
Hours TBA
An all-out Halloween celebration returns to Goose Island for its 7th year. Features include a real corn maze, a pumpkin patch with thousands of pumpkins, axe throwing, carnival games, live music, and food and drink vendors. Tickets at jackspumpkinpopup.com
September 27 – 29
ST. AL’S OKTOBERFEST
St. Alphonsus Church, 1249 W. Wellington Ave. 5-10 p.m. Fri., Noon-10 p.m. Sat., Noon-7 p.m. Sun. The iconic West Lakeview church brings a slice of Bavaria to the city. Live music, a variety of genuine German foods, and craft beer tastings ($40 in advance, $50 at the door). Music headliners include the Polkaholics, Dancing Queen, and Sixteen Candles. Admission is a $10 suggested donation. stalsoktoberfest.org
September 27 –
October 27 (Fridays through Sundays)
LINCOLN PARK ZOO FALL FEST
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2400 N. Cannon Drive 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The free all-ages fall festival returns to the Lincoln Park Zoo on weekends throughout October, with live music, a pumpkin patch, and admission to the Zoo’s variety of wildlife. Ticketed attractions include a Harvest Maze, Fun Slide, and more; tickets are $4 per person per ride. Pop-up food and drink vendors will be available.
September
28
AIDS RUN/WALK
Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr. Opening ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m.
Starting off from Soldier Field, this lakefront walk raises funds and awareness to support those living with or at risk of HIV. Over 2,000 compete in a 5K or 10K run, alongside a 5K Roll and Walk. Registration at aidschicago.org/aids-run-walk
September 28
ELIM DUTCH FESTIVAL
13020 S. Central Ave., Crestwood Pancake Breakfast 7:30-10 a.m.; Farmer’s Market and Dutch Village 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Main Stage Entertainment 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Elim charity organization hosts a free traditional Dutch celebration to support its mission of assisting disabled children and adults. Dutch treats like pancakes, hutspot, banket, and oliebollen are cooked alongside American favorites, as clog dancers, live reptiles, a petting zoo, and a train ride keep the kids entertained.
September 28 – 29
HYDE PARK JAZZ FESTIVAL
Various Venues & Times
Featuring a world of jazz genres from solo improvisation to big band ensembles, this sprawling festival plays out at venues throughout the Hyde Park neighborhood. Performers this year include the Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective, internationally renowned musician Alexis Lombre, genre-blending composer and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, and Chicago’s poet laureate avery r. young. A list of performers and venues can be found at hydeparkjazzfestival.org
September 30 – November 17
DESTINOS LATINO THEATER FESTIVAL
Various Venues & Times
Theatrical works celebrating Latino culture in all its dimensions are presented across the city in a celebration of Latino Heritage Month. The seven-week series includes magicians, poetry, drag artists, and a one-woman mariachi musical. The full schedule is accessible at clata.org/en/programs/destinos-2024
