August 31 - September 13, 2026 by StreetWise_CHI

fall 2026 Vol. 34 No. 29

$1.85 + Tips go to your Vendor

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FALL FESTIVAL GUIDE 2026

Just because summer has ended doesn’t mean the fun has stopped! StreetWise sets you up with a list of all the biggest events in Chicago and the surrounding region this fall. Some events are fundraisers for community causes, so they ask for an admission fee.

SEPTEMBER September 3-6

Chicago Jazz Festival

Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. Thurs 11 am - 9 pm, Fri 11:30 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun, 11 am-9 pm Chicago's premier Jazz event offers the genre on several stages, with local food and drink, in the shadow of The Bean. DeeDee Bridgewater and Bill Charlap, 2 Brown Sisters (Maggie and Africa), Miles Davis Centennial, Chicago Project featuring Dee Alexander, Ch Corey Wilkes, Isaiah Collier, ica go Michael King and JonaJa z than Pinson; Bethany Pickens Soulful Coalition, Paquito D’Rivera, high school ensembles (DeKalb, Whitney Young, New Trier, Kenwood Academy) and more. FREE. https:// www.chicago. gov/city/en/depts/ dca/supp_info/chicago_jazz_festival.html es

September 4-6

Taste of Melrose Park

1000 N. 25th Ave. Celebrate Labor Day with an incredible lineup of authentic foods, affordably priced; live music, entertainment, family events, and crafts. melrosepark.org/taste-of-melrose-park

September 4-6

North Coast Music Festival

Seat Geek Stadium, 7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview Come listen to everything from EDM to house to jam bands on six different stages. Lineup includes Bunt, Gryffin, Holy Priest, Dabin, Fisher, Griz, Illenium b2b Slander and more. Tickets $168.14+ at northcoastfestival.com September 4-7

ARC Music Festival

Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St. House comes home to Chicago at the ARC Music Fest. Enjoy house and techno music with 90+ artists. Tickets $169+. arcmusicfestival.com September 4-7

Taste of Polonia

Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave. Fri 4:30-10:30 pm, Sat-Sun 11:30 am-10:30 pm, Mon 11:30-9:30 pm Oldest and largest Polish festival in the US features nonstop live music, dance performances, authentic Polish cuisine and beer, engaging exhibitions, vendors and dedicated Kids Zone. Tribute bands include Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi), 28 Days, The Phil Collins Experience, The Wayouts (60s garage rock) The Neverly Brothers, High Infidelity (80s arena rock), The PriSSilas (Classy Rock), Pink Talking Fish (Pink Floyd/Talking Heads/Phish), Polkaholics; Golden Riders Globe of Death motorcycle show; casino; and more. Admission $10 Fri, $15 daily, $45 4-day, kids under 12 FREE at topchicago.org

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River North Design District Fall Gallery Walk

Kinzie/Chicago/Kingsbury/LaSalle 5-8 pm at 18 locations River North Design District (RNDD)’s 10th annual event features showrooms with artwork created by some of the most influential artists in the world today. Chicago’s top designers select their favorite art and create inspirational vignettes showcasing how art feels in a living setting. Showroom events remain on display til October 9. $10 suggested donation, trolley available. 8-10:30 pm BSH Experience and Design Center, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 108 “Light After Dark,” the official after-party, commemorates the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and a decade of art and design within the RNDD. Guests are encouraged to dress avant-garde and will enjoy music by DJ Disko Kitty, crafted cocktails and culinary offerings from BSH chefs. At the heart of the evening is “Art is Living Fashion,” a 6’ by 30’ immer-

Western & Lincoln Fri 5-10 pm, Sat-Sun 12-10 pm German hospitality in 2 tents, 2 pm Saturday parade on Lincoln,11 am Mass Sunday; good food, wine and beer; traditional singing and dancing groups after the parade and Sunday at 2, family fun and games. FREE admission. germanday.com/oktoberfest/ September 11-13

Throwback Music Fest

6000 N. Milwaukee Ave. Fri 4-10:30 pm, Sat 10 am-10:30 pm, Sun 11 am-8 pm A blast from the past comes to Gladstone Park, with live tribute bands, a classic car show, food vendors, beer garden, pet costume contest, kids’ carnival, a Sunday Noon First Responders Heroes celebration, a Miss Throwback Pin-up Contest, with styles of the 1940s-60 open to those 21+ (no burlesque); and more. Music lineup includes Yankee Cowboy, Radio Gaga, Stone Cold Killers, Wedding Banned, Serendipity and more. Presented by Gladstone Park CofC and Gladstone Park Neighborhood Association. throwbackmusicfest.com September 12

Tunnel to Towers Climb

150 N. Riverside Plaza Sat 8 am Chicago Tower Climb is one of over 100 Climbs and 5Ks across the United States to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, whose mission is to help provide mortgage-free homes to fallen first responder families with young children and Gold Star families, as well as Smart Homes for cata-

September 12-13

Printers Row Lit Fest

On S. Dearborn from Polk St. to Ida B Wells St. Sat-Sun 10 am-6 pm Largest FREE literary festival in the Midwest returns to Printers’ Row, printersrowlitfest.org September 12-13

Ravenswood ArtWalk

Ravenswood Avenue, Irving to Lawrence Sat-Sun, 11 am-6 pm 24th annual event features open studios, galleries and manufacturing spaces, pop-up performances and activations, an outdoor arts market featuring 80+ local makers, two stages of live music, a pop-up beer garden, kids’ activities, food trucks, and more. de Pa r a ravenswoodchicago.org/signatureD ay e c en events/ravenswood-artwalk nd pe ca

September 12-13

El Grito at Grant Park

Butler Field, Grant Park, 350 E. Monroe St. Sat-Sun 2-10 pm “El Grito” was the 1810 cry for independence, which will be repeated in an official ceremony Sunday led by the Consul General of Mexico. Nonstop música and deep-

September 11

German American Oktoberfest

Division St., Ashland-Damen Sat-Sun, 11 am-7 pm Shop 400+ curated artists at Renegade’s flagship fair in Wicker Park. www.renegadecraft.com

National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave. 2nd fl 5:30 pm Voices of Remembrance screening; 6 pm reception Multi-layered tribute weaves together video narratives and portrait photography from across the University of Illinois/Chicago community (students, faculty, staff, alums) to create space for collective memory and reflection. Visitors can contribute to the community engagement wall, “Never Forget Your Story” before the exhibit ends Jan. 23, 2027. nvam.org/uic-never-forget

September 11-13

Renegade Craft Fair

Never Forget: 9/11 25th anniversary exhibit opening

September 12-13

September 11

strophically injured veterans and first responders. t2t was started to honor the heroic life of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter (FDNY) who lost his life Sept. 11, 2001, after strapping on 60 pounds of gear and running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center. climbchicago.t2t.org

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Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington 11 am-3 pm Every Friday starting May 15, the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) hosts a rotating selection of food trucks from around the city to support small businesses and bring diverse lunch options to the Loop.

sive installation presented by Brizo. The monumental textile unites art, fashion and design through 20 artistcreated panels that explore themes of strength, resilience, courage and light: a collective expression honoring both individual voice and shared humanity. Sold by the square foot at the event, all proceeds will go to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Tickets $135.23 at rivernorthdesigndistrict.com/rnddfall-gallery-walk

Chi Food Truck Festival

September 4, 11, 18, 25 October 2

September 13

Annual 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade

26th Street from Albany (Little Village Arch) to Kostner Aves. Sun Noon-3 pm “United We Ride, Stronger than Ever” is the slogan for the 55th annual parade that highlights Mexican cultural traditions. In a time when so many of its families have felt tested, “we choose to answer with love, with unity, and with pride in who we are.” Unique floats, lively mariachi bands, and captivating folkloric dance performances. littlevillagechamber.org/membership/ events/mexicanparade

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Maple Park Marketplace, 821 W. 115th St. Sat 1-5 pm Eight free food trucks, inflatables, family activities and live music for the 2nd year. Far South Community Development Corporation is redeveloping this shopping plaza as part of its initiative to repurpose nearly 1 million square feet of blighted community areas into thriving community anchors. Repeated October 10. farsouthcdc. org/festivals

3155 S. Lake Shore Drive Sun 9 am-Noon In support of the Chicago Parks Foundation, Run in the Parks presents a timed 5K run along the Lakefront Trail, 1-mile guided walk in Burnham Park, Kids’ Dash, postrace pancake party, commemorative T-shirt. Entry is $50 for the 5K; $30 for nature walk; $20 for Kids’ Dash. www.chicagoparksfoundation.org/run

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Far South Food Truck Fest

Run for the Parks 5K Run, Walk, or Roll

September 13

rooted, cultural pride: live bands to ballet folklórico and kombi dance floor, authentic street snacks to handmade art at mercadito. Admission $20+, kids $10 (under 14 must be accompanied by adult) at elgritochicago.com

September 14 - October 11

Destinos Latino Theater Festival

Various Venues & Times Theatrical works celebrating Latino culture in all its dimensions are presented across the city. clata.org September 16, 19-20

Oak Park IL Film Festival

Lake Theatre, 1022 Lake St., Oak Park & Madison Street Theater, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park Annual cinema celebration showcases films with an Oak Park connection— whether through content, cast, crew, or setting. Third-year fest’s Opening Night is Wednesday at the Lake Theatre with a special screening of “Enough Said” (2013) and a video interview with Oak Park native, Tavi Gevinson, who first became known at age 12 as a fashion blogger and who appeared in the reboot of “Gossip Girl.” The Weekend Festival is Saturday and Sunday at Madison Street Theater with documentaries, features, shorts, music videos, animation, and more by filmmakers of all ages, plus an industry panel, awards ceremony, food, and more. www.opilff.org/2026-fest September 17

Growing Hope Concert

Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St. Sun 6-8 pm Israeli American hip-hop artist Kosha Dillz and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Ali Stroker (Best Featured Actress in a Musical – Oklahoma/2019), will take the stage at 4th annual concert, along with other special guests. Experience the joy of

music and the hope of a united community. Tickets are FREE, but register at: jccchicago.org/event/growinghope-concert September 17-19

Englewood Jazz Festival

Hamilton Park, 513 W. 72nd St. 5:30 p.m. Start Thursday and Friday indoors; Noon-6 pm Saturday outdoors The 27th annual festival celebrates the next generation of creative musicians alongside centennial tributes to Oscar Brown Jr., John Coltrane, and Miles Davis. Every piece performed is an original composition by the featured artists. Lineup includes Julius Tucker Trio, Dee Alexander, Ernest Dawkins’ New Horizons Redux, Jeremiah Hunt Quartet, Dakarai Barclay Quartet, Ryan Bills and Ben Crino Quartet, The 2 Brown Sisters, New Continuum Ensemble and Braxton Cook. Live the Spirit Residency is the not-for-profit organization that produces the festival. Ernest Dawkins serves as executive director of both. FREE. englewoodjazzfestival.org September 17-20

Chicago South Asian Film Festival

AMC River East, 322 E. Illinois St. CSAFF has highlighted the richness of South Asian cinema and its impact on the global film industry for 17 years. All films screened with English subtitles. www.csaff.org/

www.streetwise.org

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September 17-27

Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival

Marking its 44th 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 culture, sensitizing the public to issues and counteracting stereotypes with valid portrayals. Opening night at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport, the film is “La Bola Negra,” from Cannes-winning directors Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi — known together as Los Javis. It follows three generations of men across pivotal moments in Spanish history, bound by pain, desire, and love; it also features Academy Award winner Penélope Cruz, Golden Globe winner Glenn Close, and Emmy-nominated Julio Torres. Passes are $65 for 5 films, $125 for 10 or $150 for unlimited screenings; memberships $60+ at reelingfilmfest.org September 18-20

Retro on Roscoe

Roscoe, from Damen to Leavitt Fri 5-10 pm, Sat 12-10 pm, Sun 12-8 pm Time-travel on Roscoe Street as you soak in the nostalgic vibes, from decades-spanning hits on multiple stages to rows of rare and restored classic cars gleaming in the sun. Indulge in delicious eats from top

September 18-20

Riot Fest

Douglass Park, W. Ogden & S. Sacramento Drive 11:30 am-10 pm The best of punk, rock 'n' roll, hiphop, metal and alternative. Headliners this year include Twenty One Pilots, Iggy Pop, Rise Against, Pixies, Tool, Morrissey, Social Distortion, Nas, Bad Religion, Sugar, Bright Eyes, Pierce the Veil, Alanis Morissette, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Patti Smith and Her Band, The Format and Twin Peaks, with the debut of William Shatner and his Heavy Metal Band, the *uckers. One-day passes $115+, 2-day $230+, 3-day $340+ at riotfest.org

September 19-20

Chicago LIVE!

Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. The Midwest’s largest FREE performing arts festival showcases the best of Chicago’s vibrant cultural art scene. Diverse voices – 100+ musicians, dance troupes and theatre companies, along with acclaimed local and national artists – bring an unforgettable celebration of the performing arts. navypier.org/pierevents/chicago-live September 19-20

World Dumpling Fest

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1360 N. Wells St. Fri 5-10 pm, Sat 11 am-10 pm, Sun 11 am-8 pm Brand-new festival offers the sights, sounds, and flavors of Bavaria, from bratwurst, pretzels, and classic German beers to dancing and singing along with German bands and testing your strength in Masskrugstemmen (stein-holding contests) for a chance to win prizes. Giant outdoor screen will keep you upto-date on football action too! Live entertainment includes Stache, Hello Weekend, RAVIV, Run Forrest Run, Funky Monks Red Hot Chili Peppers Tribute, live band karaoke and more. Sponsored by the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association. chicagoevents.com/event/old-townoktoberfest

Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St. 6:30-10 pm Relive the days of mixtapes and boomboxes at ’80s vs. ’90s with karaoke, cocktails, and kickin’ it old school. After-hours access for age 21+ lets you sip ’n stroll while visiting 200 species, listening to live music and DJ or singing karaoke. Pop-up bars for beer, wine, canned cocktails and seltzer; food concessions. Dress in period clothing, if you like. $20+ at lpzoo.org/calendar-events/. Events at Lincoln Park Zoo help it remain the nation’s only privately-managed, FREE-admission zoo in the U.S. Tickets $15+ on Eventbrite.

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Old Town Oktoberfest

80s vs. 90s Night

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September 18-20

September 19

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local vendors, sip on craft beer, wine & spirits. Bands on three stages include 16 Candles, Stache, Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute, Hello Weekend, Abbey Road (Beatles Rockestra), Super Creeps, The PriSSilas, Trippin Billies, The Gingers and more. Beneficiary is Roscoe Village Neighbors. chicagoevents.com/event/retroon-roscoe

2555 N. Ashland Ave. Sat 11 am-10 pm, Sun 11 am-8 pm Dumplings come from 17+ neighborhood restaurants (Café Tola, Himalayan Restaurant, Teera Thai Kitchen, Tandoor Char House, Rory’s Rib Shack, the KTM Kitchen, Chills Italian Ice and more) representing cuisines from all over the world along with music and local small businesses sharing their cultural identities through their respective crafts. Fest is a fundraiser for the Chicago Cultural Alliance, whose mission is supporting 50+ centers of cultural heritage around Chicagoland. Its vision is a city where all communities have a voice, and cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration are integral to Chicago’s civic fabric. chicagoculturalalliance.org/worlddumpling-fest-2026

September 19-November 1

September 20

1265 W. Le Moyne St. An all-out Halloween celebration returns to Goose Island for its 7th year. Features include a real corn maze, a pumpkin patch with 10,000+ pumpkins, gem mining, axe throwing (age 18+), carnival games, food and drink vendors. Join waitlist for ticket release at jackspumpkinpopup.com

Bryn Mawr, Kimball to Sawyer 10 am-6 pm Neighborhood get-together where old and new friends bring a lawn chair and come and go as they please throughout the day. Live performances by Ayodele Drum & Dance, Jesse White Tumblers, NCP Varsity Dance Team, Funkadesi, ESSO Funk, Full Spectrum Bluegrass, Jamberry, Haugan Elementary Folkloric Dance. Enjoy a Global Dance Party hosted by DJ B-Mazed, as well as Monkee Paint, Inflatables, Human Bubble Balls, 40 food and craft vendors. Entry is free so everyone can participate regardless of ability to pay. Sponsor is the Hollywood-North Park Community Association. www.hnpca.org/blockparty

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up

September 19-20

Lakeview East Festival of the Arts

Broadway, Belmont to Hawthorne Sat 11 am-7 pm, music ’til 10; Sun 11 am6 pm 150+ juried artists, featuring paintings, sculpture, photography, furniture, jewelry and more, for sale in a wide range of prices. Live demonstrations, garden oasis, local cuisine, kids’ activities, live music on 2 stages: Steve Richards Neil Diamond Tribute, Todd Allison and the Kind Force, Hurricane Reggae Band, The Claudettes, The Beaus and Disco w/DJ Saturday night. lakevieweastfestivalofthearts. com September 20

CLINK Wine & Spirits Festival

Morgan Manufacturing, 401 N. Morgan St. Sun 3-8 pm Created by the nonprofit Sip & Empower Foundation to address the lack of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) entrepreneurs. Less than 1% of négociants (wine merchants) are Black women. Barriers to entry are significant: lack of access to capital, limited industry knowledge, systemic exclusion from distribution networks, and few mentorship opportunities. $150 on Eventbrite.

Bryn Mawr Block Party

September 23-26

ArtSong Chicago

September 23-27

Chicago Underground Film Festival

Harper Theater, 5228 S. Harper Ave. & The Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St. CUFF seeks films that break rules, take risks, and confront audiences. It's the world’s longest-running underground film festival. Beyond screenings, CUFF includes late-night events, music performances, and meaningful conversations. cuff.org September 25-27

Andersonville Arts Weekend

Andersonville Explore art openings, pop-up exhibits, live performances, self-guided tours, wine walk, special programming throughout Clark/Foster district. 30+ local businesses are hosting artists from all across Chicago. andersonville.org/events/arts-weekend

Ganz Hall, Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Ave., 7th fl. September 25"The Secret Garden," through end of October Wed 7:30 pm, "Gods of the Earth," Rhinoceros Theater Festival Sat 2 pm Multiple venues/times Art Song Chicago (formerly known The event that became Rhino Fest as the Collaborative Arts Institute of began in 1988 as an offshoot of the Chicago) seeks to make Chicago a Bucktown Arts Fest with just two days world-class home for the study and of performances. It has encouraged performance of art song and vocal production of new plays and digital chamber music repertoire by curatartwork across many neighborhoods ing performances and providing and venues over the years: Wicker educational opportunities. This year’s Park/Bucktown, Rogers Park, AnderCollaborative Works Festival charts a sonville and Avondale. rhinofest.com progression from communion with nature to contemplation of its power to go ica Ch a reckoning of man’s impact upon it. ng o tS Ar The program includes songs from Mahler to Monteverdi, Johannes Brahms, Sergei Rachmaninov, Margaret Bonds, Harry Burleigh and Franz Schubert. Festival pass $100 at www.artsongchicago. org

September 25-November 1

Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest

2400 N. Cannon Drive 10 am-5 pm All-ages fest with live music, a pumpkin patch, s’mores, photo ops, animal enrichment and learning chats, penguin encounters, pumpkin carving, behind-the-scenes tours. Special events include Haunted History lectures, fall color tour October 8, Howls and Growls craft beer and cider sampling Oct. 23 & 24, Sound Meditation October 17; Spooky Zoo trickor-treating, and kid-friendly entertainment October 17 and kids’ LEAP natural exploration days. Ticketed attractions include Lionel Train Adventure, and Gorilla Trek VR Experience; $4.78 per person per ride. www.lpzoo.org/event/fall-fest September 26

East Lakeview Neighbors Oktoberfest

Murphy’s Bleachers, 3655 N. Sheffield 3:30-7:30 pm East Lakeview Neighbors offers great food and cool drinks; $39.19 on Eventbrite.

September 26

Elim Dutch Festival

13020 S. Central Ave., Crestwood Pancake Breakfast 7:30-10 am; Farmer’s Market and Dutch Village 8 am-4 pm; Main Stage Entertainment 9 am-4 pm The Elim charity organization hosts a free traditional Dutch celebration to support its mission of equipping disabled children and adults with everything they need to thrive. Dutch treats like pancakes, hutspot (beef and potatoes), banket (pastry with almond filling), and oliebollen (Dutch pastry) are cooked alongside American favorites like pizza, hamburgers, and bratwursts. Clog dancers, live reptiles, a petting zoo, pony rides, and a train ride keep the kids entertained. www.elimcs.org/dutch-festival September 26-27

Clark Street Live

3500 N. Clark Street Sat 11 am-10 p.m, Sun 11 am-9 pm Come to Clark Street for a brand new live music festival celebrating country and rock, cuisine, and non-stop energy in the shadow of Wrigley Field. Beneficiary is the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce. chicagoevents.com/event/clark-street-live

This 20th annual event features everything from solo improvisation to big band ensembles at venues throughout the neighborhood. Performers this year include Ari Brown Quintet, Bethany Pickens Soulful Coalition, The Brown Sisters Jazz Cafe, Frank Russell Quintet, Joshua Redman, Black Earth Sway, and more. FREE, but $10 donation welcomed. hydeparkjazzfestival.org

Sept 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27; Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28

Lincoln Park Zoo Haunted History

2400 N. Cannon Drive Tues & Wed at 7 pm; also 8:30 p.m. Oct. 13-28 Join Adam Selzer—author, podcaster, and host of Mysterious Chicago Tours—for spine-tingling walkabouts that dig into the zoo’s cemetery roots and locations from throughout its allegedly haunted history. Animal houses, zoo food and beverage centers not open. Age 16+ Tickets $36.60 at lpzoo.org/event/haunted-historytours/

OCTOBER October 2-4

Chicago Tap Summit

Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State St. Bril Barrett, Tre Dumas and Star Dixon headline a 3-day lineup of master classes, two world premiere shows (Barrett’s “Oscar

78 E. Washington St., Various Venues & Times A week of music from across the world comes to Chicago, centered at the Chicago Cultural Center. Seating is first come, first served. FREE. www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/ supp_info/wmf.html

1410 Special Olympics Drive 8 am12:30 pm Since its inception in 2001, annual walk has raised awareness and funds for AIDS Foundation Chicago and 30+ CommunityDirect programs to improve the lives of Chicagoans living with and vulnerable to HIV or chronic conditions. www.aidschicago.org/aids-run-walk

Hyde Park Jazz Festival

World Music Festival Chicago

AIDS Run/ Walk

September 25-October 4

September 26-27

September 26

St. Alphonsus Church, 1429 W. Wellington Ave. Fri 5-10 pm, Sat Noon-10 pm, Sun Noon-7 pm Legendary 25th annual festival transforms the Lincoln/Southport/ Wellington intersection into a buzzing Bavarian beer hall, complete with live oompah bands, frothy brews, and mouthwatering bratwursts, live bands. Admission is a $10 suggested donation Fri/Sat, $5 Sun. chicagoevents. com/event/oktoberfest-chicago/

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September 25-27

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Plays Gershwin” and Dumas’s “My Personal Stash” honoring his father, Martin Dumas Jr.), performances, a tap history bus tour and screening of Nora Clark’s “Beyond a Shuffle” documentary on M.A.D.D. (Making a Difference Dancing) Rhythms, marking its 25th anniversary. maddrhythms. com/tap-summit-tap-dance-festival October 2-4

West Town Art Walk

Self-guided art tours are free in this Chicago Avenue cultural hub that’s established itself as a thriving arts district filled with galleries and creative spaces for businesses, visitors and residents. www.westtownchamber.org/west-town-art-walk October 2-4

Lincoln Square Apple Fest

Lincoln Ave., between Lawrence and Sunnyside Fri 3-7 pm, Saturday & Sunday 9 am-6 pm Apple Fest returns to Lincoln Square to celebrate the beginning of autumn for its 39th year. Local food vendors provide apple fritters, cider, pies, and tamales, along with specialty items from farms throughout the Great Lakes. Live music, pooch costume contest and a Kids’ Zone run all day on dedicated stages. Admission by $5 suggested donation. www.lincolnsquare.org/apple-fest October 3

Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk

601 W. Montrose Ave. 9 am-1 pm The American Foundation for Suicide Foundation presents a 3-mile walk with Honor Beads, Remembrance Activity and Message Wall to raise funds for life-saving research, education, advocacy, and support for those impacted by suicide. Virtual walk available. afsp.chicagowalk.org/details

October 3

October 9-11

Lincoln Park Grove 2, 1735 N. Stockton Drive Sat 8 am opening, 9:30 am ceremony, with walk to follow The Alzheimer’s Association hosts a choice of a 1.5 or 3-mile walk to support patient care and research. act. alz.org

Jonquil Park, 1001 W. Wrightwood Ave. Fri 5-10 pm, Sat 11 am-10 pm, Sun 11 am-7 pm Jonquil Park transforms into an open wine pavilion for the 10th anniversary of this festival. General admission $30+, covering one session of 12 tastings, VIP $74+. chicagoevents.com/ event/lincoln-park-wine-fest

Walk to End Alzheimer’s

October 7-11, 14-18, 21-25

Chicago Botanic Garden’s Night of 1000 Jack-o'Lanterns

1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe 6:30-10:30 pm Trek down a haunted path, aglow with artist-carved pumpkins featuring tributes to Halloween movies, dragons, comic book icons, native Illinois wildlife, fungi, obituaries, and more. Among them, giant pumpkins tip the scales at 150 pounds each. Watch live carving in action, meet costumed characters, and enjoy playful frights around every corner. Homemade caramel apples, spiced nuts, apple cider donuts, spirited cocktails, and more available. Costumes encouraged. Tickets are $20-24 for adults; $13-17 for children; parking $0-15 at chicagobotanic.org/halloween. October 8-18

Chicago Fashion Week

Unique marketplaces and glamorous runway shows at Millennium Park and across the city, student work, a fashion summit, beauty standards discussion presented by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, lively in-store events, clothing swaps with Chicago Fair Trade. chicagofashionweek.com October 8-18 live; Oct 19-25 streaming

Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema

Israeli filmmakers keep you current on events and trends in Israel with features, shorts, documentaries and TV series. You’ll learn what Israelis are thinking and doing, how they feel about each other and neighbors; vernacular Hebrew; foodie, music and club culture, so that you’ll feel like an insider. israelifilmchi.org

Lincoln Park Wine Fest

October 10

Lincoln Brunch Fest

On Lincoln, Diversey to Wellington 10 am-2 pm Free brunch samples, live music, FREE admission sponsored by SSA 27. Local restaurants serve up signature brunch bites and creative new favorites, while live entertainment and additional activities transform the street into a brunch lover’s paradise. chicagoevents.com/event/lincolnbrunch-fest October 10-11

Historic Pullman House Tour

11141 S. Cottage Grove Ave. 11 am-5 pm Since 1973, Historic Pullman Foundation and Pullman Civic storic Pullman H ouse Tour Hi Organization have co-sponsored this annual selfguided tour of homes, a cross-section of those built in the 1880s for the planned industrial community that made passenger cars for transcontinental railroad travel. Tour beautiful homes, see select public buildings, live music, food, antique cars (Sunday only) a video history, and more. Pullman is a City of Chicago, State of Illinois, and U.S. Department of the Interior-designated landmark district. On Feb. 19, 2015, Pullman was designated as a National Monument, and on Dec. 29, 2022, Pullman was elevated to a National Historical Park. Tickets available on Eventbrite. www.streetwise.org

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October 14-25

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Chicago International Film Festival

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Various Venues North America’s longest-running competitive film festival celebrates its 62nd year with film screenings throughout the city. Exact schedule TBA. chicagofilmfestival.com

October 17

Loop Arts Fest

October 10-11

Native American Harvest Pow Wow

2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton, IL Sat 11 am-9 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm A full troupe of Native American dancers in regalia open each day inside the DuPage County Fairgrounds, led by the Midwest SOARRING Foundation (Save Our Ancestors Remains and Resources Indigenous Network). Find traditional drumming, intertribal dancing, foods, arts and crafts, children’s activities, cultural demonstrations and musicians. Adults $17, Seniors 62+ $12, Children 3-12 $7. Kids under 3 free. dupagecountyfair.org/event/midwest-soarring-harvest-pow-wow-2026 October 11

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Starting in Grant Park, Columbus & Monroe Drives Sunday’s event is one of the six World Marathon Majors (alongside Boston, New York, London, Berlin, and Tokyo) and cuts across Chicago. Over 45,000 runners from 100+ countries race through 29 neighborhoods of cheer squads. The nearly flat course has led to six world records over 46 previous years. www.chicagomarathon.com

State Street, Madison to Jackson Celebrate live music, performing and visual arts at this street fair. Stop by on Saturday of Open House Chicago to eat and shop. loopchicago.com October 17

Rosehill Cemetery Crypt 5K Run & Walk

5800 N. Ravenswood Ave. Sat. 7 pm Chip-timed Run; 7:15 pm Fun Run/Walk Are you ready for Fall’s most spirited event? Chicago’s largest, Victorianera cemetery will open its gates! The entire course is illuminated by candlelight, which casts eerie glows on monuments, intricate headstones, and the final resting places of some of Chicago’s most notable figures. Rosehill’s eternal residents include 10 Chicago mayors, Oscar Mayer, John G. Shedd, legendary Cubs announcer Jack Brickhouse, advertising icon Leo Burnett, Sears founder Julius Rosenwald, and scores of Civil War veterans. Spirited post-run celebration across the street at the Fireside Inn. Registration starts at $45 at runsignup.com/ Race/IL/Chicago/Crypt5KRunWalk October 17-18

Open House Chicago

Various Venues & Times Hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center, this free public festival offers behind-the-scenes access to buildings of architectural, historical and cultural significance, to instill civic pride and highlight businesses, organizations and creative leaders making a positive impact in Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods. Past locations include the Walt Disney House & Birthplace, Buddhist Temple of Chicago, Board of Trade Building, Willis Tower, and dozens of

other locations. Full list TBA at www. architecture.org/open-house-chicago October 23

Howls and growls

Lincoln Park Zoo, 2400 N Cannon Drive Fri 6:30-10 pm Howls and Growls is an adults-only Halloween party at Lincoln Park Zoo which provides extensive trick or treating for adult beverages. You can also catch a live pumpkin carving demonstration, explore spooky themed areas, catch a variety of roaming entertainers, and show off your creative costumes. Tickets available starting at $60 at www.choosechicago.com/event/zoo-brews-howls-andgrowls/2026-10-23/ October 24

Arts in the Dark Parade

Columbus Drive, from Balbo to Jackson 6-8 pm One of USA Today’s Top 10 Halloween events, Arts in the Dark celebrates Halloween as the artists' holiday, with representation from Chicago film, photography, museums, visual arts, theatre, architecture, drag performance, fashion, dance, circus arts, creative youth, hip-hop, jazz, rock, opera, street arts, fire arts, drumlines, puppeteers. Seeking to grow its selectivity for applicants who bring artistry and creativity to the street, officials launched a grant competition in June to help offset costs for parade contingents with ambitious plans but limited capacity. Now in its 12th year, it’s copresented by LUMA8 and the City of Chicago, with major support from the Chicago Loop Alliance and Goodwill of Greater Milwaukee and Chicago. It is a featured event of Mayor Johnson's Fall Fest 2026 and the Loop Arts District Fall Fest. artsinthedark.com October 26

Trick or Treat on Southport Southport & Addison 4-7 pm www.lakeviewroscoevillage.org/ events-calendar/trick-or-treat-onsouthport-4

October 31

Upside Down Halloween Parade

Washington Park, 5531 S. Martin Luther King Dr. Noon-2 pm Chicago children and their families will BECOME the parade when they don their costumes and join the procession down tree-lined Russell Drive (near King Drive and 60th Street). Dance teams, musicians, acrobats, sports mascots and other spectacles will dazzle them on the route. Presented by LUMA8 and City of Chicago. artsinthedark.com/upside-downparade October 31

Haunted Halloween Ball at the Congress Plaza Hotel

520 S. Michigan Ave. Fri 9 pm-2 am Chicago’s biggest Halloween event is back for another year in the haunted 20,000-square-foot ballroom of the 122-year-old Congress Plaza Hotel, which has been transformed into an abandoned zombie hotel. Costumes are required. $2000 cash prize costume contest. Tickets $30+ at hauntedhalloweenball.com October 31

Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade

Halsted St. from Belmont to Brompton 6:30-10 pm Devils, drinks, and drag artists convene on Halsted Street for the 29th anniversary of this free Halloween parade, ranked Top 10 in U.S. by Fodor’s. The free-to-enter costume contest offers $4,000 in cash prizes for 5 categories including Character, Creative, Scary, Youth and Group. chicagoevents.com/event/hauntedhalsted-halloween-parade

November 6-22

Film Festival NOVEMBER Polish in America November 1

Hot Chocolate Run

Grant Park, 301 S. Columbus Dr. 7:30 a.m. start; 9:15 am for 2-mile run America’s sweetest run offers 5K, 10K, 15K and 2-mile courses past the Art Institute, Buckingham Fountain, the Field Museum, Soldier Field and the River Walk, with a post-run party that will make you go “cocoa crazy.” Registration includes exclusive Hot Chocolate Run jacket, commemorative finisher’s medal, the Run’s famous Hot Chocolate, Chocolate Fondue Finisher’s mug, and access to the party. $49+ at hotchocolate15k.com/ city/chicago November 5-15

312 Comedy Festival

Various Venues & Times Up-and-coming and established comedians from across the U.S. Headliners this year include Nikki Glaser, Bert Kreischer, Michelle Wolf, Donnell Rawlings, and Joey Diaz. Tickets, dates and times at 312comedyfestival.com

Multiple Theaters Launched in 1989, the PFFA is the most extensive showcase of Polish cinema outside Poland. It has hosted North American and world premieres of films by eminent Polish filmmakers including Roman Polanski (“Bitter Moon,” “The Pianist”) Agnieszka Holland (“The Third Miracle,” “Copying Beethoven") and Krzysztof Kieslowski (“Short Film About Killing,” “Short Film About Love”). It also helps organize a meeting forum for Polish producers and American distributors. pffamerica.org/en/ November 7-8

Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer

Credit Union 1 Arena, 525 S. Racine Barrel-aging brewing masters from coast to coast submit their original wood and barrel-aged beer, cider, mead and perry for judging across 13 unique style categories, from porter and stout to barley wine, fruit beer, dark beer, lager and more. Tickets $85+ at fobab.com

November 6-15

Black Harvest Film Festival Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St. Various Times Celebrating its 32nd year as Chicago’s annual showcase for Black film across the diaspora. Born from an urgent need to celebrate the Black experience, the festival highlights emerging and established talents and historical narratives, both short and feature-length films. https:// web.saic.edu/ blackharvestfest

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November 7-8

Chicago Toy and Game Fair

Donald E. Stephens Center, 5555 N. River Rd., Rosemont Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun 10 am-5 pm Kids get to try out the latest new toys and meet their inventors at North America’s largest consumer toy and game fair. Prospective inventors seek feedback too. A past year featured Jedi knights and soldiers of the 501st Legion - “Vader’s Fist.” chitag.com Opens November 7

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive This Chicago tradition started with a single tree in 1942, which was decorated to represent US allies in World War II. Today, the annual celebration features a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree, surrounded by 50 trees decorated by volunteers to celebrate holiday traditions from around the globe: not just Christmas, but Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Ramadan, Visakha Puja Day, St. Lucia Day and more. Free with regular museum entry. msichicago.org /exhibits/christmasaround-the-world November 8

SkyRise Chicago

233 S. Wacker Drive – or anywhere! 7 am-noon Save the Date! Step up in support of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab at this 18th annual event – in person or virtually

– for therapeutic and life-enhancing programs that may not be covered by insurance. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is a 501(c)(3) and the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions — from traumatic brain and spinal cord injury to stroke, amputation and cancer-related impairment. To support, you can climb all 2,149 stairs (or 105 flights) of the Willis Tower. Or, participate at home by running or walking 6,327 steps, stepping up 105 individual flights, or cycling 3.2 miles. www. sralab.org/events/skyrise November 20

Millennium Park Christmas Tree Lighting

Michigan Ave. and Washington St. 6 pm The City of Chicago’s 113th annual Christmas Tree will remain illuminated through Thursday, Jan. 10, 2027. There will be multiple viewing areas throughout Millennium Park, complete with giant screens and a vibrant main stage along Washington Street, right beside the Chicago Cultural Center, followed by a fireworks finale. The event will also be livestreamed. www. chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_ info/tree0.html November 20-22

Millennium Park Holiday Market

Chase Promenade North, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. Fri & Sat 12-8 pm, Sun 12-5 pm Enjoy shopping, entertainment and concessions. The opening of the market aligns with the lighting of Chicago’s 113th Christmas tree and continues all weekend. www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/ supp_info/millennium_park2.html

November 20 - December 24

Christkindlmarket

Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. Sun-Thurs 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri-Sat-11 a.m.-9 p.m. Special hours: November 26 (Thanksgiving) & December 24 (Christmas Eve) 11-4 Inspired by the 16th century market at Nuremberg, Germany, this is the most traditional holiday market of its kind outside Europe. Enjoy unique shopping, food, family-friendly events and intercultural activities. www.christkindlmarket.com/daleyplaza November 21

Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Michigan Ave. from Oak to Illinois Mickey and Minnie Mouse lead the holiday season with marching bands, helium balloons, and 1 million lights on Michigan Avenue’s 200 trees. Sitting right at the end is Santa Claus, ready to cap the festivities with a Fireworks Spectacular. themagnificentmile.com/lights-festival/ November 26

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade State St., from Ida B. Wells to Randolph 8-11 am Chicago’s own Thanksgiving show returns for its 92nd time. Marching bands, equestrian acts, acrobats, floats, and plenty of gigantic helium balloons. www.chicagothanksgivingparade.com/

M illennium

Life-Time Turkey Trot 5k, 8k & Kid's Run

2601 N. Cannon Drive Get some exercise before Thanksgiving dinner with this 5K and 8K through Lincoln Park, a benefit for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Kids race in their own Plymouth Rock Ramble. Gather afterwards in the Turkey Trot Tailgate area for games, arts and crafts, and other family activities. Registration at turkeytrotchicago. com

Preserving Chicago’s Heritage,

DECEMBER

one building at a time.

December 3-6

One of a Kind Show & Sale

The Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza With 600+ artists (ceramics, fashion, wood, photography , jewelry, home goods and more), a premier destination for unique, handmade gifts, now in its 25th year. oneofakindshowchicago.com/holiday December 4, 11, 18

Millennium Park Sing-Along

Grainger Plaza (Cloud Gate), 55 N. Michigan Ave. Fridays, 6-7 pm Part-concert, part sing along, as local choral groups lead the audience in holiday favorites with “The Bean” as a backdrop. Songbooks, available on-site or download. ASL interpretation. FREE. chicago.gov/city/en/ depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park13.html December 18-20

Renegade Craft Fair

Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th St. Fri 5 - 8 pm, Sat-Sun, 11 am-5 pm Shop from 200+ curated makers of handmade gifts from around the U.S. www.renegadecraft.com g Al

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-Compiled by Dave Hamilton, Suzanne Hanney and Caleb Macduff

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Love Your City Fiercely!®

Tiffany Mosaic Ceiling (1907) At Marshall Field’s / Macy’s on State Street Over 1.6 million pieces of iridescent favrile glass comprise the 6,000-square-foot barrel-vaulted mosaic ceiling designed by Tiffany Studios. Designated a Chicago Landmark on November 1, 2005 Ward Miller Richard H. Driehaus Executive Director of Preservation Chicago

(312) 443-1000 WMiller@PreservationChicago.org

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PuzzleJunction.com

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Streetwise 8/16/21 Crossword

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To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

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Crossword Across

68 Fictional hunchback 69 Get into shape 71 Rodin sculpture at the Met 72 Choir attire 73 Tender spots 74 Scream star Campbell 75 To be, in old Rome 76 Off the mark 77 Midge

7 Rewards for 36 Sicilian peak waiting 37 Skyrocket 8 Solitary 38 Ultimate 9 Fuzzy fruit ending 10 Blue-pencil 40 Via 11 Time past 44 Cobbler’s tool 12 Winter toy 49 Actor 15 Test choice Guinness 21 Speech 51 Draft pick problem 53 Simulated 23 Capture 56 Crumbs 26 Roasting rod 58 Obtuse 28 Like some 60 Tropical fruit buckets 61 Pismire 30 Saw 62 After cross or Down 32 The Brady wild Bunch 63 They’re 1 River divider housekeeper inflatable 2 Bypass 33 Lawn 64 Blubbers ornament? 3 Scientist’s tool 65 Forest unit 4 Tart plum 34 Curved 66 Hindu garment Copyright ©2016 PuzzleJunction.com 5 Following molding 67 Zest 35 Egg container 70 Propel a boat 6 Charters

answers From Aug. 24-30 edition Sudoku Solution Solution

Sudoku Solution

Find your nearest StreetWise Vendor at www.streetwise.org

1 Water stoppers 5 Choir voice 9 Locksmith items 13 Wicked 14 Fencing move 16 Matinee hero 17 Daft 18 Candle 19 Telegram 20 Indefatigable 22 Merged 24 Ruckus 25 Fury 26 Where the buoys are 27 Letters of distress 29 Tree juice 31 Nobleman ©2021 PuzzleJunction.com 36 Type of valve 68 Fictional 7 Rewards for 39 Quick swim hunchback waiting 41 Theater box 69 Get into shape 8 Solitary 42 Accepted 71 Rodin 9 Fuzzy fruit 43 Offering to sculpture at the 10 Blue-pencil voters Met 11 Time past 45 Summer 72 Choir attire 12 Winter toy coolers 73 Tender spots 15 Test choice 46 Scruff 74 Scream star 21 Speech 47 Label Campbell problem 48 Dissonance 75 To be, in old 23 Capture 50 Stadium Rome 26 Roasting rod 52 Dry, like 76 Off the mark 28 Like some wine 77 Midge buckets 54 Journey 30 Saw segment Down 32 The Brady 55 Realtor’s Bunch offering housekeeper 1 River divider 57 Wordsworth 33 Lawn 2 Bypass work ornament? 3 Scientist’s tool 59 Epoch 4 Tart plum 34 Curved 62 Rankle 5 Following molding 66 Scope 35 Egg container 6 Charters

36 Sicilian peak 37 Skyrocket 38 Ultimate ending 40 Via 44 Cobbler’s tool 49 Actor Guinness 51 Draft pick 53 Simulated 56 Crumbs 58 Obtuse 60 Tropical fruit 61 Pismire 62 After cross or wild 63 They’re inflatable 64 Blubbers 65 Forest unit 66 Hindu garment 67 Zest 70 Propel a boat

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