0913.chi.mu.RiotFest01.jpg
Photograph: cousindaniel.com | | Punks, headbangers and rockers unite for the Riot Fest Chicago, September 13, 2013
Photograph: cousindaniel.com | |

September Chicago festival calendar

Bring your summer to a close at these Chicago festivals, featuring family-friendly food, entertainment and culture

Advertising

The heat is subsiding, the summer cocktails are disappearing, and the leaves will soon begin changing, but there's still plenty of festival fun to be had in September. Start your month off by dancing in the streets at the Hideout Block Party & Onion A.V. Fest or experience the punk rock carnival at Riot Fest. Put on your lederhosen, fill your stein and celebrate the arrival of fall at Berghoff Oktoberfest or Oktoberfest Chicago. Make the most of you last gasps of summer and peruse our list of the best concerts, food and art festivals that are happening this month.

  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • price 1 of 4
Taste of Polonia
Taste of Polonia
Feast on potato pancakes, kielbasa, pierogi and more at this Polish celebration. After you've stuffed yourself, dance to some polka music, watch a cover band or play a few bingo cards.
  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • price 2 of 4
African Festival of the Arts
African Festival of the Arts
The 25th annual fest, a tradition for many Hyde Park families, includes cultural food, music and shopping. A fine art market, an African market, a drum village and three stages of performers and events focusing on culture fill the park with activities.
Advertising
  • Music
  • Music festivals
The Hideout Block Party & Onion A.V. Fest
The Hideout Block Party & Onion A.V. Fest
The annual throwndown on the dead end of Wabansia always brings a solid mix of roots music and '90s indie nostalgia. Death Cab for Cutie, the Dismemberment Plan, the Meters, Mac DeMarco and the War on Drugs top the bill in 2014. Check out the lovely synth-pop stylings of duo Sylvan Esso, too.
  • Things to do
  • Festivals
Chicago Turkish Festival
Chicago Turkish Festival
If all you know is that it's Istanbul and not Constantinople, head on over to this event to sip Turkish coffee, eat baklava and orchid ice cream, and learn about Turkish culture. See the whirling dervishes and browse grocery stands, handmade ceramics and jewelry.
Advertising
  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • price 2 of 4
Windy City Wine Festival
Windy City Wine Festival
Sample more than 300 wines from around the world at this annual sommelier extravaganza in Grant Park. Area restaurants and caterers will be serving up their signature dishes while bands provide musical accompaniment to your wine tasting journey.
  • Things to do
  • Festivals
German-American Fest
German-American Fest
Relive the famous Ferris Bueller scene at this parade celebrating Deutschland heritage. The street party features German food, music and dancing and the Von Steuben Parade kicks off on Saturday at 2pm.
Advertising
  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • price 1 of 4
Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival
Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival
It's going to be sheer sheep madness at this three-day fest featuring fiber arts and knitting workshops, herding and milking demonstrations, and dog and sheep shows.
  • Things to do
  • Festivals
Bit Bash
Bit Bash
Step into the Threadless HQ, grab a joystick and enjoy more than 30 new indie video games at this first annual interactive arts festival. Delve into the 10-player madness of Killer Queen or strap on an Oculus Rift and experience the elephant trunk-enabled destruction of Dumpy. Arcade Brewery and Dark Matter Coffee provide refreshments, with a portion of proceeds benefitting local charity Chicago Loot Drop.
Advertising
  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • price 1 of 4
Shock Top Oyster Fest
Shock Top Oyster Fest
Oyster shuckers and beer drinkers unite at this annual Roscoe Village get-together, featuring hundreds of pounds of fresh seafood and an eclectic live music lineup.
  • Shopping
  • Markets and fairs
Renegade Craft Fair
Renegade Craft Fair
The 12th annual fair is an opportunity for serious crafters from around the country to sell their handmade arts and wares. And for serious shoppers to buy them. Workshops, local food vendors and live music invade Division Street.
Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising