Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month along with Latino theater and dramatic creativity at the ninth annual Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival for three weeks from September 14 to October 11, 2026, at theaters across the city. The Chicago Latino Theater Alliance … [Read more...] about Destinos Chicago Latino Theater Festival
family friendly
St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest
Get ready for the welcoming traditional German toasts of "Prost!" to echo throughout the courtyard during the 60th annual St. Benedict Oktoberfest on October 2-4, 2026. St. Benedict parish celebrates its German roots with a family-friendly fest that includes German food and … [Read more...] about St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest
Ravenswood ArtWalk
The Ravenswood Corridor community celebrates 24 years of the annual Ravenswood ArtWalk on September 12-13, 2026. The area's artists, manufacturers and brewers will welcome visitors during the ArtWalk with a host of fun and interactive activities. Unfolding from Lawrence to Irving Park St.. … [Read more...] about Ravenswood ArtWalk
Free Printers Row Lit Fest
The Midwest's largest literary festival returns to Chicago's historic Printer's Row neighborhood in the South Loop with the Printer's Row Lit Fest on September 12 and 13, 2026. Stretching out over five blocks, the Printers Row Lit Fest features more than 100 booksellers, interactive … [Read more...] about Free Printers Row Lit Fest
German-American Oktoberfest
Celebrate German heritage in all its forms, including dance, music, and food at the annual German-American Oktoberfest on September 11- 13, 2026, in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. The opening ceremony kicks off at 8 pm on September 11. Commemorating 100 years of German traditions, the … [Read more...] about German-American Oktoberfest
Taste of Polonia
Celebrate Polish culture at the largest Polish festival in the country, Taste of Polonia, scheduled for September 4-7- 2026. The 44th-anniversary festival brings four days of traditional Polish food, music and crafts. The Taste of Polonia festival serves up live music on four stages, art … [Read more...] about Taste of Polonia
World Dumpling Fest
Explore Chicago's diverse cultures with music, dance and samples of all the variations of ethnic dumplings during the annual World Dumpling Fest on September 19-20, 2026, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The Chicago Cultural Alliance hosts the sixth annual World Dumpling Fest to support and … [Read more...] about World Dumpling Fest
Free Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
Celebrate the joys of autumn in the fun-filled setting of Lincoln Park Zoo during the tenth annual Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest, September 25-November 1, 2026. Step into the vibrant world of pumpkins, harvest mazes and fall photo ops during this family-friendly event. Admission to the zoo is … [Read more...] about Free Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
Noche Caribena at Navy Pier
Celebrate the spirit of Puerto Rican culture during Noche Caribena, (Caribbean night) an evening of free Puerto Rican music and dance at Navy Pier's Polk Brothers stage, on August 22, 2026. Hosted by the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance , Noche Caribena features an array of traditional … [Read more...] about Noche Caribena at Navy Pier
Retro on Roscoe Festival
Go back in time and enjoy oldies and throwback fashion at the 29th annual Retro on Roscoe festival on September 18-20, 2026, in the Roscoe Village neighborhood. Groove to music on three stages, including a family stage, within a six-block stretch of Roscoe Village. Enjoy music from … [Read more...] about Retro on Roscoe Festival
Jazz in the Court
The Hyde Park neighborhood celebrates South Side jazz traditions with free outdoor concerts in Harper Court on the first Fridays of the summer months. Enjoy free live music in the heart of the historic community This year's dates are June 5, 2026. July 10, 2026, August 7, 2026, and September … [Read more...] about Jazz in the Court
Free Printer’s Row Art Fest
Head to the historic Printer's Row neighborhood in the South Loop to explore art and live music during the annual Printer's Row Art Fest on August 15-16, 2026. Browse through the original artworks of 95 juried artists, including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, photography and fashion … [Read more...] about Free Printer’s Row Art Fest
