Average High Temperature: 74°F (23°C)
Average Low Temperature: 55°F (13°C)
Average Precipitation: 3.4"
September is probably one of my favorite months in Chicago. The weather cools off but the sun still shines, giving off those picture-perfect Indian Summer days with clear blue skies. And even though summer is winding down, Chicago is still vibrant with outdoor Oktoberfests and annual festivals like Jazz Fest and the Latin Music Festival Fest. Here are some fun things to do in Chicago in September.
September Events/Notes
September 2 - 5, 2010 (32nd Annual Chicago Jazz Festival): The longest running of Chicago's lakefront music festivals, the annual Jazz Fest over Labor Day weekend attracts some of the world's best jazz musicians who play in both Millennium Park and Grant Park. Bring a picnic or enjoy food from some of Chicago's top restaurants that set up booths located on the edges of Grant Park. Hours are Thursday, September 2 at Millennium Park, 12 - 4 p.m.; Friday, September 3 at Millennium Park, 4 - 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, September 4 and Sunday, September 5 at Grant Park, 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Admission is free.
September 6, 2010 (Labor Day): Grab your bathing suit and head to one of Chicago's beaches for the last time in 2010 before they close for the summer. You can also go to a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field or rent a bike and tour the city's lakefront path. For more ideas, check out this list of Chicago Labor Day activities. Remember: While almost all major attractions in Chicago are open on Labor Day, city and federal offices are closed.
September 11, 2010 (Mexican Independence Day Parade): The parade starts at 12 p.m. and goes down Columbus Drive between Balbo and Monroe.
September 17-18, 2010 (22nd Annual Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival):Enjoy salsa, reggaeton, mariachi, norteña, Spanish pop, and more at Chicago's Millennium Park (N. Michigan Ave. and E. Randolph St.). Admission is free.
September 18, 2010 (Guinness Oyster Fest):Just as the name implies, this festival in Chicago's Roscoe Village neighborhood is all about oysters and pints of Guinness. Donation for admission.
September 24 - 26, 2010 (Oktoberfest Chicago): On the grounds of one of Chicago's oldest churches, St. Alphonsus, this Oktoberfest rounds out Chicago's outdoor festival season with bratwurst, beer, and German music. Donation for admission.
September 25 and 26, 2010 (Chicago Gourmet 2010): Considered a more "upscale Taste of Chicago," this foodie festival promises samples and demonstrations from some of Chicago's best chefs, as well as sommelier-led wine seminars. Admission is free.
