Every year, September in Chicago percolates with great, summer-extending annual events. Find old and new favorites here.
- Hope Fest - Saturday, September 5
A festival to give free book bags, groceries, haircuts, uniforms and more to needy school children in Humboldt Park. A back-to-school celebration. - Chicago Jazz Festival - Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6
The richness of Chicago and worldwide jazz comes to Chicago for this three-day festival. - Taste of Polonia - Friday, September 4 to Monday, September 7
The celebration of Polish culture and food on the city's northwest side turns 30 this year. - 31st Chicago Jazz Festival - Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6
Three days of incredible, free jazz on three stages. (That's free as in pay-no-money, but you can probably also get your fair share of free jazz, too.)
- Central American Parade - Sunday, September 6
A noon start time for this festival of countries in Central America begins at Montrose and California and runs to Montrose and Kimball. - German American Fest and Von Steuben Parade - Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13
Celebrating German heritage in the heart of Lincoln Square. Go to Leland, Lincoln and Western to oompa-pa-pa. - Fiesta de la Villita - Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13
A celebration of the Latino family and Mexican Independence Day. Held in conjunction with the 26th Street Independence Day Parade. Takes place at 26th and Kostner. - Auburn Gresham 79th Street Renaissance Festival - Saturday, September 12
On 79th Street between Loomis and Racine. Last year more than 7000 people attended. -
Pilsen Mexican Independence Day Parade - Saturday, September 12
Pilsen's party begins at 12 noon at Newberry and 18th Street and runs west on 18th Street to Wolcott. - Mexican Independence Day Parade - Saturday, September 12
The city's downtown fiesta of Mexican Independence. Parade kick-off time is 11 a.m. It departs from Columbus and Balbo and ends at Columbus and Monroe. - Old Town Crush - Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13
A celebration of the best of Old Town with comedy, wine, and music. - Chicago Celtic Fest - Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13
This Grant Park festival features music and culture from seven Gaelic regions: Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man and Cornwall, Wales, Galicia, Spain; and Brittany, France. - Renegade Craft Fair - Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13
Find do-it-yourselfers who do it so well, you'll want to buy their stuff. Noon to 10 p.m. on Division between Damen and Hermitage. -
26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade - Sunday, September 13
This parade kicks off at 12 noon from 26th Street and Albany and runs to Kostner and Albany. For more info call (773)521-5387. -
South Chicago Mexican Independence Day Parade - Sunday, September 13
Join the kick off at Commercial Avenue and 87th Street and view along to 100th Street. Start time is noon. -
57th Street Children's Book Fair - Sunday, September 13
This popular festival celebrates children and books. It runs on 57th Street between Dorchester and Kimbark and on Kimbark between and 57th Street and 56th. - World MBA Tour - Tuesday, September 15
Large MBA traveling information session with recruiters, admissions strategy workshops, scholarship info and more. Takes place at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza. - LandShark Lager (Formerly Guinness) Oyster Festival - Saturday, September 19
Drink your favorite beer and swallow oceanic goobers. - Windy City Comicon - Saturday, September 19
One of Chicago's premiere comic book conventions unfolds at the Center on Halsted for one day only. - Chicago's Historic Route 66 Classic Car Show - Saturday, September 20
Get your motor running from for the second annual classic car show from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 3800-3918 W. Ogden Avenue. FREE admission.
- St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest - Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27
This Oktoberfest celebrates the heritage of the almost completely vanished German neighborhood where it takes place every year. Fortunately, there are still plenty of beer and brats left to go around. - Lakeview East Festival of the Arts - Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27
On Broadway between Belmont and Roscoe from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. A free festival celebrating the richness of the Lakeview community. - Chicago Horror Film Festival - Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27
The creepiest of the creeps on film for three days straight. Boo. -
World Music Festival - TBD
This festival, which is hosted by the city's Department of Cultural Affairs, spreads throughout the city at many venues and celebrates music from around the globe. - Chicago Gourmet Fest - Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27
Kind of like a rich person's Taste of Chicago. This new festival debuts in Millennium Park this year.
- Fourth Annual Hyde Park Arts and Crafts Adventure - Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26
University of Chicago Shopping Center Outdoor Courtyard
55th and Lake Park Avenue
Arts, music, food, festivities.
- Hyde Park Jazz Festival - Saturday, September 26
One of the newer festivals in Chicago. Enjoy this all-day jazz fest in the city's culturally rich Hyde Park neighborhood. - Randolph Street Market - Chicago Antique Market - Chicago Indie Market - Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27
The best of European markets meets the best of Chicago festivals. At 1350 W. Randolph (outside) and 1340 W. Washington - Plumber's Hall(inside). This is the last weekend for the market until next year.
- Macy's Day of Music - Free All-Day Marathon - TBD
This free day fills Symphony Center with the sound of music from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. Symphony Center is located at 220 S. Michigan Avenue in Chicago. -
Dia de los Muertos at National Museum of Mexican Art - TBD
The annual festival of the day of the dead opens at 1852 W. 19th Street in Chicago. FREE. - Mayor Daley's Senior Games - TBD
A competition for people over 50, all of whom are in much better shape than me.
