Chicago in September 2009 - Annual Events Calendar

Chicago Calendar of Annual Events: JAN | FEB | MARCH | APRIL | MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUG | SEPT | OCT | NOV | DEC

Every year, September in Chicago percolates with great, summer-extending events. Find old and new favorites here. Note - this events calendar has two pages.

Highlights: Labor Day Weekend - Top Picks | Taste of Polonia

1. Mayor Daley's Senior Games - Tuesday, September 1 through Sunday, September 20
   A competition, in the Olympic spirit, for people over 50.
2. Hope Fest - Saturday, September 5
   A back-to-school festival to give free book bags, groceries, haircuts, uniforms and more to school children in Humboldt Park.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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.)
   
   
5. 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.
   
   
6. 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.
   
   
7. 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.
   
   
8. Chicago International Hip Hop Film Festival - Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12
   The two-day film festival featuring local and international hip hop films and filmmakers takes place at Portage Theater.
   
   
9. Auburn Gresham 79th Street Renaissance Festival - Saturday, September 12
   On 79th Street between Loomis and Racine. Last year more than 7000 people attended.
   
   
10. 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.
    
    
11. 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.
    
    
12. Chicago Canine Rescue - Mutt Strut 2009 - Saturday, September 12
    A shine-only event that supports a local rescue foundation and features a fun walk in Roscoe Village followed by dog-friendly activities, including the opportunity to adopt one.
    
    
13. Old Town Crush - Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13
    A celebration of the best of Old Town with comedy, wine, and music.
    
    
14. 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.
    
    
15. 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.
    
    
16. 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.
    
    
17. 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.
    
    
18. 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.
    
    
19. Lebowski Fest - Sunday, September 13 through Wednesday, September 15
    All things from the bowling-themed film "The Big Lebowski" get celebrated for a 3-day fest at Portage Theatre. More about Lebowski Fest.
    
    
20. 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.
    
    
21. LandShark Lager (Formerly Guinness) Oyster Festival - Saturday, September 19
    Drink your favorite beer and swallow oceanic goobers.
    
    
22. Windy City Comicon - Saturday, September 19
    One of Chicago's premiere comic book conventions unfolds at the Center on Halsted for one day only.
    
    
23. Chicago's Historic Route 66 Classic Car Show - Saturday, September 20
    Get your motor running from for the second annual classic car show at 3800-3918 W. Ogden Avenue. FREE admission.
    
    
24. 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.
    
    
25. 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 Lakeview scene.
    
    
26. Chicago Horror Film Festival - Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27
    The creepiest of the creeps on film for three days straight. Boo.
    
    
27. World Music Festival - TBD
    This festival, hosted by the city's Department of Cultural Affairs, spreads throughout the city across many venues.
28. Chicago Gourmet Fest - Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27
    Kind of like a rich person's Taste of Chicago. This fest turns 2 this year.