What are our picks for the best events happening in Chicago worth your time this week through to the weekend? From the fun farmer’s market at MCA to a cultural outing for Lyric Opera’s Rigoletto, Eataly’s food fest and so much more through to the weekend. This is the Weekend Guide you need, you can pass on the others.
EVENT: SOAR Farmers Market
What: The Streeterville Organization of Active Resident’s ( SOAR) summer farmer’s market.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) |
When: Every Tuesday June through October
Time: 7am-2pm
Cost: Free to attend; price of goods varies
Why: Every Tuesday, the SOAR Farmers Market will have fresh produce, yummy baked goods, gorgeous flowers and much more. You can even meet your friends on the MCA Plaza to grab a light lunch from one of the vendors.
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EVENT: Whats Funny Comedy Festival
What: Weeklong comedy festival from Chicago native Knowledge Beckom .
Where: Various Chicagoland locations
When: Tuesday September 17 – Sunday September 22
Time: Varies based on show times
Cost: Varies based on shows;
Why: The Whats Funny Comedy Festival features a range of big shows over its seven-day run in Chicago. From smaller, intimate performances to large theater-style productions, the festival spotlights new comedic talent and celebrates seasoned veterans you’ve enjoyed for years. Find the perfect show—or shows—to satisfy your comedy cravings.
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EVENT: Finesse Mitchell feat. Calvin Evans & Gwen LaRocka
What: Finesse Mitchell feat. Calvin Evans & Gwen LaRocka live.
Where: City Winery
When: Wednesday September 18
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: $35+
Why: Finesse Mitchell has been seen almost everywhere. One of the funniest standup comics working today, the Saturday Night Live alum, (known for characters like Starrkeisha, 50 Cent, and Morgan Freeman) is currently on Hulu’s History Of The World Part II playing the Rev. Jesse Jackson opposite of Wanda Sykes. He’s guest-hosted for The Wendy Williams talk show on Fox. He’s a guest judge on Netflix’s, “Is It Cake?”, and a favorite celeb guest on Pictionary. Finesse has four one-hour comedy specials titled, “Snap Famous”, “One Man Monster”, Showtime’s, “The Spirit Told Me To Tell You” and 2023’s self-produced “Slightly Offensive” under his belt.
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EVENT: After School Matters 2024 Gala
What: Join us for a night of celebration in support of Chicago teens.
Where: 167 Events – 17th Floor – 167 N Green Street
When: Wednesday September 18
Time: After School Matters 2024 Gala
Cost: $1,500
Why: After School Matters Gala brings together Chicago’s leaders for an evening of teen showcases, fabulous food and drinks, and networking to celebrate the incredible accomplishments our youth, while raising important revenue to continue providing 25,000 opportunities each year for Chicago teens to learn new skills, find mentors, earn money, and prepare for the future.
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EVENT: 1871 Momentum Awards 2024
What: 17th Annual Momentum Awards celebrating innovation and empowering tomorrow’s tech leaders.
Where: Morgan Manufacturing |
When: Wednesday September 18
Time: 6:00pm-10:00pm
Cost: $1,000
Why: Join us for a lively cocktail reception featuring Jellyvision Band, light bites, drinks, and our signature cocktail. Following the awards presentation and speeches, its time for an exciting after party featuring DJ Tess spinning live tunes to close out the night. Enjoy a lively atmosphere with drinks, dancing, and great company.
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EVENT: MCA Members Open House
What: A free for members evening at the museum
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago | 220 E Chicago Avenue
When: Friday September 20
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cost: Free for members. Looking to attend but not currently a member? Join or renew here!
Why: The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s Membership Team invites you and a guest to Members’ Open House! Members, join us for an after-hours event to thank you for your support and kick off the upcoming season at the MCA! Enjoy an evening of exclusive gallery access and mingling with fellow MCA Members, as well as other fun perks.
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EVENT: Symphony Ball PLUS Lang Lang & The Firebird
What: One of the highly anticipated event of Chicago’s fall gala season.
Where: Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
When: Saturday September 21
Time: 5:30pm-
Cost: Concert tickets $199+; Gala SOLD OUT
Why: Celebrate the 134th season of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with megastar pianist Lang Lang in a marvelous, one-night-only performance, complete with a red-carpet experience. The evening features Saint-Saëns’ exhilarating Second Piano Concerto, which begins with echoes of Bach and ends with a tarantella, a wild Italian folk dance. Kaleidoscopic works by Berlioz and Stravinsky frame the program. Dinner, dancing and festivities will be held at The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago immediately following the concert. Transportation will be provided. This benefit event raises funds to support the multifaceted work of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association — not only its industry-leading artistic programs but also its educational and community engagement initiatives that nurture tens of thousands of people in Chicago and around the world annually.
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EVENT: Sigur Rós with The Wordless Music Orchestra
What: Icelandic band and 41-piece orchestral outfit make their Chicago stop in their .
Where: Auditorium Theatre
When: Saturday September 21
Time: 8pm
Cost: $56.50+
Why: Appearing with a full orchestra, Sigur Rós will perform songs from Átta, along with select pieces from their catalogue with a 41-piece orchestra from throughout their career.
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EVENT: Week at City Winery
What: A unique culinary & cultural experience for urban wine enthusiasts passionate about music.
Where: City Winery | 1200 W Randolph Street
When: Thursday September 19-Sunday September 22
Time: Varies
Cost: Varies
Why: This week through weekend lineup includes: Crash Test Dummies with Carleton Stone, The Mean Gays Live, Soul Brunch presented by PureSoul, Politics as Usual with Molly Jung-Fast and Rick Wilson. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
EVENT: Oktoberfest Celebration
What: Live German music. Beer and sausage specials. Keep the stein beer specials..
Where: Park and Field | 3509 W Fullerton Ave
When: Thursday, September 19,
Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Cost: $5 per guest + tax
Why: Our Oktoberfest celebration will feature live German music. Beer and sausage specials. Keep the stein beer specials. Make your reservation at resy.com Looks like it’s going to be a beautiful night on the patio, don’t miss it!
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EVENT: Celebrate with Friends 2024
What: Friends of Prentice’ most anticipated event of the year.
Where: Morgan MFG
When: Friday, September 20
Time: 6:30pm
Cost: $300+
Why: Friends of Prentice look forward to hosting you to celebrate with friends while raising critical funds for research that will close the knowledge gap in women’s healthcare. The event is sure to be an evening of community camaraderie featuring interactive food and cocktail stations, live music, and dancing, all in the trendy Fulton Market neighborhood.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
EVENT: Negroni Week at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
What:The Ritz’s Torali presents its signature Negroni Rosato is being served up for Negroni Week.
Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
When: Monday September 16-Sunday September 22
Time: Varies
Cost: Cost of drinks
Why: very year, thousands of bars and restaurants around the world celebrate Negroni Week from September 16-22 as part of Slow Food’s mission to foster a healthy and sustainable relationship with food around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago honors the iconic cocktail this year with its signature Negroni Rosato, a blend of Aviation Gin, Balsam ROSE Vermouth and Peychaud’s Aperitivo. Sip on the cocktail this Negroni Week at the hotel’s Italian-inspired restaurant, Torali, or its copper-clad bar.
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EVENT: Kaytranada – Timeless Tour
What: KAYTRANADA with Channel Tres and Sam Gellaitry.
Where: Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
When: Friday, September 20
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: Varies
Why: Award-winning DJ and artist multi genre phenom Kaytranada is back in Chicago and set to perform live. The Timeless Tour and it’s slated to serve a plethora of iconic hits, critically acclaimed tracks, and ultimate crowd pleasers!
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EVENT: Sage Barnes “Reflection” Exhibition at Arlo Chicago – Opening Reception
What: The next Arlo’s Living Room Gallery at Arlo Chicago featuring works by Sage Barnes.
Where: Arlo Chicago | 168 N. Michigan Avenue
When: Friday, September 20
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Cost: Complimentary
Why: The latest iteration in Arlo’s Living Room Gallery featuring “Reflections” by Sage Barnes, who will give an art talk to share his creative process behind his celebrated pieces; The exhibit showcases Barnes’s Blooms series, first envisioned in 2022 and rooted in application and methodology. The Arlo Living Room Gallery Series, created and curated by Jasmine Arakel, aims to bring contemporary art into publicly accessible spaces at Arlo Hotels.
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EVENT: Chicago Live!
What: Two free days of back-to-back performances presented by The Pritzker Foundation with generous support from Peoples Gas.
Where: Navy Pier
When: Saturday September 21 & Sunday September 22
Time: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Why: The Largest Free Performing Arts Festival in the Midwest returns this September! Navy Pier’s free two-day Chicago Live! performing arts festival returns for the fourth year on September 21-22, showcasing the best of Chicago’s vibrant arts and cultural community.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
EVENT: SeptemberFest
What: Eataly is hosting a one and only all-access party of 2024 for a night of unlimited food, drink, and entertainment.
Where: Eataly Chicago | 43 East Ohio Street
When: Friday September 20
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: $100
Why: For one night only, we’re going all out with 10+ local Chicago partners and artists, 40+ Italian bites, 30+ Italian wines, live entertainment, a photo booth, and more from 7-11pm. Tickets include: Unlimited tastings of 40+ Italian bites, Unlimited drinks from 30+ wine, spirits, beer, Free in-person chef demonstrations and activations, Live music and entertainment from local Chicago talent. Please note: This is a 21+ event.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
EVENT: Chicago Football Classic 2024
What: match-up between Morehouse Tigers vs the Kentucky State Thorobreds at Soldier Field.
Where: Soldier Field
When: Saturday September 21
Time: 3:30pm
Cost: VariesWhy: Come out for a fun day full of events at the Chicago Football Classic, featuring Moorehouse Tigers vs. the Kentucky State Thorobreds.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
EVENT: Global Carnival from Old Town School of Folk Music
What: Using various areas of Millennium Park as well as a main stage performance, Old Town School’s Global Carnival will weave together performances found in celebrations across the Black Atlantic featuring Ilê Aiyê, Flagboy Giz & The Wild Tchoupitoulas.
Where: Millenium Park Pritzker Pavilion
When: Sunday September 22
Time: 5pm
Cost: FREE
Why: Old Town School of Folk Music’s Global Carnival – a dynamic, immersive performance experience that will feature Afro-Brazilian carnival block Ilê Aiyê and New Orleans Black Masking Indian artists Flagboy Giz & The Wild Tchoupitoulas. With additional performances by local ensembles such as the Windy City Ramblers, Muntu Dance Theatre, Azania Drum, Team Jukeboxx Mas Band, and the Epic Steel Orchestra!
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
EVENT: Riot Fest 2024
What: Back at Douglass Park for the 2024 edition with a lineup of acts including Beck, Spoon, Fall Out Boy, Marley Brothers, Tierra Whack.
Where: Douglass Park | 1401 S. Sacramento Drive
When: Friday September 20-Sunday September 22
Time: 11am-10pm
Cost: $299.98 (3 Day Pass); $209.98 (2 Day Pass); $139.98 (1 Day pass)
Why: An annual three-day punk rock music festival based in Chicago, Illinois, at Douglass Park. It is known for booking reunions, guest performances, and full album performances. Riot Fest remains one of the largest independently owned music festivals in the United States.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
EVENT: Premier League Mornings Live Chicago
What: The 10th Premier League Mornings Live is taking over Chicago.
Where: Millenium Park
When: Saturday September 21-Sunday September 22
Time: 6:30am-
Cost: Registration Closed
Why: Premier League Mornings Live is a two-day fan festival created in partnership with NBC Sports where fans can watch Premier League matches on big screens together, while enjoying a host of other exciting activities. The event recreates the matchday experience for attending supporters, while demonstrating the energy and passion for the Premier League, its clubs and players to the millions of fans watching the broadcast from home. The NBC Sports’ studio team of host Rebecca Lowe and analysts Robbie Earle, Robbie Mustoe and Tim Howard broadcast the Premier League Mornings Live studio show, presented by Barclays, from the event on USA Network and Peacock. There are 10 fixtures planned for that weekend. A London derby between West Ham v Chelsea kicks off Saturday’s action at 06.30 a.m. CT. There are six matches all starting at 09.00 a.m. CT: Aston Villa v Wolves; Fulham v Newcastle United; Leicester City v Everton; Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth; Southampton v Ipswich Town; Tottenham Hotspur v Brentford. The day’s action concludes with Manchester United’s trip to Crystal Palace v Man Utd at 11.30 a.m. On Sunday, the action starts with Brighton & Hove Albion v Nottingham Forest at 08.00 a.m. CT, before the big one, the two title rivals Manchester City v Arsenal go head-to-head at 10.30 a.m. CT.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
EVENT: Jerk, Seafood & Vegan Festival (JSVFest)
What: Martins International invites foodies, music lovers to the 8th annual Jerk, Seafood and Vegan Festival; the last Chicago food festival of the year.
Where: 2400 S. State Street
When: Saturday September 21 & Sunday September 22
Time: 11am
Cost: $10
Why: The Jerk, Seafood and Vegan Fest (JSVFest) is a healthy eating Food Festival for foodies music lovers, and others looking for a fun fill celebration.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
EVENT: Rigoletto
What: Lyric Opera of Chicago opened its 2024/25 Season with Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece Rigoletto, one of the most powerfully dramatic works in the repertoire.
Where: Lyric Opera Chicago | 20 N. Wacker Drive
When: Sunday September 22
Time: 2pm
Cost: General-admission tickets: $159 for a One-Day Pass per person;
Why: Join Lyric Opera of Chicago for Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece Rigoletto, a powerfully dramatic work based on a play by Victor Hugo. The composer brings astounding intensity to the court jester Rigoletto, tragically obsessed with avenging his daughter Gilda’s dishonor. The score’s highlights are unforgettable, from Rigoletto’s hair-raising denunciation of the Duke of Mantua’s courtiers, “Cortigiani,” to the immoral, philandering Duke’s “La donna è mobile,” to Gilda’s ecstatic “Caro nome.” Conducted by Music Director Enrique Mazzola, a much-acclaimed Verdian, Lyric’s visually sumptuous production stars the sensational baritone Igor Golovatenko. He’s joined by two other international luminaries making eagerly awaited company debuts: Mané Galoyan, the exquisite Armenian soprano, and Javier Camarena, the spectacular Mexican tenor.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
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