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Photograph: Anne Evans

September 2023 events calendar for Chicago

Summer is almost over, but September in Chicago is packed with things to do, including festivals, exhibits and concerts.

Emma Krupp
Jeffy Mai
Edited by
Emma Krupp
&
Jeffy Mai
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September might be here, but don't despair—summer in Chicago isn't over yet! From Labor Day weekend festivities to summer festivals (including Riot Fest), we've still got plenty of warm weather fun to take advantage of before the leaves start to turn and the temperature drops. Soak up the sun at the best Chicago beaches and rooftop bars, or spend your weekends checking out the end of festival season at events like the Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Printers Row Lit Fest or ARC Music Festival. And if you really can't wait for fall to arrive, might we suggest some early leaf peeping? Whatever your mood, you'll find plenty of ways to keep busy with our roundup of the best things to do in Chicago this September. 

RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2023

Featured events in September 2023

  • Museums
  • Museum Campus

Escape the planet with exhibits about the first lunar missions, the solar system and more, plus immersive shows in the dome theater. The Doane Observatory is also home to the largest public telescope in the area, and gathers 7,000 times more light than the human eye. Every Wednesday, the Adler stays open late from 4pm-10pm so that folks can visit after work or school. And best of all, admission is free on those nights for Illinois residents.

  • Art
  • Film and video

Displaying a 25-story-tall video installation on the side of the Merchandise Mart, ART on THE MART is the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, with programming that changes seasonally. ART on THE MART's array of 34 digital projectors show the creations after dusk every evening. It’s best viewed from the section of the Chicago Riverwalk between Wells Street and Franklin Street.

GYG Chicago TTD

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