And that's a wrap on summer! Some slightly cooler temps than the record highs we've been experiencing are coming, so time to layer up and enjoy Chicago in Fall. There are tons of events going on so you won't have to look far and wide for something amazingly fun to do this weekend!
It's feeling a little more normal to go out since Chicago dropped the masking and vaccination proof mandates (for better or worse) and events are rolling in. While it may seem like we're at the tail end of things, many venues still have their mask and vaccination requirements for the foreseeable future. So if you do plan to go out this weekend, make sure you check out the venue's policies and take initiative. Wear a mask, social distance, and get your vaccination shots and your booster even if the venue/event doesn't require it. And if you still feel that wearing a mask is a must (like many still do), then please wear one. Protect yourself and those around you. If you still don't feel entirely safe to go out (and quite honestly, who can blame you?) you can always stay in and support these places from home.
Now, let's get on with your Chicago Curated Weekend!
- Support Local Venues
- Kingston Mines is open with some great lineups this weekend
- Fitzgerald's Patio is also back in full swing
- Evanston Space's shop is open and you should consider donating to help the venue during these weird times. They are also having lower capacity shows at the venue!
- Head over to the Hideout's regular shop and get yourself some great merch! Their 2020 Holiday Sale page is also still up with links to great local artists!
- Metro shop is full of fantastic concert posters from yesteryear and cool merch
- Lincoln Hall/Schubas always has great items in their shop waiting for you! Plus Schubas/Tied House is open and events are on their way back!
- Same goes for Thalia Hall's merch store (those holiday socks? *chef's kiss*)
- Let's not forget Empty Bottle's fantastic merch shop! Plus they just added some new stuff designed by some awesome people that is sure to catch your eye! Shows are going on now as well, so head over to their venue site and go to some concerts if you're comfortable
- Art Galleries and Special Events
- Chicago Gamespace is the perfect spot to check out the hairy present and future of the gaming realm! They are currently showing 50th Anniversary of Magnavox Odyssey
- All Star Press is constantly putting up new prints for you to decorate your space with! Plus you can check out some of their prints from last year's Vertical Gallery collab, which you can purchase here!! There is also a virtual gallery featuring all the works! You can see their previous show "Saturday Morning Fever” featuring the works of Griffin Goodman through their virtual gallery! And don't forget to check out the virtual edition of JC Rivera's new exhibition "Still Undefeated" !
- Galerie F has a fun stock of prints from concert posters, pop culture prints and more!
- Rotufugi is the perfect nexus of art and toys! Head over to see what new pieces of art they have in stocks and on display in their gallery space! They are currently showing Little Corners of the Universe New Works by Nellie Le!
- Immersive Van Gogh does exactly what its name says: immerses you into Van Gogh paintings via huge projections that bring the already lively art to life!
- Immersive Frida is another immersive art experience that will take you on a trip to the beautiful world of Frida Kahlo
- “Prince: The Immersive Experience”
- WNDR Museum is an ever-evolving immersive art and technology experience designed to ignite your curiosity! See exhibits like the Light Floor, Try to Get Higher, and the Digital Gallery. Plus Keith Haring!
- Garfield Park Conservatory is open! Book a reservation to see all the beautiful gardens safely!
- Lincoln Park Conservatory is open! Book a reservation to see all the beautiful gardens safely!
- Chicago Botanic Garden is open! Book a reservation to see all the beautifully lit up gardens safely!
- Special Events this Weekend only!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit with Shemekia Copeland @ The Salt Shed, 7:00pm,
WHAT: Your last chance of the the season to check a new venue!
SO WHAT: The Historic Morton Salt factory’s initial purpose may be gone, but the building will survive as one Chicago’s newest venues! The Salt Shed will be taking over and present outdoor concerts this year with an indoor element being introduced in 2023! Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit with Shemekia Copeland will be taking the outdoor stage tonight and the next two shows (night two of Jason Isbell on 9/23 and Death Cab for Cutie on 9/24) at the venue are sold out! So head out and discover this amazing venue with some amazing music!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are available now!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd
deadmau5 @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W Lawrence Ave, 8:00pm, 18+
WHAT: Some incredibly fun DJ sets under the Aragon’s starry roof
SO WHAT: There are icons of the EDM and then there’s acts like Joel Zimmerman, the man behind deadmau5. From his undeniable sound to his his instantly recognizable silhouette, deadmau5 towers over the electronic music scene. His progressive house style has been altering minds for closing in on two decades, influencing new artists with every passing album. Add to that an fantastic live show that he is constantly updating and you have a must see show on your hands. This We Are Friends tour stop will also feature sets from Nero, Lamorn, and Morgin Madison!
NOW WHAT: Ticket are still available and only $49.50! Don’t miss out on this mind-blowing show!
FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd - 24th
Revolution Oktoberfest 2022 @ Revolution Brewpub, 3340 N. Kedzie Ave, Friday 5:00pm – 8:00pm, Saturday Noon – 3:00pm & 5:00pm - 8:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: A Oktoberfest Celebration returns!
SO WHAT: It’s that time of the year when Oktoberfest parties run wild and this one is particularity fun. Revolution Brewing will be moving their fest over to their Kedzie Taproom as they release their yearly Oktoberfest brew and have a celebration featuring some amazing performances! Check out the lineup below and more details at their website!
Friday (5-8 pm):
Bolzen Beer Band
Saturday (12-3 pm):
The Polkaholics
Saturday (5-8 pm):
Dan Damnit
Blush Scars
Glyders
NOW WHAT: Entry per session will be $50 includes four beers and a 1/2 liter stein! So pick your session and get ready for a fun time!
SESSION 1: FRIDAY 5-8PM
SESSION 2: SATURDAY, 12-3 PM
SESSION 3: SATURDAY, 5-8PM
West Town Art Walk @ West Town, Division to Hubbard, Halsted to Kedzie, Friday 5:00pm – 8:00pm, Saturday Noon – 8:00pm, all ages
WHAT: West Town Art Walk is ready to show you the best the neighborhood has to offer
SO WHAT: Art in all its forms will be taking over West Town, all along the booming Chicago Avenue destination corridor and beyond. Participating businesses will have their doors open for the Art Walk celebrating a variety of arts: visual, musical, performance, fashion, culinary and more. Check out the full list of participating business at their website!
NOW WHAT: Entry is free!
312 Block Party @ Goose Island, 1800 W Fulton St, Friday 5:00pm - 10:00pm, Saturday 4:00pm - 10:00pm, 21+
WHAT: Goose Island's Block Party returns with tons of beer, food, and music
SO WHAT: This year, the Goose Island Block Party is finally back. This is amazing celebration of local beer and food highlighted by amazing music has been missing since the pandemic so it a relief to see it return! They will beer pouring fresh beer both days for only $5, including some rare treats in their taproom ,and will have plenty of food trucks on hand to satisfy your palate. Check out the music lineup below!
Friday
- 5:45 PM Tobacco City
- 7:00 PM White Reaper
- 8:30 PM Deer Tick
Saturday
- 4:30 PM Serengeti
- 5:45 PM Brijean
- 7:15 PM Nation of Language
- 8:30 PM Bomba Estéreo
NOW WHAT: Dogs and Children not encouraged. This event is made for human adults 21+. There is a suggested donation of only $10 which will benefit some of Goose Island's favorite local charities.
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd - 25th (& BEYOND)
The Neo-Futurists' The Infinite Wrench @ The Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N Ashland, Friday and Saturday 10:30pm, Sunday 7:00pm, 16+
WHAT: Quick plays live and online!
SO WHAT: The Neo-Futurists are back! Their Infinite Wrench is an ongoing, ever-changing attempt to perform 30 plays in 60 minutes for a live audience. Now it's actually a live audience that will be enjoying the performance in person! With plenty of COVID precautions in place, you'll be able to enjoy the funny, disgusting, profound, terrifying, irreverent, and downright entertaining show with friends! Plan ahead as vaccination cards will be checked and booster will be required to be fully vaccinated.
NOW WHAT: Join the Neo-Futurists this weekend for $10! Head over to their website to see all they have planned now that in-person audiences are a thing again! If you're still a little anxious about going out, The Infinite Wrench Goes Viral will be continuing til February (and possibly beyond) over at their Patreon
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th
The Cool Kids present Night School @ Thalia Hall, 1807 South Allport Street, 9:00pm, 17+
WHAT: Some night classes with The Cool Kids
SO WHAT: The Cool Kids, the duo of Sir Michael Rocks and Chuck Inglish, are hip hop royalty. Emerging out of Chicago and dishing out vintage hip hop sounds, The Cool Kids have earned their spot at the top of the rapping mountain. This Saturday evening they are doing something a little special at Thalia Hall. Night School is a special event that will give audiences a interesting look at the duo and their friends as they present a three part experience. Molded after a school schedule, each period offers a look at a unique facet of the The Cool Kids. The First Period see Chuck Inglish’s chef skills teamed up with local chefs to provided fans with fixed menu meal focusing on the effect that “Black culture has had on the culinary world.” The Second Period will showcase Sir Michael Rocks’ Twitch show Mystery School Podcast with co-host Owen Bones as they handle comedy, gaming music, new, and everything in between. Then the final period will feature a perfor5mance from the The Cool Kids and Friends with special guests Zack Fox, Guapdad 4000, and Joe Fresh Goods. If you haven’t seen The Cool Kids live, I can assure you its a worthwhile party and this all encompassing experience is can’t miss!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $28 for general admission and $50 for both the Pre-Show Mystery School Taping! Unfortunately the First Period is sold out, so get you tickets for the other Periods ASAP! With all the surprises they have in store, this is a must see show!
Summer Fireworks @ Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, 10:00pm – 10:10pm
WHAT: Enjoy the spectacle of fireworks all summer long
SO WHAT: Take a trip to Navy Pier and check out their dazzling display of fireworks!. Each show features dramatic and popular music soundtracks with some special occasion soundtracks sprinkled throughout the season.
NOW WHAT: It’s free! Just make your way to Navy Pier, find a spot, and enjoy the show
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th & 25th
The 16th Annual Hyde Park Jazz Festival @ Various locations around Hyde Park and Streaming, Saturday 11:00am-10:30pm, Sunday 2:00pm– 7:00pm
WHAT: Some beautiful music throughout Hyde Park
SO WHAT: The Hyde Park Jazz Festival is back in its original form. As always, there is an amazing lineup featuring the likes of Charles McPherson, Chris Greene Quartet, DJ Sadie Woods, David Virelles, Ernest Dawkins Quartet, Jeff Parker (Tortoise member) and so many more! Check out their full schedule over at their website!
NOW WHAT: There is a suggested donation of $10, but the shows are always meant to be free! So donate some cash, keep this wonderful fest alive, and enjoy the show!
THE WHOLE SELF-DISTANCING WEEKEND & BEYOND
Reeling The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival @ Music Box Theatre (opening night only) - 3733 N Southport Ave, Chicago Filmmakers - 1326 W Hollywood Ave, & Landmark Theater 2828 N Clark St, various times
WHAT:This LGBTQ+-focused festival returns in both in-person theater screening and online!
SO WHAT: Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival is the second longest-running film festival of its kind, showcasing the best LGBTQ+ films and videos each year. The festival always delivers a great range of films from award-winning international feature films to social documentaries to experimental shorts. Since things are a little better now, there will be both in person screenings and events in addition to the streaming options from the last couple of years. Head over to their website for more info!
NOW WHAT: See info on tickets and passes here. Individual tickets for the Landmark Theater and Chicago Filmmakers screenings are $12 and a Full In Person pass is $130! Ticket for the Opening Night at Music Box Theatre ar $15 for the film, $40 for the film and pre-party. Single film streaming tickets are $10 and an all-access streaming pass is $125. Virtual film screenings premiere starting September 30 through 10/6.
ChiTown Movies @ Pilsen Neighborhood, 2343 S. Throop St, Various Times, All Ages
WHAT: An old school experience for the modern age
SO WHAT: Take a trip back in time and head out to a drive-in movie with ChiTown Movies. Ever since the pandemic started and shut down traditional movie screening, a few pop up drive-ins have arrived and ChiTown Movies has persevered, offering up modern movies in this retro setting. Check out their lineup below for showings this weekend and in the future!
- 9/22 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - 7:15pm
- 9/23 A Quiet Place (the original) - 11:30pm
- 9/24 The Sandlot – 7:30pm
- 9/24 Nightmare on Elm St. (The Original!) – 10:00pm
- 9/27 Grease - 7:00pm
- 9/28 Mean Girls - 7:00pm
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $33 per car for these movies, so bring the family for a safe movie watching experience
Weekend Shows @ Lincoln Hall & Schubas, 2424 N Lincoln Ave & 3159 N Southport Ave, various times, 18+
WHAT: A full weekend of amazing shows at Schubas and Lincoln Hall!
SO WHAT: Lincoln Hall and Schubas are some of our favorite venues in the city and they always have something great going on. Check out what's going this weekend at these great venues!
- September 22 Mitch Davis @ Schubas
- September 22 - Schubas Open Mic Hosted by Naomi Spungen and Adrienne Stout @ Schubas
- September 22 - Stella Donnelly / Maria BC @ Lincoln Hall
- September 23 - Ivan and Alyosha / Evan Bartels / Alec Shaw@ Schubas
- September 24 - She’s Crafty / DJ Intel @ Schubas
- September 24 - Mr. Dave’s House: A Harry Styles Tribute Show @ Lincoln Hall
- September 25- Beacon / Kaleida @ Schubas
- September 25- Satsang / Graham Good @ Lincoln Hall
NOW WHAT: Head out to Schubas & Lincoln Hall and enjoy this great lineup of shows! Please note: proof of vaccination is required for entry to all shows at Lincoln Hall and Schubas in Chicago. Click here for more information on this policy.
Back on the Big Screen and Virtual Cinema @ Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Ave and at your home, any time you want to watch a movie
WHAT: A great way to support a great local theater
SO WHAT: The Music Box Theatre is really to fill that art house need in you with some excellent movies including with Pearl, Moonage Daydream, Midnight Screenings of Twilight and Rocky Horror Picture Show, a special screening of 3 Women, the return of the Highs and Lows series with The Craft + Duelle and more! But if you want to watch some first-run movies at home, you can still watch great movies and support them online! They are currently screening films via their The Music Box Direct series! There are also tons of select titles available on their new platform!
NOW WHAT: Digital tickets are $12, in person screenings vary, so sit back and enjoy!
New Talks and Video Archives @ Various Locations & Chicago Humanities Festival YouTube channel, your favorite browser or YouTube app, any time you want some inspiration, All Ages
WHAT: Interesting conversations with interesting people!
SO WHAT: Chicago Humanities Festival always brings some of the best ideas to the surface with entertaining programming that captures your imagination. Be on the lookout for updates to the upcoming season as their website is constantly updated with new talks. Here is a taste of what coming in September!
- 10/13 Award-winning Comedian Iliza Shlesinger
- 10/22 Black Women Will Save the World with April Ryan and Valerie Jarrett
- 10/22 Is the Public Still Persuadable? A Conversation with Anand Giridharadas with David Corn
- 10/22 Rick Lowe on the Transformative Power of Public Art
- 10/22 Miranda July on Art in All its Forms with Carrie Brownstein
- 10/22 Innocent & Behind Bars with Daniel S. Medwed
- 10/22 Will Bunch on the Higher Education Divide
- 10/22 Extremism in America: Pushing Back on Radicalism & Saving our Democracy
- 10/22 Somebody Feed Phil Comes to Chicago
- 10/22 Jeff Garlin: Our Man in Chicago with Susie Essman
- 10/23 Margo Price
NOW WHAT: Head over to take a look at their past events here! You should also sign up for their email list to get updates on upcoming talks in 2022.
Masque of the Red Coronavirus! @ Black Button Eyes Productions, Any time on your computer or mobile device. For 18+.
WHAT: Written by Black Button Eyes Productions producing artistic director Ed Rutherford, this short satirical piece is available online free as a combined script-and-video experience.
SO WHAT: In addition to reading the play, you will see various Chicago artists act out portions of the script on video, recorded remotely. The event includes puppets, burlesque, original music, fire dancing and more in a brief, darkly comedic confection.
With the Red Coronavirus running rampant across the countryside and a vaccine still months away, what's a Prince to do? Lock himself in a secure bunker in an undisclosed location along with a cohort of his top donors, of course. To prevent him and his rich supporters from becoming bored, the Prince has also brought a few artists into the bunker to entertain the crowd. But as the hour grows later and the night grows weirder, it's clear that something else has also invaded the party.
NOW WHAT: Settle down for an evening of magical weirdness. Click here and begin reading and watching the videos.