Searching for what to do this weekend in Chicago? Below are the top things to do in Chicago this weekend (September 20-22, 2024). (If you are planning ahead, you can also find the best things to do next weekend here.)
I suggest bookmarking this blog post as it is updated regularly with new events and activities.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission if you make a booking using my links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Best Weekend Events in Chicago
Below are the best weekend events in Chicago:
West Loop Bavarian Block Party – September 20-21, 2024
Riot Fest – September 20-22, 2024
World Music Festival Chicago – September 20-29, 2024
Chicago Gourmet – September 21-29, 2024
Chicago Live! (at Navy Pier) – September 21-22, 2024 | FREE two-day performing arts festival showcasing the best of Chicago’s arts and cultural community
JSVFest (Jerk, Seafood & Vegan Festival) – September 21-22, 2024
Midwest Black Restaurant Week 2024 – September 8-22, 2024
Oksoberfest: An alcohol-free celebration at Lincoln Park Zoo – Friday, September 20, 2024
Bronzeville Trolley Tour – Friday, September 20, 2024 from 6-9pm | FREE
World Dumpling Fest (Logan Square) – Saturday, September 21, 2024
Oktoberfest at Lincoln Park Zoo – Saturday, September 21, 2024
Family Field Day Powered by Nike – Saturday, September 21, 2024
Chicago Football Classic – Saturday, September 21, 2024
2024 Oui Run 5K Run – Sunday, September 22, 2024, 8am
Amy Winehouse Under The Stars – Sunday, September 22, 2024
More Weekend Events in Chicago
Below are more events taking place this weekend in Chicago:
Englewood Jazz Festival – September 19-21, 2024
Chicago Vintage Festival Gold Coast – September 21-22, 2024
The League of Women Voters Presents Democracy at Risk at the Gene Siskel Film Center – September 16–21, 2024
Reeling Film Festival – September 19-29, 2024
Midnight Circus in the Parks at Jefferson Park – September 21-22, 2024
Chi Food Truck Fest – Friday, September 20, 2024, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Opening Reception: Día de Muertos, Where the Past is Present at National Museum of Mexican Art – Friday, September 20, 2024, 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Millennium Park Residency Program: Vocalo’s Summer Finale – Friday, September 20, 2024, 6-9pm | FREE
Island Party Hut Fall Fest on the Riverwalk – Saturday, September 21, 2024
8th Annual Beer in the Woods (LaBagh Woods) – Saturday, September 21, 2024, 1-5pm
Mid-Autumn Moon Festival at Burnham – Saturday, September 21, 2024, 5-7pm
Andersonville Vintage Market – Sunday, September 22, 2024, 10am-4pm
Chicago Asian Pop-Up Cinema Mid Autumn Festival Screening: “The Midsummer’s Voice” – Sunday, September 22, 2024, 2-4:15pm | FREE
Millennium Park Residency Program: Old Town School of Folk Music – Sunday, September 22, 2024, 5-9pm | FREE
More Things to Do in Chicago This Weekend
In addition to the weekend events listed above, below are more of the best things to do in Chicago this weekend:
Take an Architecture River Cruise
Chicago has amazing architecture and the best way to enjoy it is joining an architecture river cruise.
Take a Lake Cruise
If you enjoy being on the water, a lake cruise is a fun activity whether in the day, around sunset and in the evening. While you don’t get to see the buildings up close like on a architecture river cruise, you do get to enjoy skyline views and a refreshing cool lake breeze. If your time is short, you can do a combination river and lake cruise. Lake cruises depart from Navy Pier or the Michigan Avenue bridge.
Look for Street Art
Chicago is full of street art and there are always new murals popping up. One of the most famous Chicago murals is “Moose Bubblegum Bubble” (pictured above) by Jacob Watts located at 33 E. Ida B. Wells Drive. It is part of the Wabash Arts Corridor which is walking distance to Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago and other tourist attractions.
Another famous mural is the Greetings From Chicago Mural at 2226 N Milwaukee Ave. You can see this mural and other street art on this street art tour.
Check Out the New Flyover Chicago at Navy Pier
Flyover Chicago, an immersive flyover experience, is Chicago’s newest attraction.
Other fun attractions at Navy Pier include a large Ferris wheel (click here to purchase a fast pass ticket and skip the long line) and other rides and games.
Navy Pier is also home to the Chicago Children’s Museum which is perfect for toddlers and younger kids.
Titanic: The Exhibition
Titanic: The Exhibition is ending its limited time run in the Chicago area in a few weeks. This interactive experience allows you to step inside recreations of the Titanic’s interior. Immerse yourself in the stories of its passengers, see hundreds of artifacts, and discover the tale of the design, creation, launch, maiden voyage, and tragedy of the historic ship.
Where: 4963 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, IL 60077 (about 17 miles from downtown Chicago)
Cost: Price varies. Click here for full prices and to purchase tickets in advance.
As you can see there are many things to do in #Chicago this weekend. If you are looking for more things to do in the Chicago area, you can find the best things to do in the suburbs here. If you are looking for things to do during the week, you can find more things to do in Chicago in September here.
