Events · Chicago & Suburbs · September 2026
Your Weekend Guide to Chicago & the Suburbs —
September 4–6, 2026
Get set for a weekend packed with diverse activities across Chicago and its suburbs! From music festivals and cultural celebrations to exciting outdoor events, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Check out the exciting events happening this weekend!
Chicago Jazz Fest
A Chicago tradition for more than 40 years, the festival attracts musicians and music fans from all over the world to lakefront Millennium Park for four days of unforgettable live jazz performances. Check out this year’s exciting lineup and start planning your visit.
Taste of Polonia
The largest and oldest Polish festival in the USA! Join us for an unforgettable four-day festival featuring nonstop live music, captivating dance performances, authentic Polish cuisine and beer, engaging exhibitions, local vendors, and a dedicated Kids Zone with a variety of exciting activities.
North Coast
Dance the weekend away at this multi-day music fest, bringing the best in EDM, house, hip-hop, techno, and more to SeatGeek Stadium in nearby Bridgeview.
The Great American Lobster Fest
Sink your claws into fresh Maine lobster flown in daily from the east coast, sip on ice-cold drinks, browse craft vendors, and jam to live music performances, all with stunning Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline as your backdrop.
Labor Day Parade & Eddie Fest
The 2026 Chicago Labor Day Parade route will tentatively begin at E 112th Street and S Ave F on Chicago’s Southeast Side. The parade route will then head north up S Ewing Avenue to E 106th Street, where parade entries will disband near 3940 E 106th St. Eddie Fest, formerly known as Friends of Labor Fest, celebrates workers and the Chicago labor movement.
Bike The Drive
Grab your bike and reconnect with friends and family on DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Whether you’re new to biking or a seasoned veteran, biking with your family or with friends, Bike the Drive is an event to remember. With sweeping views of the lake and skyline, you’ll enjoy fresh air and the wind on your face! Ride as little or as much of the 30-mile course as you’d like, and then enjoy a post-ride festival in Grant Park. No bike? No problem! Rentals are available.
Septemberfest 2026
Schaumburg Septemberfest, the village’s flagship event, is a three-day festival held over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Septemberfest was originally established in 1971 by local charitable organizations as a way to raise funds while providing an alternative to holiday travel for local residents.
Evanston Folk Festival Day Party
You're invited to a free Labor Day party on the Space patio from 12pm-4pm. Stop by to pick up your 2-day EFF wristbands in advance of the festival, and stick around for the party! DJ Faithful Anchor will be spinning Folk, Americana and more. We'll have free hamburgers and hot dogs (while supplies last), and more fun activities TBA! So come on by and check it out.
Rod Stewart
Ravinia presents Rod Stewart. On a warm summer evening, there’s nothing like a concert at Ravinia Festival. Just north of Chicago in charming Highland Park, guests can relax on a blanket under the stars, enjoy a picnic with friends, and listen to world-class music—from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to jazz, rock, and pop. With glowing lights and warm breezes, a night at Ravinia is a true Chicago-area summer tradition.
Water Lantern Festival
Experience an unforgettable evening of magic, reflection, and connection at the Water Lantern Festival. Enjoy live music, food, and activities before personalizing your lantern with a message, wish, or memory. As the sun sets, join hundreds of others in launching your lantern onto the water, creating a breathtaking display of glowing lights and a shared moment you’ll never forget.
Crystal Lake Half Marathon and 12k
Registration is now open for the 7th Annual Crystal Lake Half Marathon & 12K, taking place Sunday, September 6th. Enjoy the sites of Crystal Lake Illinois with the start at iconic Crystal Lake Main Beach, a loop around Lippold Park, a view of the Dole Mansion, a jaunt down the Prairie Path, and finish up in downtown Crystal Lake.
Sawyer Sunday Fun Day
Join The Forge: Lemont Quarries at the Kids Discovery Zone for nature-themed stories, hands-on crafts and a meet-and-greet with Sawyer and Cindy Squirrel.
Allie Payne Group at Compass
Enjoy Your Weekend —
And If Home Is on Your Mind, Let's Talk.
Whether you're exploring a new neighborhood this weekend or thinking about what comes next, we're always here to help you navigate it.
