CHICAGO — With October just around the corner, Chicagoans can celebrate all things autumnal at the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple fest, revel in Asian tradition during Chinatown’s Moon Festival and embark on an Oktoberfest brewery crawl.
There are also neighborhood art walks, a sundown-to-sunup Indian classical music concert, free horror film screenings, a Rogers Park magic show and more.
Here’s a roundup of 35 things to do in Chicago this weekend:
West Town Art Walk
5-8 p.m. Friday, noon-8 p.m. Saturday
Various locations through West Town. Find a list of participating locations here.
Stroll through West Town and stop by local businesses and galleries to see artwork by local creators. The two-day art walk is self-guided, which means you can join in on the fun by visiting any of the participating businesses. Find a list and map of participating locations online, plus a mapped-out tour along West Chicago Ave.
Moon Festival
5-10 p.m. Saturday
Chinatown Square, 2130 S. Archer Ave.
Moon Festival, also known as Mid-Autumn Festival, is one of the most significant Asian cultural traditions alongside Lunar New Year. It is a time to honor the full moon and celebrate family and loved ones. Chicagoans can indulge in moon cakes, raise a glass of traditional chrysanthemum flower wine and watch as lanterns light up Chinatown in celebration. RSVP for free online.
St. Helen Carnival
5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-8 p.m. Sunday
St. Helen School, 2347 W. Augusta Blvd.
This family-friendly fest features three days of carnival rides, music, food, beer and more. All proceeds support the St. Helen School and educational programming. Mega Passes for unlimited rides are $55 online.
Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest
9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Lincoln Avenue between Lawrence and Sunnyside avenues
Usher in fall with this 36th annual Apple Fest. Stock up on fall essentials from more than 50 vendors, sip on ciders, taste apple-inspired dishes, enjoy live music, family activities and more.
Chicago Brewing District Oktoberfest Crawl
Noon-10 p.m. Saturday
From Chicago Avenue to Lake Street, between Ashland and Western avenues
West Town breweries are joining forces to highlight the area’s slew of craft beer options with an Oktoberfest brew crawl. Participating breweries will each pour their own Oktoberfest brews and host various events and entertainment, including live music. While the breweries are within walking distance of each other, there will also be free shuttle service from 1-6 p.m.
‘Chicago Style, Hold the Ketchup’ Art Show
6-10 p.m. Saturday
All Star Press, 2775 N. Milwaukee Ave.
To celebrate its 6th anniversary, Logan Square art gallery, retail space and print studio All Star Press is hosting an art show all about the glorious Vienna Beef hot dog — sans ketchup, Chicago-style. The show features a curated lineup of artists who will be showcasing prints, paintings, pins, plushies, stickers, toys and more. Contact hello@allstarpresschicago.com with any inquiries.
Indie Park Fest
11:30 a.m. Saturday
Independence Park, 3945 N. Springfield Ave.
Celebrate Chicago artists like Puerto Rican group Piraguas y Piropos, the improvisational Lunar Ticks and rock band The Laughing Hearts at this local music fest. There will be more than 10 vendors selling self-care products, baked goods, crochet plushies and more. A kids’ corner with face-painting, crafts and bounce houses will also be available from noon to 2 p.m. A $15 donation is recommended, and funds directly support the performing artists. Find the line-up of performers and vendors here.
Cider Fest
6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday
Artifact Events, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.
This inaugural fest features an array of local and regional ciders, music by Treblemonsters and outdoor patio games. Food will also be available for purchase. This is a 21+ event and dogs are welcome. Tickets are $28 online, which includes tasting from 25 cider brands.
Silent Macabre Matinee
Doors open 2 p.m., show starts 3 p.m. Sunday
Patio Theater, 6008 Irving Park Rd.
As part of Patio Theater’s 2nd annual HalloScream Phantasy Horror Festival, neighbors can get free admission to silent horror films Sunday, including “The House of the Devil” and “The Haunted House.” There will also be a showing of the 1935 film “Phantom of the Opera.” The Sunday matinee features live theater organ accompaniment by Jay Warren.
Andersonville Arts Weekend
Various times and locations Friday-Sunday
More than 100 artists will be showcasing their works in shops across Andersonville this weekend. Neighbors can take a self-guided walk along Clark Street to browse a plethora of painting, music, film, theater, visual art and dance creations on display. There will also be street fests, performances and a history-focused tour of the neighborhood. For a full list of events and participating vendors and businesses, click here.
Teens In The Park Fest
1-5 p.m. Saturday
Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St.
Support young Chicago artists as they showcase their talents, including singing, rapping, dancing and poetry. Performers are between the ages of 14 and 24. The top three winners will receive $500, $250 and $150 in prizes, respectfully. The fest is free to attend.
Chicago Exhibition Weekend
Various times and locations Friday-Sunday
Explore more than 55 art galleries, institutions and artist-run spaces at the inaugural Chicago Exhibition Weekend, or CXW. Participating venues include the Museum of Contemporary Art, Art Institute of Chicago, the DuSable Museum, Comfort Station, Englewood Arts Collective, Hyde Park Art Center, Very Serious Gallery and dozens of others. There will also be a variety of citywide programs and activations, including an opening night dinner, giveaways and a closing night dance party. You can find daily schedules, a map and more information on programming here.
Melodies of Autumn Waters: Jade Chinese Music Concert
3-5 p.m. Sunday
University of Chicago – Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St.
Enjoy an enchanting afternoon of traditional and contemporary Chinese music at this free concert by Jade Chinese Music Ensemble. Download the Hungry Panda app and register for a free bubble tea at the event.
Board Games With Snakes & Lattes
1 p.m. Sunday
Alamo Drafthouse Chicago, 3519 N. Clark St. – 3rd floor
Let the games begin. Alamo Drafthouse is teaming up with board game cafe Snakes and Lattes for a day of party games, strategy games, two-player games and more. All ages are welcome. RSVP online.
Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St.
This 9th annual free fest features musical entertainment, live chalk art, story times, professional pumpkin carvers and more every weekend through October. There will also be ticketed attractions including a carousel ride, pumpkin patch, maze, train adventure and bounce house. Learn more here.
Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival
Various times and locations Thursday-Sunday
The 6th annual edition of Destinos kicks off Thursday, showcasing Latino theater artists and companies from Chicago, the U.S. and Latin America. The fest is produced by the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance and will bring 17 new productions to the city. Destinos runs through Nov. 12. Find the full lineup and performance information online.
‘Tapestry of A Land’ Book Talk With Mobeen Ansari
3-5 p.m. Saturday
South Asia Institute, 1925 S. Michigan Ave.
Photojournalist and filmmaker Mobeen Ansari is coming to the South Asia Institute to share his journey as an acclaimed photographer and his two books highlighting Pakistani culture and people. He has worked extensively on human interest stories, global health and migration, and his work has been displayed around the world. Ansari will be selling limited autographed hard copies of his second book, “White in the Flag,” for $60. RSVP online. Admission is free, and books can be purchased when registering.
World Music Festival
Various times and locations Friday-Sunday
Chicago’s World Music Festival wraps up 10 days of consecutive live, global performances this weekend. Music lovers can attend an all-night Indian classical music concert, a global peace picnic and performances by Malawi and Brazilian bands. Learn more about the performances and RSVP online.
South Side Science Festival
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday
University of Chicago Science Quad, 929 E. 57th St.
Explore the world of science, check out live experiments and demonstrations and enjoy food and music at this South Side fest. All ages are welcome. RSVP online.
Oktoberfest: Beer n’ BBQ Festival
Noon-6 p.m. Saturday
Navigator Taproom, 2211 N. Milwaukee Ave. #100
Break out your steins for this 3rd annual Beer n’ BBQ Festival, with more than 10 German beers, over 40 other craft options, smoked meats and German bratwurst. All barbecue proceeds go to Operation BBQ Relief, a nonprofit providing comfort and hot meals to communities in need nationwide. RSVP for free online. All attendees will be entered into a raffle to win prizes.
Creature Feature: An Improvised Monster of the Week Show
10-11:30 p.m. Saturday
Otherworld Theatre, 3914 N. Clark St.
Watch as a “villainous host” screens a horror movie on stage only to discover missing scenes. A cast of improvisers “freshly summoned from the netherworld” will make up for the lost footage by re-creating them on stage. Tickets are $20 online. The show runs every Saturday through Nov. 4.
5K Beer Run X Alarmist Brewing
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
Alarmist Brewing, 4055 W. Peterson Ave.
Run, walk or jog through a 5K race this weekend, starting and ending at a taproom and weaving through Sauganash. All participants will receive a free craft brew, a collector’s pint glass or seasonal swag item and a chance to win prizes like more merchandise or beer. There will also be live music, games and giveaways. The race is open to all ages and levels. A portion of proceeds support local groups like Chicago Parks Foundation and Chicago Run. Registration starts at $35 online, or sign up to volunteer.
Tank and The Bangas With The Chicago Philharmonic
7:30 p.m. Saturday
Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr.
Funky, soulful hip-hop group Tank and The Bangas are sharing the stage with the Chicago Philharmonic for an orchestral concert experience. Tickets start at $39 online.
AIDS Run & Walk
8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.
Help raise money for Chicagoans living with and vulnerable to HIV at Saturday’s AIDS Foundation Chicago event. Since its inception in 2001, it has had more than 24,500 participants and raised $6 million to battle the HIV epidemic. Individuals can register $40 online. They can also join or create teams, sign up to volunteer or donate. Find the full schedule and more information here.
‘The Perfect Amount of Wrong’ Live in Chicago
6 p.m. Saturday
The Lincoln Lodge, 2040 N. Milwaukee Ave.
In his new book “The Perfect Amount of Wrong,” writer, stand-up comic, actor and podcaster Mike Bridenstine chronicles the famed late ‘90s and early 2000s Chicago comedy scene. He’ll be joined by fellow stars that came up from that scene, including CJ Sullivan, Renee Gauthier, Sean Flannery and others. Tickets are $15 online.
Millennium Hall Oktoberfest
11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday
Millennium Hall, 11 N. Michigan Ave.
Celebrate Oktoberfest in the city’s largest beer garden in the heart of Millennium Park. Enjoy German beer and bites, big Jenga, beer pong, face painting, balloon artists, a performance by The Giving Moon and more. Admission is free. RSVP online.
Beer in the Woods
2-6 p.m. Saturday
LaBagh Woods, 4600-4628 W. Foster Ave.
Connect with friends and nature while sampling local craft beers and ciders. The 7th annual Beer in the Woods is hosted by Friends of the Forest Preserves, an independent conservation advocacy organization. Non-drinker tickets for attendees 5 years and older are $15, general admission tickets for anyone 21 and older are $55 and VIP tickets are also available. Get yours online. Children younger than 5 get in free. All proceeds support the group’s advocacy work, Conservation Corps programs and community engagement initiatives.
‘Selfhood’ Fashion Show
7 p.m. Friday
WNDR Museum, 1130 W. Monroe St.
Logan Square native Letesha Renee is debuting a new fashion line at WNDR with a runway show and music by DJs Simmy and Cashera. There will also be fashion activations like custom tailoring and a chain-making station. Renee’s brand, Eugene Taylor, is a Black woman-owned design house offering a range of genderless clothing. Tickets are $50 for General Admission, $120 for VIP and $145 for Platinum VIP. They are available for purchase here.
The Whistler’s 15th Anniversary Celebrations
6 p.m. Thursday, 9:30 p.m. Friday, 10 p.m. Saturday
The Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Logan Square craft cocktail bar The Whistler is celebrating 15 years with the launch of an exclusive cocktail recipe booklet Thursday, live music by TTTTotally Dudes Friday and DJ ZZZosma spinning her favorite soul, disco, funk, hip hop and house tunes Saturday.
The Zabrecky Hour
7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday
Rhapsody Theater, 1328 W. Morse Ave.
Renowned magician Zabrecky will hold residency at Rogers Park’s Rhapsody Theater through October. His theatrical one-man show features magic, comedy, music, dance, audience interaction and more. Tickets are $20-80 online.
Performance Art In The Parks
Noon-3 p.m. Saturday
Horner Park, 2741 W. Montrose Ave.
Local art collective Out of Site is offering a collaboration between Chicago artists and artists from Rotterdam for live performances at the park. The group’s performances will explore issues around identity, both cities’ bodies of water and the role of migration and immigration in creating connections between cities and people. Attendees are invited to bring picnic baskets and blankets and to stay for as long as they like.
A House Music Day Party
3-9 p.m. Saturday
The Point, 1565 N, Milwaukee Ave.
Celebrate house music with The Chosen Few’s Terry Hunter and Mike Dunn. Tickets start at $7.50 online.
Irene Tu Stand-Up Comedy
7 p.m. Thursday
The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.
LA-based stand-up comedian, actor and writer Irene Tu released her first comedy album this year, debuting at #1 on the iTunes comedy charts. A regular at festivals and clubs nationwide, she’s making her way to The Den Theatre stage tonight. This is a two-drink minimum event. Online ticket sales are no longer available, but tickets may still be available at the box office.
Michael Ian Black
7:15 p.m. Sunday
The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.
The Chicago-born and New Jersey-raised actor, writer and comedian returns to the city this weekend for a show in Wicker Park. Michael Ian Black launched his career with The State sketch comedy troupe and went on to co-create and star on TV shows like “Stella” and “Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp.” Tickets start at $28 online.
‘Angst’ Film Screening
11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Music Box Theater, 3733 N. Southport Ave.
“Angst” is a documentary featuring Michael Phelps that explores anxiety and its affects on youth, families and communities. Along with a matinee screening, there will be a silent auction and post-film gathering with food and drinks. Learn more here. Registration is $50 online.
PLUS: Six Picks From Our Partners At
Macklemore
7:30 p.m. Friday
Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave.
Live it up with Macklemore this Friday at Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom.
Måneskin
8:30 p.m. Friday
Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Rd.
Rock out with Måneskin on their Rush! World Tour at the Allstate Arena. Secure your tickets!
Dim Sum & Drag
11:30 a.m. Saturday
Furama Restaurant, 4936 N. Broadway St.
Watch Asian drag kings and queens perform at Furama for Dim Sum & Drag on September 30th. Win tickets with Do312 now!
Sam Morril
7:30 p.m. Saturday
The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.
Enjoy tons of laughs with Sam Morril at The Chicago Theatre. Do312’s also giving away tickets.
Pat Metheny
8 p.m. Sunday
Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St.
Jam with Pat Metheny at Thalia Hall this Sunday.
BabyJake
8 p.m. Sunday
Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave.
Catch BabyJake at Subterranean this Sunday.
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