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6 Can't-Miss September Events In Chicago

By Gavin Lipinski By Gavin Lipinski | August 28, 2024 | Events Calendar, Feature, Features, Featured,

From a Tony Award-winning play to a cutting-edge immersive experience, here’s what has Chicago buzzing this month.

Chicago Gourmet attracts thousands of foodies for a series of lively—and delicious—events featuring some of the city’s top chefs. PHOTO BY GARRETT BAUMER
Chicago Gourmet attracts thousands of foodies for a series of lively—and delicious—events featuring some of the city’s top chefs.

Illuminarium

Dates: Ongoing

600 E. Grand Ave. / Website

Explore a 32,000-square-foot immersive adventure at Navy Pier’s latest attraction, Illuminarium, where cutting-edge technology transports visitors on virtual journeys like an African safari and moon exploration, promising unforgettable sensory experiences in lifelike environments.

Andrea Carlson: Shimmer on Horizons

Dates: Through Feb. 2

220 E. Chicago Ave. / Website

The Museum of Contemporary Art presents Andrea Carlson’s first solo exhibition in Chicago, Shimmer on Horizons, as part of its ongoing Chicago Works series focused on local artists. The works in this exhibition reflect through painting, video, and sculpture how the land holds memories of colonial expansion and violence, as well as Indigenous presence and resistance.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Dates: Sept. 10 - Feb. 2

24 W. Randolph St. / Website

Six-time Tony Award-winning play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child makes its touring production world premiere at the James M. Nederlander theater in the heart of the city’s theatre District. Set 19 years after the wizarding world was saved, it follows Harry, Ron, Hermione and a new generation of Hogwarts students through an extraordinary adventure with the power to alter the past and future forever.

Noises Off

Dates: Sept. 12 - Oct. 27

Downstairs theater, 1650 N. Halsted St. / Website

Kicking off Steppenwolf theatre’s 2024/25 season, Michael Frayn’s iconic comedy Noises Off dives into the behind-the-scenes chaos of a struggling theater troupe, offering a hilarious tribute to the unpredictable world of stage productions. With Tony-winning ensemble member Anna D. Shaparo directing, audiences can expect hilarity from a decidedly Steppenwolf perspective.

World Music Festival Chicago

Dates: Sept. 20 - 29

78 E. Washington St. / Website

Experience vibrant performances by international and local artists at venues citywide—all free to attend—at the annual World Music Festival Chicago. Dozens of performers from Brazil, South Korea and beyond grace this 10-day event, offering a diverse array of musical traditions.

Chicago Gourmet

Dates: Sept. 21 - 29

205 E. Randolph St. / Website

One of the city’s most anticipated annual culinary events, this week-end-long food festival takes place at Millennium Park’s Harris theater rooftop and features more than 100 top chefs, including luminaries like Rick Bayless, Dominique Leach and Jenner Tomaska. This year’s event blends fashion and food like the Hamburger Hop, where sneaker-clad chefs dress up in hopes of being crowned as America’s Next Top Burger.


Tags: Gavin Lipinski

Photography by: GARRETT BAUMER

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