Things to Do in the Chicago Area This Weekend

The last weekend of summer is going to feature plenty of things to do around the Chicago area. Whether you want a last-minute summer plan or something that’s more fall-like, there’s plenty to choose from.

Haunted Houses and Festivals

Old Joliet Haunted Prison

WHAT: Scare your socks off at the Old Joliet Haunted Prison, the only haunted house in the area located inside of an abandoned prison.
WHERE: 401 Woodruff Rd, Joliet, IL
WHEN: Opens on Sept 20

13th Floor Haunted House Chicago

WHAT: 13th Floor Haunted House Chicago is billed as one of the country’s most terrifying haunted houses in the country.
WHERE: 5050 River Road, Schiller Park, IL
WHEN: Open select nights between Sept. 13 & Nov. 9

Music Festivals

Riot Fest

WHAT: The 20th anniversary of Riot Fest, known for showcasing punk rock, emo and metalcore musical genres, features music by Blink-182, Weezer, Jack White, Green Day among others.
WHERE: Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Dr. Chicago,
WHEN: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Sept. 19 – Sept 21

Tacos & Tequila Festival

WHAT: The Tacos & Tequila Festival features throwback artists , while offering chef-inspired taco vendors, tequila, and special attractions like Lucha Libre Wrestling, and an Exotic Car Showcase.
WHERE: Northwestern Medicine Field, 34w002 Cherry Ln, Geneva, IL
WHEN: 1:30 p.m. – 11p.m.

Wrigleyville Country Fest

WHAT: Wrigleyville transforms into Nashville’s Music Row during the Wrigleyville Country Fest, with live music and barbecue.
WHERE: Old Crow, Stolen Saddle, Tin Roof & Country Club, 3506 North Clark Street Chicago
WHEN: 11 a.m. on Sept. 20

Jerk, Seafood & Vegan Fest

WHAT: The 9th annual Jerk, Seafood and Vegan Fest features Caribbean jerk, grilled seafood and plant based cuisine with an island twist.
WHERE: Union Park, 1501 W Randolph St, Chicago
WHEN: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Sept. 20 & 21

Taste of Evanston

WHAT: More than 40 restaurants, breweries, and wine shops are taking part in the Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club’s 11th Annual Taste of Evanston.
WHERE: Charles Gates Dawes House (Evanston History Center), 225 Greenwood Street, Evanston, IL
WHEN: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Sept. 21

Clink Wine & Spirits Festival

WHAT: The Clink Wine & Spirits Festival is dedicated to honoring and elevating the invaluable contributions of women, as well as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) within the industry.
WHERE: 401 N Morgan St., Chicago
WHEN: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Sept. 21

Concerts and Comedy

NSC Presents: Leslie Jones – Live!

WHO: Comedian Leslie Jones who gained fame on Saturday Night Live, brings her standup routine to the Chicagoland area.
WHERE: North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL
WHEN: 8 p.m. on Sept 20

Concert: Jessica Simpson

WHO: Singer, actress and fashion mogul Jessica Simpson returns to the stage to showcase her new sound and perform some of her early pop hits.
WHERE: Genesee Theatre, 203 N Genesee St, Waukegan, IL
WHEN: 8 p.m. on Sept. 20

Navy Pier: Chicago Live

WHAT: The 5th annual Chicago Live, featuring more than 100 performers over five stages, including a special appearance by Buddy Guy.
WHERE: Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago,
WHEN: 12n p.m. – 9 p.m. on Sept 20 & 21

Concert: Badshah

WHO: Indian rapper and singer Badshah brings his "Un-finished" tour to the Chicago area.
WHERE: NOW Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy, Hoffman Estates, IL
WHEN: 8 p.m. on Sept. 20

Concert: Lorde

WHO: New Zealand singer songwriter Lorde, who came to fame in 2013 when her debut album made her an international star, si known for her unconventional pop style.
WHERE: United Center, 1901 W Madison St, Chicago
WHEN: 7 p.m. on Sept. 19

Concert: Lee Brice

WHO: South Carolina-born country music singer and songwriter Lee Brice is known for his heartfelt ballads brings his "What You Know About That" Tour to the Chicago area.
WHERE: Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL
WHEN: 7 p.m. on Sept. 20

Concert: Tomorrow X Together

WHO: The south Korean boy group Tomorrow X Together, or TXT, is considered a leader of K-pop’s fourth generation, known for their blend of pop, indie rock, and R&B music.
WHERE: Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, IL
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. on Sept, 21 & 22

Conclusion

The Chicago area has a wide range of events and activities to offer this weekend, from haunted houses and music festivals to concerts and comedy shows. Whether you’re looking for something spooky, something fun, or just something to do, there’s something for everyone in the Chicago area this weekend.

FAQs

• What are some haunted houses in the Chicago area?
  The Old Joliet Haunted Prison and the 13th Floor Haunted House Chicago are two popular haunted houses in the area.
• What music festivals are happening in the Chicago area this weekend?
  Riot Fest, Tacos & Tequila Festival, Wrigleyville Country Fest, and Jerk, Seafood & Vegan Fest are all happening this weekend.
• Who is performing at the Navy Pier: Chicago Live event?
  The 5th annual Chicago Live features more than 100 performers over five stages, including a special appearance by Buddy Guy.
• What is the Clink Wine & Spirits Festival?
  The Clink Wine & Spirits Festival is dedicated to honoring and elevating the invaluable contributions of women, as well as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) within the industry.
• Where can I find more information about the events happening in the Chicago area this weekend?
  You can find more information about the events happening in the Chicago area this weekend by visiting the websites of the individual event organizers or by checking out local event listings.