Riot Fest and Carnival
When: Friday, September 11th – Sunday, September 13th; 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. each day
Where: Douglas Park, 1401 S Sacramento Drive, 60623
Why you may want to attend: Because you miss the 90s. The absolute last summertime hurrah will star No Doubt, Modest Mouse, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Damian Marley, and his brother Stephen, plus many more. Due to a lot of fuss from the folks over at Humboldt Park, festivities will occur in Douglas Park on Chicago’s west side.
More info: Riot Fest
Windy City Wine Festival
When: Friday, September 11th from 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. and Saturday, September 12th from 2:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Buckingham Fountain, 301 S Columbus Drive, 60605
Why you may want to attend: Because wine. “The festival provides an opportunity to sample from more than 300 wines from around the world. Learn about new and exciting varieties from the experts in a relaxed festival setting … Some of the area’s best restaurants and caterers will sell their signature dishes. Live music will be performed on the festival stage.”
More info: Windy City Wine Festival
Stars of Lyric Opera at Millennium Park
When: Friday, September 11th at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Jay Pritzker Pavillion
Why you may want to attend: Because this is a free way to catch a glimpse of a Lyric performance before the new season begins. “Each September, Chicago’s music lovers come out to experience the Stars of Lyric Opera at Millennium Park, a free concert under the stars … This year’s concert features excerpts from Rossini’s Cinderella, Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and more, the Millennium Park concert is sure to whet your appetite for the much-anticipated season opening!”
More info: Lyric Opera
Bears vs. Packers
When: Sunday, September 13th at Noon
Where: Soldier Field
Why you may want to attend: Because you miss football and it’s the first game of the season for a currently being made over Bears team.
More info: Tickets available starting at $155 (StubHub)