Festivals, free museum days, theater, fall fun, patio drinks and more – plus Chicago Good Life discount codes!

As much as I’m sad to say goodbye to summer, the kids are back in school next week and it’s time to think about football, pumpkins, and those perfect late-summer patio nights. Here’s the Chicago Good Life calendar and discount codes for September 2026! My Minecraft discount expires on September 7, so make sure you grab your tickets by then!

September 2026 Events

Sep 1: Movies in the Park at Revere (Back to the Future)

Sep 2: Illinois Free Wednesday at the Field Museum

Sep 3: Hello Kitty Night at Wrigley Field

Sep 4: Chicago Jazz Festival – Millennium Park, September 3-6, 2026

Sep 5: Taste of Polonia – Copernicus Center, September 4-7, 2026

Sep 6: Midnight Circus at Park No. 596

Sep 8: Pilates and Music at The Green 320

Sep 9: Dirty Dancing: The Musical – September 9-20, James M. Nederlander Theatre

Sep 10: City Market IRL – Thursdays 4-8 PM, Water Tower Place

Sep 11: Homecoming House Party – Shedd Aquarium

Sep 12: El Grito – Grant Park

Sep 13: Andersonville Vintage Market

Sep 15: Jekyll & Hyde – Sep 8-Oct 25, Broadway Playhouse

Sep 17: Englewood Jazz Festival – Sep 17-19, Hamilton Park

Sep 18: Pinata Celebration – Calumet Park

Sep 19: ’80s vs ’90s Night at the Zoo – Lincoln Park Zoo

Sep 20: Lakeview East Festival of the Arts – Sep 19-20

Sep 21: Chicago Wellness Week – Sep 21-27

Sep 22: Lincoln Square Farmers Market – through November

Sep 23: Chicago Gourmet – Sep 23-27

Sep 24: The Playground at Taylor-Lauridsen – a circus theatre show for all ages

Sep 25: Fall Fest – Sep 25-Nov 1, Lincoln Park Zoo

Sep 26: Hyde Park Jazz Festival – Sep 26-27

Sep 27: White Sox Game – Coca Cola Family Sundays

Sep 28: Chicago Full Moon Jam at Palmisano

Sep 29: Happy Hour at Bokeh

Sep 30: Haunted History Tours – Lincoln Park Zoo

For more fall fun, check out our updated Guide to Pumpkin Patches and Apple Orchards!

Cheers!

Christine