September 2010 Chicago Events | What's Happening This Month in Chicago | Visitor Things To Do from Chicago Traveler

It's Still Sizzlin' in September!

It’s September and although it’s back-to-school time, the summer fun hasn’t ended and we will still enjoy beautiful weather. In this month’s newsletter, we’re featuring our new Chicago Food Tours Comparison Chart. The number of food tours is growing, so we thought we would provide an overview of the various offerings. Keep in mind that some of the food tours are seasonal, so check those out before the weather turns.

Also this month, we’ve got some theater updates for you with the new season just beginning. September also offers a few end of season outdoor music celebrations, including Latin and Jazz. Our last feature provides an opportunity to revisit last month’s Air & Water Show with some fantastic photography from this event provided by Chicago Photo Shop.

Compare Chicago Food Tours

The number of food tours in Chicago is growing! How can you decide which is best for you? Walking or shuttle bus? Pizza or chocolate? Fast food or fine dining? We’ve assembled a comparison chart to help you decide. Our Food Tour Comparison Chart gives you themes, prices, dining style, etc.

View the Chicago Food Tour Comparison Chart

Chicago Theatre Update

“Shrek the Musical”, which started its national tour in Chicago in July at the Cadillac Palace Theater, will be closing on September 5 – next stop, St. Louis. While this is sad news for those who missed this show, the good news is that “The Lion King” s returning to Chicago, also at the Cadillac Palace Theater, on September 29. The Lion King is a performance you cannot miss! In addition to a heartwarming story, you will be amazed at the intricate and clever costumes, as well as the wonderful music created by Tim Rice and Elton John. Get your tickets now – this performance will close November 27 when the tour moves to Norfolk, VA. Our tip: don’t be late for this performance; the opening sequence is fabulous. Get your Lion King tickets online.

Also opening in September, on the 21st at the Bank of America Theater, is “Rock of Ages”. This will have a short stay in our city, as this show will close on October 3. See former American Idol contestant, Constantine Maroulis, in this Tony award nominated musical featuring the music of Journey, REO Speedwagon, Styx and more! Get your Rock of Ages tickets online at Ticketmaster.

Outdoor Music Festivals

Summer is winding down, but Chicago’s outdoor music festivals are still in full swing. Be sure not to miss these top-notch festivals at some of Chicago’s finest venues.

September 2-5: Chicago Jazz Festival
The Chicago Jazz Festival over Labor Day Weekend (Thursday through Sunday) is a Chicago tradition. On Thursday, see a number of performances at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park in the afternoon, then at Roosevelt University at 5pm. On Friday, performances begin at 12pm at the Chicago Cultural Center, then move to Millennium Park at 4pm for the evening. These venues are new to the Jazz Festival this year but, keeping with tradition, Saturday’s and Sunday’s performances will be held at Grant Park on various stages beginning at 12pm and continuing into the evening. For dining, you can pack a picnic or check out one of the food vendor booths at the festival. Typically, you’ll also see booths for service vendors and an art fair. The Chicago Jazz Festival is a FREE event and one of the most prestigious festivals of its kind.

September 17-18: Latin Music Festival
Millennium Park will host this FREE event celebrating Latin music genres, including Mariachi, Latin Pop and Rock, Salsa and more. Hours are 11:00am to 9:00pm each day, with continuous performances beginning at 12:00pm on the north promenade, south promenade and cloud gate stages; then additional performances beginning at 4:00pm on Saturday and 3:00pm on Sunday on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage. You will also enjoy Latin food, an art fair and a kids’ area.

September 25: Hyde Park Jazz Festival
Yet another FREE event! The Hyde Park Jazz Festival is a one-day event, but it’s a long day – from 1:00pm until 2:00am! The Festival spans thirteen different venues in and around Hyde Park, including the Robie House, DuSable Museum, Smart Museum of Art, Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, just to name a few. The day begins with the University of Chicago Jazz X-tet at noon and ends with Dee Alexander at the International House from midnight until 2:00am. There is a wide variety of restaurants in the Hyde Park neighborhood and many of the festival venues will feature food booths from local establishments, including Goose Island Brewery, Robinson’s Ribs, Hidden Pearl Café and more.

A Soaring Photo Gallery

Did you miss the Chicago’s 2010 Air & Water Show this past August? Did you see the show and want to revisit the excitement? Check out the Air & Water Show Photo Collection provided by Chicago Photo Shop.

For many other September events, see our Chicago Events Calendar

Chicago Highlights is a publication of Chicago Traveler. For more issues, see the Chicago Highlights Archive