Want to know what’s happening this weekend in Chicago? Look no further. There’s a whole calendar of exciting events, exhibits, and activities taking place all over the city this month in Chicago.

This weekend in Chicago is jam-packed with neighborhood festivals, artisan markets, jaw-dropping art exhibits, riveting live theatre, family-friendly fun, exciting cultural events, and so much more.

Check out just a few of the top things to do this weekend in Chicago, Sept. 19 – 21, 2025.

Chicago Live!
Sept. 20 – 21
Chicago Live!

The Largest Free Performing Arts Festival in the Midwest returns this September! Navy Pier’s free two-day Chicago Live! performing arts festival returns for the fifth…

Saturday September 20, 2025
riot-fest
Sept. 19 – 21
Riot Fest

Enjoy the annual festival and carnival in Douglass Park featuring headlining performances from Blink 182, Alkaline Trio, Weird Al Yankovic, and more.

Friday September 19, 2025 Sunday September 21, 2025

Douglass Park

Chicago Architecture Biennial 2017
Sept. 19 – 21
Chicago Architecture Biennial

Explore cutting-edge projects and ideas from global contributors at North America’s largest architecture and design festival. All events are free and open to the public.

Friday September 19, 2025 Saturday February 28, 2026

Citywide

Dia de los Muertos at the National Museum of Mexican Art
Sept. 19 – 21
Día de Muertos: A Celebration of Remembrance

The Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s most extraordinary traditions, which celebrates the lives of those who have passed away. The National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen is holding their 39th annual exhibit dedicated to Day of the Dead customs and traditions.

National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W. 19th St.
Chicago, IL 60608

21C Museum Hotel
Sept. 19 – 21
Chicago Exhibition Weekend

Fifty galleries and cultural spaces across the city unite to spotlight Chicago’s thriving arts scene with special programs and exhibitions.

Friday September 19, 2025 Sunday September 21, 2025

Citywide

Reeling Film Festival
Sept. 19 – 21
Reeling Film Festival

Reeling is thrilled to invite audiences to enjoy in-person theater screenings at the following venues: Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N Clark St Chicago Filmmakers,…

Sept. 19 – 28, 2025
Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema
2828 N Clark St
erik-mclean-PFfA3xlHFbQ-unsplash
Sept. 19 – 21
Rhinoceros Theater Festival

Now in its 36th year, Rhinoceros Theater Festival is Chicago’s longest-running fringe theatre event. Choose from dozens of shows hosted at intimate Chicago venues.

Thursday September 4, 2025 Sunday September 28, 2025

Multiple venues

Ashland Avenue
Sept. 19 – 21
Ashland Avenue

“You gotta start living your life right now. Because someday you’ll wake up and it’s over.” Pete’s TV and Video has served Chicagoland for 40+…

Sept. 6 – Oct. 5, 2025
Goodman Albert Theatre
170 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL, 60601
Illinois Holocaust Museum presents Experience360
Sept. 19 – 21
Illinois Holocaust Museum presents Experience360

Illinois Holocaust Museum presents Experience360 provides a panoramic view through history and truth, inviting visitors of all backgrounds to witness stories of survival, ask questions, and reflect…

Sept. 19 – 21, 2025
Illinois Holocaust Museum presents Experience360
360 N State St
Mr. Wolf
Sept. 19 – 21
Mr. Wolf

12 years ago, Theresa was stolen from her parents. Now a precocious 15-year-old, she has been rescued and returned to a family that had nearly…

Sept. 11 – Nov. 2
Living in the Shade: Open Space and Public Housing
Sept. 19 – 21
Living in the Shade: Open Space and Public Housing

This exhibition at the National Public Housing Museum explores the role of open space—large lawns and tenant gardens, paved paths and play spaces, shady seating…

Sept. 19 – 21, 2025
National Public Housing Museum
919 S. Ada St.
The Messi Experience Chicago
Sept. 19 – 21
The Messi Experience Chicago

The Messi Experience is an immersive and interactive multimedia exhibition inspired by the life and career of Lionel Messi. As part of its world tour,…

Sept. 19 – 21, 2025
2367 W Logan Blvd Chicago, IL 60647
2367 W Logan Blvd
Big Bus Tours’ Sunset Live Tour
Sept. 19 – 21
Big Bus Tours’ Sunset Live Tour

Big Bus Tours, the global leader in open-top bus sightseeing, invites visitors to experience the enhanced Sunset Live Tour in Chicago. Available May 8 through…

May 8 – Oct. 18, 2025
618 N Clark St.
618 N. Clark St

Explore our events calendar for more Chicago events and happenings.

Please note that all events are subject to change.