What to Eat, Drink, See and Do in Chicago Before Labor Day

Cafe Brauer

Although summer doesn’t really hit the Midwest until October in most years, the “summertime Chi” technically ends on Labor Day. That means you only have a few more weeks left to make the most of the city during her golden months of sunshine and fun. Luckily, restaurants and festivals, products and patios, all abound with summer fun in August and September. Here are the not-to-miss sips, sights and scrumptious meals you should take advantage of before the unofficial start of fall over Labor Day weekend...

Buy the NEW Dine-It-4ward Culinary Guide

Thanks to the success of last year’s Culinary Guide, we are so excited to be offering our second edition of the Dine-It-4ward Culinary Guide! This year it includes even more amazing restaurants, including some of your old favorites like Le Colonial and BLVD Steakhouse, as well as new additions like Lonesome Rose and Furious Spoon. There are so many amazing BOGO offers on carryout and dine-in meals that you can use throughout the next year (until August 2022). You only have to use the guide twice to get your money’s worth!

Hit Up Seltzerland Chicago

Seltzer has become THE drink of summertime, and this day-long festival makes the most of that love! This is a one-of-a-kind experience on August 21 has 100+ unique hard seltzers tastings, mouthwatering munchies and plenty of photo shoot opportunities. Our amazing partners at Bucketlisters Chicago have a discount on tickets so snap them up and celebrate the season with a few (or more than a few) fun drinks in the sun!

Say “Cheers” at WINE RIVAL

WINE RIVAL brings together the best in the wine community for an epic blind tasting tournament on Sunday, August 29. Sixty-four individuals will go head-to-head with the hope of taking home the grand prize: $20,000 cash! There will be a premium Tailgate Tasting before the official WINE RIVAL Tasting Tournament, which will be hosted by Adam Sweders, creator of WINE RIVAL, and Sommelier Jon McDaniel, Food & Wine’s 2018 Sommelier of the Year. You’ll have access to more than 400 wines in a walk-around tasting as well as a grand display of endless bites provided by Siena Tavern and Chef Chef Fabio Viviani, who will also be at the event.

Support Pilot Light Chicago

This amazing nonprofit brings food education in classrooms and homes, bridging the lessons they learn in their classrooms to the foods on their lunch trays, at home, and in their communities. Their work will help create a brighter foodie future for so many children in our neighborhoods, and we’re honored to support their work! You can give back to this cause by purchasing our new 2021/2022 Culinary Guide and using code PILOTLIGHT21 for a discount, and to send 20% of proceeds back to Pilot Light. Get your copy and support local restaurants and Pilot light this summer!

Explore the HideSeek Immersive Experience

With museums and other exhibits re-opening across Chicago, we all have more opportunities for unique experiential fun in the city! This on fulfills a universal dream: to feel like a kid again! HideSeek is inspired by childhood nostalgia so we can all take a break from real life and instead jump into 15 multi-dimensional rooms bursting with bubbles or floor-to-ceiling slinkies. Plus, HideSeek is partnering with Center on Halsted as their Grand Opening charity partner to donate 100% of proceeds from their charity kiosk directly to Center on Halsted’s Youth Mission. They’re supporting Chicago’s youth as well as giving us all a taste of what it means to feel childlike wonder.

Check Out the New Restaurants at Kitchen United Mix

Grab a great meal to go, and find something everyone in your home will like by choosing from the growing list of spots at Kitchen United Mix’s two Chicago spots. They’ve newly added favorite chains like Cheeseburger in Paradise and Peet’s Coffee, as well as favorites that Chicagoans know well like Do-Rite Donuts and The Wing Experience. You can eat there again and again (and again) without ever having to repeat a meal!

Relax on The Patio at Cafe Brauer

If you haven’t visited this intimate patio in Lincoln Park Zoo, don’t miss your chance! It’s a beautiful hidden gem in one of Chicago’s most beautiful spots, perfect for a weeknight date or happy hour with your favorite co-worker. Their nearby Bird’s Eye Bar & Grill also has some of the best city views for a great photo to look back on as the weather cools.

By Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor