What to Eat, Drink, See and Do in Chicago this September
Chicago Gourmet
"By all these lovely tokens, September days are here. With summer's best of weather and autumn's best of cheer."
– Helen Hunt Jackson
September might just be the most lovely month of the year in Chicago. We still have the vestiges of summer in the warmer weather and patio nights, but the crispness of fall is also there, with the excitement of the holidays on the horizon. So, it makes sense that this month is full of outdoor events as well as new menu items and special offerings. Here’s what’s on our calendar for the month of September…
Chicago Gourmet 2021
What kind of food site would we be if we didn’t mention Chicago Gourmet?! This celebration of all things food is back again, with weeks of events and competitions that cater to every palette. Also this year, Chicago Gourmet will benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF), a 501 (c)(3) dedicated to building and promoting the health and prosperity of the restaurant industry by investing in both youth and workforce. So while you attend the Bar Siena Fitness Series or eat your way through all the Hamburger Hop competitors or sit down at the “Celebrating Leading Ladies” dinner on September 22, you can know your support is going to an amazing cause.
Riot Fest 2021 (September 15-19)
Music fests have hit Chicago throughout the summer, and if you’re feeling comfortable with outdoor crowds, you’re running out of time to attend one. Riot Fest is this coming weekend at the Douglas Park Golf Course, with performers like Lupe Fiasco, The Smashing Pumpkins, Machine Gun Kelly, Slipknot, and more! It’s a wide range of music, running for three days of dancing and fun 🕺 A full COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test will be required to attend Riot Fest 2021.
Dig in to the Nikkei Menu at Tanta
The Tanta rooftop was a must-visit in the summer months, but you should continue to visit this River North favorite into the fall months as well. Aside from their famous cocktail menu, you can also now dig in to their latest addition: the specialty Nikkei Bar menu available only Thursday-Saturday. It’s a beautiful and unique menu with dishes like Cebiche “El Gran Micha” (salmon in smoky aji amarillo + dashi leche de tigre, avocado, cucumber, cilantro, roasted baby corn, sesame) and Nigiri “El Pobre” (aji amarillo sushi rice, torched wagyu skirt, avocado mousse, quail egg, lomito jus, aji amarillo cebichera sauce). Plan your next reservation accordingly to be sure and try these offerings.
Navy Pier Fireworks (September 18)
For a few more weeks, take advantage of one of the most fun parts of Chicago summer. To give us all a few extra excuses to head down to the lakefront and celebrate our beautiful city, Navy Pier is hosting extra fireworks shows this month, with the last one on September 18. Grab a group and head to the waterfront!
via Neil Burger
Celebrate EPIC Burger’s 13th Anniversary (September 21)
This Chicago institution is celebrating an EPIC 13 years in Chicago with $1 burgers on their anniversary. All their locations in the city will offer burgers for a buck and you can come back for multiple visits if you’re a REAL burger lover. They will also have other offerings and giveaways during September so we’ll have multiple opportunities to get our burger on.
Green City Market
Let’s make the most of farmer's markets while we can! Green City Market has their neighborhood markets running into October in Lincoln Park and West Loop so you can continue to get fresh produce, support local brands and farmers, and get out in the fresh fall air with ease. If you want to support Green City Market even further, you can use code GCM21 when you purchase our 2021/2022 Culinary Guide and a portion of your proceeds will go to support their work!
Pilsen Vendor Market (Sundays)
Another market, this one housed at the Pilsen Art House, brings together artists, jewelry makers, apparel sellers, and more every Sunday. It’s perfect for families or those looking for a truly local and unique purchase, with masks required for attendance. Start your holiday shopping early or just treat yourself to a Sunday spent strolling through this beautiful market and neighborhood.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor