Things to Do
PHOTOGRAPHS (FROM TOP): COURTESY MISS SPOKEN; JAY GRABIEC
Things to Do
What’s on this fall
September
FREE Berghoff Oktoberfest If you can’t catch a flight to Munich for this year’s festivities, catching the El to Federal Plaza is the next best thing. The Berghoff returns with one of Chicago’s best Oktoberfest events, complete with three days of live music, German and Bavarian fare and, of course, beer. While double- fisting a brew and brat is nothing out of the ordinary in this city, we do enjoy that it qualifies as a “cultural experience” around this time of year. Swing by the 6pm keg tappings to brighten your evening commute. Federal Plaza, 50 W Adams St (312-427-3170,
theberghoff.com/oktoberfest-in- chicago). Sept 16–18 11am–9pm.
Chicago Fringe Festival Priding itself on leaving the lineup to luck, this fest uses a lottery system to determine its nearly 50-show program of fringe vets and first-time performers. From odd to extraordinary, you never truly know what you might see at Fringe, and that’s the whole point. Prepare to leave your comfort zone and take a chance with unexpected performances, like that of “That’s Weird, Grandma,” written by kids, performed by adults. Various Jefferson Park locations (773-428-9977,
chicagofringe.org). Sept 3–13; single show $10, four- show package $36, 10-show package $80, unlimited-show package $175; $5 admission button required.
Grand Art & Design Festival This festival showcases contemporary and sustainable home designs, including handcrafted objects, furniture, and items for your garden from local vendors. Go on an urban hay ride or take in some live music programmed by the Hideout. The festival is an alliance with the Illinois Food Truck Owners Association and includes Christy Webber Farm & Garden’s Fall Harvest Festival, so you’ll also have plenty to chow down on. Grand Ave between Western Ave and Wood St (
grandartdesign.com). Sept 26, 27 11am–8pm; optional donation $5.
Midnight Circus in the Parks Step right up and see one of the greatest shows in Chicago’s parks, when colorful big tops pop up throughout the city. Acrobats, rope walkers, jugglers and clowns make up these high-flyin’, low costin’ circus shows that benefit local parks. Despite the name, shows run early afternoons and evenings and are fun for the whole family. Various locations (312- 282-6175,
midnightcircus.net). Weekends through Oct 18; Aug 29– Sept 13 $5, Sept 29–Oct 18 $20, children $15.
Randolph Street Market Festival Lose yourself browsing this eight- acre bazaar where more than 250 vendors hawk clothing, jewelry and goods from all over the world. To hipsters and antiquers alike The Fancy Foods Market, adult bevs, vinyl swap and live music are the (rather wonderful) cherries on top. Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union Hall, 1340 W Washington Blvd (312- 666-1200, randolphstreetmarket. com). Last weekend of every month 10am–5pm; $10.
FREERenegade Craft Fair This weekend, Division Street gets pretty darn close to a real-life version of Etsy. Crafters offer their goods for your shopping pleasure at the two- day fest that also boasts workshops, local food vendors and live music. Division St between Damen Ave and Leavitt St (
renegadecraft.com/ chicago). Sept 19, 20 11am–6pm.
Vintage GarageAre you the type who compulsively follows neon- colored signs to any garage sale in sight? How about a thrift store junkie who would furnish their pad with Mad Men set pieces in a heartbeat? If you answered yes to either, free up your third Sundays to spend the day at thisUptown garage where 100-plus vendors offer vintage furniture, vinyl, clothing—honestly anything retro you can imagine. 5051 N Broadway (847-579-9079, vintagegarage
chicago.com). Sept 20, Oct 18, Nov 15 10am–5pm; $5.
October
Bank of America Chicago MarathonOn your marks, get set, cheer! Join the thousands of people along the 26.2-mile trail and support the 45,000-person pack as they complete this major feat (yep, we’re presuming you’re not running). Course begins in Grant Park (
chicagomarathon.com). Oct 11 9am.
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TIMEOUT.COM/CHICAGO September–November 2015
FREEChicago Architecture BiennialExplore the “State of Architecture” this fall at this citywide event bringing in more than 40 architecture firms from around the world to showcase and celebrate architecture and design. Visit Millennium Park to see the kiosk competition designs, or wander through the Expo 72 gallery, which will be filled with architectural installations and serve as the event’s hub. Various locations (
chicagoarchitecturebiennial.org). Oct 1–Jan 3.
Chicago Artists MonthACity as Studio theme runs in tandem with the inaugural Architecture Biennial. For six weeks, hundreds of open houses, art walks, performances, screenings, workshops and exhibitions highlight independent Chicago artists. Various locations (
chicagoartistsmonth.org). Oct 1– Nov 15; various prices.
Chicago Humanities Festival: Citizens This year’s theme addresses what citizenship means in our increasingly connected world and how technology complicates our notion of boundaries, community and responsibility. Top writers and thinkers—including race relations critic Ta-Nehisi Coates, House of Cards executive story editor Laura Eason, Walter Isaacson and Sarah Vowell—present talks you won’t want to miss. Various locations (
chicagohumanities.org/citizens). Oct 24–Nov 8; $20, members $15.
Chicago Ideas WeekInnovators, policy makers and creatives descend on Chicago for this meeting of the minds. Choose from 80-plus events where you can hear David Axelrod and David Gregory talk about the state of our union, attend panels on mental health, join Lagunitas’s brew team or 3-D print a body part. Various locations (312- 906-7419,
chicagoideas.com). Oct 12–18; $TBA.
51st Chicago International Film Festival See Cannes winners like the emotionally charged drama Dheepan make their way through the festival circuit, discover something new at one of many U.S. premieres or get to know emerging filmmakers at this jam-packed festival. More than 150 screenings spanning diverse points of view offer Chicago cinephiles the chance to see something that wouldn’t normally hit our screens so soon. Screenings primarily at AMC River East, 322
Talks on the town
MISS SPOKEN This monthly live lit series puts the focus on female performers discussing a variety of topics. This month, they share tales of mean girls. Readers are brazen and bold, and stories run the emotional gamut from tears to side-splitting laughter backed up by an encouraging crowd. d Gallery Cabaret; Sept 30
AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS America’s favorite self-deprecating humorist who always keeps us chuckling at the absurdities of life delights us with an evening of readings from his work and a Q&A. d Auditorium Theatre; Oct 30
POETRY OFF THE SHELF: JOYCE CAROL OATES Acclaimed novelist, poet and National Humanities Medal winner Oates stops by the Poetry Foundation, where she’ll discuss her illustrious back catalog, including her 2015 memoir, The Lost Landscape. d Poetry Foundation; Oct 16
GLORIA STEINEM IN CONVERSATION WITH ROXANE GAY Author Roxane Gay sits down with this pioneer of the feminist movement to discuss Steinem’s forthcoming memoir, My Life on the Road. Expect thoughtful conversation revolving around the female experience. Preorder Steinem’s book from Women & Children First to attend. d The People’s Church; Oct 29
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