It’s time for a final farewell to summer. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of September.
Football Tailgating Tips
The excitement of football season is back, but equally unexciting is the parking at Soldier Field. Why not skip the rush and get there early for a tailgate party? You can show up four hours before the game and stay two hours after. If college football is more your thing, hit up the Lakeside Gameday tailgate and watch party at Northwestern’s temporary field.
Take in all the Art
Happy theater season! Catch the world premiere of Beneath the Willow Tree at the Den Theatre from Sept. 6-29. The classic East Texas Hot Links is returning to the Court Theatre 30 years after its Chicago premiere. Round it up with the Tony Award-winning musical Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations at CIBC Theatre Sept. 24-29.
September is also a good month for film fans. The Music Box Theatre is reopening after renovations that include seats with cup holders. Make it a full cinematic immersion with the Chicago Underground Film Festival and Reeling Film Fest.
How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day
The 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade is back in Little Village Sept. 15 — this year’s theme is “Tu México, Tú Chicago,” and the event will highlight each Mexican state.
After a 10-year hiatus, El Grito de Chicago is hitting Grant Park Sept. 14-15. There will be mariachi, ballet folklórico, and regional food.
Death is a beautiful eventuality, even for leaves. (John Crouch / Getty)
Leaf-Peeping Tips
Become the leaf-peeping MVP with the state’s fall colors trip planner — you can map out peak leaf colors down to the day. Make a road trip out of it with Wisconsin’s interactive Fall color report.
Your Last Summer Hurrahs
Fall doesn’t technically start until Sept. 22, so there’s still time for summer shenanigans. For a bit of astral majesty, Sept. 17 marks the Harvest Moon in Pisces — the last full moon before the fall equinox. The Full Moon Jam will be celebrating at Palmisano Park that evening.
And speaking of the equinox, Chicagohenge — when the sun lines up perfectly with Chicago’s grid — is an opportunity to experience one of the best photo-ops of the year.
