Chicago, IL – Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, but there’s no shortage of events across the Chicago area to help you celebrate. From food and music festivals to outdoor adventures and concerts, the city and suburbs are buzzing with options. Here’s a look at what’s happening:
Chicago Jazz Fest
When: Aug. 28, 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; Aug. 29, 12–9 p.m.; Aug. 30–31, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Where: Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., and Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.
Produced by DCASE and the Jazz Institute of Chicago, this free festival celebrates jazz in all its forms with performances throughout downtown.
North Coast Music Festival
When: Aug. 29–31, 2 p.m.–12 a.m.
Where: SeatGeek Stadium, 7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview
Now in its 15th year, the festival brings some of the biggest names in electronic dance music to Chicagoland.
ARC Music Festival
When: Aug. 29–31
Where: Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St.
Dedicated to house and techno, ARC features an international lineup of DJs and producers in a multi-day celebration of electronic music.
Taste of Polonia
When: Aug. 29–31
Where: Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago
Celebrate Polish culture with authentic food, beer, live music, and family activities at this community favorite.
African Festival of the Arts
When: Aug. 30–Sept. 1, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Where: Washington Park, Chicago
Now in its 35th year, this event is billed as Chicago’s largest celebration of global Black culture, featuring art, food, music, and vendors.
Bike The Drive
When: Aug. 31, 6 a.m. – 12 noon
Where: Butler Field in Grant Park, 235 S. Columbus Dr., Chicago
This annual fundraiser for the Active Transportation Alliance closes DuSable Lake Shore Drive to car traffic, giving cyclists the rare chance to ride freely along the iconic stretch.
Bristol Renaissance Faire – Closing Weekend
When: Closes Sept. 1
Where: 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, WI
It’s your last chance of the season to visit this immersive Elizabethan village with costumed performers, jousting, and themed entertainment.
Concert: The Whispers
When: Aug. 30, 7 p.m.
Where: Country Club Hills Amphitheater, 4150 183rd St., Country Club Hills
The legendary R&B group brings decades of hits to the stage for a soulful evening performance.
Concert: Falling in Reverse
When: Aug. 30, 6:15 p.m.
Where: Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, 19100 Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park
Known for blending metalcore with punk, rap, and electronic sounds, the band delivers a high-energy show.
Concert: My Chemical Romance
When: Aug. 29, 6 p.m.
Where: Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Chicago
The New Jersey rock band performs its signature mix of emo, alternative, and punk in one of Chicago’s biggest venues.
Concert: The Lumineers
When: Aug. 30, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Chicago
The folk-rock band from Denver brings its “Automatic World Tour” to the city.
Concert: System of a Down and Avenged Sevenfold
When: Aug. 31 & Sept. 1, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Chicago
Two powerhouse rock bands share the stage as part of a limited six-city tour.
Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience
When: Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ravinia, 200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park
Relive 23 Marvel films as the Chicago Philharmonic performs the iconic scores alongside scenes from the Infinity Saga.
Wrapping Up Labor Day Weekend
From cycling on car-free Lake Shore Drive to immersing yourself in global music and culture, Chicago’s Labor Day weekend has something for everyone. Whether you’re into jazz, EDM, folk, or rock, or you’d rather savor international food festivals, the city offers endless ways to celebrate summer’s end.
