There is plenty of fall fun to be had at these events, including a dance performance at Ravinia, a brand new fish fry and youth fishing derby event, and three festivals. Plus, find a few ways to give back this weekend or in the days ahead.
Concert Dance Inc.: “The Chicago Project”
Sept. 7-8
Highland Park
Chicago Dance Inc. will return to Ravinia with the world premiere of Artistic Director Venetia Stifler’s “The Chicago Project: Future Present.” The evening will explore our “emotional relationship” to architecture (specifically here in Chicago) and will include images by Frank Vodvarka.
Fox Lake Fish Fry and Youth Fishing Derby
Sept. 8-9
Fox Lake
This brand new event will kick off on Friday with the Mayor’s Fish Fry at Lakefront Park. Dine on all-you-can-eat fish, two sides and a non-alcoholic drink for $12 at the door. Then, come back on Saturday with your kiddos for a fishing class and derby.
Throwback Music Fest
Sept. 8-10
Chicago
For the second year, Chicago’s Gladstone Park neighborhood will host this throwback festival. In addition to bands paying tribute to everything from classic rock and boy bands to the Eagles and Johnny Cash, guests will enjoy food, art, and a kids’ area. Plus, don’t miss the pet parade on Saturday or the vintage car show on Sunday.
Chicago Bourbon & Barbecue Festival
Sept. 9-10
Chicago
Festival season hasn’t ended quite yet thanks to this brand new fest that’s all about barrel-aged Southern bourbon whiskeys and tasty barbecue. The fest will also feature two music stages, one with country music and another featuring local tribute bands.
Fall Family Festival
Sept. 10
Glenview
Kohl Children’s Museum will offer kiddie train rides, a petting farm, wagon rides, carnival games, and an apple cider press at this family friendly event. Plus, kids can meet Rapunzel and Belle.
Give Back Opportunities
- GLASA’s 10th annual Twilight 5K Run/Walk/Roll and Post Race Party will be held Sept. 9 at Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest. Paralympian Tatyana McFadden will lead the race, which begins with a new Children’s Fun Run.
- The Happ Inn Bar & Grill is supporting the Leukemia Research Foundation during Blood Cancer Awareness Month. From Sept. 11-16, six pieces of artwork will be on display and available for bid ($500 minimum) at the restaurant. For each bid, the bidder will receive a $50 gift card to The Happ Bar & Grill and the restaurant will donate $50 to the LRF. The six highest bidders will also receive a dinner for two and their artwork.
- Graeter’s is raising money for The Cure Starts Now Foundation, an organization working to end all types of cancer. Enjoy a scoop (or two!) of Elena’s Blueberry Pie ice cream (the September flavor of the month) and a portion of proceeds will be donated directly to the foundation.
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- Watch: Metropolitan Planning Council’s Chicago River Tour
- Fall Theater Preview: 5 Plays in Chicago You Won’t Want to Miss
Anna Carlson writes the weekly 5 Things to Do column and monthly Recommended Events. A graduate of Glenbrook South High School and the University of Missouri, her work has been published in Chicago Parent, Inside Columbia Magazine and Central California Parent Magazine. She is a proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
