You can't take advantage of Chicago festival season if you're paralyzed by indecision. But don't fear; Centerstage is here to narrow down your options at least a little bit. What follows is a list of the events you won't want to miss, from family-friendly fairs to massive musical bashes. Don't like to feel limited? Check out the full list of Chicago festivals.
September 4-6 Chicago Jazz Festival Grant Park
FREE Though it's the oldest of all the city's lakefront festivals at more than 30 years, the Jazz Fest hasn't gotten crotchety. It still hosts an entertaining mix of performers, from big-band legends to experimental up-and-comers, with recent headliners including Ornette Coleman, Sonny Rollins and Medeski, Martin & Wood.
September 4-6
Taste of Melrose Park
1000 N. 25th, Melrose Park
FREE
Get all of the Taste, without all of the cost. There will be more than 75 different offerings available at this suburban fest, all priced under $2 for tasting portions. We recommend the sfingi (Italian doughnuts) offered by the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles. You’ll also enjoy four stages of entertainment, plus a Senior Oasis, kids' activities and a Salute to America fireworks display on Sunday.
September 4-7
African Festival of the Arts
Washington Park (5100 S. Cottage Grove) Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this lively Hyde Park festival will put history in the spotlight this year. Along with live performances by local and international artists (previous acts have included James Brown, George Clinton and Hugh Masekela), the event includes scores of authentic art, jewelry and food items.
September 11-13
German Day Festival (aka German-American Festival)
4700 N. Lincoln
FREE
Dance to the traditional German music with the mix of locals and college kids at this festive ethnic celebration. When you get tired, try out the food and drink – beer (free from the ceremonial first keg) and bratwurst and thuringer sandwiches with sauerkraut or potato salad. The event coincides with the annual Von Steuben parade on Saturday starting at 2 p.m.
September 12-13 Celtic Fest Chicago Grant Park
FREE Refresh your St. Paddy's Day spirit in Grant Park with this decade-old festival that features traditional food, beer, arts and crafts vendors and live entertainment, including the Annual Men in Kilts Leg Contest. Or stop into the Blarney Stop Beer Tent, where you can enjoy bagpipers and view the Scottish Heavy Athletics Competition. Got some lads in tow? Bring 'em to the Wee Ones area all weekend long.
September 18-24
World Music Festival
various venues
Couldn't take that vacation abroad this summer? No worries; you can get all the international culture you crave at venues around Chicago during this eclectic fest. This year's lineup features 27 Chicago debut performances, so you're bound to find something new. Some of our top picks include France's Watcha Clan and South Africa's BLK JKS.
September 19
Landshark Lager Oyster Fest
Damen and Roscoe
Fresh oysters, Guinness and live music…what more do you need? Slurp away on oysters from Piazza Bella while enjoying traditional Irish and American tunes at this fest, which made the move from Wicker Park to Roscoe Village last year.
October 3-4
Chicago Country Music Festival
Grant Park
FREE
Dust off that cowboy hat and join 100,000 of your closest country friends for two days of music on three stages, along with a dance tent and a Kids Corral. The fest is back home in Grant Park after a stint outside Soldier Field last year, but the level of talent (2008 headliners included Taylor Swift and Gretchen Wilson) should remain the same.
October 8-21
Chicago International Film Festival
Forget Hollywood. Chicago is the country's film capital...for two weeks in October, at least. The oldest competitive international film festival in the country, CIFF has been a springboard for great directors such as Martin Scorsese, John Carpenter and Susan Seidelman.
October 16-18
Around The Coyote Fall Arts Festival
Those Coyotes just can't sit still; after one year in a single location (Plumber's Hall), this fest is back to hitting up multiple venues in '09. No matter where it's at, though, you can expect plenty of interesting music, theater and visual art performances and exhibits.
October 31
North Halsted Halloween Parade
Begins at Belmont and Halsted
FREE
You've never seen a parade quite like this. Boystown's finest get all dressed up for a rockin' Halloween party, which includes a costume contest with over $5,000 in prizes. There will also be post-parade musical entertainment.
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