Chicago Star's TOP event picks for September

Just because it's nearing the end of summer, it doesn't mean the fun is coming to an end! On the contrary, take a look at some of our top event picks. From Stevie Nicks to the Long Grove Apple Fest, there is something here for EVERYONE!

Sept. 1

Chicago Jazz Fest

The Chicago Jazz Festival returns with performances celebrating all forms of jazz in Millennium Park, at the Chicago Cultural Center and citywide. Produced by Chicago’s own Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Jazz Fest is a citywide phenomenon with free concerts happening at favorite local venues all across the city. Sept 1 – 4, free admission, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., (312) 427-1676, chicago.gov

Sept. 2

North Coast Music Festival

Go beyond the music and be a part of the experience at the North Coast Music Festival. It’s the music festival with unique installations at each of 5 custom stages to immerse you in sound, vision and vibe. Be your own guide as you fill your senses with fun and exploration. The Chill Dome, Into the Fog, The Void, Rainbow Lounge, Sky Fields, Zephyrs were among last year’s experiences. Sept 2-4, tickets start at $88, SeatGeek Stadium, 7000 S. Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, (708) 594-7200, northcoastfestival.com

Taste of Polonia

The Copernicus Foundation is excited to announce the 40th Anniversary of the Taste of Polonia Festival. Enjoy a true cultural experience that includes nonstop live music, dance performances, authentic Polish food and beer, exhibitions, a casino, beer garden, and kids stage and activities. The food and entertainment last 4 days over Labor Day weekend. Sept. 2-5, $15 admission, Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Avenue, (773) 777-8898, topchicago.org

Sept. 7

Art on theMart

Art on theMART is the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, projecting contemporary artwork across the 2.5 acre river-façade of theMART. The display is a one-of-a-kind public platform for moving image work by renowned local, national and international multi-disciplinary artists. The show is best viewed from the Chicago Riverwalk between Wells Street and Franklin Street. Through Sept. 7, free admission, Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, (312) 744-5000, artonthemart.com

Sept. 9

The River North Gallery Walk

The River North Fall Gallery Walk is back with an array of design showrooms that come alive with art from some of the brightest creators in the area paired with vignettes from Chicago’s top interior designers. A portion of the proceeds will benefit St. Jude with the event spotlighting so many artists and designers. Attend the kick-off party for $45 or after party $125. Sept. 9, free admission, River North Design District, N. Wells St., (312) 828-0888, rivernorthdesigndistrict.com

Sept. 10

Printers Row Lit Fest

Support Chicago’s independent bookstores at the 37th annual Printers Row Lit Fest - the largest outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest. Stretching over 5 blocks, you’ll find new, old, rare, and hard-to-find literary treasures. Presented by the Near South Planning Board, the highly anticipated 2022 festival will be headlined by Pulitzer Prize winner and two-term U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey. September 10 – 11, free admission, South Dearborn Street, (312) 987-1980, printersrowlitfest.org

Sept. 8

Stevie Nicks at Ravinia

Possessing one of rock's most unmistakable voices, and a witchy stage persona all of her own, Stevie Nicks is back in Chicago to rock your world during 2 dates at Ravinia®, North America's oldest music festival. The not-for-profit music festival is internationally renowned for outstanding performances by the world’s greatest artists. Sept 8 and 10, tickets start at $85, Ravinia Festival, 201 Ravinia Park Road, (847) 266-5100, ravinia.org

Sept. 10

Comedy Dance Chicago at Northcenter Town Square

Comedy Dance Chicago’s unique style of comedy is sure to make your face hurt - from laughing. Their combination of sketch, physical comedy, and dance along with word play, music, and overall goofiness has entertained Chicagoland audiences for years. Come out for their free comedy dance show at Northcenter Town Square. Fun for ages 2-92. Sept. 10, free admission, Northcenter Town Square, 4100 N. Damen Ave., (312) 725-6704, comedydancechicago.com

USO Salute Gala at Offshore at Navy Pier

The USO Salute Gala is a cherished tradition, widely acclaimed as “Chicago’s premier patriotic event,” that welcomes distinguished military and civilian guests to an inspiring evening that honors military service and supports the USO. Sept. 10, tickets start at $800, Offshore Rooftop, Navy Pier, 1000 E. Grand Ave, (312) 822 6699, illinois.uso.org

Sept. 16

Riot Fest at Douglass Park

Founded in 2005 in Chicago, Riot Fest is a multi-day music festival alive with the world’s best punk, rock, alternative, metal, and hip-hop. Carnival Rides, amazing food vendors, sideshow performers, and more add to the atmosphere of this independent music fest. This year’s performers include My Chemical Romance, the original Misfits, Nine Inch Nails, the Descendants and many, many more. Sept. 16 – 18, tickets start at $110, Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Drive, (866) 223-5564, riotfest.org

Sept. 17

Green Tie Ball at the Chicago Sports Museum

Presented by Huntington Bank, Chicago Gateway Green’s Green Tie Ball gala attracts Chicago’s most prominent public, political, media figures and environmental supporters as well as young professionals and local celebrities. The event raises funds for CGG’s Expressway Partnership Program, which creates and maintains beautiful, sustainable landscapes along Chicago’s major expressways. Sept. 17 and 18, tickets start at $150, Chicago Sports Museum, 835 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 595-3100, gatewaygreen.org

Sept. 21

Cinema/Chicago Summer Screenings Series

See an exciting slate of international films for free as part of Cinema/Chicago's annual summer screening series. This year's theme, Adaptation, will focus on films that bring stories from a variety of art forms to the screen—from comic books and memoirs to stage plays which present movies from across the world. Wednesdays through Sept. 21, free admission, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., (312) 683-0121, chicagofilmfestival.com

Sept. 22

Eversight Gift of Sight Gala at the Peninsula

The annual Gift of Sight Masquerade raises funds to help provide the gift of sight to more than 8,000 people every year. Themed “Circus of Dreams,” this year’s event will celebrate 2022 Woman of Vision Kathleen Piccone and 2022 Gift of Sight Honoree Ali Djalilian, MD. Sept. 22, tickets start at $1,000, The Peninsula Chicago, 108 E. Superior St., (800) 548-4703, eversightvision.org

Sept. 23

Long Grove Apple Fest

How do you like your apples? Fresh? Baked in pies? Dipped in chocolate or caramel? Candied? Long Grove’s Apple Fest is known for apples however you like them – in pies and donuts, caramel dipped, in wine, sangria, and more. Add music and local artisans and you’re set to indulge with three fun-filled days the entire family can enjoy. Sept. 23 – 25, tickets start at $5, downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove, (847) 634-0888, longgrove.org

Sept. 25

Disney Junior Live: Costume Palooza

Dress up and join the party with “Disney Junior Live on Tour: Costume Palooza.” The all-new show features the first appearance of characters from “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” along with old favorites like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Doc McStuffins, the Puppy Dog Pals, and Alice from Disney Junior’s newest hit series “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery,” live on stage. Sept. 25, tickets start at $33, Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State, (312) 462-6300,disneyjuniortour.com

Sept. 30

Chicago Lighthouse FLAIR fashion show

Be a part of Chicago's most iconic and inclusive fashion event and help change lives for children with disabilities. Produced by the city’s top runway production group, this show highlights the latest collections from the city’s most iconic and luxurious retailers worn by models with and without disabilities. Sept. 30, tickets start at $225, The Langham, Chicago, 330 N. Wabash Ave., (312) 447-3447, chicagolighthouse.org