(Eric Allix Rogers)
1. Tour
Trendy offices, neighborhood breweries, repurposed factories, ornate houses of worship and more are all on view at Open House Chicago. Hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center, the annual event invites the public to tour more than 100 architectural treasures across Chicago. Note: Some sites require advance registration or are open exclusively to CAC members, while others may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. We suggest wearing comfy shoes and checking hours before heading out the door.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at various locations. Free
Find more fests: 2021 Festival Guide
2. Gather
What began as an indoor art gallery crawl has transformed into a two-day art festival known as Connect South Shore. Activities include live music and DJs, a farmers market and a skating rink. This year’s theme, “Available City,” invites people to think creatively at how to turn empty spaces into productive and accessible spaces for residents.
Details: Noon-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 7045 S. Jeffery Blvd. Free / MAP
3. Rejoice
Time to don your finest dirndl and lederhosen for Oktoberfest Stammtisch Open Haus. Enjoy live music from the Paloma Band of Chicago, German food and drinks, yodeling and dancing.
Details: 7:30-11 p.m. Friday at Dank Haus German American Cultural Center, 5th floor Marunde Ballroom, 4740 N. Western Ave. $5 suggested donation / MAP
4. Twirl
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater takes to the stage with its blend of flamenco, folkloric, traditional and contemporary styles. Celebrating its 45th anniversary season, the performance includes two world premieres.
Details: 7:3o p.m. Saturday at The Auditorium Theater, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive. $32-$71 / MAP
5. Cozy Up
Campfire Horrors at Northerly Island will play the 1996 classic “Scream.” A campfire will also be ablaze to roast marshmallows. Event is weather permitting. BYO blankets to keep warm.
Details: 7 p.m. Friday at Northerly Island, 1521 S. Linn White Drive. Free / MAP
(Leon Contreras / Unsplash)
6. Meander
Some famous folks have been laid to rest at Forest Home Cemetery and their stories are included on the Tale of the Tombstones Cemetery Walk. Masks required and social distance must be maintained throughout the 90-minute tour, according to organizers.
Details: Noon-1:30 p.m. Sunday at Forest Home Cemetery 863 Des Plaines Ave., Forest Park. $15-$20 / MAP
7. Get Involved
The Backward River Festival aims to reflect on the Chicago River’s current condition and future. Activities include canoeing, catch and release fishing, making seed bombs, panel discussions and a participatory mapping workshop.
Details: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Eleanor Street Boathouse at Park No. 571, 2828 S. Eleanor St. Free / MAP
8. Encounter
At Big Run Wolf Ranch’s Family Day Open House you’ll meet – and learn about – the resident wolves, Siberian tiger, black bear, cougar and more. Incredible Bats will also be on site with their African fruit bats, sugar gliders and tarantulas.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday parking at Walmart, 16241 Farrell Road, Lockport. $8; free for kids 3 and under / MAP
9. Watch
The Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, Destinos, continues with the world premiere of “Y tú abuela, where is she?” Written by Nelson Diaz-Marcano and directed by Xavier M. Custodio the film delves into an interracial couple’s decisions about modifying the genes of their children before they’re born, including their skin color.
Details for “Y tú abuela, where is she?,”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 4:30 p.m. Sunday; continues through Oct. 24 at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. $31 / MAP
Festival continues through Sunday at various locations, tickets vary.
10. Acclaim
The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra returns to the stage with an All American Opening Night. The program features the work of Eric Ewazen and Florence Price, and concludes with a world premiere performance by dancers from the Joffrey Academy of Dance, the official school of The Joffrey Ballet, dancing to Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring.”
Details: 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Christian College, Ozinga Chapel, 6601 W. College Drive, Palos Heights. $27 and up / MAP
(Courtesy of The Joffrey Ballet)
Events listed are subject to change. We recommend double-checking times and locations before you head out the door. Want to share your upcoming events with us for consideration in a future roundup? Send us an email.
