7 things to do in Chicago to kick off the fall season
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May your weekend be sweeter than cherry pie. Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
Labor Day marks the end of summer, which can conjure up fears of the long, cold winter ahead. But first: fall!
Chicago's fall arts scene maintains the energy of summer, but with less sweat. Here are some ways we're ushering in the new season.
Carrie's picks:
🎾 Despite the infiltration of influencers this year, the U.S. Open is still fun to watch. Free food and drinks during the match is even better! Dove is hosting a free watch party at two women's sports bars: Level Sporting Club and Babe's Sports Bar. | Free, but RSVP | Saturday, 3pm
🗺️ Artist Tonika Johnson's Folded Map Project exposed so much about Chicago's segregation, unjust housing policies and what our neighborhoods say about us. Johnson and rapper Femdot. dig into the project at Both Sides of the Street: An Immersive Folded Map Experience, with a film screening, music, live mapping and food and drinks. | Ramova Loft | $15.50+ | Saturday, 2-5pm
🍺 It's not Munich, but Chicago can certainly throw a good Oktoberfest. Revolution Brewing's event promises healthy pours, big pretzels, polka and games. | Revolution Brewing Taproom | Saturday, noon
🎶 I've been meaning to, uh, check out The CheckOut since our former colleague Moyo wrote about it. The first anniversary sounds like the right time. Access Contemporary Music is hosting a free birthday party at the former 7-Eleven-turned-music venue. | The CheckOut | Free | Tuesday, 7-8pm
Justin's picks:
📚 The Printers Row Lit Fest is one of my absolute favorite street festivals of the year. I never miss it, even if it's just for a quick walk-through. Not only does it showcase great authors, but it also celebrates the bound book and the written word. It doesn't hurt that Printers Row is so gosh darn romantic. | South Dearborn, from Ida B Wells to Polk St. | Free | Saturday and Sunday, 10am-6pm
🎸 The Evanston Folk Festival strums its way into town this weekend with new faces, old souls and some honest-to-goodness legends. Josh Ritter, Trampled by Turtles, Sierra Hull and the rest of the lineup are great. But I'm getting my lawn seat for the Indigo Girls. In fact, I'm going to go spin that CD as I finish this listing. | Dawes Park | $75 and up | Saturday and Sunday, 11:30am-8:30pm
🎤 Noname is at the Park West! The hip-hop and spoken-word artist is one of the most distinctive voices to come out of Chicago. She got her start spitting verses in after-school programs and has since appeared on records by major artists, including Chance the Rapper's "Coloring Book." | Park West | $50 and up | Friday, 8pm