12 Things to Do in Chicago This Week · September 10–13, 2026

Music & Nightlife

Joe Gatto at Chicago Improv

Impractical Jokers star Joe Gatto brings his stand-up comedy to the Chicago Improv for four shows across Friday and Saturday.

Friday, September 11, 2026 – Saturday, September 12, 2026 · Chicago Improv, Chicago

Melanie C at Concord Music Hall

Spice Girl Melanie C brings her SUR BACK tour to Concord Music Hall for an all-ages show that's already selling fast.

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Doors @ 6:30 PM · Concord Music Hall, Chicago

Melissa Villaseñor at The Den Theatre

Saturday Night Live alum and stand-up comedian Melissa Villaseñor performs multiple shows across Friday and Saturday nights at The Den Theatre in Wicker Park.

Friday, September 25, 2026 – Saturday, September 26, 2026 7:00 PM (Fri early show), 9:15 PM (Fri late), 6:00 PM & 8:30 PM (Sat) · The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago

Arts & Culture

Kino, Kaffee und Kuchen at DANK Haus

A beloved Saturday tradition at the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center: coffee, cake, and a German-language film screening.

Saturday, September 12, 2026 10:30 AM · DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave, Chicago

Devening Projects Opening Reception: Road to the Farthest Room

Opening reception for a collaborative exhibition at Devening Projects featuring Julia Firestone Callis, Jobe Gemmell Hughes, and Ben Driggs, organized with Elizabeth Lalley of Slow Dance Projects.

Sunday, September 13, 2026 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM · Devening Projects, 3039 W. Carroll Ave, Chicago

Blood of the Lamb

A theatrical production running multiple nights at The Den Theatre in Wicker Park, with performances Thursday through Sunday.

Thursday, September 24, 2026 – Tuesday, September 29, 2026 7:30 PM · The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago

Festivals & Special Events

Carnatic Hear and Now

Artists Vignesh Ishwar, Sayee Rakshith, Praveen Sparsh, and Chandrasekara Sharma present an innovative Karnatik music concert exploring intersections of contemporary sensibilities and timeless classical sound.

Sunday, September 13, 2026 5:00 PM · Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave, Chicago

Free Events

Wheeling Thursday Night Live

Big Brother's Vinyl brings high-energy rock and blues to Wheeling's Thursday Night Live outdoor music series on the North Shore.

Thursday, September 10, 2026 · Wheeling, IL

Neighborhood Nights at DANK Haus

A recurring social night on the 6th floor Skyline Lounge of the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center — enjoy drinks, great views, and meet your neighbors; all proceeds support the DANK Haus Museum.

Thursday, September 10, 2026 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM · DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave, Chicago

Food & Drink

Evanston Wine Walk

The Evanston Wine Walk invites guests to stroll through downtown Evanston sampling wines at multiple participating venues along the route.

Thursday, September 10, 2026 · Downtown Evanston

Chicago Gourmet 2026

Chicago's premier culinary festival returns to the Harris Theater area, bringing together the city's top chefs, restaurants, and food and wine experiences in Millennium Park.

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 · The Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Chicago

Date Night

Steve Night & Abigail Riccards Jazz

Jazz guitarist Steve Night and vocalist Abigail Riccards bring an intimate jazz performance to Chicago's North Shore.

Thursday, September 10, 2026 · Chicago's North Shore