EXP
WHAT: EXP is a 26,000-square-foot venue billed as the Midwest’s largest virtual reality destination featuring two two large-scale immersive expeditions set in Egypt.
WHERE: 9900 Berwyn Ave., Rosemont
WHEN: Opens at 1 p.m. on Sept. 26
Chicago Gourmet
WHAT: Chicago Gourmet weekend features four days of multiple food events to enjoy.
WHERE: Millennium Park and other nearby venues.
Local
WHEN: Sept. 25 – Sept. 28
Oktoberfest Chicago
WHAT: The 23rd annual Oktoberfest Chicago features authentic Bavarian cuisine and live entertainment, and a new Munich-inspired beer hall offering authentic German beer flights.
WHERE: St. Alphonsus Church, 1429 W. Wellington Ave.
WHEN: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Sept. 26
Noon – 10 p.m. on Sept. 27
Noon – 7 p.m. on Sept. 28
Meet Me on Milwaukee
WHAT: The main stretch of Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park will be closed to car traffic for Meet Me On Milwaukee. You’ll be able to freely roam the “Hipster Highway” while enjoying live music, sidewalk sales, free fitness classes, exploring small businesses and more.
WHERE: Milwaukee Avenue between North/Damen and Ashland
WHEN: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sept. 28
Celebración de los Árboles
WHAT: Attendees will be able to celebrate the cultures and traditions of Latin America in the beautiful natural settings of The Morton Arboretum at Celebración de los Árboles.
WHERE: The Morton Arboretum, Lisle
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sept. 27 & 28
Hyde Park Jazz Fest
WHAT: The 19th annual Hyde Park Jazz Festival features more than 30 performances in nine neighborhood locations.
WHERE: Various venues in Hyde Park
WHEN: 1 p.m. – 11 p.m. on Sept. 27
1 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Sept. 28
World Music Festival
WHAT: The World Music Festival Chicago celebrates diverse music from nations across the globe.
WHERE: Various venues around Chicago
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 26 – Sunday, Oct. 5
Concert: LEGONG
WHAT: Experience the richness of Indonesian music and dance at LEGONG, a storytelling dance drama presented by Friends of the Gamelan.
WHERE: Madison Street Theatre, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 27
RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq The World Awards
WHAT: RuPaul’s Drag Race ‘Werq the World’ Awards takes you behind the velvet ropes of “the most exclusive awards show in herstory.”
WHERE: Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont
WHEN: 8 p.m. on Sept. 27
Comedy: Louis CK
WHO: Comedian Louis CK is perhaps best known for creating popular skits like “The Staring Contest” and “Actual Items.”
WHERE: The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 25 – Sept. 27
Comedy: Paula Poundstone
WHAT: Iconic comedian Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and spontaneous wit that has become legendary.
WHERE: North Shore Center for Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd. Skokie
WHEN: 8 p.m. on Sept. 27
Concert: Brian McKnight
WHO: Brian McKnight is an American R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his smooth ballads and strong falsetto voice.
WHERE: Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan
WHEN: 8 p.m. on Sept. 27
Concert: Maná: Vivir Sin Aire Tour
WHO: Fresh off their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination, legendary Mexican rock band Maná performs two shows in Chicago.
WHERE: United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago
WHEN: 8:30p.m. on Sept 26 & 27
Concert: Hans Zimmer
WHO: German film composer and music producer Hans Zimmer is known for using technology to mix electronic music and traditional orchestral arrangements.
WHERE: Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Rd., Rosemont