Popular festivals, events return to Chicago

Riot Fest, Expo Chicago and Chicago Gourmet, among others return this month, offering the best in rock music, art and gourmet bites.

From punk rock music and carnivals to a global art exhibition and Hamburger Hop, several popular festivals and exhibitions are making their return to Chicago this September.

Riot Fest & Carnival

Celebrating its 15th year, the annual multi-day fest celebrating all things punk, rock, alternative, metal and hip-hop returns to Chicago Friday, Sept. 13, through Sunday, Sept. 15, in Douglas Park. Headliners for Sept. 13 include Blink-182 (playing “Enema of the State” in its entirety), The Flaming Lips and Jawbreaker. Slayer, local hometown favorites Rise Against and Bloc Party headline Sept. 14. Closing out the weekend Sept. 15 is Bikini Kill, The Raconteurs and Ween. The B-52s will also play their final Chicago show at the fest on Sept. 15. In addition to the music, a carnival, food trucks and more are available.

For more information or tickets, visit riotfest.org.

Expo Chicago

Known for its breathtaking contemporary and modern art exhibitions, Expo Chicago returns for its eight year Sept. 19-22 at Navy Pier. Hosted by the International Exposition of Contemporary and Modern Art, the international art fair will feature more than 135 top international exhibitors inside Navy Pier’s Festival Hall. This year’s expo coincides with the 2019 Chicago Architecture Biennial (Sept. 19-Jan. 5, 2020) and EXPO ART WEEK (Sept. 16-22).

For more information or tickets, visit expochicago.com.

Chicago Gourmet

Presented by Bon Appetit magazine, the annual festival for gourmet foodies takes over Millennium Park and several sites throughout the city Friday, Sept. 27, through Sunday, Sept. 29. While the majority will attend the afternoon tastings, the evening after parties as well as Friday night’s Hamburger Hop where several local chefs will compete for the title of Chicago’s Best Burger. Saturday evening will bring The Big Chill(I): Gourmet Chili Cook-Off on the Harris Theater Rooftop where local chefs will compete to make the best chili.

For more information or tickets, visit chicagogourmet.org.

Other events to mark on your calendar:

Chicago Bourbon & Barbecue Festival

12-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, and Sunday, Sept. 15

2000 W. Roscoe St., Chicago

https://www.chicagoevents.com/events/chicago-bourbon-barbecue-festival/

World Dumpling Fest

1-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29

Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier

600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago

https://www.chicagoculturalalliance.org/alliance-programs/world-dumpling-fest/

About the Author: 

Heather Warthen is Chief Events Officer and Chief Marketing Officer for 22nd Century Media, an award- winning media company specializing in hyperlocal content in Chicagoland. Hired as its first employee in 2005, she is a former award-winning journalist and photographer who now manages the planning, logistics, marketing and executing of more than a dozen community events and expos. She serves on the 2019-2020 MPI-CAC Board of Directors as Director Marketing & Public Relations.