September is packed with cultural gems across the South Side, but the marquee highlight is Court Theatre’s production of Theodore Ward’s Big White Fog, running September 12 – October 12.
First completed in 1938 with support from the Federal Theatre Project and shaped by the South Side Writers Group, Big White Fog laid the groundwork for A Raisin in the Sun.
The play follows the Mason family as they navigate the weight of the Great Depression, racial violence, and generational struggles on Chicago’s South Side. What emerges is a story filled with heartbreaking twists and a searing critique of America’s “big white fog.”
Purchase Tickets
Use code FogSouthsider to save $10 on tickets for Big White Fog performances. Discount valid only on regular single ticket prices for Big White Fog. Must mention offer or use promo code “FogSouthsider” online. Cannot be combined with other discounts or applied to previous purchases. Subject to availability. All sales final. Purchase your ticket using the link below.
But Big White Fog is just one piece of the South Side’s cultural calendar this month. From music festivals to historic celebrations, September offers countless ways to experience Chicago’s rich history and living culture. Check out the Chicago Southsider Fall Festival and Event Guide below for a list of upcoming events.
The Messi Experience Chicago
Date: Monday, September 1st
Location: 2367 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647
Cost: Varies
Learn more about The Messi Experience Chicago here
The World Within: Chicago’s Original & Best Architecture Interiors Tour
Date: Monday, September 1st
Location: Chicago Loop & River North, Chicago, IL 60601
Cost: Varies
Learn more about The World Within Chicago Tour here
Pullman Labor Day Parade
Date: Saturday, September 6th
Location: 103rd & Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60628
Cost: FREE
Learn more about the Pullman Labor Day Parade here.
Chicago SummerDance at Taste of Chicago
Date: Friday, September 5th – Sunday, September 7th
Location: Buckingham Fountain, 301 S. Columbus Dr., Chicago, IL 60605
Price: FREE
Learn more about the Chicago SummerDance here.
The 79th Street Renaissance Fest – Chaka Khan
Date: September 6th
Location: 79th & Racine, Chicago IL, 60620
Price: FREE
Learn more about the 79th Street Renaissance Fest here
40th Annual Printers Row Lit Fest
Date: Saturday, September 6th – Sunday, September 7th
Location: 637 South Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60605
Price: FREE
Learn more about the Printers Row Lit Fest here
Escape the Museum at Griffin MSI
Date: Saturday, September 6th, 20th, 26th
Location: 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
Price: $40
Learn more about Escape the Museum at Griffin MSI here
Bronzeville Trail 2025 Installation & Luncheon Awards
Date: Friday, September 12th
Location: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place – 2233 Dr Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616
Cost: Varies
Learn more about the Bronzeville Trail 2025 Installation & Luncheon Awards here.
Black Wall Street Chicago Festival 2025
Date: Saturday, September 13th
Location: 731 E 63rd St., Chicago, IL 60637
Cost: FREE
Learn more about Black Wall Street Chicago Festival here
Far South Community Development Corporation Food Truck Festival
Date: Saturday, September 13th
Location: 821 W. 115th Street, Chicago, IL 60643
Cost: FREE
Learn more about Far South Community Development Corporation Food Truck Festival here
Englewood Music Fest 2025
Date: Saturday, September 13th
Location: Kennedy King College, West 64th Street & South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60621
Cost: Varies
Learn more about the Englewood Music Fest 2025 here.
Big White Fog
Date: Friday, September 12th – Sunday, October 12th
Location: Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis, Chicago, IL, 60637
Cost: $10 Discount for Chicago Southsider readers, CODE: FogSouthsider
Learn more about the Big White Fog here.
3rd Fridays Free Admission Night
Date: Friday, September 19th
Location: 3500 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL, 60609
Cost: FREE
Learn more about the Free Admission Night here
Chicago White Sox VS San Diego Padres
Date: Friday, September 19th – Sunday, September 21st,
Location: Rate Field, 333 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60616
Cost: Varies
Learn more about the White Sox vs Padres game here.
Chicago Live 2025
Date: Saturday, September 20th – Sunday, September 21st
Location: Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue Chicago, IL 60611
Cost: FREE
Learn more about Chicago Live here.
Chicago Bears VS Dallas Cowboys
Date: Sunday, September 21st
Location: Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Cost: Varies
Learn more about the Chicago Bears vs Dallas Cowboys game here.
Beverly Art Walk
Date: Saturday, September 27th
Location: Beverly, Chicago, IL 60643
Cost: FREE
Learn more about the Beverly Art Walk here.
Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Date: Friday, September 26th – Sunday, September 28th
Location: Wrigley Field, 1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613
Cost: Varies
Learn more about the Chicago Cubs vs St. Louis Cardinals game here.
19th Annual Hyde Park Jazz Festival
Date: Saturday, September 27th – Sunday, September 28th
Location: Hyde Park Area Venues, Chicago, IL 60637
Cost: FREE
Learn more about the Hyde Park Jazz Festival here.
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