Chicagoans have long treasured our beautiful lakefront, but now, more than ever, we are spending time close to our river, which underwent a major transformation. There is life in and along the river once again, including dozens of species of fish, many birds…and happy humans. The Riverwalk truly is Chicago’s second waterfront!
We selected some of our favorite events and hangouts because fall at the Riverwalk is all about fun and festivities!
Chicago’s Indian Summer Beach Parties
Throughout the month of September, put on your grass skirts, coconut bras and pirate hats to celebrate Chicago’s Indian summer. Every Wednesday and Saturday, it’s time to celebrate the spirit of the beachcomber during the legendary Peach’s Beach Parties at the Island Party Hut & Tiki Bar. Think cold drinks and cool island jams: Reggae, Soca, Punta, Afrobeat and Latin vibes. Ya Mon!
Later this fall, the Island Party Hut Tiki Bar will be hosting a pumpkin patch and pumpkin decorating contest, and maybe some tastings to go along with it.
Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!
Tiny Tapp & Café is known for their great live music. Celebrate Throwback Thursdays on September 8th (Second Hand News, a Fleetwood Mac cover band) and September 15th (Hugh Too, classic hits from the 70s to now) and enjoy great live jazz music by Milano Wilkins Experiment the 11th. On September 18th, Tiny Tapp is hosting the Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall Fest, featuring live music by Chicago’s own Magic Carpet, chili, s’more lattes, banana pudding, pumpkin cheesecake and more, this is an event not to be missed!
Allagash, Great Lakes Oktoberfest and Revolution Brewing Oktoberfest will be a few of the seasonal beers on tap along with the crowd favorite, the Dark & Stormy cocktail. Crafted from dark rum, lime juice and ginger beer over ice, it is the perfect cocktail to accompany Fall.
Keep the Stein: Oktoberfest Bar Crawl
Join the Revolution crew on Thursday September 22nd for an Oktoberfest bar crawl along the Chicago Riverwalk! There will be take-home steins, Party Barge rides on the river, music from the Bolzen Beer Band, raffles, games, and much more. The evening will kick off at Island Party Hut at 4 pm, followed by visits to The Northman, O’Briens, Chicago Brewhouse, City Winery, and Tiny Tapp.
Chi-Toberfest @ Chicago Brewhouse
Chicago Brewhouse on the Riverwalk exclusively pours Chicago brewed beers and only serves locally inspired food! For their annual Chi-Toberfest, enjoy the best local German style beers, German food & live music. They all come served with great views of the city! Prost to Fall at Chicago Brewhouse!
Northman’s Very Own Oktoberfest
Head over to the Northman for a 3-weekend series celebrating all things Oktoberfest! Beginning Friday, September 16th and ending on Sunday October 2nd, we party with free live music, sausage, cider, pretzels, beer & more!
On Sunday September 25th, bring the entire family to the Northman’s 2nd annual Oktober-Family-Fest. Live music kicks off at noon with The School of Rock Chicago West House Band, then street singer Scott Ingerson takes the stage, closing out with the awesome The Luna Blues Machine! There will be balloon twisting and faceprinting with TwistiCity, plus a craft and go table from Friends of the Chicago River. 25% of all Temperance Beer Co. sales will be donated to Friends of the Chicago River!
Last but not least: do not forget about the end of season Yappy Hour on September 28th!
Cheers to the Riverwalk!
