Chicago, we’ve hit that sweet spot: spooky szn creeping in, summer still fighting back, and your calendar’s begging for chaos. Let’s rip into it.

Celebrate fall in style with German brews, bites, and live music at River North's Oktoberfest Block Party. One epic day in Chicago’s nightlife district. Win tickets to party with Hubbard Haus!*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Tom Morello doesn’t just play guitar. He makes it scream, riot, and change history. His new show Revolution(s) hits Goodman Theatre October 4th — a live collision of music, lyrics, and resistance. Win tickets now.*

• Quin Kirchner and Cole Degenova take over Broken Shaker on September 18th with unforgettable live music and dynamic energy. Enter now for your chance to win a punchbowl for four and make the night special.*

• Halloween without magic? Treasonous. Chicago Magic Lounge's special run of The Signature Show will feature local favorite David Parr and "the greatest escape artist since Houdini," Thomas Solomon from October 30th-November 2nd. Get tix now.*

• Mariah The Scientist and Ashnikko just announced shows at Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom next year. One’s gonna gut-punch your feelings, the other’s gonna set them on fire.

• Plus just announced shows from Madison Cunningham, Macabre, Mykele Deville, Eden, Cornerstones of Rock, Bones, Neva Dinova, Life In Public, and more!

CONCERTS UNDER $20

Ballin’ on a budget but still wanna rage? We’ve rounded up all the best shows in town that cost less than your lunch order. Rock, rap, weird electronic nights—everything. Spend less, see more, brag harder.

• FREE MONDAY: Tonight at Empty Bottle

• NIHILISTIC EASYRIDER: Tomorrow at Subterranean

• SAOIRSE DREAM: Wednesday at Schubas

• JAKE MCKELVIE: Thursday at Judson & Moore Distillery

• THE JACK MOVES: Friday at BOOKCLUB

THIS MONTH

LOCALS ONLY

• Rosemont’s been cooking with a brand-new immersive experience! EXP opens at the end of this month.

• The Chicago Children’s Museum’s latest exhibit just opened this past weekend. Bring your blankie for Take Care With Peanuts: The Exhibit.

• It’s National Voter Registration Day tomorrow and your vote shapes your community. Local elections decide so much—schools, roads, safety, and more. Check your voter registration status or register today with HeadCount.

• It’s lederhosen szn, baby. Every neighborhood’s got its own Oktoberfest, and we mapped out the best steins, sausages, and polka parties right here.

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There’s still plenty of free museum days to check out this month.