Countdowns to festivals are the longest days of my life, because why has it been Thursday for four days already? Riot Fest is so close, but somehow time has completely stopped moving. At this point, I’m just waiting for the weekend to finally start.

Okay, time to stop staring at the clock and get into it…

Sibling rivalry has never hit this hard. Steppenwolf is kicking off its new season with Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Topdog/Underdog, starring Glenn Davis and Namir Smallwood. The best part? We're giving away a pair of tickets to one lucky person!*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Feel the need for speed with Top Gun: Maverick on the big screen while Chicago Philharmonic performs the score live. Enter to win tickets plus a VIP Pre-Flight Deck experience!*

• Two languages, one giant emo sing-along. ERES EMO mixes English and Spanish emo, pop-punk, post-hardcore, and Latin favorites into one nostalgia-fueled night. Enter to win a night of pure emo chaos.*

• Chicago Stars FC takes on Washington Spirit this Sunday for Neighborhood Night, presented by Sloan. The first 2,000 fans get a Rally Banner, while the first 1,000 get the banner plus a patch. Enter to win tickets!*

• Think Riot Fest ends when the festival gates close? Think again. The official Riot Fest 2026 Late Night Aftershows are here, so you can keep the party going long after the last set. Tickets are on sale now.*

• Plus other just announced shows from Levity, Julian Jordan, Dennis Quin, Annisokay, &Friends, Maesic, San Pacho, Ouija Macc, Premo Rice, Spanish Love Songs, Eelke Kleijn, Craig Campbell, Carsie Blanton, Gordo B2B Metro, and more!

LATE NIGHTS AT RADIUS + CERMAK HALL 🪩

Night owls love this place for a reason. Radius + Cermak Hall are go-to spots for heavy bass, house, techno, and packed dance floors — and with LSR/CITY, San Holo, and Subtronics on deck, your ears are about to stay very busy. See what else is coming up and plan your next night out.*

• SAT 09.19 - LSR/CITY X BY GARETH EMERY at RADIUS (WIN TIX)

• FRI 09.25 - SAN HOLO at RADIUS (WIN TIX)

• SAT 09.26 - IAN ASHER at RADIUS (WIN TIX)

• FRI 10.02 - INDO WAREHOUSE at CERMAK HALL (WIN TIX)

• FRI 10.02 - BEN BÖHMER at RADIUS (WIN TIX)

• SAT 10.03 - RUPAUL at RADIUS (WIN TIX)

A VERY BUSY WEEK AHEAD 🗓

YOU KNOW HOW TO HAVE A GOOD TIME. NOW TRY FEELING GOOD TOO.

You're always up for something: a show, a festival, a night out with friends. Filling your calendar with great experiences is one of the best things you can do for yourself. So is taking care of what's going on inside. BetterHelp makes therapy simple, flexible, and affordable. Start your journey to better mental health today.*

LOCALS ONLY

• Got a business, event, fundraiser, or creative project that deserves a bigger spotlight? The DoStuff Amplification Project gives eligible local creators and organizations free promotional support through a $2,500 media package. See if you qualify and apply to get amplified.*

• West Loop Wellness Fest brings fitness classes, padel, massages, red light therapy, local vendors, and more together this Saturday. a portion of ticket proceeds benefit Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. Use code “WCA20” for 20% off tickets.

• Sunset Skyline Yoga & Ecstatic Dancing brings rooftop yoga, ecstatic dance, silent disco headphones, and skyline views to FFC Gold Coast. Come for golden hour, stay for the movement and music. Use promo code “DO312” for $11 off.

WIN STUFF

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