Things to See, Hear And Eat Around Chicago During Labor Day Weekend

On the left: the Music Box Theatre in 1929, the year it opened. On the right: the same theater, 90 years later.
On the left: the Music Box Theatre in 1929, the year it opened. On the right: the same theater, 90 years later. Manuel Martinez/WBEZ, Public Domain
On the left: the Music Box Theatre in 1929, the year it opened. On the right: the same theater, 90 years later.
On the left: the Music Box Theatre in 1929, the year it opened. On the right: the same theater, 90 years later. Manuel Martinez/WBEZ, Public Domain

Things to See, Hear And Eat Around Chicago During Labor Day Weekend

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Staying in Chicago this weekend and need some plans for the long holiday weekend?

Dalton Barker of Crain’s Chicago Business stops by the Morning Shift with recommendations on what to see, hear and eat around Chicago this weekend.

What to see

Music Box Theatre - Lounge, hang out and catch a movie at the Music Box Theatre to relax during the long holiday weekend. Plus, it’s their 90th anniversary. 

Taste of Polonia - If you’re looking for a festive activity, stop by the oldest polish festival in the U.S. up in Jefferson Park. You’ll get to enjoy live Polish music, dancing, games and more.

What to hear

North Coast Music Festival at Northerly Island - Over 25 artists are performing across two stages on a backdrop of the Chicago skyline at the North Coast Music Festival’s 10th anniversary this weekend.

41st annual Chicago Jazz Festival - A favorite Labor Day weekend tradition, the annual Chicago Jazz Festival will showcase the greatest jazz artists from the city and around the world. Performances will be held in Millennium Park, the Chicago Cultural Center and venues around the city

30th annual African Festival of the Arts - The festival grounds in Washington Park transform into an African village with interactive engagements, vibrant drumming, museum quality and collectible artifacts, and other programs. 

What to eat

Club Lago - Barker’s go-to place, where he says has the best meat sauce and one of the best veals in the city. 

Beermiscuous - Wind down at this hip, rustic space that offers more than 300 craft brews. 

Crisp - Barker claims this small restaurant on 2940 N. Broadway has the best wings in Chicago. 

Leon’s BBQ - Stop by this Chicago staple If you’re craving barbecue but don’t want to bust out the grill. 

GUEST: Dalton Barker, reporter at Crain’s Chicago Business