#1
Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7pm; Sat, Oct 10 · 5pm and 8pm
Jerry Seinfeld Live!
The stand-up legend does a live set at the Chicago Theatre, one night only.
One Weekend Only
Things to do in Chicago on Friday, Oct 9
Hand-picked every week — checked against organizers’ own pages.
Stumblday's ranked list of the best things to do in Chicago on Friday, October 9: 40 events, led by Jerry Seinfeld Live!, Beck – Ride Lonesome Tour and Mäkelä, Petrushka & Belshazzar’s Feast — each one checked against the organizer's own page. Below them, 24 exhibitions and shows running through the day.
The 10 best things to do in Chicago on Fri, Oct 9
- Jerry Seinfeld Live!
- Beck – Ride Lonesome Tour
- Mäkelä, Petrushka & Belshazzar’s Feast
- Lincoln Park Wine Fest
- Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical
- Muna – Gets So Hot Tour
- Shaboozey – Outlaws Never Die Tour
- St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend
- Pre-Season: Chicago Bulls v Memphis Grizzlies
- Zach Top: Cold Beer & Country Music Tour 2026
Fri night (from 5 PM)
- Beck – Ride Lonesome Tour
- Mäkelä, Petrushka & Belshazzar’s Feast
- Lincoln Park Wine Fest
- Shaboozey – Outlaws Never Die Tour
- Zach Top: Cold Beer & Country Music Tour 2026
- Audrey Hobert – Chicago – The Staircase To Stardom Tour
- Afrojack Presents: Control
- National Park After Dark: Your Neck of the Woods Tour
- Tito Nieves - 50 Años La Historia Continua
- Punchis Punchis: Banda Rave Experience
64 picks
Top picks for Fri, Oct 9
#1Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7pm; Sat, Oct 10 · 5pm and 8pm · One Weekend Only
Jerry Seinfeld Live!
The stand-up legend does a live set at the Chicago Theatre, one night only.
Add to calendar#2
Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 8:00pm
Beck – Ride Lonesome Tour
Beck opens two nights at the Auditorium on a new 25-date North American tour.
One Weekend Only
#2Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 8:00pm · One Weekend Only
Beck – Ride Lonesome Tour
Beck opens two nights at the Auditorium on a new 25-date North American tour.
Add to calendar#3
Orchestra Hall, Symphony Center, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopBeyond My Ken · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsFri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7:30pm
Mäkelä, Petrushka & Belshazzar’s Feast
Thomas Hampson joins the CSO, a double chorus and two brass bands for Walton's Babylon cantata.
One Day Only
#3Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7:30pm · One Day Only
Orchestra Hall, Symphony Center, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopBeyond My Ken · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsMäkelä, Petrushka & Belshazzar’s Feast
Thomas Hampson joins the CSO, a double chorus and two brass bands for Walton's Babylon cantata.
Add to calendar#4
Jonquil Park, Lincoln ParkWarren LeMay from Chicago, IL, United States · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsOctober 9–11, 2026; Friday 5–10pm, Saturday 11am–10pm, Sunday 11am–7pmGeneral admission from $30
Lincoln Park Wine Fest
The 10th Lincoln Park Wine Fest pours in two-hour sessions in a small neighborhood park; 21+.
One Weekend Only
#4October 9–11, 2026; Friday 5–10pm, Saturday 11am–10pm, Sunday 11am–7pm · One Weekend Only
Jonquil Park, Lincoln ParkWarren LeMay from Chicago, IL, United States · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsLincoln Park Wine Fest
The 10th Lincoln Park Wine Fest pours in two-hour sessions in a small neighborhood park; 21+.
Add to calendar#5
CIBC Theatre, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopOnasill - Bill Badzo - 144 Million Views from Canada · Public domain · Wikimedia CommonsThrough Oct 11, 2026
Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical
The Olivier-winning musical about a WWII deception plot built around a dead body.
One Weekend Only
#5Through Oct 11, 2026 · One Weekend Only
CIBC Theatre, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopOnasill - Bill Badzo - 144 Million Views from Canada · Public domain · Wikimedia CommonsOperation Mincemeat: A New Musical
The Olivier-winning musical about a WWII deception plot built around a dead body.
Add to calendar#6
Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7:00pm
Muna – Gets So Hot Tour
MUNA plays an outdoor show at The Salt Shed, with Hemlocke Springs opening the night.
One Day Only
#6Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7:00pm · One Day Only
Muna – Gets So Hot Tour
MUNA plays an outdoor show at The Salt Shed, with Hemlocke Springs opening the night.
Add to calendar#7
Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, UptownFri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7:30pm
Shaboozey – Outlaws Never Die Tour
The singer behind the smash "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" brings his tour to the Aragon Ballroom.
One Day Only
#7Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7:30pm · One Day Only
Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, UptownShaboozey – Outlaws Never Die Tour
The singer behind the smash "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" brings his tour to the Aragon Ballroom.
Add to calendar#8
Downtown St. Charles, St. Charles, Far SuburbsAneekr at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia CommonsFriday, October 9 – Sunday, October 11, 2026
St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend
Scarecrow Weekend fills downtown St. Charles with displays and fall activities.
One Weekend Only
#8Friday, October 9 – Sunday, October 11, 2026 · One Weekend Only
Downtown St. Charles, St. Charles, Far SuburbsAneekr at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia CommonsSt. Charles Scarecrow Weekend
Scarecrow Weekend fills downtown St. Charles with displays and fall activities.
Add to calendar#9
Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7:00pm
Pre-Season: Chicago Bulls v Memphis Grizzlies
The Bulls play the Memphis Grizzlies in an NBA preseason game at the United Center.
One Day Only
#9Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7:00pm · One Day Only
Pre-Season: Chicago Bulls v Memphis Grizzlies
The Bulls play the Memphis Grizzlies in an NBA preseason game at the United Center.
Add to calendar#10
Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 8:00pm
Zach Top: Cold Beer & Country Music Tour 2026
Zach Top headlines Allstate Arena with a full night of his country music.
One Day Only
#10Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 8:00pm · One Day Only
Zach Top: Cold Beer & Country Music Tour 2026
Zach Top headlines Allstate Arena with a full night of his country music.
Add to calendarMore on Fri, Oct 9, including exhibitions and shows running all week
#11
Riviera Theatre, Andersonville, Uptown & Lincoln SquareKenneth C. Zirkel · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsFri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7:30pm
Audrey Hobert – Chicago – The Staircase To Stardom Tour
Audrey Hobert brings high-energy indie-pop to the Riviera on the final, expanded leg of her tour.
One Day Only
#11Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7:30pm · One Day Only
Riviera Theatre, Andersonville, Uptown & Lincoln SquareKenneth C. Zirkel · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsAudrey Hobert – Chicago – The Staircase To Stardom Tour
Audrey Hobert brings high-energy indie-pop to the Riviera on the final, expanded leg of her tour.
Add to calendar#12
Richard H. Driehaus Museum, River North, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopOctober 9, 2026 – April 18, 2027Adults $23
Emma Stebbins: Carving Out History
Emma Stebbins: Carving Out History
ArtLimited Run
#12October 9, 2026 – April 18, 2027 · Limited Run
Richard H. Driehaus Museum, River North, Downtown, the Loop & West Loop#13
Radius Chicago, Near South Side, Pilsen, West Town & the West SideFriday, October 9, 2026 · Doors 10 PMTicketed
Afrojack Presents: Control
Afrojack Presents: Control has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Limited Run
#13Friday, October 9, 2026 · Doors 10 PM · Limited Run
Radius Chicago, Near South Side, Pilsen, West Town & the West SideAfrojack Presents: Control
Afrojack Presents: Control has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendar#14
Park West, Lincoln ParkFriday, October 9, 2026, doors 6:30 PM, show 7:30 PMTicketed via AXS
National Park After Dark: Your Neck of the Woods Tour
National Park After Dark: Your Neck of the Woods Tour
One Day Only
#14Friday, October 9, 2026, doors 6:30 PM, show 7:30 PM · One Day Only
Park West, Lincoln ParkNational Park After Dark: Your Neck of the Woods Tour
National Park After Dark: Your Neck of the Woods Tour
Add to calendarThe whole weekend, in one email.
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#15
Fri, Oct 9 · 7 PM; Sat, Oct 10 · 7:30 PM; Sun, Oct 11 · 2 PM
Music Theater Works Presents: Escape to Margaritaville
Music Theater Works stages Escape to Margaritaville at the North Shore Center.
One Weekend Only
#15Fri, Oct 9 · 7 PM; Sat, Oct 10 · 7:30 PM; Sun, Oct 11 · 2 PM · One Weekend Only
Music Theater Works Presents: Escape to Margaritaville
Music Theater Works stages Escape to Margaritaville at the North Shore Center.
Add to calendar#16
Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 8:00pm
Tito Nieves - 50 Años La Historia Continua
Tito Nieves celebrates 50 years with a one-night concert on the Copernicus Center stage.
One Day Only
#16Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 8:00pm · One Day Only
Tito Nieves - 50 Años La Historia Continua
Tito Nieves celebrates 50 years with a one-night concert on the Copernicus Center stage.
Add to calendar#17
The Vic Theatre, Lincoln Park, Lakeview & WrigleyvilleFri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7:00pm
Robby Hoffman – Live on Tour
Comedian Robby Hoffman brings a headlining stand-up tour to the Vic Theatre.
One Day Only
#17Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7:00pm · One Day Only
The Vic Theatre, Lincoln Park, Lakeview & WrigleyvilleRobby Hoffman – Live on Tour
Comedian Robby Hoffman brings a headlining stand-up tour to the Vic Theatre.
Add to calendar#18
Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopFri, Oct 9, 2026 · 5:00pm
Punchis Punchis: Banda Rave Experience
Punchis Punchis brings its Banda Rave Experience to Navy Pier.
One Day Only
#18Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 5:00pm · One Day Only
Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopPunchis Punchis: Banda Rave Experience
Punchis Punchis brings its Banda Rave Experience to Navy Pier.
Add to calendar#19
Eckhart (Bernard) Park, West Town, Logan Square, Wicker Park & BucktownFriday, October 9, 2026, 5:00–7:00 PMFREE
Transilience: Chicago Trans Pride Festival at Eckhart
Transilience: Chicago Trans Pride Festival at Eckhart has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
FreeOne Day Only
#19Friday, October 9, 2026, 5:00–7:00 PM · One Day Only
Eckhart (Bernard) Park, West Town, Logan Square, Wicker Park & BucktownTransilience: Chicago Trans Pride Festival at Eckhart
Transilience: Chicago Trans Pride Festival at Eckhart has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendar#20
House of Blues, River North, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopFri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7:00pm
Scene Queen – Metalicious Tour
Scene Queen – Metalicious Tour has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
One Day Only
#20Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7:00pm · One Day Only
House of Blues, River North, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopScene Queen – Metalicious Tour
Scene Queen – Metalicious Tour has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendar#21
The Factory TheaterOct 9, 2026–Oct 18, 2026$30
The Factory Theater Presents the World Premiere of “Radical Futures”
The Factory Theater Presents the World Premiere of “Radical Futures” is listed for Chicago this.
Limited Run
#21Oct 9, 2026–Oct 18, 2026 · Limited Run
The Factory TheaterThe Factory Theater Presents the World Premiere of “Radical Futures”
The Factory Theater Presents the World Premiere of “Radical Futures” is listed for Chicago this.
Add to calendar#22
Rivers Casino Des Plaines, Des Plaines, Far SuburbsFriday, October 9, 2026, 8:00 PMTicketed via the venue
Tower of Power
Tower of Power has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Limited Run
#22Friday, October 9, 2026, 8:00 PM · Limited Run
Rivers Casino Des Plaines, Des Plaines, Far Suburbs#23
Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 8:00pm
WAR: The Greatest Hits Tour
WAR: The Greatest Hits Tour has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
One Day Only
#23Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 8:00pm · One Day Only
WAR: The Greatest Hits Tour
WAR: The Greatest Hits Tour has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendar#24
FACETS Film Forum, Lincoln Park, Lakeview & WrigleyvilleFriday 9:30pm
No Skin Off My Ass
No Skin Off My Ass has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
One Day Only
#24Friday 9:30pm · One Day Only
FACETS Film Forum, Lincoln Park, Lakeview & WrigleyvilleNo Skin Off My Ass
No Skin Off My Ass has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Add to calendar