#1
Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7pm; Sat, Oct 10 · 5pm and 8pmTicket required
Jerry Seinfeld Live!
Downtown, the Loop & West Loop
The stand-up legend does a live set at the Chicago Theatre, one night only.
One Weekend Only
Friday Night in Chicago, Columbus Day Weekend 2026
42 picks
The 10 best things to do in Chicago on Friday night, Oct 9
- Jerry Seinfeld Live! — Fri, Oct 9 7pm; Sat, Oct 10 · 5pm and 8pm · Downtown
- Beck – Ride Lonesome Tour — Fri, Oct 9 8:00pm · Downtown
- Mäkelä, Petrushka & Belshazzar’s Feast — Fri, Oct 9 7:30pm · Downtown
- Lincoln Park Wine Fest — October 9–11; Friday 5–10pm · General admission from $30 · Lincoln Park
- Muna – Gets So Hot Tour — Fri, Oct 9 7:00pm · Logan Square
- Shaboozey – Outlaws Never Die Tour — Fri, Oct 9 7:30pm · Uptown
- Pre-Season: Chicago Bulls v Memphis Grizzlies — Fri, Oct 9 7:00pm · Pilsen
- Zach Top: Cold Beer & Country Music Tour 2026 — Fri, Oct 9 8:00pm · 6920 North Mannheim Road
- Audrey Hobert – Chicago – The Staircase To Stardom Tour — Fri, Oct 9 7:30pm · Andersonville
- Afrojack Presents: Control — Friday, October 9 Doors 10 PM · Pilsen
#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
Downtown, the Loop & West Loop
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
Downtown, the Loop & West Loop
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
Jonquil Park, Lincoln Park
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
Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7:00pm
Muna – Gets So Hot Tour
Logan Square, Wicker Park & Bucktown
MUNA plays an outdoor show at The Salt Shed, with Hemlocke Springs opening the night.
One Day Only
#5Fri, 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#6
Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, UptownFri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7:30pm
Shaboozey – Outlaws Never Die Tour
Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, Uptown
The singer behind the smash "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" brings his tour to the Aragon Ballroom.
One Day Only
#6Fri, 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#7
Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7:00pm
Pre-Season: Chicago Bulls v Memphis Grizzlies
Pilsen, West Town & the West Side
The Bulls play the Memphis Grizzlies in an NBA preseason game at the United Center.
One Day Only
#7Fri, 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#8
Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 8:00pm
Zach Top: Cold Beer & Country Music Tour 2026
6920 North Mannheim Road, Evanston & Oak Park
Zach Top headlines Allstate Arena with a full night of his country music.
One Day Only
#8Fri, 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 calendar#9
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
Andersonville, Uptown & Lincoln Square
Audrey Hobert brings high-energy indie-pop to the Riviera on the final, expanded leg of her tour.
One Day Only
#9Fri, 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#10
Radius Chicago, Near South Side, Pilsen, West Town & the West SideFriday, October 9, 2026 · Doors 10 PMTicketed
Afrojack Presents: Control
Pilsen, West Town & the West Side
Afrojack Presents: Control has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Limited Run
#10Friday, 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 calendarMore on Friday night
#11
Logan Center for the Arts, Hyde ParkFriday, October 9, 2026 · 7:30 PMTicketed
Loeffler’s Rediscovered Octet
Logan Center for the Arts, Hyde Park
An octet unheard since 1897 returns in a one-night University of Chicago performance.
Limited Run
#11Friday, October 9, 2026 · 7:30 PM · Limited Run
Logan Center for the Arts, Hyde ParkLoeffler’s Rediscovered Octet
An octet unheard since 1897 returns in a one-night University of Chicago performance.
Add to calendar#12
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
Park West, Lincoln Park
National Park After Dark: Your Neck of the Woods Tour
One Day Only
#12Friday, 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 calendar#13
Fri, Oct 9 · 7 PM; Sat, Oct 10 · 7:30 PM; Sun, Oct 11 · 2 PM
Music Theater Works Presents: Escape to Margaritaville
9501 Skokie Blvd, Evanston & Oak Park
Music Theater Works stages Escape to Margaritaville at the North Shore Center.
One Weekend Only
#13Fri, 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#14
Fri, Oct 9, 2026 · 8:00pm
Tito Nieves - 50 Años La Historia Continua
Logan Square, Wicker Park & Bucktown
Tito Nieves celebrates 50 years with a one-night concert on the Copernicus Center stage.
One Day Only
#14Fri, 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 calendarThe whole weekend, in one email.
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#15
Metro, WrigleyvilleFriday, October 9, 2026 · Doors 6:30 PM; show 7:30 PM$26 advance
feeble little horse with Snuggle
Metro, Wrigleyville
feeble little horse brings its new album to Metro with Snuggle opening.
Limited Run
#15Friday, October 9, 2026 · Doors 6:30 PM; show 7:30 PM · Limited Run
Metro, Wrigleyvillefeeble little horse with Snuggle
feeble little horse brings its new album to Metro with Snuggle opening.
Add to calendar#16
SPIN Chicago, River North, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopFriday, October 9, 2026 · Doors 6 PM; show 7–10 PM$35–$190
AMBIENCE
Downtown, the Loop & West Loop
An immersive Chicago Fashion Week runway mixes collections, installations and performance.
One Day Only
#16Friday, October 9, 2026 · Doors 6 PM; show 7–10 PM · One Day Only
SPIN Chicago, River North, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopAMBIENCE
An immersive Chicago Fashion Week runway mixes collections, installations and performance.
Add to calendar#17
The Vic Theatre, Lincoln Park, Lakeview & WrigleyvilleFri, Oct 9, 2026 · 7:00pm
Robby Hoffman – Live on Tour
Lincoln Park, Lakeview & Wrigleyville
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
Downtown, the Loop & West Loop
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
Logan Square, Wicker Park & Bucktown
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
Downtown, the Loop & West Loop
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
Douglass Park, North Lawndale, Pilsen, West Town & the West SideFriday, October 9, 2026 · 6–8 PMFREE
The Heart of the Story at Douglass
Pilsen, West Town & the West Side
Cerqua Rivera’s Dance Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra lead a free all-ages performance.
FreeOne Day Only
#21Friday, October 9, 2026 · 6–8 PM · One Day Only
Douglass Park, North Lawndale, Pilsen, West Town & the West SideThe Heart of the Story at Douglass
Cerqua Rivera’s Dance Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra lead a free all-ages performance.
Add to calendar#22
The Factory TheaterOct 9, 2026–Oct 18, 2026$30
The Factory Theater Presents the World Premiere of “Radical Futures”
The Factory Theater
The Factory Theater Presents the World Premiere of “Radical Futures” is listed for Chicago this.
Limited Run
#22Oct 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#23
Rivers Casino Des Plaines, Des Plaines, Far SuburbsFriday, October 9, 2026, 8:00 PMTicketed via the venue
Tower of Power
Des Plaines, Far Suburbs
Tower of Power has enough weekend energy to earn a spot on the board.
Limited Run
#23Friday, October 9, 2026, 8:00 PM · Limited Run
Rivers Casino Des Plaines, Des Plaines, Far Suburbs#24
Swedish American Museum, AndersonvilleFriday, October 9, 2026 · Opening 6–8 PM
Unsettled Clay: Artwork by Carl Mankert
Swedish American Museum, Andersonville
Carl Mankert opens a ceramics exhibition on Swedish-American identity with a two-hour reception.
ArtOne Day Only
#24Friday, October 9, 2026 · Opening 6–8 PM · One Day Only
Swedish American Museum, AndersonvilleUnsettled Clay: Artwork by Carl Mankert
Carl Mankert opens a ceramics exhibition on Swedish-American identity with a two-hour reception.
Add to calendarAbout this list
Stumblday's hand-checked ranking of the best things to do in Chicago on Friday night of Columbus Day weekend, Oct 9: 42 picks, refreshed weekly.
