Must-See Concerts and Comedy Shows in September 2026

Buckle-up, Friends! This month just may be the busiest to date when it comes to absolutely amazing artists coming to Chicago. From Riot Grrrl royalty to Riot Fest, here’s a look at some of the fantastic events happening in and around Chicago this September.

Riot Fest – Douglass Park – Sept. 18-20

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!!! Riot Fest!!!!! This year’s lineup includes such Rebellious Magazine favorites as Patti Smith, Santigold, Alanis Morissette, The Beths, and Sincere Engineer along with Pixies, Twenty One Pilots, Tool, Bad Religion, Pierce the Veil, William Shatner (!!!) and many more. See you in Douglass Park Sept. 18-20.

Erykah Badu – Ravinia (Highland Park) – Sept. 10

Last December, Erykah Badu put on one of the best shows of the year at The Chicago Theatre. On Sept. 10, she will be returning to the Chicago area to perform a special concert at Ravinia in Highland Park. De La Soul and The Alchemist will also be performing so you will want to arrive early for this one.

Ilana Glazer – Chicago Theatre – Sept. 22

If you’re looking for laughs this month, be sure to stop by The Chicago Theatre on Sept. 22 as Broad City superstar Ilana Glazer will be performing a stand-up set. Glazer’s second comedy special Human Magic is currently streaming on Hulu so you can give it a watch before you head out to see the live show.

TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island– Sept. 8

What’s better than one amazing artist – how about three!?!?! On Sept. 8, TLC and Salt-N-Pepa, with special guest En Vogue, will be taking the stage at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island. Be sure to drink some tea with honey and do a few vocal warm-ups before this one as singing along will be absolutely irresistible.

Bikini Kill – The Salt Shed – Sept. 14

Riot Grrrl icons, Kathleen Hanna, Tobi Vail, and Kathi Wilcox are bringing Bikini Kill to The Salt Shed on Sept. 14. With support from Ganser, this show promises to be as cathartic as it is fun.

Elsewhere in September, Hayley Williams is bringing The Hayley Williams Show – also featuring Magdalena Bay and Rico Nasty – to Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on Sept. 24 and Babymetal will be performing at Huntington Bank Pavilion on Sept. 4. Sleater-Kinney and Liz Phair are teaming up at The Salt Shed on Sept. 17 and Phoebe Bridgers will be headlining the United Center on Sept. 18 & 19.

Atsuko Okatsuka is also performing on Sept. 18 & 19 at The Chicago Theatre where Sara Bareilles will bring The Good Grief Tour on Sept. 27. And last but not least, Arc – the house music fest featuring sets from Azzecca, Sara Landry, Underworld, and more – will be taking over Union Park on Labor Day weekend (Sept. 4-7). Wait, there’s still more. This month also features shows by The B-52s (9/17), She & Him (9/20), Lily Allen (9/13), Lambrini Girls (9/29), and Allison Krauss & Union Station (9/12) – so many shows, so little time!!!

It’s a great month to be a music and comedy fan in Chicago!