Secret Chicago wants to help you make the most of your free time and keep you informed! We’ll be putting out “Don’t miss” and “ICYMI” plans and news for you each week, so you’ll always catch an incredible event or story.
1. Chicagohenge peaks this month: Here’s when and where to see it
One of Chicago’s most unique experiences returns this month offering an extraordinary collaboration between the magic of nature and Chicago’s glorious architecture during the autumn equinox.
Dubbed “Chicagohenge“, twice a year for the spring and fall equinoxes the sun lines up directly with Chicago’s streets and beams down the heart of the city splashing through Chicago’s artificial valleys.
This year the autumn Chicagohenge will be best experienced on the official first day of fall which is Saturday, September 23rd.
Read our full Chicagohenge guide.
2. The ‘World’s Largest Corn Maze’ will open near Chicago tomorrow
It might still technically be summer but all that fall fun is beginning to announce itself. Pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and corn mazes — some of our favorite autumnal activities — are soon to start emerging and the Midwest has some of the best in the country. When it comes to corn mazes, however, we have some of the best in the world.
Every year in September, Richardson Adventure Farm opens a themed 28-acre corn maze to the public which holds the title of the world’s largest corn maze, and this week it will open to the public for its 2023 season!
The theme of this year’s maze at Richardson Farm pays tribute to the legendary movie Jurassic Park, which hit screens 30 years ago.
Read more about the Richardson Adventure Farm maze and other activities.
3. Peninsula Chicago was named one of the best hotels on the planet
With one of the best skylines in the world and numerous buildings boasting stunning views over Lake Michigan and Chicago’s sensational cityscape, it is no surprise that our hotels are often of international acclaim. To be home to one of the very best hotels on planet Earth, however, is something to be extra proud of.
In a worldwide ranking carried out by French-based La Liste, known for its analysis of the world’s best restaurants, The Peninsula Chicago on Magnificent Mile was awarded a score of 99.5 making it the second-best hotel in the world.
Read more about the ranking here.
4. The new 8,500-square-foot Federales in Logan Square officially opens next week
The open-air tequila and taco concept Federales in Fulton Market has built a reputation as a lively bar party bar with a wide variety of margaritas, tacos, and the chance to throw ice shot glasses at a bell after downing the tequila within.
Now the restaurant, from Four Corners Tavern Group, is about to branch out from West Loop with a second Chicago outpost taking over an 8,500-square-foot venue in Logan Square.
The sprawling party bar will open next week in the northwest neighborhood with a retractable roof replacing the family-owned Father & Son Pizza.
Read more about the new Federales outpost.
5. The Old Joliet Prison has announced the resurrection of its terrifying Halloween experience
The huge Joliet Correctional Center, known colloquially as Joliet Prison, opened as the Midwest’s only haunted house inside an actual abandoned prison in 2021 and will next month reopen to the public for its third year with an even more eerie array of experiences within the spookiest of settings.
The themes of this year’s interactive and immersive experiences are yet to be revealed but organizers do promise “a spine-tingling adventure like never before!” on the official website. Tickets are already on sale for what is sure to be one of the most terrifying Halloween experiences in the state.
Read more about the Old Joliet Prison Haunted House experience.6. Here are all the movies Rooftop Cinema Club is showing in Chicago this September
Comprising rooftops with city views over sweeping skylines, the materials for a perfect viewing experience like state-of-the-art wireless headphones and adjustable deck chairs, and, of course, a huge screen showing iconic movies, Rooftop Cinema Club provides what it calls the “ultimate open-air cinema experience.”
Already operating across the country in places like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, the London-based company branched out to Chicago last year, premiering up on the fifth-floor terrace of the Emily Hotel in Chicago’s former warehouse district of Fulton Market.
The top-rated boutique hotel is now showing a lineup of cult classics, timeless comedies, and recent releases projected onto its state-of-the-art LED screen.
Check out the full list of 85+ movies showing this September.
7. Shedd has announced free admission on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays throughout September & October
Shedd Aquarium has announced that it will offer free admission for Illinois Residents every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday throughout September and October.
Free entry will not be permitted to guests who walk up without a reservation and all adults must provide proof of residency in person when redeeming tickets at the discounted rate. This can be a valid state ID or driver’s license with proof of Illinois residence.
Read more about upcoming Shedd Aquarium free days.
8. The most amazing waterfalls near Chicago and how to find them
Whether you’re looking for an exciting place to cool off in the hotter months or just looking to escape the urban monotony to revel in nature’s beauty, visiting a waterfall is never a bad idea.
There is something so refreshing for the mind, body, and soul about witnessing the calm chaos of water cascade down into a misty pool below. But whilst states like Oregon and Washington have over 200 waterfalls, the supply of verdant natural spectacles in Illinois is somewhat limited.
Finding a waterfall close to the urban jungle that is Chicago can be a little difficult and so we’ve rounded up some of the best waterfalls near the Windy City where you can escape and admire nature’s magic!
9. We used AI to see Chicago through the eyes of history’s most famous painters
From Van Gogh and Da Vinci to Rembrandt and Renoir, we asked artificial intelligence to reimagine Chicago as if painted by the most famous artists to have ever lived.
10. 50 spectacular things to do in Chicago in September
September is here and the summer weather is about to transition into autumn cheer. For now, though, there are still plenty more days of summer, and on the back of the recent record-breaking highs the weather is certainly still allowing us to frolic in September sunshine.
Patios are alive and kicking, museums are announcing free days and all that fall fun is beginning to announce itself. On top of that, there are unmissable one-off events like Labor Day celebrations and the Autumn Equinox.
Read our full list of things to do this September.
[Featured image from Unsplash]