Things to Do in Chicago This Weekend: Sep 11–13

Things to Do in Chicago This Weekend: Sep 11–13 City Guides
Eric Clapton brings arena-scale rock to the United Center Friday night, while the weekend sprawls across comedy clubs, musicals, and electronic stages—from Skrillex at Navy Pier to Dirty Dancing at the Nederlander.

Eric Clapton takes the United Center on Friday with the kind of legendary presence that commands a room, but Chicago’s weekend refuses to orbit a single headliner. Instead, the city’s stages split into wildly different moods: theatrical productions like Dirty Dancing and Jekyll & Hyde open their doors, electronic producers like Skrillex and Juls draw late-night crowds, and comedy clubs from Zanies to The Chicago Theatre host everything from Adrian Uribe’s stand-up to Second City’s mainstage revue.

Tip: code GTIX20 takes 20% off ticket prices on every event below — no minimum and no expiry.

Eric Clapton at United Center

Fri, Sep 11, 7:30 PM · United Center · from $70

The blues-rock legend brings decades of mastery to one of Chicago’s largest stages Friday night. Expect fingerpicking precision, soulful vocals, and the kind of setlist that spans his entire career—from Cream classics to his most recent work.

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Dirty Dancing at Nederlander Theatre

Fri, Sep 11, 7:00 PM · Nederlander Theatre at Ford Center for the Performing Arts · from $65

The beloved film adaptation hits the stage with all the romance, tension, and dancing that made the original unforgettable. This is the kind of theatrical experience that rewards both longtime fans and newcomers discovering the story for the first time.

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Skrillex at Festival Hall A, Navy Pier

Sat, Sep 12, 6:00 PM · Festival Hall A At Navy Pier · from $52

The electronic producer brings heavy bass and intricate sound design to Navy Pier on Saturday. Whether you’re familiar with dubstep or just curious about electronic music’s technical side, Skrillex’s live show is a masterclass in production and energy.

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Noname at Park West

Fri, Sep 11, 8:00 PM · Park West · from $84

The Chicago rapper and singer brings introspective lyricism and genre-fluid production to Park West on Friday night. Her performances balance intimacy with sophistication, drawing from jazz, soul, and hip-hop influences.

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Jekyll & Hyde at Broadway Playhouse

Fri, Sep 11, 7:00 PM · Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place · from $95

This musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novella explores the duality of human nature through powerful vocals and dramatic staging. The production captures both the psychological tension and the theatrical spectacle of the story.

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Adrian Uribe at The Chicago Theatre

Fri, Sep 11, 8:00 PM · The Chicago Theatre · from $28

The comedian brings his sharp observational humor to one of Chicago’s most iconic venues on Friday night. Uribe’s stand-up balances personal storytelling with commentary on modern life, delivered with infectious energy.

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Dermot Kennedy at Huntington Bank Pavilion

Fri, Sep 11, 8:00 PM · Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island · from $15

The Irish singer-songwriter performs at the waterfront venue on Friday with his blend of indie-rock and introspective lyrics. Kennedy’s live shows emphasize emotional connection and sonic clarity, perfect for an outdoor setting.

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Yacht Rock Revue at The Salt Shed Outdoors

Fri, Sep 11, 6:30 PM · The Salt Shed Outdoors – Chicago · from $64

This tribute band celebrates the smooth, melodic side of ’70s and ’80s rock—think Toto, Hall & Oates, and Steely Dan. It’s the kind of show that invites singalongs and good vibes, ideal for a Friday night outdoors.

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You Can’t Fake the Funk at Black Ensemble Theater

Fri, Sep 11, 7:00 PM · Black Ensemble Theater · from $87

This theatrical production celebrates funk, soul, and the cultural history behind the music. Expect live performances, storytelling, and the kind of energy that honors both the genre’s roots and its contemporary relevance.

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Second City Mainstage 114th Revue

Fri, Sep 11, 6:30 PM · Mainstage at Second City – Chicago · from $133

Chicago’s legendary improv and sketch comedy institution presents its latest mainstage revue, blending topical humor, character work, and collaborative comedy. Second City shows are unpredictable and sharp, drawing from the city’s deep comedy tradition.

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Check dates and venues carefully—some shows run multiple nights, while others are one-time performances. Book early for musicals and larger venues, especially if you’re planning to catch more than one show.