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Talk of The Town: September 2026
LAST CALL FOR SUMMER!
September has a bittersweet magic all its own—the warmth lingers, festivals are still in full swing, and there's time to soak it all in before the season turns. This month, Talk of the Town is making the most of every last golden moment, from far-flung escapes that stretch summer well into winter to festive celebrations and a few perfect patios worth savoring before they close for the season.
Just because the calendar says autumn is coming doesn't mean summer has to end. When winter arrives in North America, the Southern Hemisphere is the place to go to extend your summer hurrahs all the way through March.
For cosmopolitan travelers, Buenos Aires offers European elegance with an Argentine spirit. Stroll grand boulevards lined with Belle Époque architecture and linger over grilled steaks and world-renowned Malbec. In December, catch a performance at the magnificent Teatro Colón, considered one of the world's finest opera houses; in January and February, when the season pauses, guided tours of its breathtaking interior are a must. For a tango performance, options range from the legendary El Viejo Almacén stage show in historic San Telmo to the Secreto Tango Society for a more intimate up-close experience.
Halfway around the world, New Zealand delivers spectacular natural beauty. On the North Island, discover vibrant Auckland, geothermal wonders in Rotorua, Māori culture, and renowned wine regions. The South Island seduces nature lovers with soaring alpine peaks, beautiful lakes, and dramatic fjords. Whether cruising Milford Sound, whitewater rafting on the Shotover River, or sampling local wines on a vineyard estate, New Zealand offers adventure at every turn.
At Africa's southwestern tip, Cape Town combines stunning landscapes with sophisticated city life. Ride the cableway up Table Mountain for panoramic views before heading into the nearby Cape Winelands, where historic estates pair exceptional wines with world-class cuisine. Just outside the city, Boulders Beach is home to thousands of critically endangered African penguins.
September is Chicago's secret weapon: summer's warmth lingers, and the festival calendar is still in full swing.
Over Labor Day weekend, you can choose from two popular festivals—or even hit both. The Taste of Polonia Festival at the Copernicus Center in Chicago's Jefferson Park neighborhood has been celebrating Polish heritage for decades, drawing crowds with traditional foods, live music, and dancing. In Naperville, the Last Fling takes over downtown Naperville with a Labor Day parade, carnival, dunk tank, tribute bands, improv comedy, and much more.
Chicago Live! returns to Navy Pier on September 19-20 as the Midwest's largest free performing arts festival, with more than 110 artists and organizations performing across the waterfront. Expect an extraordinary range including Hubbard Street Dance, Chicago Children's Theater, Soul Children of Chicago, Old Town School of Folk Music, Ballet Folklorico Sones Mexicanos, and dozens more spanning music, dance, and theater.
Rounding out the month, Highland Park Oktoberfest heads to Jens Jenson Park in the Ravinia District on September 26 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Enjoy German beer and bites, Bavarian music, a stein holding contest, and family activities. Test your skills at hammerschlagen—the traditional German game of driving a nail into a log with a blacksmith's hammer—and axe throwing.
Summer's best flavors don't have to disappear when the calendar turns. A little time in the kitchen now means a taste of August waiting for you in the depths of January.
Start with refrigerator pickles: no canning equipment, nor special skills required. Pack cucumbers, carrots, red onions, or jalapeños into a jar; pour over a simple brine of water, vinegar, sugar, and salt; add your preferred herbs and seasonings; and refrigerate. Dill and garlic are classic while red pepper flakes add a welcome kick. In 24 hours you will have something genuinely delicious and packed with summer flavor.
If your garden or farmers market is overflowing with basil, make pesto before it's gone. A blender or food processor, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, parmesan, and pine nuts — done in five minutes. Freeze it in ice cube trays, then transfer to a bag, and you'll be spooning summer into pasta, soups, and sandwiches all winter long.
Finally, consider compound butter: softened butter blended with fresh herbs, a little garlic, or even roasted corn and chili. Roll it in parchment, freeze it, and slice off a pat whenever a piece of fish, a steak, or a simple piece of bread needs something special.
There you have it: Summer, preserved.
September is the time to treat yourself to one last al fresco meal, maybe at one of these inviting spots.
Tala House, Andersonville: The intimate courtyard patio is the perfect setting for their modern take on Chicago's melting pot of cultures—celebrating diversity with globally inspired flavors, locally sourced ingredients, and unique flavor combinations.
501 Local, Wilmette: A shaded patio and stylish dining room make this neighborhood bistro equally appealing rain or shine. Their "American with a Twist" menu is complemented by a thoughtful selection of craft beer, wine, and signature cocktails.
Ivy, Wheaton: This locally-owned favorite is set in a beautiful old church, with an ivy-covered brick patio and soaring interior dining room. Come for the creative seasonal menu or their famous steaks, chops, and seafood.
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