This Week Downtown: El Grito Takes Over Grant Park

Your week-ahead guide to Downtown — 4 picks worth planning around, from El Grito in Grant Park to a free Saturday on Navy Pier.

By Raj Singh · Published September 13, 2026.

SUNDAY

El Grito Chicago @ Grant Park

Grant Park caps Mexican Independence weekend with El Grito Chicago, a two-day celebration of Mexican music, food and pride that runs 2–10 p.m. Sunday. Expect performances from local and international artists, an artisan mercado, and a civic ceremony that re-enacts the historic ‘grito.’ General admission starts at $10.

TUESDAY

Free Museum Day (Illinois Residents) @ Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)

The MCA is free for Illinois residents every Tuesday, so here is your midweek excuse to wander its contemporary galleries without a ticket. Doors are open 10 a.m.–9 p.m. on Tuesdays.

THURSDAY

Gary Clark Jr. — 2026 US Tour @ The Chicago Theatre

Guitarist Gary Clark Jr. brings his 2026 U.S. headlining tour to the Chicago Theatre on Thursday night, a premier stop on a newly announced run. Doors at 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

Chicago Live! @ Navy Pier

Navy Pier’s annual performing-arts festival returns Saturday with more than 100 local artists spread across five stages — a free weekend of music and performance ranging from Chicago stalwarts to up-and-comers.

Browse more Downtown events for the full week.