Chicago is home to one of the country’s most exciting theatre scenes, from Tony Award-winning theatres and cutting-edge original productions to the latest Broadway hits and everything in between. And for theatre lovers, fall is one of the best times of year to experience it all.
Fall 2026 Chicago theatre highlights
- The acclaimed Jekyll & Hyde musical is back after a sold-out run last year.
- Broadway in Chicago brings hits like Dirty Dancing: The Musical and Operation Mincemeat.
- The ninth annual International Latino Theater Festival spotlights the power of Latino storytelling.
- Get in the holiday spirit with A Christmas Carol, a beloved Chicago tradition.
Check our events calendar for even more upcoming productions.
As the season gets underway, Chicago’s stages come alive with a packed lineup of fresh productions representing a wide variety of genres. There’s plenty to look forward to, so check out a few of the season’s upcoming highlights and get your tickets today.
Can't-miss fall shows
Advance Man: Part One of the Honeycomb Trilogy at Strawdog Theatre Company
Aug. 14 – Sept. 27, 2026
This chilling sci-fi drama follows fictional astronaut Bill Cooke, who completed the first manned mission to Mars and returns with secrets and illicit cargo. His decisions will alter his family’s lives and humanity as a whole. This play is the first installation of an ambitious two-year project.
Get tickets to Advance Man
Vape! The Grease Parody at Apollo Theater Chicago
Aug. 20, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
Relive the joy and nostalgia of Grease through a haze of strawberry-scented vapor and a TikTok filter. This reimagined classic includes all the music, dancing, and innuendo that you remember, with a modern twist that’s irreverent, camp, and all fun.
Get tickets to Vape! The Grease Parody
The Birth of the Pill at TimeLine Theatre
Sept. 2 – Oct. 4, 2026
Based on the book by Jonathan Eig, this gripping original drama traces the history of the scientists, activists, and philanthropists who helped develop a ground-breaking contraceptive option and the women who paid the price for social advancement.
Get tickets to The Birth of the Pill
Black Girl From a White Suburb at American Blues Theater
Sept. 4 – Oct. 4, 2026
Based on her memoir detailing the microaggressions and code-switching of being the only Black girl in a white Chicago suburb, this one-woman show uses storytelling and humor to explore how she found her voice in a hostile environment.
Get tickets to Black Girl From a White Suburb
You Can’t Fake the Funk: A Journey Through Funk Music at Black Ensemble Theater
Sept. 5 – Oct. 25, 2026
Groove to the high-energy sounds of classic ‘70s and ‘80s funk bands, including Sly and the Family Stone; Earth, Wind and Fire; and Parliament Funkadelic. Discover the history of the genre while singing along to the era’s greatest hits at this energetic musical production.
Get tickets to You Can’t Fake the Funk
The Attic at Goodman Theatre
Sept. 5 – Oct. 4, 2026
Experience the thrill of trapeze and modern circus art, complete with daring aerial feats, in this unconventional production. The moving new work is inspired by Shana Carroll’s memoir on her life as a trapeze artist and Tony-Award winning choreographer.
Get tickets to The Attic
Jekyll & Hyde at Broadway Playhouse
Sept. 8 – Oct. 25, 2026
Follow the haunting tale of a 19th-century scientist who unknowingly releases an evil alter ego, set to gothic pop-rock tunes in this acclaimed musical production. This production follows a completely sold-out and extended-by-demand run in Chicago last year.
Get tickets to Jekyll & Hyde
Dirty Dancing: The Musical at Nederlander Theatre
Sept. 9 – 20, 2026
Based on the beloved ’80s movie, this production combines electrifying dance choreography with songs from the original film for the ultimate nostalgic experience.
Get tickets to Dirty Dancing: The Musical
Play On! At Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Sept. 11 – Oct. 18, 2026
This innovative production infuses Twelfth Night, Shakespeare’s classic comedy, with the legendary jazz music of Duke Ellington. The action unfolds in Harlem during the swinging 1930s. This Tony-nominated jazz musical features iconic Ellington tunes like “It Don’t Mean A Thing” and “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”
Get tickets to Play On!
How We Got On at Definition Theatre
Sept. 11 – 27, 2026
Set during the 1980s, three suburban teens use the newly emerging sounds of hip hop to weave lyrics and rhythms that reflect their lives and desires for fame and success. An art installation, “The Sound Barriers Vol. 4,” runs alongside the production.
Get tickets to How We Got On
Destinos Chicago International Latino Theater Festival
Sept. 14 – Oct. 11, 2026
The 9th annual Destinos International Latino Theater Festival showcases Latino theatre companies from Chicago and across the country. Choose from a variety of works staged at some of the city’s top independent theatre venues.
Get tickets to Destinos
Kowalski at Lookingglass Theatre Company
Sept. 15 – Oct. 25, 2026
An imaginary meeting between playwright Tennessee Williams and a young Marlon Brando serves as the premise for this fascinating drama. The show, starring award-winning actor Johnny Galecki, will examine the artistry and creative collaboration behind the historic play A Streetcar Named Desire.
Get tickets to Kowalski
TopDog/Underdog at Steppenwolf Theatre Company
Sept. 17 – Nov. 1, 2026
This Pulitzer Prize-winning play follows the riveting lives of brothers Lincoln and Booth, two Black men trying to stay afloat in the dangerous American political and social landscape. Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon directs this fast-paced production.
Get tickets to TopDog/Underdog
Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical at CIBC Theatre
Sept. 29 – Oct. 11, 2026
Set during World War II, this rollicking, award-winning musical follows the true story of how a dead body, a fake love letter, and the James Bond novelist Ian Fleming changed the course of history. The production, currently on a world tour, was nominated for four Tony Awards in 2025.
Get tickets to Operation Mincemeat
Don Giovanni at Lyric Opera
Oct. 10 – Nov. 1, 2026
One of opera’s most famous anti-heroes is brought to life with all the intrigue and deceit that this powerful drama requires. Prepare to be swept up by the intensity and sharp humor of this beloved opera.
Get tickets to Don Giovanni
More shows coming to Chicago this fall and beyond
- Sunday in the Park with George at Chopin Theatre (now through Nov. 1, 2026)
- Birds of North America at Red Orchid Theatre (Sep. 10 – Oct. 04, 2026)
- Pandemonium, Please Hold at The Second City (now through Dec. 5)
- A Strange Loop at Raven Theatre (Oct. 8 – Nov. 8, 2026)
- Adirondack Chair Circle at Steppenwolf (Oct. 22 – Dec. 6, 2026)
- Carmela Full of Wishes at Chicago Children’s Theatre (Oct. 24 – Nov. 15, 2026)
- David Parr: Time Traveler at Chicago Magic Lounge (Wednesdays from Oct. 7 – Dec. 16, 2026)
- A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre (Nov. 13 – Dec. 31, 2026)
- Tituba at Court Theatre (Dec. 10 – 20, 2026)
