September is ushering in a huge wave of cultural activities in Chicago! This week, celebrate Mexican Independence Day in Little Village, the heroic contributions of General Von Steuben at the German American Festival, and connect to musicians and artists from around the world at the first ever Sónar International Festival in Chicago!
There are so many great multicultural and multilingual events happening this week! Don’t miss out!
As always, we welcome your feedback. You can reach us on Facebook, Twitter (@Multi_Chicago) and of course, right here on our blog!
What: International Summer Screenings Program: Trip to the Seaside (El viaje hacia el mar)
When: Sep 8, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Claudia Cassidy Theater, Chicago, IL 60602
Catch the last free movie of the International Summer Screenings Program! This charming movie, directed by Guillermo Casanova, tells of small town life in the hills of Uruguay. When opportunity arises for five men to see the ocean for the first time, they set out on their journey in Rodriguez’s truck. The movie is in Spanish with English subtitles. Limited free admission to the public! Brought to you by Cinema Chicago, the Chicago Cultural Center and the Consulate General of Uruguay in Chicago.
What: Sónar Chicago: International Festival of Advanced Music and Multimedia Art
When: Sep 9, 2010 – Sep 10, 2010
Where: Various locations, including: Millennium Park, Chicago Cultural Center, Smart Bar
Modeled after the famous festival in Barcelona, this year, Sónar stages its first venture in Chicago! The festival will bring local talents in music and multimedia art to the public in the form of concerts, lectures, movie screenings, and club shows. This multigenre and multiligual event is brought to you by Sónar, Institut Ramon Llull, and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.
What: Ukrainian National Museum Open House
When: Sep 10, 2010 – Sep 12, 2010
Where: Ukrainian National Museum, 2249 W. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60612
Tour the Ukrainian National Museum for FREE this weekend! The museum houses collections of Ukrainian art, community artifacts, books, as well as rotating exhibitions from visiting artists. Brought to you by the Ukrainian National Museum.
What: German American Festival
When: Sep 10, 2010 – Sep 12, 2010
Where: Lincoln Square, 4700 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
Celebrate the 90th annual German American Festival in Lincoln Square this weekend! The festival features a wide variety of German cuisine and beverages! There will be live music, folk dancing, and even a keg tapping! The Rheinische Drum and Bugle Corps will perform on Sunday. Brought to you by the United German-American Societies of Greater Chicago.
What: Festival de la Villita (Little Village Festival)
When: Sep 10, 2010: 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Sep 11, 2010 – Sep 12, 2010: 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: Little Village, 2600 S. Kostner Ave., Chicago
2010 marks the 200th year of Mexico’s independence from Spain! Join the celebration in Little Village, and sample delicious Mexican cuisine from participating local restaurants and vendors. The festival will kick off with a Carnival on Friday, and end with the 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade on Sunday! Brought to you by The Little Village Chamber of Commerce!
What: Las Soldaderas
When: Sep 10, 2010 – Oct 3, 2010
Where: Aguijón Theater, 2707 N. Laramie Ave., Chicago, IL
What better way to celebrate Mexican Independence Day than by watching a play about the real women who participated in the Mexican Revolution? Based on the writings of Elena Poniatowska, this play follows the lives of five fictional young women, and examines their contribution to the independence movement. The play will run in both English and Spanish, on different days of the week. Catch a special presentation in Spanish, commemorating the bicentennial of Mexican Independence on Friday, September 17th. A special reception will follow the performance. Brought to you by the Aguijón Theater.
What: Von Steuben Parade
When: Sep 11, 2010, 2 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Square, 4000 N Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60618
Did you know that Baron Von Steuben helped George Washington win the American Revolutionary War? Through his command, he helped turn the American army into a disciplined military force. The 45th annual Von Steuben Parade celebrates his contributions with floats, marchers, and music. The parade will begin at Lincoln Avenue and Irving Park Road and end back at Western and Leland Avenue.
Brought to you by the United German-American Societies of Greater Chicago.
What: Dazzling Colors: The Evolution of Plains Reservation Art
When: On view until October 13, 2010
Where: Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 3001 Central St., Evanston, 60201
This special exhibition showcases the gorgeous beadwork of the American Indians of the Great Plains. Learn about the history of the Plains Indians, the changes in their lives during the late 1800’s, and view artifacts from the museum’s permanent collection. Brought to you by the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian.
What: World Kitchen: Now You’re Cooking Series – Fall in the Italian Countryside
When: Sep 11, 2010: 11 a.m.
Where: Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601
Learn how to cook dishes from around the globe! Part of the World Kitchen Series, this program runs from September through December, and features recipes from various ethnic cuisines found in Chicago’s many neighborhoods! All classes are taught in the state-of-the-art kitchen at Gallery 37. You can register for class packages and receive a discounted price, or attend single classes with pre-registration. This next class features recipes found in the Tuscany region of Italy! Brought to you by the City of Chicago’s World Kitchen.
What: The Drama of Immigration from the Latin American Perspective: Edmundo Paz Soldán & Antonio Olivo
When: Sep 14, 2010: 6 p.m.
Where: Instituto Cervantes of Chicago, 31 W. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60654
The issue of immigration is a hot topic in the U.S. and in Chicago, with its diverse communities. Hear from Bolivian author Edmundo Paz Soldán and Chicago Tribune reporter Antonio Olivo, as they discuss the topic of immigration from their perspectives. Edmundo Paz Soldán is a professor of Latin American Literature at Cornell University, and has received numerous awards including the 2002 Bolivian National Book Award and a 2006 Guggenheim Fellowship. Brought to you by the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago.








