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 highlightsThe 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 showsAdvance Man: Part One of the Honeycomb Trilogy at Strawdog Theatre CompanyVape! The Grease Parody at Apollo Theater ChicagoThe Birth of the Pill at TimeLine TheatreBlack Girl From a White Suburb at American Blues TheaterYou Can’t Fake the Funk: A Journey Through Funk Music at Black Ensemble TheaterThe Attic at Goodman TheatreJekyll & Hyde at Broadway PlayhouseDirty Dancing: The Musical at Nederlander TheatrePlay On! At Chicago Shakespeare TheaterHow We Got On at Definition TheatreDestinos Chicago International Latino Theater FestivalKowalski at Lookingglass Theatre CompanyTopDog/Underdog at Steppenwolf Theatre CompanyOperation Mincemeat: A New Musical at CIBC TheatreDon Giovanni at Lyric Opera

Advance Man: Part One of the Honeycomb Trilogy at Strawdog Theatre CompanyAug. 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

Vape! The Grease Parody; photo by Michael BrosilowAug. 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 TheatreSept. 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 TheaterSept. 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 TheaterSept. 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 Cant Fake the Funk 

The Attic at Goodman TheatreSept. 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

Jekyll photo by Evan HanoverSept. 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

Dirty Dancing the Musical; photo by Matthew MurphySept. 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 TheaterSept. 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 TheatreSept. 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 FestivalSept. 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

Kowalski at Lookingglass Theatre Company; photo credit Emil CohenSept. 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 CompanySept. 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

Operation Mincemeat; photo by Matt CrockettSept. 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

Don Giovanni at Lyric Opera of Chicago; photo by Leah WellmanOct. 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 beyondSunday 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)