CHICAGO — Summer’s long days are waning, and the first hints of cooler weather are just around the corner. It’s the perfect moment to soak up the last stretch of warm afternoons and breezy evenings in the city.

Make the most of these last weeks of summer by attending one (or several) outdoor community events. This month, you can sign up for the Bloomingdale Trail Run, learn how to bird watch at Jarvis Bird Sanctuary, rock climb at Devil’s Lake State Park and more. 

Here are 16 community-led outdoor events happening around Chicago in September:

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 6

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive

The museum hosts its eighth annual celebration of monarch butterflies as they begin their migration south to the Oyamel fir forest in Mexico. Watch scientists tag and release monarch butterflies at 10:30 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. in the nature museum’s ravine or join guided walks at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to learn about local plants and pollinators. Other activities during the day-long event include educational sessions led by reps from Trickster Cultural Center, craft making with the National Museum of Mexican Art and a dance performance by Xochitl-Quetzal Aztec Dance. Tickets are $15-17 (free for museum members); register and get tickets online.

A cyclist rides along the Major Taylor Trail in Morgan Park on May 10, 2023. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

8 a.m. Sept. 6

Dan Ryan Woods Grove 16, 2199 W. 83rd St.

Ride, celebrate and honor a legend. Join local cycling clubs and organizations – The Major Taylor Trail Keepers, Friends of the Major Taylor Trail and the Major Taylor Cycling Club Chicago – for a community bike ride honoring Marshall “Major” Taylor, the first African American world cycling champion whose legacy lives on through the Major Taylor Trail in Chicago. Riders can register for a 30-mile route that follows the entire trail and continues to Taylor’s gravesite and back, or a 16-mile route that follows the entire trail from Dan Ryan Woods to the trail end at Whistler Woods. Register for $35 in advance online.

The city garden at the Garfield Park Conservatory on July 12, 2023. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sept. 6

Garfield Park, 100 Central Park Ave.

Join Chicago BIPOC Birders at Garfield Park for a day of bird-inspired activities and community connection. This event celebrates urban birds in the city, with several activities including park stewardship, a guided bilingual bird walk, snacks from Chinola Zhara, a screening and discussion of the documentary “Broken Flight” with filmmaker Erika Valenciana and a hands-on bird art workshop. This event is open to people who identify as BIPOC and their families, and it’s supported by Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Celebrate Urban Birds program. Register in advance online.

A great-crested flycatcher spotted in North Park Village on June 26, 2024. Credit: John A. Viramontes

8-10 a.m. Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27

North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Road

Every Saturday morning in September, join J’orge Garcia of Windy City Bird Lab at North Park Village Nature Center for bird walks during the fall migration season. Attendees, regardless of experience, can discover the joy of birding on this guided walk through the park. Binoculars and field guides will be provided for the walk on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is co-sponsored by the Chicago Bird Alliance and the Chicago Park District. No RSVP is required.

11:30 a.m. Sept. 7

Begyle Brewing, 1800 W. Cuyler Ave.

Love a local brew to end your run? Join the Illinois Brewery Running Series for their September 5K fun run in Ravenswood. The event starts and ends at Begyle Brewing and welcomes runners, walkers and joggers of all ages and fitness levels. Registration is $47 for the run and post-race beer and $70 for the run, post-race beer and a t-shirt. Register in advance online. 

A grey catbird spotted at the Bill Jarvis Bird Sanctuary. Credit: Instagram

10 a.m.-noon Sept. 7

Bill Jarvis Bird Sanctuary, 3550 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive

Join the Chicago Ornithological Society for a morning bird walk at Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary. This 10-acre hotspot of diverse habitats includes woodland, savanna and wetland. The majority of the walk will be spent at the sanctuary’s viewing platform searching for warblers, vireos and flycatchers. The roughly 1-mile walk will take place mostly on wide paved, crushed-gravel or wood-chip trails that are relatively level, with minimal incline. Loaner binoculars will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. RSVP for free in advance online.

Kickapoo Woods in suburban Riverdale. Credit: Facebook

9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sept. 10 and 11

Kickapoo Woods, 14500 S. Halsted St., Riverdale

Hit the water with Friends of the Chicago River and the Shedd Aquarium to combine paddling, exploration and hands-on volunteering. Participants will help enhance the local habitat and improve the Chicago-Calumet river system by planting native aquatic species along the riverbank by way of canoe. Waders and canoes are included with your reservation. Volunteers must be at least 12 years old and accompanied by a parent or guardian. Space is limited; advance registration is required. RSVP online. 

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 13-14

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive

The Urban Birding Festival is a celebration of avian wildlife within the city of Chicago. Birdwatchers of all experience levels will learn and connect with birds, their habitat and Chicago’s birding community through presentations, guided bird outings, educational workshops and engaging activities. A committee of local birding groups — including Chicago BIPOC Birders, Chicago Bird Alliance, Chicago Ornithological Society and Feminist Bird Club Chicago — organizes this event. View the schedule here and learn about all of the events at this link. A $30 admission fee is required. Register in advance online.

The Jesse White Tumblers perform at the 2024 Block Club Block Party at the McCormick YMCA. They will appear at the Fall Nature Fest in LaBagh Woods this weekend. Credit: Mike Rivera

Noon-3 p.m. Sept. 13

LaBagh Woods – Groves 1-4, North Cicero Avenue and West Foster Avenue

Celebrate the start of the fall season at the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Fall Nature Fest. This family-friendly event brings nature to life with interactive exhibits from over 60 environmental groups, thrilling performances by the Jesse White Tumblers, live animal ambassadors, tasty food, giveaways and more. Whether you’re curious about conservation or just love fall fun, this festival is the perfect way to connect with nature close to home. The event is free, and no RSVP is required.

The Wild Mile floating eco-park on the Chicago River. Credit: Instagram

8:30-9 p.m. Sept. 13

Wild Mile, 905 W. Eastman St.

In partnership with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Wild Light at Night combines art and nature to explore how light shapes city ecosystems after dark. The digital illumination experience will allow attendees to explore the relationship between light, nature and urban environments in the Wild Mile on the Chicago River – transforming the river’s edge into a responsive display of light and shadow. No advance registration is required.

A happy customer at BFF Bikes. Credit: Instagram

6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 15

BFF Bikes, 2056 N. Damen Ave.

This beginner-friendly bike maintenance class at BFF Bikes in Wicker Park will cover everything from changing a flat step by step to tips for preventing flats. Attendees will learn the must-have tools to carry when they’re on the road or trail and walk away with hands-on experience on fixing a flat bike tire. Bring your own bike to practice. A free pair of tire levers to keep is included with your registration. No prior mechanical knowledge is needed. Register in advance online; clinic tickets cost $15.

Local climbers with Chicago Climbs, Latino Outdoors and Urban Warriors pose for a picture in front of the Steelworkers Park outdoor climbing wall during a recent meetup. Credit: Nate Stephens / Provided

10-11 a.m. Sept. 20

Steelworkers Park, 87th at South DuSable Lake Shore Drive

Head to Steelworkers Park with the Chicago Park District and Chicago Adventure Therapy for a climb at Chicago’s very own outdoor rock wall. This free event offers a rare chance to scale the park’s iconic walls along the lakefront. Ages 6 and up are welcome; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All gear, including harness, helmet and shoes, is provided. Advance registration is now closed, but limited walk-ups are available as space allows.

Attendees explore South Shore Nature Sanctuary, 7059 S. South Shore Dr. Credit: Provided/Feminist Bird Club

10 a.m.-noon Sept. 20

South Shore Nature Sanctuary, 7059 S. South Shore Drive

Participate in volunteer stewardship at the South Shore Nature Sanctuary, a six-acre natural area and urban wilderness preserve on Chicago’s South Side. Participants will help clean up and clear invasives ​throughout the nature sanctuary. All ages are welcome. Volunteers should bring a water bottle and weather-appropriate clothing. Tools and gloves will be provided. No RSVP is required. Learn more online.

REI employee Sarah Kirby kayaks towards downtown Chicago from the REI Ping Tom Memorial Park Boathouse in Chinatown. Credit: Erica Zazo/Block Club Chicago

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 20

Eleanor Street Boathouse – Park #571, 2828 S. Eleanor St.

Help give back to the Chicago River and protect it for future generations by cleaning up litter with Friends of the Chicago River and partner organizations, including the Shedd Aquarium and Urban Rivers. Volunteers will launch their boats from Park #571 on Chicago’s South Side. All equipment, instruction and guidance are provided, and no prior paddling experience is necessary. Volunteers ages 10 and older must be accompanied by a guardian. Space is limited, and registration is required to attend. RSVP for free in advance online.

Runners on The 606’s Bloomingdale Trail on an early morning. Credit: Alisa Hauser/Block Club Chicago

7:30 a.m. Sept. 27

McCormick YMCA, 1834 N. Lawndale Ave.

Lace up your running shoes for the annual Bloomingdale Trail Run on The 606. Hosted by the Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail Park Advisory Council, the McCormick YMCA and the Chicago Park District. The community-organized run features a timed 5K along the scenic elevated trail, plus special quarter- and half-mile dashes designed for young runners. Kids activities, including live music, snacks and sponsor activities, will be hosted between 7:30-9 a.m. at the start/finish line. Proceeds from the race sales benefit Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail’s year-round advocacy programs. Purchase tickets in advance; $30 for the 5K, $5 for the quarter- and half-mile dashes. Register online.

9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 27

Depart from Brooklyn Boulders, 100 S. Morgan St.

Interested in giving outdoor rock climbing a try? Head to Wisconsin’s iconic Devil’s Lake State Park with Outsiders Chicago to climb quartzite cliffs with breathtaking views. Experienced guides will cover climbing basics before tackling routes suited for both beginners and experienced climbers. The community adventure will wrap up by late afternoon before heading back to the city. Transportation to and from the event is included with your registration. Tickets range from $93 to $105. Purchase tickets in advance online.

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