EXPO CHICAGO will be on the minds of more people than ever this fall when it returns to Navy Pier for the third time, September 18-21. The first year everyone watches and waits, the second you get both feet on the ground, and the third time, you take off. This year’s art fair is sure to do just that. Featuring over 140 galleries from 17 countries and 43 cities, both the strength of the fair and the special programming will be better than ever. 

So, what should you watch for? In addition to a packed EXPO ART WEEK taking place in the days leading up to the fair, noteworthy EXPO programs include IN/SITU: a program of large-scale, site-specific installations curated by Renaud Proch, and EXPO Video: film, video and new media works curated by Astria Suparak (new for 2014 is a fourth station featuring the work of Columbia College students.)

Art After Hours, happening September 19, 6-9pm, is a chance to visit local galleries and art spaces around the city after the fair. The rest of the weekend, free shuttles will run from Navy Pier to the MCA, the Art Institute, River North and West Loop (including Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.) 

Many Chicago galleries participating in EXPO have openings taking place in conjunction with Art After Hours. Highlights include Mickalene Thomas at Kavi Gupta, an exhibition organized by Theaster Gates at Valerie Carberry and Richard Gray, Simon Starling at the Arts Club and the MCA, Gregory Scott at Catherine Edelman, Dawoud Bey at Stephen Daiter, Paula Hayes at Rhona Hoffman, Magritte at the Art Institute, Bowie at the MCA, 40 years at the Smart Museum, and 75 years at the Hyde Park Art Center. Trust us, there's more! 

And of course Vernissage, Thursday’s opening night preview benefiting the Museum of Contemporary Art is the art party of the year. Think light installations, mylar, performance artists, free popcorn, lots of drinks, many things to Instagram, after parties on boats, and more.

Cross your fingers and maybe you’ll be extra lucky and also score a $3,000 ticket to the MCA’s Bowie gala Saturday night!

Complete details available at expochicago.com