Chicago events: your guide to the Windy City
There’s more to Chicago than the well-trodden museums and skyscrapers in the Loop, from stand-up comedy shows in Logan Square to tasty food tours of Chinatown. Get acquainted with the Windy City via this calendar of concerts, festivals, pop-up markets, and more incredible events throughout the city, selected by Eventbrite’s expert curators.
Ever wondered why and how energy healing works? Now is your chance to learn about different techniques that include all of your senses while testing your intuition with this hands-on, experiential class exploring reiki, crystal healing, and Tibetan singing bowls.
TEDxWilmette: Salon
TEDxWilmette returns to watch and discuss an impactful TEDx talk. This time, founder Heather Hehman facilitates a conversation about Michele Weldon’s powerful 2023 talk, Truth is a Dare: The Power of Claiming Your Story.
Yoga with Natalie
The Garfield Park Conservatory provides affordable, in-person yoga classes that allow you to enjoy the greenery as you move your body. This class is hosted by regular instructor Natalie in Horticulture Hall and welcome yogis with all levels of experience — just BYO mat.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: Music & Art Fest
This memorable evening at The Promontory in Hyde Park celebrates notable female musicians in the Chicago scene alongside visual artists and creators. DJs set the vibes and keep the empowering energy going late into the night.
Evanston Arts & Craft Beverage Crawl
Art galleries across Evanston’s main drags of Dempster, Main, and Chicago Ave show off beautiful works from local artists while patrons sample locally made craft beverages. Over 30 businesses are participating in this year's crawl, with more yet to be confirmed.
The Home Tour 2024
Get a chance to tour four architecturally and aesthetically unique homes in Winnetka, Glencoe, and Wilmette at this annual home tour event. You'll even get to meet the architect or designer behind each home. A luncheon with a glass of wine is included.
Old School Hip-Hop Outdoor Summer BBQ
Whiskey Business throws a special BBQ bash for all the old-school hip-hop heads to revel in their favorite tunes. Street food vendors cook tasty eats while an epic sound system bumps golden era jams inside and outside the venue throughout the evening.
Pink Party at the Zoo
Break out your finest pink fit — "I am Kenough shirts" welcome — for this after-hours, adults-only pink party at Lincoln Park Zoo. You'll browse the grounds without a kid in sight while sipping on drinks and checking out a live DJ.
Local cabaret superstar Marianne Murphy Orland performs this solo show celebrating the life and music of Dolly Parton. This real-life 9-to-5 star pays tribute to The Backwoods Barbie’s hit songs, including “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “Islands in the Stream.”
Chicago Bacon & Bourbon Fest
An appetizing combination awaits in River North, as some of life’s richest pleasures coalesce for one afternoon. Free arcade games pair perfectly with eight bourbon tastings and eight bites of bacon-based grub. Come ready to indulge as you shoot for high scores.
'90s Night at the Zoo
Get a rare chance to explore Lincoln Park Zoo without kids running around at this totally rad '90s-themed after-hours experience. Sip drinks while strolling through the zoo's grounds (with after-hours access to the gardens and animal habitats) or bust a move to a live DJ.
Powerpoint Night Live: Future of Comedy Festival Edition
This monthly, slide-based showcase hosts an edition during The Lincoln Lodge's Future of Comedy Festival, which enables the venue to keep art and education affordable in the city. Expect crude Word art and presentations that take the boardroom format in absurd directions.
Morning Rooftop Yoga at Roots South Loop
Roots is known for its extensive pizza menu and a great menu of craft beer, but the Loop location also boasts one of the city's finest rooftop patios. That’s where yogis will stretch and seek inner peace before enjoying a slice with a complimentary post-class mimosa.
American Writers Festival
The American Writers Festival returns to multiple stages in the Harold Washington Library, with modern authors, poets, and playwrights on-site. Insightful conversations, children’s story times, book signings, and workshops are all on the schedule.
Historic Homes, Cottages & Buildings of Wicker Park – Walking Tour
Every area of Chicago has its own unique culture and history. This walking tour explores the remarkable, creative, and quirky architecture scattered throughout the city’s bustling Wicker Park neighborhood. Bring comfy shoes and a curious mind, you’re sure to be enchanted.
The Disruptor's Playbook
Some of Chicago’s most successful innovators — and winners of the Chicago Innovation Awards — share how they’ve reshaped their fields and unlocked unseen potential. Gain new insights and fresh ideas from seasoned professionals who’ve done it themselves.
Concert for Will's Place
Chicago roots rock band The Empty Pockets headline this benefit for Will’s Place, a café that helps adults with disabilities find stable and significant employment, as well as meaningful connections among each other.
"Inches to Miles" Screening
Athletic Brewing hosts this screening of "Inches to Miles" followed by an audience Q&A and some complimentary non-alcoholic beer. The film tells the story of three athletes’ road to reach their goals at the Lake Placid Ironman competition in 2023.
Beginner Bachata Dance Class
Join the current dancing trend by picking up the basics of Bachata at this class. You’ll learn simple turns and steps and build leading and following skills as you begin to master this popular Latin dance style. Singles, couples, and dancers of all skill levels are welcome.
Manufacturing Happy Hour Road Trip: Chicago Lagunitas Brewery Takeover
This supportive networking event kicks off with a tour of the Lagunitas Brewery before participants get to chop it up among themselves and enjoy tasty brews and snacks. All proceeds benefit the Women In Manufacturing Education Foundation.
Ryan Alexander Presents New Wave Soul
Songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Ryan Alexander curates a night of contemporary soul that features the Recording Academy member and four other artists performing classic soul, R&B, and hip-hop tracks.
Singles & More Mixer
This sapphics mixer is great for singles looking to mingle and meet in a safe, welcoming space. Blind Barber’s speakeasy space hosts the evening soiree and the event doubles as a benefit for Youth Outlook, a social service provider for LGBTQIA+ youth in Illinois.
Book Club Run: "Gaybash" with David Jay Collins
Start Pride Month early with this Read & Run event in Northalsted. Participants read David Jay Collins’s Gaybash prior to the gathering, embark on a leisurely 3.5-mile run inspired by the book’s setting, and finish with an author chat and book signing at Elevate on Halsted.
Make it Take it: Mirror Frame Chicago
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who made the fairest mirror of all? Attend this hands-on crafting event and let the answer to that question be you! You’ll work with experts to utilize salvaged mirrors and reclaimed wood as you build a beautiful new piece to admire in your home.
Wine 101
The Wine Goddess in Evanston hosts this class covering the basics of wine production, purchasing, and tasting. Savor seven curated wines and impress friends at your next dinner party as you harness evolved senses and elevated wine knowledge.
Wizards & Whiners at Whiner Beer Co.
Whiner Beer Co. hosts this role-playing extravaganza featuring tables devoted to games like Dungeons & Dragons and CY_BORG. A seasoned dungeon master guides participants through the session, so beginners are more than welcome to join.
Full Moon Ceremonial Sound Bath Meditation
This full moon ceremony deploys intention-setting, deep meditation, and a vibrational sound bath that can help rejuvenate your nervous system. Reflect on and release the past lunar cycle with gentle stretching and breathing as you calmly transition into a new phase.
Blerd Bash Chicago 2024
Celebrate “urban nerd culture” at Blerd Bash, a nationally touring event that seeks to make gaming and anime more accessible to young city dwellers. A Tekken tournament, open gaming across multiple consoles, and a vendor market are just some of the highlights.
Deborah Darr's Auditioning for Life: Broadway & Me
The captivating, courageous story of Deborah Darr’s real-life adventures on and off Broadway is told through “a topstitched performance” featuring only piano and voice. The playful tale seeks to inspire viewers to stay in touch with their sense of passion and creativity.
Uncontrolled Variables
The Lincoln Lodge conjured up the perfect show for science enthusiasts who love to laugh. Comedians present scientific data and try to explain what it means, followed by the actual scientists who conducted the research clarifying the details. Great Scott!
East of California West of New York
Chicago's Asian American comedians come together at the Lincoln Lodge for a hilarious showcase that raises funds for the mutual aid projects overseen by Argyle community and arts organization Axis Labs.
Latte Art: Chicago
Get the training you need to create amazing designs with milk (and dairy alternatives) during this Counter Culture class, which covers the intricacies of steaming milk and pouring it in creative ways. Expect to drink plenty of lattes and cappuccinos along the way!
Chicago's Midway & Movies Walking Tour
Combining two classic American pastimes, this walking tour on the famous, tree-lined site of the1893 World's Fair explores early and modern cinema's use of Chicago's famous Midway. Films featured on the tour include "Sunset Boulevard," "Flatliners," and "Chicago the Beautiful."
Pride in the Sky: Rooftop Party
Close out Pride Month at The Promontory during this late-night rooftop party, which is usually one of the biggest Chicago Pride parties of the month. Trina TruLov hosts with DJs Darryl Garcon and 1st Lady TayLuv.
Selena Service
If you'd do anything for the Queen of Tejano Music, Selena, then this is the night for you. Dress up in your favorite iconic look, enjoy exclusive Selena-inspired cocktails, and watch incredible performances by a cast of Selena impersonators.
Air Max Day Chicago: Max Is Major
Some of the city’s top DJs and freshest dressers head to Bar 22 to celebrate Air Max Day and the shoe that changed the sneaker game forever. Sport your favorite pair of Maxes and soak up Chicago’s finest vibes as you enjoy specialty cocktails among fellow sneakerheads.
Chicago events: your guide to the Windy City
There’s more to Chicago than the well-trodden museums and skyscrapers in the Loop, from stand-up comedy shows in Logan Square to tasty food tours of Chinatown. Get acquainted with the Windy City via this calendar of concerts, festivals, pop-up markets, and more incredible events throughout the city, selected by Eventbrite’s expert curators.
Introduction to Energy Healing
Ever wondered why and how energy healing works? Now is your chance to learn about different techniques that include all of your senses while testing your intuition with this hands-on, experiential class exploring reiki, crystal healing, and Tibetan singing bowls.
TEDxWilmette: Salon
TEDxWilmette returns to watch and discuss an impactful TEDx talk. This time, founder Heather Hehman facilitates a conversation about Michele Weldon’s powerful 2023 talk, Truth is a Dare: The Power of Claiming Your Story.
Yoga with Natalie
The Garfield Park Conservatory provides affordable, in-person yoga classes that allow you to enjoy the greenery as you move your body. This class is hosted by regular instructor Natalie in Horticulture Hall and welcome yogis with all levels of experience — just BYO mat.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: Music & Art Fest
This memorable evening at The Promontory in Hyde Park celebrates notable female musicians in the Chicago scene alongside visual artists and creators. DJs set the vibes and keep the empowering energy going late into the night.
Evanston Arts & Craft Beverage Crawl
Art galleries across Evanston’s main drags of Dempster, Main, and Chicago Ave show off beautiful works from local artists while patrons sample locally made craft beverages. Over 30 businesses are participating in this year's crawl, with more yet to be confirmed.
The Home Tour 2024
Get a chance to tour four architecturally and aesthetically unique homes in Winnetka, Glencoe, and Wilmette at this annual home tour event. You'll even get to meet the architect or designer behind each home. A luncheon with a glass of wine is included.
Old School Hip-Hop Outdoor Summer BBQ
Whiskey Business throws a special BBQ bash for all the old-school hip-hop heads to revel in their favorite tunes. Street food vendors cook tasty eats while an epic sound system bumps golden era jams inside and outside the venue throughout the evening.
Pink Party at the Zoo
Break out your finest pink fit — "I am Kenough shirts" welcome — for this after-hours, adults-only pink party at Lincoln Park Zoo. You'll browse the grounds without a kid in sight while sipping on drinks and checking out a live DJ.
Local cabaret superstar Marianne Murphy Orland performs this solo show celebrating the life and music of Dolly Parton. This real-life 9-to-5 star pays tribute to The Backwoods Barbie’s hit songs, including “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “Islands in the Stream.”
Chicago Bacon & Bourbon Fest
An appetizing combination awaits in River North, as some of life’s richest pleasures coalesce for one afternoon. Free arcade games pair perfectly with eight bourbon tastings and eight bites of bacon-based grub. Come ready to indulge as you shoot for high scores.
'90s Night at the Zoo
Get a rare chance to explore Lincoln Park Zoo without kids running around at this totally rad '90s-themed after-hours experience. Sip drinks while strolling through the zoo's grounds (with after-hours access to the gardens and animal habitats) or bust a move to a live DJ.
Powerpoint Night Live: Future of Comedy Festival Edition
This monthly, slide-based showcase hosts an edition during The Lincoln Lodge's Future of Comedy Festival, which enables the venue to keep art and education affordable in the city. Expect crude Word art and presentations that take the boardroom format in absurd directions.
Morning Rooftop Yoga at Roots South Loop
Roots is known for its extensive pizza menu and a great menu of craft beer, but the Loop location also boasts one of the city's finest rooftop patios. That’s where yogis will stretch and seek inner peace before enjoying a slice with a complimentary post-class mimosa.
American Writers Festival
The American Writers Festival returns to multiple stages in the Harold Washington Library, with modern authors, poets, and playwrights on-site. Insightful conversations, children’s story times, book signings, and workshops are all on the schedule.
Historic Homes, Cottages & Buildings of Wicker Park – Walking Tour
Every area of Chicago has its own unique culture and history. This walking tour explores the remarkable, creative, and quirky architecture scattered throughout the city’s bustling Wicker Park neighborhood. Bring comfy shoes and a curious mind, you’re sure to be enchanted.
The Disruptor's Playbook
Some of Chicago’s most successful innovators — and winners of the Chicago Innovation Awards — share how they’ve reshaped their fields and unlocked unseen potential. Gain new insights and fresh ideas from seasoned professionals who’ve done it themselves.
Concert for Will's Place
Chicago roots rock band The Empty Pockets headline this benefit for Will’s Place, a café that helps adults with disabilities find stable and significant employment, as well as meaningful connections among each other.
"Inches to Miles" Screening
Athletic Brewing hosts this screening of "Inches to Miles" followed by an audience Q&A and some complimentary non-alcoholic beer. The film tells the story of three athletes’ road to reach their goals at the Lake Placid Ironman competition in 2023.
Beginner Bachata Dance Class
Join the current dancing trend by picking up the basics of Bachata at this class. You’ll learn simple turns and steps and build leading and following skills as you begin to master this popular Latin dance style. Singles, couples, and dancers of all skill levels are welcome.
Manufacturing Happy Hour Road Trip: Chicago Lagunitas Brewery Takeover
This supportive networking event kicks off with a tour of the Lagunitas Brewery before participants get to chop it up among themselves and enjoy tasty brews and snacks. All proceeds benefit the Women In Manufacturing Education Foundation.
Ryan Alexander Presents New Wave Soul
Songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Ryan Alexander curates a night of contemporary soul that features the Recording Academy member and four other artists performing classic soul, R&B, and hip-hop tracks.
Singles & More Mixer
This sapphics mixer is great for singles looking to mingle and meet in a safe, welcoming space. Blind Barber’s speakeasy space hosts the evening soiree and the event doubles as a benefit for Youth Outlook, a social service provider for LGBTQIA+ youth in Illinois.
Book Club Run: "Gaybash" with David Jay Collins
Start Pride Month early with this Read & Run event in Northalsted. Participants read David Jay Collins’s Gaybash prior to the gathering, embark on a leisurely 3.5-mile run inspired by the book’s setting, and finish with an author chat and book signing at Elevate on Halsted.
Make it Take it: Mirror Frame Chicago
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who made the fairest mirror of all? Attend this hands-on crafting event and let the answer to that question be you! You’ll work with experts to utilize salvaged mirrors and reclaimed wood as you build a beautiful new piece to admire in your home.
Wine 101
The Wine Goddess in Evanston hosts this class covering the basics of wine production, purchasing, and tasting. Savor seven curated wines and impress friends at your next dinner party as you harness evolved senses and elevated wine knowledge.
Wizards & Whiners at Whiner Beer Co.
Whiner Beer Co. hosts this role-playing extravaganza featuring tables devoted to games like Dungeons & Dragons and CY_BORG. A seasoned dungeon master guides participants through the session, so beginners are more than welcome to join.
Full Moon Ceremonial Sound Bath Meditation
This full moon ceremony deploys intention-setting, deep meditation, and a vibrational sound bath that can help rejuvenate your nervous system. Reflect on and release the past lunar cycle with gentle stretching and breathing as you calmly transition into a new phase.
Blerd Bash Chicago 2024
Celebrate “urban nerd culture” at Blerd Bash, a nationally touring event that seeks to make gaming and anime more accessible to young city dwellers. A Tekken tournament, open gaming across multiple consoles, and a vendor market are just some of the highlights.
Deborah Darr's Auditioning for Life: Broadway & Me
The captivating, courageous story of Deborah Darr’s real-life adventures on and off Broadway is told through “a topstitched performance” featuring only piano and voice. The playful tale seeks to inspire viewers to stay in touch with their sense of passion and creativity.
Uncontrolled Variables
The Lincoln Lodge conjured up the perfect show for science enthusiasts who love to laugh. Comedians present scientific data and try to explain what it means, followed by the actual scientists who conducted the research clarifying the details. Great Scott!
East of California West of New York
Chicago's Asian American comedians come together at the Lincoln Lodge for a hilarious showcase that raises funds for the mutual aid projects overseen by Argyle community and arts organization Axis Labs.
Latte Art: Chicago
Get the training you need to create amazing designs with milk (and dairy alternatives) during this Counter Culture class, which covers the intricacies of steaming milk and pouring it in creative ways. Expect to drink plenty of lattes and cappuccinos along the way!
Chicago's Midway & Movies Walking Tour
Combining two classic American pastimes, this walking tour on the famous, tree-lined site of the1893 World's Fair explores early and modern cinema's use of Chicago's famous Midway. Films featured on the tour include "Sunset Boulevard," "Flatliners," and "Chicago the Beautiful."
Pride in the Sky: Rooftop Party
Close out Pride Month at The Promontory during this late-night rooftop party, which is usually one of the biggest Chicago Pride parties of the month. Trina TruLov hosts with DJs Darryl Garcon and 1st Lady TayLuv.
Selena Service
If you'd do anything for the Queen of Tejano Music, Selena, then this is the night for you. Dress up in your favorite iconic look, enjoy exclusive Selena-inspired cocktails, and watch incredible performances by a cast of Selena impersonators.
Air Max Day Chicago: Max Is Major
Some of the city’s top DJs and freshest dressers head to Bar 22 to celebrate Air Max Day and the shoe that changed the sneaker game forever. Sport your favorite pair of Maxes and soak up Chicago’s finest vibes as you enjoy specialty cocktails among fellow sneakerheads.