Events in Chicago today

Ashley McBryde performs live at Gallagher Way as part of the Budweiser Concert Series, bringing an exciting outdoor concert beside historic Wrigley Field. The exact start time will be announced later. General admission tickets are available for $38, and VIP tickets are available for $68. VIP access includes space at the front of the stage, a private terrace and bar, and priority restrooms.

A beach wrestling gathering for all ages, welcoming both participants and spectators. Step onto the sand for matches or enjoy watching the action, then linger and make it a full day at the beach.

The neighborhood marks the launch of two local markets as the new Midway Retail Market opens alongside the Garfield Ridge Farmers Market, creating a welcoming, community focused setting. Visitors can explore offerings from local small businesses, enjoy fresh baked goods with coffee, and discover classic farmers market staples as well as handmade, one of a kind items. The season begins with a small group of vendors and will expand over time, giving shoppers a chance to support them from the very start. Stroll the stalls with a friend, savor a coffee, and uncover unique finds while every purchase contributes to local dreams.

The 61st Street Farmers Market is back outdoors with more than 30 vendors offering farm fresh produce, baked treats, ready to eat dishes, and locally made goods. Each week features engaging, educational activities for all ages, including a chef cooking demonstration, Market School, the kid friendly Sprout Station, and Blackstone Bicycle Works’ Open Shop. Shoppers who use SNAP can pay with their benefits and receive a dollar for dollar match through Link Match. Look for the red tent in the center of the market to use SNAP and get matching dollars for fresh fruits and vegetables.

An annual back to school backpack giveaway takes place in the Kennedy High School parking lot, offering a family friendly community gathering that helps local students gear up for the new year. Free backpacks filled with school supplies will be available for students. The event also includes activities for all ages and access to community resources. Support from sponsors and community partners makes it possible, and volunteer opportunities are available to assist with the effort.

Players Sport & Social Group presents the eighth stop of the 14‑event Players Grass Series in Chicago with the Players Summer Classic, which is also a USAV Beach Tour stop. Competition includes men’s 3’s and women’s 3’s in AA, A, BB, and B, coed 4’s in BB, B, and Rec with at most two men on the court at a time, plus a new open‑gender 4’s Rec option. Registration features pool play led by a supportive tournament crew, with pool play matches contested as two sets to 21 and top finishers advancing to playoffs. Prizes include Players Champs apparel, entries to future tournaments, and more, and the highest men’s and women’s 3’s divisions award cash. Team registration allows a captain to manage the roster and split fees for teammates to pay online. Captains are required to list all players on the online roster, and every participant must complete an electronic waiver before taking the court. Coed divisions observe a 50 percent men on‑court maximum, and single‑gender divisions field teams that match their category. Expect spirited competition and a friendly atmosphere that makes it easy to connect with other players.

Garfield Ridge’s weekly farmers market celebrates the neighborhood by encouraging everyone to buy close to home and enjoy local food. With the Midway Chamber of Commerce promoting a keep-it-local spirit, the market offers a welcoming community setting focused on supporting area businesses.

Experience Tangible Sound: Arrival to a Higher Ground, an immersive exhibition that turns jazz-inspired music into visual color, texture, and movement. Featuring artists including photographer Lauren Deutsch, filmmaker Jonathan Woods, and the Tangible Sound Collaborative, the exhibit celebrates Chicago’s improvised music community through sensory storytelling. It also pays tribute to Ancestors Timuel D. Black and musician Fred Anderson.

FashionBar is hosting a back-to-school Fashion Camp for aspiring designers and stylists, with hands-on lessons in fashion design, branding, fashion illustration, and runway production. Students will get practical experience building a mini collection, covering topics like pattern-making basics, color theory, and creating custom printed fabrics. There will also be industry-style meet and greets with designers, models, stylists, and makeup artists, plus guidance on model selection, branding, and press and buyer insights. Sessions run across Saturday and Sunday, with a morning session for ages 10–14 and an afternoon session for ages 15–18.

A lively pop-up market brings together local small businesses for a day of shopping, tasty bites, and community connection. Browse unique finds from independent vendors, including beauty products, accessories, jewelry, and sweet treats, with plenty more to explore. The event also creates space for networking and support among entrepreneurs, offering a friendly setting to meet makers and discover new favorites. Vendor opportunities are open for business owners who would like to participate.

Take the ORIGINAL Chicago food tour inspired by The Bear, stopping at real restaurants featured in the show and pairing each location with behind-the-scenes stories that connect the drama to Chicago’s foodie scene. The tour rides an air-conditioned or heated bus through Logan Square, River North, and the West Loop, with stops that include trendy, chef-driven fine dining, the Italian beef shop that inspired “Mr. Beef,” and a sweet finale at Margie’s Candies.

This summer, the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and Minh Hearing Solutions present the inaugural Ravenswood Feel Good Fest, an outdoor block party style micro‑festival that brings wellness, arts, sustainability, and community organizations together for an inclusive celebration open to all ages and abilities. Expect a day of live entertainment and movement, with family friendly music from Laura Doherty, an introduction to yoga with Chicago Hot Yoga, an intro to jazz with Joel Hall Dancers & Center, movement for every body with Bodi Shak, an intro to swing with Traffic Jam! Swing, and an Afro‑Colombian musical performance by Ecos del Pacífico Afrocolombia, plus curated playlists from Loud Pizza Records between sets. Local businesses and organizations will be on site, including Augustyn Family Services, Black Ensemble Theater, Bodi Shak, Dandelion Therapeutic Art Center, EmpowerFit Chicago, Haitian American Museum of Chicago, The Helpful Hummingbird, Joel Hall Dancers & Center, Minh Hearing Solutions, Muscle & Joint Physical Therapy, Ravenswood Neighbors Association, Smooth House Laser, StretchLab, Sunny Kids Land Early Learning Center, Tightrope Recording, Trading Post Pet Supplies, Turin Bicycle, and WasteNot Compost. Food and drink options feature 5411 Empanadas, Begyle Brewing, Mindful Baking, and more. A $5 suggested donation at the gates supports the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and the Ravenswood Community Council, which is raising funds for new greening and public art projects. The event is presented with support from Special Service Area #31, ChiroOne, Bannerville USA, Tightrope Recording, Chicago Magic Lounge, Colectivo Coffee, Traffic Jam! Swing, and Budrista Club.

Explore the connection between classic artworks and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on a 90 minute guided walking tour at the Art Institute of Chicago. The route covers three floors and highlights 16 pieces, with conversation about how each ties to the film’s characters and how the camera frames them. Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is not included.

Berwyn North School District presents a community back to school celebration welcoming both new and returning students. The event offers games for all ages, tasty food and snacks, opportunities to win prizes, and more. Families and friends can celebrate the start of the school year together in a fun, friendly setting.

An ice cream social celebrates the accomplishments of shelter dogs graduating from the Superstar Pup Academy. Attendees can watch training demonstrations as the canine students show what they have learned, see them receive their diplomas, meet the pups, and enjoy ice cream. Admission is free.

Catch the acclaimed illusion spectacular, Champions of Magic, brought to Chicago for a limited run. This high-energy, interactive show is designed as an immersive, theatre-wide experience with big, Broadway-scale illusions and audience-friendly humor. The production runs about 2 hours and 10 minutes including a 15-minute intermission and is recommended for ages 5 and up.

Families can enjoy a summertime celebration presented by Canine Therapy Corps, with activities for all ages. Look forward to chilled drinks and snacks, lawn games, a 50/50 raffle, face painting, visits with therapy dogs, and a performance by Jared the Juggler. The gathering is hosted at the organization’s Logan Square headquarters. Ticket sales and event proceeds help raise funds and awareness for Canine Therapy Corps and its animal-assisted services throughout the Chicagoland area. Sponsors include Bond Vet and Alice & Brad Geene.

This in-person social marks the final gathering of the summer, offering an afternoon of bubble tea and lively Doctor Who conversation. It takes place at Tao Tea in Wicker Park. Attendance is free, and participants cover their own food and beverages, along with tax and gratuity. The venue is near the Damen Blue Line stop at the intersection of North, Damen, and Milwaukee, and public transportation is recommended. Street parking is available but can be hard to find, and rideshare options such as Lyft or Uber are encouraged. Attendees are asked to review the organizers’ code of conduct, and RSVP along with attendance indicates agreement to those guidelines. For updates on future activities, information is available through the organizers’ online channels.

BB & The Billies bring country and western tunes to Robert's Westside for a cover-free afternoon set with a day drinking vibe.

IVAN. is performing at Joy District in Chicago. The show is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, starting at 3:00 PM.

This contest features quartets in competition.

This VIP Opening Night fundraiser supports Forest Theatre Company’s work to offer free outdoor Shakespeare for the community. The event centers on Shakespeare’s comedy All’s Well That Ends Well, performed outside under the summer sky on the grounds of the historic, Frank Lloyd Wright designed Moore-Dugal House. A VIP ticket includes a private pre-show reception with appetizers plus beer, wine, and soft drinks, reserved seats for the performance, special refreshments at intermission, and a post-show dessert and drinks reception with an exclusive meet and greet with the cast. Guests also receive a behind the scenes look at the Moore-Dugal House. VIP tickets are $100 per person, and every purchase helps sustain free outdoor Shakespeare and arts programming. Space is limited.

Join a hands-on class at Eataly Chicago where you’ll learn how to make Pizza alla Pala from scratch. You’ll start by learning about the tradition and culture behind this Roman-style oval pizza, watch the Scuola Chef guide the process, and then make your own dough by hand to take home. You’ll also top an individual pizza to enjoy during the class, along with an antipasto, welcome Prosecco, and a wine pairing.

Enjoy an outdoor live music day at Navy Pier’s lakeside setting. Live on the Lake brings a variety of Chicago bands plus regional and national acts, with performances across countless popular music styles. The event is free and drop-in, so you can stop by and enjoy the summer views. Please note the schedule is subject to change.

Metro and Kickstand Productions are bringing together Good Hangs, When The Sun Sets, and Rematch for a live show. Tickets are $25 if purchased in advance and $29 on the day of the event.

Foo Fighters are bringing their rock-and-roll stadium show to Soldier Field, with Queens of the Stone Age and Mannequin Pussy joining the lineup. Plan for a big night of high-volume live music at Chicago’s Museum Campus.

Kick off Fan Expo Chicago with a cosplay celebration at Replay Lincoln Park. Play complimentary arcade and pinball games in a lively pop culture setting, then take part by registering for the cosplay contest to showcase your favorite costume. Entry is free, and advance registration is required. For safety, props that resemble weapons are not allowed, and anything that looks like a firearm is strictly forbidden. Anyone who does not follow this policy will be turned away.

An evening of art, live music, and spoken word featuring performances by Faith Howard, Deanna Withers Rallins, Cynthia Withers Turnquest, and Felix "D-RAT" Pollard. Tickets are available in advance for $35 with $7.23 in fees, including tax, or on the day of the show for $40 with $7.90 in fees, including tax. Service charges apply to all ticket purchases, whether online or at the box office, and the door accepts credit cards only. Golden Hour at Epiphany is offered before the concert with drinks and light bites, including half priced bottles of wine, buy one get one cocktails, and other specials. The art galleries are open beforehand and there is free entertainment prior to the main performance. Outside food or beverages are not permitted in the venue.

Zoukers Take Chicago hosts outdoor Zouk summer socials at Ping Tom Park in Chinatown, gathering dancers on the riverwalk, which offers a smooth surface for moving and grooving. To find the riverwalk, search Ping Tom Boathouse in Google Maps, then continue a few steps farther into the park. From the main entrance, walk past the train tracks toward the gazebo, make a right by the playground, continue past the bridge and the boathouse, and look for the riverwalk with red railings and the sound of Zouk music. Admission is a $5 cover payable to @Valerie-Tu, with free entry for beginner Zoukers attending their first ZTC social. Parking in Chinatown can be challenging, with limited free residential spots along the park, competitive paid metered spaces, and validated parking available in the lots beneath the CTA stop. The early schedule leaves room for evening plans or time to connect with the Chicago Zouk community over dinner afterward.

Catch Belmont along with Major League, Spite House, and all in ur head for a night of emo, pop rock, rock, punk, and pop punk live at House of Blues Chicago.

Jack Harlow takes the stage at The Salt Shed. Doors open before the show, giving time to get settled before the performance begins.

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings with a Candlelight tribute concert featuring live string quartet music inspired by the film trilogy. The program highlights fan-favorite moments across The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King, performed in a candlelit setting for an immersive evening of Middle-earth melodies. Doors open 45 minutes before the show, and there is no entry once it starts.

Motel Breakfast brings There's Always This, an MB farewell show, to Thalia Hall.

Cumbia Cathedral VI brings a vibrant celebration of cumbia and community to The Epiphany in Chicago, highlighted by the debut of Sonido Kombi, an immersive sonidero experience that blends powerful sound, custom lighting, live MC energy, and theatrical moments to transform the dance floor. The program features a special live performance alongside Chicago’s leading cumbia DJs, creating an all-out night of dancing where festive attire and spirited moves are encouraged. Ticket options include Early Bird at $17.50 plus $4.65 in fees including tax, Tier 1 at $20 plus $4.72 in fees including tax, Tier 2 at $25 plus $5.13 in fees including tax, Tier 3 at $30 plus $6.57 in fees including tax, and Tier 4 at $35 plus $7.23 in fees including tax. VIP tables are available for two for $100 plus $15.36 in fees including tax and for four for $200 plus $18.36 in fees including tax, and include admission for the corresponding number of guests with a reserved table near the stage. Service charges apply to all ticket purchases, and payment at the door is by credit card only. Epiphany’s Golden Hour offers drinks and light bites with specials such as half priced bottles of wine and BOGO cocktails, and the venue’s art galleries are open with complimentary entertainment before the show. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

A monthly second Saturday social dance begins with a beginner-friendly lesson to get everyone moving, then shifts to open social dancing that continues late into the night. Doors open ahead of the lesson. Admission is $10 and is available in advance or at the door.

This event celebrates four decades of FitzGerald and McCormack working and writing together, tracing their path from Irish band days to 'the most famous band you never heard of.' It takes place in the Sidebar room, there is no cover, and a free will donation is encouraged.

Catch Chance the Rapper live at Ravinia Festival. The show is scheduled for 7:30 PM local venue time, with tickets available through Bandsintown.

Get set for a high-energy Chicago River to Lake Michigan cruise with front-row views of the Navy Pier fireworks. You’ll enjoy a sunset ride through the skyline, then head out onto Lake Michigan where a live DJ keeps the party going. There’s also a fully stocked bar for the night out feel.

Catch The Outsiders live for an evening show at Cadillac Palace Theatre. Ticket availability is through AXS Marketplace resale options, with prices set by resellers and all sales final, including no refunds for postponed events.

A milestone celebration of ten years of performing with the Chicago community arrives at Distro Music Hall, paired with an EP release. Experience the first live performances of three new songs alongside material from earlier releases. DJ Saffiro sets the tone to start the night, and Ivan Vazquez contributes live art. General admission is $20. Table reservations are available, including a booth for $145 with six GA tickets and a table for $125 with four GA tickets. Early bird savings of $7 are available with the code ECMUSIC. Supported by The Mikey O Show, Taqueria Los Flacos, Evil Entertainment, and Blue Moon Media.

Riot Fest presents a dance party celebrating the movie everyone is obsessed with. Tickets are $22 Early Bird, $26 ADV, and $30 DOS. Taxes and fees are included in every tier, so the price you see is the full amount.

Carriers is performing at Space in Evanston, featuring indie, alternative rock, and indie folk sounds. The show starts at 8:00 PM.

Catch Hermanos Espinoza live at Rosemont Theatre for an evening of corridos and regional Mexican music. The show starts at 8:00 PM, with tickets available via Ticketmaster.

Enjoy Navy Pier’s fireworks from the best vantage point on a relaxing evening sail aboard the Tall Ship Windy. You’ll board for an approximately 90-minute cruise, grab a cool drink from the bar, and take in Chicago’s nighttime skyline as the fireworks light up the sky.

Saturday nights at Las Fuentes in Lincoln Park bring the sounds and spirit of Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic onto a single dance floor. A rotating lesson in Cumbia, Bachata, or Salsa sets the tone, followed by continuous music that carries the party into after hours with two DJs guiding the flow. DJ Double O leads the soundtrack with Salsa, Bachata, and tropical selections, including an all Cumbia highlight called Cumbia Happy Time, then keeps the momentum with tropical beats touched by Rock en Español, Latin dance, and reggaeton. Birthday groups can mark the occasion with a package that includes a complimentary bottle of champagne, a cake with candle, a reserved table, and an optional birthday dance. Available for groups of five or more with advance reservation, with limited tables each weekend. For details on birthday reservations, contact 312-427-2572 or info@LatinStreetMusic.com.

Magic Queendom transforms the iconic Aragon Ballroom with a celebration inspired by fairytales and Disney from CircuitFAM and its matriarch, created as a Market Days main event and designed to whisk partygoers away to Neverland. Entry is restricted to guests 21 and over, and a current, non-expired photo ID is required for admission, including a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. The venue is standing room only and tickets are general admission unless otherwise noted. Re-entry is not allowed.

Catch electronic music live with GSP at Aragon Ballroom. The show is scheduled for 9:00 PM, and tickets are available through Bandsintown.

Get ready for a Saturday night with JL3 and Friends at Loft 22. The show runs late into the night, starting at 10:00 PM and going until 3:00 AM.

Rooted in the heart of Wicker Park, the market brings together regional farmers, food producers, crafters, and small businesses for a lively community gathering. Shoppers will find sustainably grown produce and nutritious goods made with local ingredients, along with the chance to connect directly with the people who grow and create them. The event also supports entrepreneurship by offering a space for farmers and food artisans to sell, share knowledge about sustainable nutrition, and build relationships with neighborhood residents. Local makers, entertainers, and service providers participate too, using the market to highlight their work and interact with attendees. It all adds up to a welcoming hub that celebrates healthy food, a strong local economy, and the unique identity of Wicker Park.

Jefferson Park Sunday Market is a volunteer-run, community-focused farmers market that includes music and ready to eat food. Free yoga classes are available near the Higgins Ave entrance, with pre-registration on the market website. A vendor list organized by date is posted on the website.

Step into an immersive, sensory exhibition where jazz music comes to life through sound, color, and movement. Inspired by improvised music traditions, Tangible Sound: Arrival to a Higher Ground blends performances and visual experiences featuring taiko drum energy and the expressive sounds of instruments like saxophone, cello, and bass. The exhibition was created by photographer Lauren Deutsch, filmmaker Jonathan Woods, and the Tangible Sound Collaborative, celebrating Chicago’s creative community and honoring key figures in its history.

Reggies hosts Free Sox Sundays for fans getting ready for the Sox vs. Guardians game. Arrive by 10:00 AM for a chance to get free tickets and shuttle rides on a first-come, first-served basis. There’s also a $20 all-you-can-eat buffet, and doors open at 10:00 AM with shuttles starting to leave at noon. All ages are welcome with a parent or legal guardian.

NIU alumni, students, faculty and staff, plus families and friends, can take part in NIU Day as the Chicago White Sox play the Cleveland Guardians. Discounted seats are offered for NIU students, faculty, staff and alumni, and each ticket purchase includes a co-branded NIU and White Sox quarter-zip. Discounted pregame patio passes are also available, providing access to an all-you-can-eat buffet with BBQ ribs, fried chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, coleslaw, potato salad, and beer, wine and Coca-Cola products.

Join a hands-on pasta class where the Scuola Chef leads you through making spinach egg pasta and a lemon sauce from scratch. You’ll make your own Tagliatelle Verde al Limone, enjoy the prepared menu during class (including an antipasto and welcome Prosecco with a wine pairing), and finish by tasting what you made. Everyone gets a culinary creation to take home to keep the meal going.

JoJo’s Party in the USA with Jewel-Osco turns one place into a coast to coast celebration. Take a playful tour from Florida to California to New York City, with themed moments that nod to gator showdowns, catching waves, and rolling into the big city as the festivities circle the nation. Enjoy tastes and sounds from across the country in a single spot, along with eats, giveaways, and plenty of photo-ready scenes. Entertainment welcomes all ages for a lively, nationwide party under one roof.

Hosted by the Museum’s Auxiliary Board and produced in partnership with S.A.C.R.E.D., Copitas de Sol at the National Museum of Mexican Art celebrates premium agave spirits including mezcal, tequila, and raicilla. Agave brands partner with Chicago restaurants to offer small bites, petite cocktails, and neat pours, with craft beer available too. The event unfolds in two distinct sessions. Agave Tales offers a relaxed setting for one-on-one conversations with brand ambassadors, restaurateurs, and bartenders, and concludes with a guided tour of Nuestras Historias: Stories of Mexican Identity from the Permanent Collection. Agave Vibes brings a livelier atmosphere with a live DJ, dancing, all participating brands and restaurants, and a raffle featuring prize packages. This 21+ fundraiser directs its proceeds to the National Museum of Mexican Art.

Celebrate the twelfth annual Chicago White Sox group outing as the White Sox take on the Cleveland Guardians. A limited number of Single Box Seat tickets are available for $45, and each ticket includes access to the Stadium Club Skybox. To purchase, text your name and email address to 773-612-5309. For more information, contact Mel Barrow at 773-612-5309.

Knowledge on the Mind hosts a community day now in its second year, combining friendly softball games with a back to school drive that supports students for the year ahead. The event features music, food, a bounce house, a school supply giveaway, and a variety of community resources and vendors, all alongside action on the field. Location details are shared by direct message, and those interested in playing or entering a team can contact the organizer. Attendees are encouraged to bring new school supplies, and donations are also accepted through Zelle and Cash App.

Catch an immersive, high-energy magic show in Chicago featuring the Champions Of Magic team. Expect a theatre-wide, interactive experience with big, mind-bending illusions and humor, designed for all ages. The performance is about 2 hours and 10 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission, and is recommended for ages 5 and up.

A children's book swap will be held in the Beverly Library Meeting Room. Participants can bring gently used books, from board books to young adult, and exchange them for something new to read. Three attendees chosen at random will receive a Bookie's gift certificate.

This family-friendly bingo event pairs prizes and plenty of laughs with a spirit of community. Every round supports Nourishing Those in Need and its mission to provide food and essential items to neighbors in need. Bring family and friends to play for a cause and help make a difference, one game at a time.

Catch Chris Luno live at Castaways in Chicago for an ARC at the Lake event focused on house and electronic sounds. Tickets are available via Speakeasy.

Enjoy live jazz as Frank Russell performs with his trio. The event is set for Sunday, August 9, with doors opening at 3:30 PM and the show starting at 4:00 PM. Free admission is available by RSVP, and the event will go on rain or shine. Ages 21+ are welcome.

Join an upscale night of hip-hop and R&B aboard the Anita Dee 2 in Downtown Chicago. The evening features live DJs playing hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, throwbacks, and crowd favorites, with music and energy spread across multiple levels. Enjoy skyline and Lake Michigan views, premium bars throughout the yacht, and photo opportunities from the rooftop and interior spaces. Food is available for purchase onboard. Dress in upscale casual attire, and please note this is a 21+ event with ID required at boarding and security screening before you get on.

maryjo brings the I hope I Sell Tickets Tour to Ramova Loft. This event is open to all ages.

Steel Pulse brings the Reggae Against Racism Tour to Thalia Hall for a live concert.

At Garcia's Chicago, Grahame Lesh & Friends brings the collaborative spirit and song-centered energy of guitarist and singer-songwriter Grahame Lesh to the stage. Based in Marin County, he is known for work with Midnight North, Phil Lesh & Friends, and the Terrapin Family Band, and has performed alongside The Mother Hips, Twiddle, Amy Helm, The North Mississippi Allstars, Neal Casal, Jackie Greene, Eric Krasno, ALO, and others from the Terrapin Crossroads community. With Midnight North, co-led with Elliott Peck, Lesh has toured widely and released five studio albums, three live albums, and two digital EPs of original music since 2012. The latest studio record, Diamonds in the Zodiac, produced by Amy Helm, features contributions from Phil Lesh and takes its title from Robert Hunter’s lyrics for Jupiter, for which Grahame composed the music. Grahame Lesh & Friends serves as a space for reinvention, reviving rare and unfinished Grateful Dead material, exploring alternate versions of Midnight North songs, developing pieces written by Grahame’s brother Brian, and weaving in choice covers. Beyond this project, his work with Phil Lesh & Friends and the Terrapin Family Band has reached festivals and venues from Fuji Rock in Japan to London, Newport Folk Festival, and New York City, often welcoming guests such as Sheryl Crow, Benmont Tench, John Scofield, Rick Mitarotonda, Nicki Bluhm, Dawes, Warren Haynes, Eric Krasno, and Bob Weir. The music stays rooted in the present while touching rock, folk, blues, soul, and more. This event features a general admission dance pit at the front of the stage. Seating choices include Premium Tables closest to the band with table service, Reserved Tables on the main floor behind the Premium section with table service, and cabaret style arrangements that may seat you with other fans. Private booths are available for parties of 1 to 4, 5, or 6. General admission standing room runs along the sides of the room on an elevated level for clear views and quick access to the bar. All sales are final with no refunds or exchanges, and tickets can be transferred through your TM account. The venue offers wheelchair lifts and ramps between levels, assisted listening devices on request, and access for official service animals.

Enjoy a gospel performance featuring Lisa Knowles-Smith and The Brown Singers at City Winery Chicago.

Sixteen Candles brings an all-ages 1980s dance party to Northalsted Market Days on the Belmont Stage, with a suggested $20 donation at the gate. The festival fills Chicago’s Northalsted and Lakeview neighborhood with a weekend of live music across five stages, a half mile of activity, more than 250 vendors, food and drinks, dance showcases, drag performances, and plenty more, drawing huge crowds for a lively celebration. Since 2003, Sixteen Candles has toured internationally and kept the spirit of the 80s alive with a fully live show that skips backing tracks, delivering high energy, nostalgia, and the kind of onstage chemistry that gets everyone moving.

CircuitMOM Air takes the party skyward at Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, with Mother in the cockpit for an overnight, cross-continental ride that channels an in-flight dance experience. Stow personal items under the seat in front for takeoff and landing, then celebrate the winning idea from Jacoby Clingman as the music lifts off and keeps the cabin moving. This event is for ages 21 and over. A valid, unexpired photo ID is required, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. The venue is standing room only, and tickets are general admission unless noted otherwise. Re-entry is not permitted.

Experience an immersive sensory exhibition that turns improvised jazz art into color, texture, and movement. The show blends powerful sounds from instruments like taiko drums, saxophone, cello, and bass with a visual landscape designed to resonate with your body as you take it all in. It was created by photographer Lauren Deutsch, filmmaker Jonathan Woods, and the Tangible Sound Collaborative, and it’s inspired by Chicago’s boundary-breaking creative community.

Broadway In Chicago presents its free annual summer concert in Millennium Park at Jay Pritzker Pavilion. The concert is sponsored by ABC 7 Chicago and is presented in partnership with the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).

Enjoy an evening of live music aboard the 148-foot Tall Ship Windy with Michael Charles and His Band. The cruise offers Chicago skyline views from Lake Michigan, and the experience includes a full bar and a friendly, knowledgeable crew. The event is part of the Tall Ship Windy Monday Music Concert Series, bringing a mix of guitar-driven sounds.

Jac Ross is performing at City Winery Chicago. The show is scheduled for 7:30 PM.

Enjoy a summer concert on the MCA terrace with AKENYA. This weekly Tuesday series features free live music from Chicago’s music community, with a relaxed outdoor vibe on the lawn. Bring your own picnic or grab snacks and drinks available for purchase, then you can head inside afterward to catch the museum’s summer exhibitions since the MCA stays open late on Tuesdays.

Get Lit: Summer Book Fair is a pop-up book fair with a night-out vibe, bringing you the chance to sip drinks and shop for your next favorite read. In addition to browsing books, you can explore the American Writers Museum’s galleries and enjoy a lively atmosphere with music, themed drinks, and interactive activities. This is a 21+ event, and guests must show a valid photo ID at the door to enter.

Experience a lakefront Latin dance night at Pier 31 with Mambo, Salsa, Bachata and more, all with no cover charge. This long-running outdoor series is a Chicago summer tradition dating back to 2014 and is now in its 12th year, curated by El Caobo Internacional. This edition features a bachata lesson led by Emily Velez, plus a lively setting with music, food and drinks available. A 50/50 raffle will take place during the event. Tickets cost $5, there is a single drawing, the winner receives half of the total, and the winning ticket holder must be present to claim the prize. The more tickets sold, the larger the pot. As an outdoor gathering, it is weather permitting and presented weekly through the summer.

Come out for an interactive comedy show where the audience helps decide who’s funniest by throwing fake tomatoes at the stage. This is an in-person night of laughs hosted at The Comedy Bar’s main stage, with doors opening at 6:00 PM and show starting at 7:00 PM. Guests will need a valid ID for entry, and there’s a 2-item minimum per guest. No outside food or beverage is allowed.

Step into an immersive, sensory experience celebrating jazz-inspired art forms. Inspired by improvised music in Chicago, the show blends the energy of taiko, saxophone, cello, and bass with visual color, texture, and movement. Created by photographer Lauren Deutsch, filmmaker Jonathan Woods, and the Tangible Sound Collaborative, this exhibition explores the influence of boundary-breaking early experimenters and honors Ancestors Timuel D. Black and Fred Anderson.

See THE NOTEBOOK onstage, based on the bestselling novel and the iconic film. The musical follows Allie and Noah as they navigate different worlds and lasting love, even when outside forces try to keep them apart. Expect heartfelt storytelling and original music and lyrics brought to life through a full theatrical production.

Live jazz fills Shedd Aquarium during the popular midweek Jazzin' at the Shedd series, blending music, mingling, and marine life. Stroll through the exhibits to jazz sounds from around the world while encountering animals from every corner of the map. Enjoy food and drinks and spend time with friends exploring the aquarium in the evening. Admission is $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for children ages 3 to 11, and $19.95 for members, with free entry for members on designated Members Jazzin' nights.

Food Truck Summer returns to Bridgeport at Antique Taco Bridgeport. A selection of food trucks sets up in the parking lot to serve a range of bites, and the restaurant is open with tacos and drinks, with DJ Pete providing music on the patio. It is a relaxed summer evening centered on food, music, and the Bridgeport neighborhood.

Catch Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness for an evening live show at Garcia's. Doors open for a 6:00 PM start, featuring indie pop and pop rock vibes.

Join Eataly Chicago for a hands-on class focused on making arancini from scratch. A Scuola Chef will guide you through the traditions and culture behind these crispy, crunchy Italian rice balls, then you will assemble and fill your own arancini using prepared ingredients. At the end of class, you’ll take your creations home, plus enjoy a class menu that includes an antipasto, welcome Prosecco, arancini, and a wine pairing.

American Vanity will perform live at Cobra Lounge in Chicago. The show is listed with a 6:00 PM start time, with tickets available via DICE.

mArt in the Park returns alongside Concerts in the Park with a free outdoor market featuring local vendors and creators. Explore a variety of handmade and locally crafted goods while enjoying live music. Bring a picnic blanket and settle in for an evening of local art, music, and community. The vendor lineup includes JansGemWorld, Cutsie Store, Alma Ruiz, Death & Glitter, Antojitos Chapis, Vesna Carrasquillo, Sandy byrnes, Karen Childs, Steve Metro, Dallas Bow Tie Co., Maverick Leather LLC, Melissa Hurley, Cameron Wilson, Jillie’s Joy, 3D4U, M.A.G. KReative Studio, and Nannette Abate.

Agalloch headlines a concert at Thalia Hall, joined by Barren Heir and a solo set from John Haughm. All three appear on the same stage for one evening of live music.

Get ready for a fun trivia night at Streeterville Social Club, with games happening on the terrace. The theme is Route 66, and the evening also celebrates Streeterville Social “We Drink Pink Wednesdays,” so it’s a great way to test your knowledge while enjoying a lively night out.

Enjoy a free summer screening of The Son and the Sea. The story follows Jonah and Lee as they escape their London routines and head to the northeast coast of Scotland, where they settle into small-town life and befriend Charlie, a deaf man visiting his twin brother. As they spend their days by the sea, each of them discovers the courage to face what’s in their past. The screening takes place at the Chicago Cultural Center.

The Fall-Off Tour, headlined by J. Cole, arrives at United Center. Attendees of all ages are welcome. Tickets roll out in phases, including presales for the artist, VIP packages, Live Nation, and local, venue, and radio partners, followed by a general public sale and a separate onsale for VIP packages.

A free film screening at Theater on the Lake Park features The Guard, directed by John Patrick McDonagh. The story unfolds in County Galway’s Gaelic region, where a by the book FBI agent, played by Don Cheadle, is paired with a foulmouthed local sergeant with a racially insensitive streak, portrayed by Brendan Gleeson. The two clash over more than the drug deal they hope to stop, and their uneasy partnership drives both the investigation and the humor. With surreal touches, quick-witted dialogue, and an offbeat buddy dynamic, this social satire offers dark laughs and plenty of unexpected fun.

Step aboard a storied Chicago fireboat for an evening cruise that pairs sweeping skyline views with the excitement of Navy Pier’s fireworks. This 90 minute outing blends Chicago history, sightseeing, and a celebratory atmosphere on the water. Plan to board 15 minutes before departure. Cruises are offered during Navy Pier’s fireworks season, typically on summer weekends and select holidays.

Settle in for a family-friendly story time in the community garden hosted by the Riverside Library team. Bring a blanket, sunglasses, and a few snacks so you can relax while listening to the stories. Afterward, explore the whimsical fairy garden areas and take a look at what is growing in the beds. This relaxed outdoor gathering happens on select Thursdays throughout the summer.

Now in its 39th year, this downtown Chicago sidewalk sale celebrates the world of writing. It features favorite fountain pen and stationery brands and provides chances to stock up on writing essentials. Held at a historic retail store downtown, the sale includes deals and discounts for seasoned pen enthusiasts as well as those just starting out with quality writing tools.

Catch the acclaimed illusion spectacular, Champions Of Magic, coming to Chicago for a limited run. This high-energy, interactive, theatre-wide show features some of the team’s biggest illusions yet, mixing jaw-dropping magic with humor for an all-ages audience. Performances last about 2 hours and 10 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission, and there’s a recommended age guideline of 5 and up.

Stop by Water Tower Place for City Market IRL, a weekly summer night market. It runs on Thursdays from 4 to 8 PM on Level 4 and features live music, family-friendly programming, and local vendors with ready-to-eat dinner options, vintage and upcycled goods, and handcrafted gifts.

Little Italy Festa returns to Taylor Street for four days of music and celebration, presented by Onesti Entertainment and L.I.C.N.A. The Xplosive Sounds Entertainment DJ area will feature Italian classics and oldies during the day, then shift to nonstop dance music in the evening. Additional details will be announced.

Lincoln Square’s free summer concert series returns to Giddings Plaza for a limited run, featuring live performances by local Chicago musicians. Attendees can enjoy beer and wine available for purchase from local vendor Ricochet’s Tavern. All concerts are weather permitting, offering a relaxed neighborhood gathering centered around live music.

Recess hosts a karaoke night with professional sound and a catalog of over 65,000 songs. Enjoy food and drinks between turns at the mic, whether singing solo or teaming up with friends. Bring a superstar crew for crowd-pleasing hits and plenty of fun.

Get ready for GASOLINA THURSDAYS, a 21+ night featuring reggaeton and Latin beats, a full bar with specialty and group drink options, and a kitchen that stays open all night. There is a welcome shot, and you’ll need a valid ID to enter. Dress code is casual upscale with dress-to-impress styling, and baggy clothing is not allowed. Tickets must be purchased or redeemed online or in person, and the venue accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.