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Chicago events: your guide to the Windy City

Chicago events: your guide to the Windy City

Colección de Eventbrite

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.

Chicago events: your guide to the Windy City
Chicago events: your guide to the Windy City
Chicago events: your guide to the Windy City

Chicago events: your guide to the Windy City

Colección de Eventbrite

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.

Art enthusiasts from around the city are gathering to view priceless art in a variety of galleries and venues throughout West Town. This community walks along Chicago Ave. and stops for drinks and food along the way, with the full route being e-mailed the morning of the event.

One of the city’s finest year-round rooftop bars returns with another iconic drinks festival, this time featuring a variety of splendid spritzes. Tickets include four hours of tasting so you can find your fall flavor and bid summer adieu in the bubbliest way possible.

One of the biggest, most anticipated festivals of the year returns to The Field Museum. The Chicago Beer Festival touts over 65 breweries, all sampling their finest seasonal offerings in a historic space. Early admission tickets include specialty pours and an extra hour of tasting.

Toad the Wet Sprocket was one of the most consistent alternative rock bands throughout the 1990s, blending folk, pop, and jangle-rock into smart, catchy, incredibly popular songs. They return with classics and new material to perform at Cahn Auditorium on Northwestern’s campus.

Coaches from the Third Coast Kettlebell community lead classes at Montrose Beach for the final sandy workout of the year. Beginners and seasoned kettle vets are welcome to join in on the fun and build strength through a series of exhilarating routines.

Author and retired UIC professor Bill Ayers presents new material and thoughts on activism at this intimate event, where he discusses freedom and abolition with Codepink’s Danaka Katovich. Purchasing a ticket includes a signed copy of his newest book.

One of North America’s most acclaimed and prolific writers stops in Chicago, with readings from her latest book, "Paper Boat", which collects poems across her six decades of writing. Your ticket includes a copy of her new publication.

Nerd out on dragons and dragon-heavy literature with fellow bookworms at this special event, with role-playing games, novel conversation, and Author Andrew Wheeler, who wrote the official "Dungeons & Dragons Cocktail Book", demonstrating how to mix one of his specialty drinks.

Support nonprofit Doors Open Dishes at this succulent night in Evanston’s LeTour, where dishes from top Chicago chefs are paired with unique Bordeaux varietals. Tickets help keep group homes and rec programs afloat for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Set in Northern Ireland, this one-person play centers on a bored protestant clerk, rising to the occasion in the face of injustice. The deeply moving and funny tale centers around the passions of soccer fandom while examining racism, sectarianism, and belonging.

Civil rights leader and storyteller Valarie Kaur presents a vibrant and uplifting night of art, wisdom, and community-building. Honor and witness the stories of ancestral survival and observe soulful introspection through the inspiring actions of local activists and artists.

During this transformative practice, yogis move their bodies in meditative bliss. Relaxing and stimulating yoga poses are combined with ecstatic dance to create a connective, joyful experience. BYO mat and a water bottle.

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!

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.

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!

Pickleball has won Chicago’s hearts over the past few years. Beginners and experienced players are invited to meet a community of single Chicagoans looking for friendship and beyond.

Des Linden and Kara Goucher are both two-time U.S. Olympians and some of the most decorated distance runners in American history. Their podcast, "Nobody Asked Us", will be performed and taped live at this event, where you can connect with these star athletes in person.

The Portal is, once again, open. This traveling comedy and performance showcase wanders the city, bringing its variety show to new venues and delighting its visitors time and again. Open the door and expand your mind to all the wonders inside this month’s Portal.

This ladies-only bar crawl is an opportunity to meet new friends and raise money for a good cause. All self-identifying women are welcome to this day of connection and revelry, with tickets including a brunch buffet and a gift card towards drinks.

With the spooky season in full swing, this cemetery tour combines unnerving intrigue with socially conscious remembrance. Forest Park’s Scout Troop 107 leads participants through the grounds, sharing insight into the historic site, where Haymarket Martyrs and more are buried.

Fresh fashion trends are on full display at this eclectic show, which highlights the evolving styles of the streets. Talented designers show off new collections, mixing urban chic with cosmopolitan glamour, paired with music, food and beverage options, and a raffle.

Since 1976, "In These Times" has been a progressive and unique voice in and around Chicago. The monthly news and opinion publication is celebrating its anniversary with a fun evening, centered on community and activism, with an eye on shaping a brighter future.

Local whiskey distillery Alexander James celebrates three years in operation with a swanky soiree at Privé, the speakeasy inside Provaré in West Town. Tickets include two complimentary drinks between 6 and 10 pm, with a celebration toast to years past and future.

Award-winning author/poet and MacArthur Genius grant recipient Hanif Abdurraqib discusses his profound new book, "There's Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension", at the Logan Arts Center in Hyde Park. A new copy of the book is included in the purchase price.

This pickleball tournament and fundraiser supports Prismatic's efforts for youth empowerment and emotional intelligence. The sport continues to sweep the nation, and your ticket includes food from Honey Butter Fried Chicken and access to the charity raffle.

Pulitzer- and National Book Award-winning author Louise Erdrich celebrates her magnificent, spiritually tender new novel, "The Mighty Red", at Senn High School. She is joined for a talk with fellow Pulitzer Prize finalist Luis Alberto Urrea and tickets include a copy of the book.

GPCA’s signature fashion event is an opportunity for floral and fashion designers, students, and landscape artists to create stunning garments made entirely from plants and flowers. The fundraiser features a runway show, cocktail hour, and event raffle.

Support this local garden under a full moon with family and friends. Plus, attendees will receive tasty food, non-alcoholic drinks, live entertainment, and a raffle opportunity. Show your love for nature, sustainable gardening, and community empowerment as you feed your soul.

At this live-action role play (LARP), attendees are assigned characters from a light-hearted story about the universal experience of culture shock. Perform as a member of the Addams Family or a seemingly “normal” family to discover whether these units can ever get along.

When you remove instruments from musicians and ask them to perform, what will they do? Percussion ensemble Beyond This Point investigates this in the unique setting of the International Museum of Surgical Science, where only curiosity and an open mind can be satisfied.

Your kiddos can get creative in the kitchen. Little chefs get to pick from a spooky selection of toppings to make their own delicious designs on 2d restaurant’s addictive donuts.

Riverside Arts Center in Lyons is home to galleries, studios, and a school showcasing local creations. Their fall 2024 gala encourages guests to wear whimsical cocktail attire as they enjoy passed apps, live music, and an exclusive silent auction to support Chicagoland artists.

The legendary ski and snowboard filmmaker's work is compiled into an incredible, action-packed documentary that traverses the world and features top stars across numerous competitions. Brand new segments and unexpected collabs combine to create a groundbreaking, prophetic film.

For the uninitiated, Blog Haus is a grimy brand of electronic and dance music that swept the internet and dive bars of the mid/late-2000s. Celebrate this once-sleazy trend and rock out at Subterranean to the likes of Hot Chip, LCD Soundsystem, JUSTICE, and Empire of the Sun.

At the heart of this fest is a competition to crown Chicago’s best Bloody Mary, with restaurants and bars from the city competing in a no-holds-barred taste-off. Attendees can start their day with fitness like yoga or a fun run before sip sipping their fall Sunday away.

Meet up at this inclusive event for a lightly paced jog with stops at various locations that are relevant to current and past Black Chicago runners. Afterward, there is a virtual Q&A with the author about her memoir, among others, while all attendees receive a copy of the book.

The winners of the third annual Turn the Page on Age Awards are celebrated at this ceremony, where thinkers of all generations redefine topics around aging. Meet the people changing these conversations as you build intergenerational connections.

Dive into the warped mind of Chicago’s own David Jay Collins and his home-based horror series, "Summerdale". Start with a light three-mile run, complete with author insight that inspires the books, followed by a 45-minute group hang and discussion with Mr. Collins at The Lost Hours.

The Jane Addams Hull-House Museum is known as one of the most haunted, paranormal places in town, with visitors claiming to hear the voices of children and see specters in the halls. Your ticket lets you view a screening of the "Ghost Files" episode before or after you go on the tour.

Two-time "New York Times" bestseller and creator of "The Lazy Genius" podcast Kendra Adachi stops in Uptown to celebrate "The Plan", a compassionate, memorable book on time management. She will be signing copies and conversing with fellow best-selling author Nora McInerny.

Your laughs support youth literacy at this side-splitting night of standup comedy that benefits a great cause. Open Books supplies reading, writing, and book access programs for kids across Chicago, so don’t forget to get in on that 60/40 Cash Raffle between performances.

‘Tis the season for zombies and witches, so grab those dancing shoes and welcome the dawn at this multilayered dance event. All-levels workshops and performances, pre-parties and after-parties, are covered at this scary fun dance extravaganza.

This bone-chilling Halloween boat bash sprawls across four decks on the Spirit of Chicago complemented perfectly with stunning skyline views. Enjoy two floors of music with multiple all-star DJs as you revel in turn of the 20th-century luxury at this "Titanic"-themed party.

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.

Experience the best Pilsen has to offer during this vibrant and sprawling daytime costume crawl through the colorful neighborhood. Advanced ticket purchase includes food and drink specials, DJs and dancing, and a free holiday drink at all nine participating bars.

This Halloween house music mix spreads across two nights at The Sky Affair on The VU’s rooftop. Huge cash prizes are awarded to the best-costumed partiers, while everyone gets to enjoy house and techno DJs like Terry Hunter, Mike Dun, Mike Dearborn, and Jason Patrick.

Get creative with your costume and grab your friends to creep through Wrigleyville for one of the biggest bar crawls of the year. Tickets to this frighteningly fun, uniquely Chicago experience include admission to over a dozen bars, dinner buffets, and a costume contest.

The historic Congress Plaza Hotel is also one of the most haunted hotels in the world, according to "USA Today". Join thousands of partygoers in an immersive, thrilling experience, with the Congress transforming into an abandoned hotel run by zombies for one night only.

80s New Wave is the perfect soundtrack to this dizzying Halloween bash from Orlove, the party starters known for their themed events. Hit the dance floor to the sounds of The Cure, Blondie, Depeche Mode, and New Order. Costumes are encouraged.

Hard Rock Café Chicago turns itself into a graveyard smash this Halloween, with a two-floor costume party that stretches into the wee hours. Four DJs spin dance floor hits in a state-of-the-art venue, with one lucky winner taking home a huge cash prize for the best costume.

The annual Halloween beer run is a fun and festive 5k filled with spook-tacular vibes amidst the boo-tiful fall foliage. Meet at Spiteful Brewing’s Ravenswood taphouse for the 11 am walk, jog, or run, and enjoy a complimentary craft brew when you cross the finish line.

Lincoln Park’s Goblin Market has everything you need to create a pocket notebook, as well as loads of Halloween designs to help you tap into the spooky season’s creative energy. Participants leave with their own book, as well as the tools and knowledge to make more at home.

This fun-filled and family-friendly affair at the Insect Asylum features stars from across the animal kingdom. Kids can meet with live critters or enter the opossum kissing booth in between sideshow performances. Plus, enjoy free handfuls of popcorn or scoops of delectable vegan gelato.

This dining event theme centers on educating future generations about their local food ecosystems. Bridging the gap between consumer and producer, the three-course meal is paired with conversation and panel discussion around supporting local, sustainable growers and farmers.

The storytelling series stops at the enchanting Music Box for a Halloween special, where everyday Chicagoans read some of their most salacious and embarrassing tales to total strangers. These stomach-churning stories of shame never fail to shock listeners – prepare to be spooked.

The lovely Ravenswood neighborhood transforms into a spooky stretch of tricks, treats, and sweets. Meander along Montrose Ave. and check out a variety of haunts and their Halloween décor. It’s a family-friendly crawl, with costumes strongly encouraged.

Enjoy an evening of Halloween-themed classical music inside a cemetery chapel, with a mix of sounds that range from the stunning to the heart-stopping. VSQ hosts this deliciously disturbing evening as the perfect introduction to your All Hallows Eve celebrations.

Four Chicago comics with vast stand-up comedy pedigree descend on The Lincoln Lodge for a scarily funny night of tricks, treats, and a whole lotta laughs. There’s a prize for Best Costume of the night but come prepared for the comedians’ roast because no one will be spared.

Don your scariest (or sexiest) costume for this late-night Halloween party at Hyde Park’s The Promontory. DJs YIs and Mile High will be spinning trap, rap, and R&B until the early hours, so get ready to act like a kid again as you get down.

Denver-based comedian Hannah Jones is known for her viral videos and generally being a "Woman About The Internet". She slays on TikTok and Instagram, while also featuring on Netflix Is a Joke Radio and Don’t Tell Comedy Secret sets, but her live show is not to be missed.

Channel your inner T-Swift when you dress up as your favorite era of the iconic popstar at this Taylorween party in Wicker Park. A live DJ will be playing all Taylor all night long. Plus, the bar is offering drink specials, photo ops, and free merch throughout the spectral scene.

Ticket buyers will be wowed by the skill and athleticism on display at this enchanting performance, with pole dancing and burlesque taking center stage. Wear a Halloween costume and get ready to get down at the mystical dance party taking place after the show.

Indulge in the creamy and delicious espresso martini at this Hubbard Inn cocktail festival. Tickets include 15 tastings from various vendors and distributors, so you’ll be buzzing from the exquisite variety of flavors sampled over the three-hour event.

Chicago is the ninth stop on this unique and creative tour, where muralists and graffiti artists are highlighted. Teams of artists have 90 minutes to design and create their pieces, with judges and audience reactions deciding the fate of each battle.

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.

Shake off that hangover and paint the northside red with fellow Swifties who want to celebrate all things Taylor. A free brunch buffet and admission to Wrigleyville’s best bars with T-Swift-inspired cocktails are the tip of the iceberg. Which Era will you represent?

Chicago comics perform as historical figures, and in character and in costume, at this brilliant, zany, and perhaps even educational comedy show. Hosted by comedian Christian Lawrence, the comedians are led to jump out of your history books and into today’s comedy clubs.

It’s been reported that the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the drunkest night of the year. This Wrigleyville bar crawl ensures that remains true with this sprawling night of indulgence and revelry, complete with access to jam-packed bars, a dinner buffet, and loads of freebies.

Nigerian-born, Maryland-based singer Mannywelz brings his distinct blend of hip-hop and R&B with West African influences to Chicago for one night only in historic Hyde Park. Soak in the talent of this rising artist in an intimate venue and let him set your soul and spirit alight.

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.