Introducing our newest edition of the Classic Chicago DateBook for 2025.

For event submissions, email aedelfosse1@gmail.com or judycbross@aol.com with the following details:

-Calendar date, day of week & time of event

-Sponsoring organization

-Name of event

-Event details / schedule of event components

-Location of event

-Contact telephone, email and/or website

March

March 27th – 30th, 2025, Thursday – Sunday

Saatchi Art

The Other Art Fair

The Other Art Fair returns for its 7th edition. As Chicago’s leading artist-exhibited fair, it offers a unique opportunity to discover and buy art directly from 115+ independent and emerging artists. This year’s fair promises: interactive installations, live performances, DJ sets, and the debut of the NEW Artisan Section, featuring works in ceramic, glass, metal, and wood.

Artifact Events, 4325 North Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago

Tickets and more information here

March 28th, 2025, Friday, 07:00 p.m

The Generations

Charity Performance for NAMI

The Generations, a Chicago-based band founded by musician and philanthropist Rob Stepen, will host a charity performance to benefit Joliet-based NAMI Will-Grundy, a local chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization ahead of the Mental Health Awareness Month (May).

Sideouts Sports Tavern, 4018 West Roberts Road, Island Lake

Tickets here

March 29th, 2025, Saturday, 07:30 p.m

Chicago a capella

Jazz a capella

Chicago a cappella (CAC), Chicago’s premier unaccompanied vocal ensemble, continues its 2024/25 Season this March with Jazz a cappella, a new dimension of jazz told through the voice, blending iconic vocal standards like My Funny Valentine with adaptations of instrumental masterpieces by Gillespie, Ellington, and Coltrane. Reimagined classics like Birdland and Satin Doll are joined by a new work from HerVoice competition winner Devon Gates, honoring jazz’s artistry and timeless legacy. This four-concert tour begins on March 29 and travels around Chicagoland with stops in Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, and Naperville.

Allen Recital Hall at Holtschneider Performance Center, 2330 North Halsted Street, Chicago

Tickets here

March 30th, 2025, Sunday, 02:00 p.m

Lyric Opera of Chicago

The Listeners Opens at Lyric Opera

Experience The Listeners, the new opera by composer Missy Mazzoli and librettist Royce Vavrek — a provocative thriller of inescapable sound — at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Lyric is an original co-commissioner and co-producer of this darkly comedic and thought-provoking new work, continuing our ongoing commitment of creating and fostering the next generation of opera.

Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago

Tickets and more information here

April

April 01st, 2025, Tuesday, 07:00 p.m

National Hellenic Museum

The Trial of Themistocles

The National Hellenic Museum (NHM) presents the next installation of its popular Trial series with The Trial of Themistocles. At this dynamic live event, nationally renowned attorneys will argue a case regarding Themistocles, one of ancient Athens’ most celebrated yet controversial figures, before a panel of esteemed judges and a live audience. The Trial of Themistocles is a fundraiser supporting NHM’s mission to share Greek history, art, culture and the Greek American story.

Harris Theater, 205 East Randolph Street, Chicago

More information and tickets here

April 04th, 2025, Friday

PAWS Chicago

Animal Magnetism: A Spring Celebration for People & Their Pets

Hosted by the PAWS Chicago Professional Board at Morgan Manufacturing in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, Animal Magnetism welcomes more than 650 of Chicago’s urban professionals, animal lovers, and their canine companions for a night of food and drinks, dancing, entertainment, a fabulous silent auction, and more! This dog-friendly celebration is critical in raising funds to ensure PAWS Chicago can continue to save and care for thousands of homeless pets each year.

Morgan Manufacturing, 401 North Morgan Street Suite #100, Chicago

Tickets here

April 08th, 2025, Tuesday, 06:30 – 08:30 p.m

Driehaus Museum | Chicago Symphony Orchestra

CSO Chamber Music

The Driehaus Museum and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra present a series of three chamber music concerts, each celebrating our current exhibition. The first takes place on April 8, where we spotlight A Tale of Today: Materialities with music inspired by the exhibition, featuring the works of Philip Glass, Beethoven, and George Chadwick. The evening begins with a brief introduction by Materialities guest curator Dr. Giovanni Aloi and your ticket includes admission to the Museum.

Driehaus Museum, 50 East Erie Street, Chicago

More information here

April 09th, 2025, Wednesday, 05:00 – 08:00 p.m

Driehaus Museum

Materialities Workshop

In this workshop directed by Materialities exhibiting artist, Bobbi Meier, you’ll visit the artist’s work in the Driehaus Museum and then move to our studio for a hands-on workshop to Create Your Own Plushie. Craft a unique soft sculpture using pantyhose, fiberfill, needle, and thread. Relax, stitch, and bring your plushie to life in this fun, hands-on experience! Basic hand-sewing techniques will be helpful. All materials supplied.

Driehaus Museum, 50 East Erie Street, Chicago

More information here

April 10th, 2025, Thursday, 08:30 a.m

Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter

Alzheimer’s Corporate Impact Breakfast

Join us for a powerful morning of insight and impact at the Alzheimer’s Corporate Impact Breakfast. Hear from Dr. Christopher Weber on the latest in Alzheimer’s treatment, where we’re headed in the next 5-10 years, and how your company can be part of the solution. People like you and your influence can impact the trajectory of critical research dollars, care and advocacy. The time is NOW! Let’s move forward……Together.

Chicago Athletic Association, 12 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

April 10th, 2025, Thursday, 06:00 p.m

Mandala South Asian Performing Arts

“Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow” 10th anniversary celebration

Mandala South Asian Performing Arts celebrates 10 years of connecting audiences and students with the vibrancy, flavors, and colors of the performing arts traditions of South Asia with “Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” an immersive evening for the five senses. The evening will honor tradition and innovation in South Asian performing arts that strive to unite culture, community, and creativity. Performances will take place throughout the venue, with appetizers and drinks available as guests make their way through the event space.

PRIMITIVE, 130 North Jefferson Street, Chicago

Tickets here

April 19th, 2025, Saturday

Lincoln Park Zoo

Spring Egg-Stravaganza

Enjoy the season at this family-friendly event featuring free rides, photos with the Easter Bunny, musical fun, outdoor games, and more ! Kids ages 1–8 can also participate in egg hunts tailored to their age or ability. Back this year—beeping eggs allow children who are blind or have low vision to join.

Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 North Clark Street, Chicago

More information and tickets here

April 19th, Saturday, 07:30 p.m

The Auditorium

Kishi Bashi with The Chicago Philharmonic

The Chicago Philharmonic and The Auditorium are thrilled to announce a special collaboration with acclaimed multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Kishi Bashi. This exclusive event will feature world premiere orchestral arrangements of selections from Kishi Bashi’s latest album, Kantos, performed with the full Chicago Philharmonic orchestra under the direction of Chicago Philharmonic Artistic Director Scott Speck.

The Auditorium, 50 East Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago

Tickets here OR 312.341.2300

April 22nd, 2025, Tuesday, 05:15 p.m

American Writers Museum

American Prophets: Making New Gods

A free event in partnership with the Chicago Public Library to kick off the AWM’s American Prophets exhibit. Acclaimed and bestselling fiction authors N.K. Jemisin, Nnedi Okorafor, Nghi Vo and Matthew Kirby will talk about how they explore religious beliefs in their speculative fiction. They will cover topics such as drawing from personal traditions and invented theologies, the importance of considering socio-spiritual systems when world-building, and how these influence the ways their characters move through the worlds they create. Books will be available from Seminary Co-op to purchase on site, and a book signing will follow the program on a first-come, first-served basis.

Harold Washington Library Center, 400 South State Street, Chicago

April 25th – May 18th, 2025

Saint Sebastian Players

Five Women Wearing the Same Dress

The Saint Sebastian Players concludes its 43rd season with a humorous and emotional look at the complexities of friendship in Five Women Wearing the Same Dress by Academy Award winner Alan Ball. During an ostentatious wedding reception at a Tennessee estate, five reluctant, identically clad bridesmaids hide out in an upstairs bedroom, each with her own reason to avoid the proceedings below. As the afternoon wears on, these five very different women joyously discover a common bond in this wickedly funny, irreverent and touching celebration of the women’s spirit. Directing is SSP company member Jill Chukerman Test, who directed SSP’s productions of Bus Stop, All My Sons, The Odd Couple and more, as well as appearing onstage in many productions, including, most recently, The Man Who Came to Dinner and Barefoot in the Park.

Lower level of St. Bonaventure, 1625 West Diversey, Chicago (enter on Marshfield).

773-281-6588 OR saintsebastianplayers.org

April 26th, 2025, Saturday

TimeLine Theatre Company

Step Into Time Fundraiser

TimeLine’s biggest party and fundraiser of the year, Step Into Time, is on the horizon! This coming spring we celebrate TimeLine’s 28th anniversary. Mark your calendar to join us for a few hours of fun and music as we celebrate TimeLine’s unique mission of exploring the past by stepping into another era for an elegant evening that raises funds vital to our work. The evening includes spirits, silent auction & raffle, gourmet dinner, entertainment and more.

Ritz-Carlton Chicago, 160 East Pearson Street, Chicago

Tickets here

April 26th, 2025, Saturday, 06:00 – 11:30 p.m

Brookfield Zoo Chicago

44th Annual Whirl Gala

Whirl is the premier and highly-anticipated black-tie gala held by the Board of Trustees and Women’s Board of Brookfield Zoo Chicago. This year’s event will be wilder than ever! More than 500 of Chicago’s corporate and philanthropic community leaders will join the Zoo on April 26 at Hilton Chicago to raise critical funds for supporting and uplifting the Zoo’s mission to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. The event is co-chaired by Board of Trustees Vice Chair Molly Keller and Women’s Board Executive Committee member Sherry Featherstone.

Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

More information here

Contact Kerri Doherty at kerri.doherty@brookfieldzoo.org or 708-688-8670

May

May 06th, 2025, Tuesday, 11:30 a.m – 01:30 p.m

Start Early

Our 23rd annual luncheon theme, “Nurture the Early Years & Empower Families to Thrive” will address the critical issues and impacts of prenatal stress and maternal mental health on early childhood development. We will also showcase Start Early programs that help children thrive, support families through challenges, and set the stage for a child’s healthy start in life. Featuring keynote speaker, clinical psychologist Dr. Catherine Monk.

Hyatt Regency Chicago – Crystal Ballroom, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago

May 07th, 2025, Wednesday

Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation

19th Annual Medical Briefing Luncheon: “Making a Difference”

Co-Chairs: Melissa Haley and Florence Ann Romano; Panelists: John Walkup, MD and Janet Wozniak, MD

Private Club, Gold Coast

More information to come

May 10th, 2025, Saturday, 06:30 p.m

Alzheimer’s Association

Rita Hayworth Gala

The Rita Hayworth Gala honors the legendary Rita Hayworth and her courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. This special evening celebrates the progress made by the Alzheimer’s Association, while looking toward a future of hope and advancement. The event will be hosted by Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Rita’s daughter and Honorary Vice Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association, alongside Gala Chairs Rozmin & Ebrahim Valliani, bringing together supporters to raise awareness and funds for continued research and care.

The Old Post Office, 433 West Van Buren Street, Chicago

Tickets here

May 10th, 2025, Saturday, 07:30 p.m

Michael Teolis Singers

Spring Performance- Peace Triumphant: 1945

For the spring, we are resurrecting a concept we planned for May, 2020: “Peace Triumphant: 1945.” At that time, it was to be a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Sadly, we had to cancel the concert due to Covid. In May 2025, we will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the War. The programming will include a mix of patriotic tunes, arrangements of popular songs of the era, and a recognition of those who were lost in the Holocaust.

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park, 324 North Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park

Tickets here

May 15th, 2025, Thursday, 06:00 – 09:00 p.m

Designs for Dignity

Spirit of Design – 25th Anniversary Gala

Spirit of Design is Designs for Dignity’s signature annual fundraiser. We look forward to seeing you this May to celebrate another amazing year of empowering lives through design! Enjoy delectable food & drink, a silent auction and raffle – all to benefit Designs for Dignity.

The Geraghty, 2520 South Hoyne Avenue, Chicago

More information here

May 16th & 17th, 2025, Friday & Saturday

Ragdale

More than a Novel Affair

Two nights with cocktails, entertainment and thoughtful conversation. Five featured authors join guests for a conversation about making space for art and finding your voice on Friday at the Newberry Library. Additional artists and authors will join the cocktail party and dinner on Saturday at Ragdale.

Friday: Newberry Library, 60 West Walton Street, Chicago

Saturday: Ragdale, 1230 North Green Bay Road, Lake Forest

Tickets and more information here

May 17th, 2025, Saturday

Paws and Claws Cat Rescue

Inaugural Catalyst Ball & Five Year Anniversary

A celebration of the shelter’s journey! Support for rescues makes a significant difference, serving as a lifesaving catalyst for not only countless cats at risk of euthanasia, but also in the lives of people, to help break down barriers to companionship and build community. Animal lovers and community members 21+ are invited to attend.

The Crystal Ballroom & Lounge, 529 Davis Street, Evanston

Tickets and more information here

May 17th, 2025, Saturday

The Morton Arboretum

Vivid Creatures Debut

This spring, visitors to The Morton Arboretum will be greeted by a collection of massive, colorful, whimsical sculptures. The new exhibition, Vivid Creatures: Colorful Sculptures as Tall as Trees, opens Saturday, May 17, 2025, featuring five larger-than-life sculptures of animals essential to the Illinois ecosystem nestled among the Arboretum’s lush landscape. Created by Portland, Oregon-based artists Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz, the exhibit continues the Arboretum’s tradition of showcasing innovative outdoor art. This vibrant collection, making its debut at a public garden, includes sculptures of a white-tailed deer, dragonfly, sandhill crane, fox squirrel and brittle button snail, ranging from 8 to 23 feet tall.

Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle

More information here

May 31st, 2025, Saturday, 01:00 – 04:00 p.m

The Schweikher House

2nd Annual Peony Party Fundraiser

Join the Schweikher House Preservation Trust for a summer afternoon fundraiser at the Schweikher House in support of the organization. Enjoy the 35+ varieties of blooming peonies, drinks, delicious food from Unforgettable Edibles and music by Midtown Strings while mingling throughout the house and grounds. This year’s party will feature Martyl paintings from private collections, many never seen before in public. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind treat to experience Martyl’s art in the very same house and studio where it was created!

Schweikher House, 645 Meacham Road, Schaumburg

Tickets here

June

June 03rd – 08th, 2025

Chicago Opera Theater

She Who Dared

Three performances only! Chicago Opera Theater (COT), Chicago’s foremost producer of new and reimagined opera, proudly presents She Who Dared, by composer Jasmine Arielle Barnes and librettist Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton. Featuring an All-Black female cast, and an all-Black creative team, the compelling, richly melodic, new opera shines a spotlight on the women who challenged segregation before and alongside Rosa Parks. COT’s production of She Who Dared is Tuesday, June 3 at 7:30 PM; Friday, June 6 at 7:30 PM; and Sunday, June 8 at 3:00 PM.

Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building, 410 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Tickets here

June 04th, 2025, Wednesday, 06:00 – 09:00 p.m

Chicago History Museum

Making History Awards

The Board of Trustees of the Chicago Historical Society proudly hosts the Making History Awards in honor of the extraordinary contributions of this year’s awardees to our city and its history.

More details to come.

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, 120 East Delaware Place, Chicago

For questions contact Livia Kenney lkenney@pjhchicago.com or Eric Miller miller@chicagohistory.org

June 14th & 15th, 2025, Saturday & Sunday

Old Town Art Fair

The 75th Old Town Art Fair Celebration will take many forms in the coming months. We hope you enjoy all of the exciting new features to be announced. The first change you’ll notice: the Art Fair logo has been redesigned.

More details to come