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
October
Now – February 15th, 2026
Hyde Park Art Center
Vesna Jovanovic: Carnival
Carnival brings together a new body of work by Vesna Jovanovic, inspired by her interest in medieval French carnivals and other festivals from around the world in which social ranks and identities are ignored and concealed, allowing participants to connect through food, dance, laughter, and sexual expression. In the group of paintings exhibited, all created in the past three years, the artist playfully renders invented spaces in which the body is both setting and subject—collapsed into unexpected relationships with objects that bring joy and pleasure. Jovanovic’s process begins by pouring diluted ink onto sheets of Yupo (a synthetic paper made of polypropylene). Once the ink is dried, the artist responds to the texture by painting candy, sparklers, confetti, sex toys, jingles, and much more across the fleshy surfaces–prioritizing relationships that evoke attraction, repulsion, laughter, and recognition.
Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 South Cornell Avenue, Chicago
More information here
October 28th, 29th, & 31st, 2025
The Auditorium
Evening With David Byrne – Who Is The Sky Tour
We can’t wait to welcome David Byrne back to The Auditorium for the Who Is The Sky tour! Byrne’s upcoming release, Who Is The Sky, will be his first new album since 2018’s triumphant American Utopia. Join Byrne as he continues his lifelong exploration of human connection and the potential for societal unity against the chaotic backdrop of the world.
The Auditorium, 50 East Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago
Tickets here
October 30th – November 02nd, 2025, Thursday – Sunday
Saatchi Art
The Other Art Fair
The Other Art Fair returns for its 8th Chicago edition. Known as the city’s leading artist-exhibited fair, The Other Art Fair offers art lovers the opportunity to discover and buy works directly from independent artists. The fall event will feature original works from over 110 emerging creators and kicks off with a high-energy Opening Night on Thursday, October 30. With interactive installations, live performances, and engaging artist-led projects, the fair is designed to inspire and delight.
Artifact Events, 4325 North Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago
More information here
October 31st & November 01st, 2025, Friday & Saturday
Bar Goa
Bollyween
Bar Goa’s “Bollyween” celebration brings a Bollywood-inspired twist to Halloween weekend with two nights of music, costumes, and cocktails that match the vibrant spirit of Goa’s famed nightlife. Includes dinner inspired by Goa’s coastal cuisine, street food favorites, and more, live Bollywood DJ spinning high-energy sets, costume contests with prizes for the most creative looks, and spooky-themed cocktails including the “Plasm Elixr” (melon + pineapple) and “Witch’s Potion” (a flavorful punch with a seasonal spin).
Bar Goa, 116 West Hubbard Street, Chicago
More details and reservations here
November
November 02nd, 2025, Sunday, 03:00 p.m
Music Institute of Chicago
Fall Fundraiser Concert: supporting scholarships and financial aid
The Music Institute of Chicago presents a joyful afternoon of performances by members of its world-class faculty, as well as selected students and alumni from its Community Music School and Academy, culminating with a community sing. A photo booth, meet and greet, and sweet treats for every guest follow the performances in the lobby. FREE; donations encouraged
Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston
Tickets and more information here
November 05th, 2025, Wednesday, 07:00 p.m
The Auditorium
Boz Scaggs – Rhythm Review 2025
We can’t wait to welcome American singer, songwriter and guitarist Boz Scaggs to The Auditorium! An early bandmate of Steve Miller in The Ardells and the Steve Miller Band, he kicked off his solo career in 1969 and has since produced several hit singles and platinum-certified albums. Don’t miss out on this electrifying performance!
The Auditorium, 50 East Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago
Pre-sale tickets here
November 06th – 09th, 2025, Thursday – Sunday
Joffrey Ballet
Joffrey at the Harris: Matters of the Heart
Inspired by a true story, Chanel DaSilva’s Wabash & You takes us on a journey from a spontaneous chance encounter between two strangers to an unforgettable romance. Set in downtown Chicago, this modern twist on the classic girl-meets-boy story reminds us that love can find us anywhere at any time. But does that mean that love will last forever? Performed live with the dynamic and soulful music of The Main Squeeze, Wabash & You is a love letter both to the city of Chicago and to the hopeless romantics that live within us all.
Harris Theater, 205 East Randolph Street, Chicago
Tickets here
November 07th, 2025, Friday, 06:00 p.m
Landmarks Illinois | Richard H. Driehaus Foundation
2025 Preservation Awards
Join us November 7 for our annual awards ceremony recognizing exceptional efforts in preserving, restoring and revitalizing historic places in Illinois! The event, which is open to the public, will feature a sit-down awards ceremony and cocktail reception.
Theater on the Lake, 2401 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Tickets here
November 07th, 2025, Friday, 06:30 p.m
Pilot Light
Feed Your Mind Gala
More details to come!
Rockwell on the River, 3057 North Rockwell Street, Chicago
November 08th, 2025, Saturday, 07:30 p.m
Music Institute of Chicago
Jesters and Gargoyles: Humor, Imagination, and Virtuosity in the Piano Repertoire
What happens when a great composer’s imagination takes a strange turn? Each of the works on this program has a streak of humor, oddity, or capriciousness in its makeup, turning the structure and discipline of traditional classical forms and styles on its head. The wily and surprising humor of Beethoven’s Sonata No. 16 in G Major leads to a more chaotic picture in Bartok’s Suite Op. 14 and Alkan’s Le Festin d’Esope, finishing with Chopin’s intense and exciting Scherzi. $35 general admission.
Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston
Tickets and more information here
November 14th, 2025, Friday
PAWS Chicago
Fur Ball
The PAWS Chicago Fur Ball is Chicago’s premier pet-friendly black tie event! Set at the legendary Drake Hotel, this unique gala invites guests to dress their pets in four-legged formal wear and walk the red carpet for an exciting celebration to benefit PAWS Chicago. Guests will delight in the silent and live auctions with one-of-a-kind items, raffle, dancing, and dinner buffets. Lucky dogs in attendance will also be treated to an evening of indulgences – including a divine dinner served in crystal goblets at the special dog buffet.
The Drake Hotel, 140 East Walton Place, Chicago
More information: furball@pawschicago.org
Tickets here
November 15th, 2025, Saturday
The Breakthrough Board of the Cancer Research Foundation
Breakthrough Ball
Ball Chair Laura Werner and her stellar Benefit Committee are planning a wondrous evening celebrating advances in cancer treatment at UChicago Medicine. The brilliant black tie event will include dinner, an auction and outstanding wine raffle, and dancing to “Maggie Speaks.”
The Breakthrough Board supports cutting edge discoveries in cancer research at UChicago Medicine.
The Four Seasons Chicago, 120 East Delaware Place, Chicago
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Margaret Hermaneck at 773-798-3285 or rsvp@thebreakthroughboard.org
November 15th, 2025, Saturday, 05:30 – 11:30 p.m
Hyde Park Art Center
Hyde Park Art Center Gala 2025
Honorees: Amanda Williams and Esther Grimm. Co-chairs: Christy MacLear and Mirja Spooner Haffner.
Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 South Cornell, Chicago
Tickets here
November 15th, 2025, Saturday, 07:30 p.m
The Auditorium
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater 50th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrating its 50th Anniversary Celebration at The Auditorium, Chicago’s beloved Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater launches The Auditorium’s 2025-26 Dance Season, Celebrating Women Leaders in Dance, in one performance only. The world-renowned Chicago-based Spanish dance company brings the passionate and expressive rhythms of Spain to life with its expertise in flamenco, folklore, contemporary and classical dance—all performed with the precision, passion, and artistry that have defined Ensemble Español for half a century. There will also be live musical accompaniment provided for a selection of the Flamenco pieces.
The Auditorium, 50 East Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago
Tickets here
November 20th, 2025, Thursday, 07:00 p.m
The Auditorium | WBEZ Chicago
The Moth Mainstage
The Mainstage is the quintessential Moth experience, a two-act show where five tellers and a notable host share true personal stories, without notes. Join WBEZ at the Auditorium for stories of provenance, nagging truths, startling discoveries, and hard-fought wisdom, as they are recorded live for The Moth Podcast and Moth Radio Hour.
The Auditorium, 50 East Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago
Tickets here
November 22nd, 2025, Saturday, 10:00 a.m – 03:00 p.m
Rogers Park Business Alliance
Mercadito – Craft Fair
An initiative of Rogers Park’s state-designated cultural district, Camino Clark, the craft fair will showcase vibrant vendors and artists who offer a diverse range of products and handmade crafts. There will be a free gift-wrapping station from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. courtesy of St. Jerome Church (limit of two gifts per person) and free Ponche donated from a local business, La Casa Vieja.
RPBA’s GROW/PROGRESANDO entrepreneurial training center, 7056 North Clark Street, Chicago
December
December 03rd, 2025, Wednesday, 05:30 p.m
Driehaus Museum
The Gilded Gala
The Gilded Gala is the Driehaus Museum’s annual celebration of artistic excellence and Chicago’s cultural legacy, benefitting the Museum’s transformative public programming and mission of expanding access to extraordinary art, architecture, and design. This year’s event will honor John Vinci, Philip Hamp, and Vinci | Hamp Architects in recognition of their pioneering restoration work, historic preservation advocacy, and contributions to Chicago’s cultural landscape and built environment.
Driehaus Museum, 50 East Erie Street, Chicago
For tickets and sponsorships contact gala@driehausmuseum.org or call (312) 874-5912
December 04th, 2025, Thursday, 06:00 – 09:00 p.m
Women’s Auxiliary of Misericordia
Merry Mingle
Festive attire. Help us support more than 650 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who call Misericordia home. No act of generosity is too small to make a difference.
Michigan Shores Club, 911 Michigan Avenue, Wilmette
More information here
December 05th, 2025, Friday, 05:00 – 08:00 p.m
Lillstreet Art Center
50th Anniversary Holiday Party
Lillstreet Art Center proudly celebrates its 50th year as a creative workspace for artists of all levels – from first-timer to professionals – with a 50th Anniversary Holiday Party on Friday, with complimentary food and drinks, live music, open studios on the second floor, workshops, a free art demo, and a gallery show of functional ceramics for the dining table. Guests are invited to enjoy a screening of the new documentary, “Dream a Lill: 50 Years of Molding Makers” by Chicago filmmaker Gabriel Cuillier of MXXD Media, providing a fascinating look back at Lillstreet’s origin story. This festive, family-friendly event is open to the public; no reservations necessary. This holiday party will kick off the Lillstreet Gallery holiday show entitled, The Holiday Table, on view until December 31. This gallery will feature ceramic kitchen and tableware, jewelry, textiles and other holiday gift items, featuring over 50 craft artists from the Lillstreet community and around the U.S.
Lillstreet Art Center, 4401 North Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago
More information at lillstreet.com
December 06th, 2025, Saturday, 10:00 a.m & 1:00 p.m
Music Institute of Chicago
Duke It Out! Nutcracker
The Music Institute’s Ensemble in Residence Quintet Attacca and members of Braeburn Brass team up with Dance Chicago in a family-friendly, one-hour version of The Nutcracker that alternates between Tchaikovsky’s original score and the jazz version by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Between the two performances, an instrument petting zoo takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Nichols Concert Hall lobby. This interactive event features hands-on exploration of various instruments, including violin, viola, cello, guitar, and piano with guidance from Music Institute faculty members. $20 general admission.
Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston
Tickets and more information here
December 13th, 2025 – March 22th, 2026
Hyde Park Art Center
Mutuality: The Center Program Biennial Exhibition
The Center Program offers artists who are ready to raise their practice to the next level the opportunity to develop new work, receive feedback from art professionals, and work towards an exhibition at the Art Center over the course of a year. For this edition of the program, the cohort focuses on Mutuality as the guiding principle for discussion and discourse toward new works. Defining mutuality as “demonstrating mutual care and interest as artists and people,” the exhibition challenges Center Program artists, as people living in the United States, to think about how intentions, works, and practices impact the world. This eleventh iteration of the program is guest curated by Teresa Silva, an independent curator based in Chicago, and features the work of twenty artists: Bethany Cordero, Amethyst Davis, Caitlyn Doran, Josué Esaú, Richard Gessert, Jalen Hamilton, Juan Molina Hernández, Amay Kataria, Millicent Kennedy, Deborah Kraft, Dawn Liddicoatt, Charlotte Mays, Kelly McKaig, Gabriel Moreno, Vida Sačić, Carlos Salazar-Lermont, Eugene I-Peng Tang, Carina Vargas-Nuñez, Frank Vega, and Katie Vota.
Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 South Cornell Avenue, Chicago
More information here
December 17th, 2025, Wednesday, 07:00 p.m
The Auditorium
Pink Martini’s All-Stars Present: A Season Of Stars
Thomas Lauderdale’s globe-trotting “little orchestra” Pink Martini is back with an all-new holiday show that brings triple the joy! Led on stage by NPR’s dashing Ari Shapiro, the soulful Edna Vazquez, and the sensational America’s Got Talent finalist Jimmie Herrod, these three vibrant voices will deck the halls with a spirited global holiday journey, destined to bring three times the sparkle into this festive season.
The Auditorium, 50 East Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago
Tickets here
