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

February

February 27th, 2025, Thursday, 05:30 p.m

Joffrey Ballet

Golden Hour | Women’s Night

A night of networking with the Joffrey Women’s Board and friends. Women’s Night co-chairs: Melinda Lagrange and Edyta Mazza. Suggested attire: glisten and glam in gold.

Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago

More information and tickets here

February 27th, 2025, Thursday, 05:30 – 08:30 p.m

Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum

An Intimate Evening with Chicago Fashion Icon Maria Pinto

Join Maria Pinto, Chicago’s Premier Designer, in conversation with Maggie Gillette of The Curio as we discuss the secret to longevity and creativity in today’s fashion world. With Special Presentation by Jessica Pushor. Chairs: Maggie Gillette and John Rogers.

The Woman’s Athletic Club Ballroom, 626 Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Tickets here

February 28th, 2025, Friday, 06:30 – 10:00 p.m

Old Town Triangle Association

An Old Town Art Affair

We are thrilled to announce a special event celebrating 75 incredible years of our neighborhood’s OLD TOWN ART FAIR, and the community, past and present, that continues this accomplishment. Join us for a joyous cocktail party fundraiser to honor this milestone and the vibrant spirit that makes our neighborhood so special. Here are some fun details:

The Flat Cats band will entertain us with music through the decades while you enjoy appetizers, wine, beer, and a signature cocktail or two. Photo Booth for you and your friends to make a memory. Raffles, silent auctions and special guests. Cocktail attire – you are encouraged to dress in a decade of your choosing! More details to come.

Chicago History Museum, 1601 North Clark Street, Chicago

Tickets here

February 28th & March 01st, 2025, Friday & Saturday

Nejla Yatkin

Nejla Yatkin’s Ouroboros

Guggenheim Fellow and award-winning choreographer Nejla Yatkin will embark on a five-city national tour of her acclaimed solo work, Ouroboros, starting February 28, 2025.

Studio5, 1938 Dempster Street, Evanston

More information here

March

March 01st, 2025, Saturday

Junior League of Chicago

Junior League of Chicago Annual Gala

Join us on March 1, 2025 for a formal night of dinner, dancing, and generosity as we celebrate the mission of the Junior League and our lasting impact on the Chicagoland community.

The St. Regis Chicago, 401 East Wacker Drive, Chicago

Tickets and sponsorships here

March 01st & 02nd, 2025, Saturday & Sunday

The Auditorium

Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández

The Auditorium proudly announces the return of Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández, last seen on The Auditorium stage in 2022, in a one-weekend-only engagement celebrating the dynamic history and diverse culture of Mexico through dance. Tickets start at $30. Saturday’s performance begins at 07:30 p.m, with Sunday’s beginning at 3:00 p.m.

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

Tickets here

March 06th, 2025, Thursday, 05:30 – 11:00 p.m

Landmarks Illinois

Preservation Forward 2025 Gala

Long billed as the biggest night in preservation, Preservation Forward annually attracts nearly 800 professionals in the design, real estate and building industries, as well as tradespeople, community artists and activists and community development professionals. Tickets and sponsorships are now on sale for the inspiring evening event, which takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and features a cocktail reception and a main program honoring the2025 Landmarks Illinois Influencers, followed by dinner and an after-party. Landmarks Illinois is proud to honor the following 2025 Influencers at this year’s event: Chicago Women in Trades, a nonprofit trades training organization; Chris Enck, Architect & preservationist; Elizabeth & Ethan Finkelstein, Founders of Cheap Old Houses.

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

Tickets here

March 09th, 2025, Sunday, 07:30 p.m

The Orion Ensemble

The Orion Ensemble performs “To Life!”

The Orion Ensemble continues its 32nd season with “To Life!,” which showcases Orion’s core musicians on a program of trios, including a Chicago premiere by Alexander Goldstein and works by Johannes Brahms and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Performances take place at 3 venues.

Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston

Tickets: 630-628-9591 OR info@orionensemble.org

March 10th, 2025, Monday, 07:30 p.m

The Orion Ensemble

The Orion Ensemble performs “To Life!”

PianoForte Studios, 1335 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Tickets: 630-628-9591 OR info@orionensemble.org

March 12th, 2025, Wednesday, 06:00 p.m

Chicago History Museum

Chamber Music Immersive

Drinks and light bites followed by a concert featuring world renowned artists.

Chicago History Museum, 1601 North Clark Street, Chicago

Tickets and more information here

March 12th, 2025, Wednesday, 06:30 p.m

Novea Linea Musica

Nova Linea Musica presents ~Nois Quartet and Black Oak Ensemble in Letters from Home

Nova Linea Musica (NLM), a Chicago-based chamber music series and new-music incubator, presents Letters from Home, a concert featuring two critically acclaimed local ensembles saxophone quartet ~Nois Quartet and string trio Black Oak Ensemble. The program boasts three world premieres—two of which were commissioned by NLM—by renowned composers Errollyn Wallen, Conrad Tao and Stacy Garrop alongside 21st century music by composers from around the globe.

Guarneri Hall, 11 East Adams Street, Chicago

Tickets here

March 13th, 2025, Thursday, 05:00 – 07:00 p.m

Heritage Auctions

Cinema on Paper with Dwight Cleveland

Highlights and stories from a Chicago collection of incredible Golden Age movie posters.

Heritage Auctions, 222 West Hubbard Street, Chicago

RSVP here

March 15th, 2025, Saturday, 07:30 p.m

The EcoVoice Project

World Premiere: Missa Laudato Si’ by Dongryul Lee

Missa Laudato Si’ is a new work written by Dongryul Lee in the spirit of Pope Francis’s 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, which calls on humanity to urgently address the climate crisis. In the form of a Mass, Missa Laudato Si’ contemplates climate change and caring for the earth by intertwining the Latin Mass text with prayers, poems, and texts about contaminated soil, water, and all the threatened creatures living under the climate and plastic crises, including “the tragic effects of environmental degradation on the lives of the world’s poorest.”

Rooney Hall, Loyola University Chicago, 1020 West Sheridan Road, Chicago

Tickets here

March 16th, 2025, Sunday, 03:00 p.m

The Orion Ensemble

The Orion Ensemble performs “To Life!”

New England Congregational Church, 406 West Galena Boulevard, Aurora

Tickets: 630-628-9591 OR info@orionensemble.org

March 19th, 2025, Wednesday, 05:00 – 08:00 p.m

Chicago Innovation

Innovating Chicago: A New Vision For Our City’s Future

To create transformational opportunities for the Chicago region, we need bold thinking, new vision and daring leaders. Join us on March 19th to hear top business and civic leaders discuss a fresh approach to the future of our city:

– Learn from inspired leaders who are charting a new growth path for Chicago

– Meet the leading organizations in Chicago’s innovation ecosystem

Rauner Family YMCA Community Center, 2700 South Western Avenue, Chicago

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 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 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 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 concert Peace Triumphant: 1945

The Michael Teolis Singers are excited to present our spring concert, “Peace Triumphant: 1945”, a musical program commemorating the anniversary of the end of WWII. Originally scheduled for Spring of 2020, this event was cancelled due to COVID-19; we are delighted to offer this concert. The music curated for our 2020 concert will be used in May. We will be including patriotic pieces; arrangements of popular songs of the era; and works by Howells, Ireland, Holst, and Haydn. The central work is Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Song of Thanksgiving,” featuring Dutch soprano, Josefien Stoppelenburg.

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 17th, 2025, Saturday

Ragdale

More Than a Novel Affair

Ragdale’s annual fundraising event will take place this May. Please join us for a very special event, celebrating Ragdale and raising funds to support our artists in residence program and educational outreach. Our signature event of the year will feature a curated group of celebrated writers, a fabulous cocktail party, pop-up performances, and seated dinners with featured authors, all on Ragdale’s beautiful and historic campus. Co-Chairs: Sally McDonald, Grove Mower, Sally Schwartz.

Ragdale, 1260 North Green Bay Road, Lake Forest

Contact Mary Beth Sova at marybeth@ragdale.org or 847-234-1063 x 24 for more information or to reserve a table early.

June

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