Introducing our newest edition of the Classic Chicago DateBook for 2026.
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
January
January 06th – 10th, 2026
Hey Nonny
4th Annual Hey Nonny Women’s Jazz Festival
The five-day festival, which presents a dazzling array of 14 women-led ensembles over eight different events in Hey Nonny’s intimate listening room, underscores the venue’s commitment to artistry in every facet, including its music, culinary program, and experiential offerings.
Hey Nonny, 10 South Vail Avenue, Arlington Heights
Tickets and more information here
January 09th, 2026, 07:00 p.m
Teatro ZinZanni
Love, Chaos & Dinner
Experience the magic of Teatro ZinZanni on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel in the vibrant Chicago Loop. Featuring a rotating cast of world class performers, this one-of-a-kind entertainment experience promises an extravaganza of love, chaos, and dreams inside the velvet walls of Speigeltent ZaZou. Teatro ZinZanni is an immersive dining and entertainment experience that takes place inside an antique Belgian Spiegeltent.
Teatro ZinZanni Chicago, 32 West Randolph Street, Chicago
Tickets here
February
February 20th – 22nd, 2026
Mandala South Asian Performing Arts
ŚIVA BHĀVA: LOVE, CARE, AND THE COSMOS
Mandala South Asian Performing Arts opens its 11th season with the world premiere of Śiva Bhāva: Love, Care, and the Cosmos, an intimate performance of South Asian dance and music dedicated to dance and love.
Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 North Dearborn Street, Chicago
Tickets here
March
March 08th, 2026, Sunday, 03:00 p.m
Orion Ensemble
The Orion Ensemble showcases its core musicians—Kathryne Pirtle, clarinet; Florentina Ramniceanu, violin; Diana Schmück, piano; and Judy Stone, cello—on the third concert program of its 33rd season. Immediately followed by the Spring Benefit. Guests can enjoy hor d’oeuvres and refreshments and mingle with the musicians and supporters.
New England Congregational Church, 406 West Galena Boulevard, Aurora
Tickets are available at 630.628.9591 or info@orionensemble.org
March 09th, 2026, Monday, 07:30 p.m
Orion Ensemble
Concert 3
The Orion Ensemble showcases its core musicians—Kathryne Pirtle, clarinet; Florentina Ramniceanu, violin; Diana Schmück, piano; and Judy Stone, cello—on the third concert program of its 33rd season.
PianoForte Studios, 1335 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Tickets are available at 630.628.9591 or info@orionensemble.org
March 15th, 2026, Sunday, 07:30 p.m
Orion Ensemble
Concert 3
The Orion Ensemble showcases its core musicians—Kathryne Pirtle, clarinet; Florentina Ramniceanu, violin; Diana Schmück, piano; and Judy Stone, cello—on the third concert program of its 33rd season.
Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston
Tickets are available at 630.628.9591 or info@orionensemble.org
April
April 08th, 2026, Wednesday
The Renaissance Society
RenBen 2026
The Renaissance Society is thrilled to announce that artist Maurizio Cattelan will conceive and
orchestrate RenBen 2026, during Chicago’s EXPO Art Week. All proceeds from RenBen 2026 support the Renaissance Society’s program of exhibitions, Intermissions, concerts, public programs, and publications—all free and open to the public. RenBen 2026 takes place during Chicago’s EXPO Art Week, in alignment with EXPO CHICAGO contemporary art fair, attracting cultural figures from around the globe.
Additional details will be announced in early 2026.
April 11th, 2026, Saturday
Ignite
Ignite and Shine Gala
More information to come!
Ritz-Carlton, Water Tower Place, 160 East Pearson Street, Chicago
May
May 02nd, 2026, Saturday
Harris Theater for Music and Dance
Icons and Innovators Gala
We are thrilled to share that on Saturday, May 2, 2026, the Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance will host the Icons and Innovators Gala — a dazzling evening of artistry, celebration, and community. After cocktails and dinner on the Harris Theater’s beautiful rooftop, guests will enjoy a dazzling performance in Deering McCormick Hall featuring acclaimed artists, including Nico Muhly, Caroline Shaw, and Tony Siqi Yun, all affiliated with The Juilliard School, which joins us in honoring Joan W. Harris, a longtime trustee of the legendary conservatory.
Harris Theater, 205 East Randolph Street, Chicago
More details to come
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
