DateBook
Galas, concerts, lectures, and celebrations — the essential guide to Chicago’s social season
RenBen 2026
Shaped by the vision of Maurizio Cattelan—known for his subversive wit and conceptual audacity—RenBen is the Renaissance Society’s annual gala, raising a significant portion of the museum’s annual budget and enabling new artistic commissions, scholarly discourse, and lasting publications. This year, Cattelan’s “Silent Party” will transform two floors of the historic Chicago Athletic Association into a labyrinth.
Life is an Art: IAM the Party
Intuit Art Museum celebrates the first anniversary of its museum expansion with this “Life is an Art”-themed gala, where guests are invited to dress creatively and be the artwork. Timed to coincide with EXPO Art Week, the gala is co-hosted by Kahil El’Zabar and Tony Karman and honors internationally celebrated artists Nick Cave and Bob Faust with the Trendsetter Award, and beloved Chicago art educator Jerry Stefl with the Visionary Award. IAM partners with the Museum of House and Gertie for the “Art After Dark Dance Party” featuring DJ Lady D and local celebrity DJs.
Animal Magnetism
Hosted by the PAWS Chicago Professional Board at Morgan Manufacturing in Chicago’s West Loop, 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 raises funds to ensure PAWS Chicago can continue to save and care for thousands of homeless pets each year.
A Place to Call Home
The National Public Housing Museum’s biennial gala returns in 2026, honoring Matthew Desmond, Jackie Taylor, and Denis Pierce and celebrating the Museum’s first full year as a civic anchor and cultural home on Chicago’s Near West Side.
2026 Whirl Gala
Brookfield Zoo Chicago celebrates the 45th anniversary of its annual black-tie gala, the Whirl, at the Hilton Chicago. Co-hosted by the Board of Trustees and the Women’s Board, this signature fundraising event highlights the Zoo’s education, animal welfare, and conservation programs. Event Co-chairs: Sasha Gerritson & Roxann Giovannini.
Icons and Innovators Gala: Honoring Joan W. Harris
An evening honoring Joan W. Harris, a founder and the namesake of the Harris Theater, whose visionary leadership and philanthropy have shaped the performing arts in Chicago and across the nation. The evening begins with a cocktail reception and dinner on the theater’s elegantly tented rooftop, followed by a one-night-only performance in Deering McCormick Hall featuring exceptional artists affiliated with The Juilliard School. Co-chaired by Ted Grady and Ross Slotten, Caryn and King Harris, and Nancy and Scott Santi.
Concert 4
The Orion Ensemble welcomes back frequent guest musicians Stephen Boe, viola, and Mathias Tacke, violin, for the final concert program of its 33rd season, featuring works from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.
Concert 4
The Orion Ensemble welcomes back frequent guest musicians Stephen Boe, viola, and Mathias Tacke, violin, for the final concert program of its 33rd season, featuring works from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.
Biarritz: Le Bal
Inspired by the luminous allure of the “Pearl of the Basque Coast,” this year’s gala pays homage to the harmonious dialogue between the untamed majesty of the Atlantic and the graceful refinement of French artistry. More than an evening of celebration, it is an immersive odyssey through the three great pillars of French distinction: Haute Couture, Haute Gastronomie, and Grand Art—a Grand Soirée where the excellence of French savoir-faire converges with the timeless spirit of Biarritz.
Concert 4
The Orion Ensemble welcomes back frequent guest musicians Stephen Boe, viola, and Mathias Tacke, violin, for the final concert program of its 33rd season, featuring works from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.
50th Jubilee: Celebrating Ragdale’s 50th Anniversary
An entertainment-filled cocktail party, seated dinners with an artist, and an afterglow on the idyllic Ragdale campus in Lake Forest.
95th Anniversary Gala
The Music Institute of Chicago hosts its 95th Anniversary Gala, featuring the presentation of the prestigious Dushkin Award to the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Cultural Visionary Award for Chicago to Bill Kurtis and Donna La Pietra, and the Colburn Award for Teaching Excellence to Marta Aznavoorian.
American Writers Festival
A free literary event featuring in-depth conversations with diverse writers from across genres and backgrounds, celebrating the power of the written word. Children’s storytimes, photo booths, literary crafts, and mini writing workshops get adults and kids into the written word, with books for sale and authors signing them.
Revel in Ruby: 40th Anniversary Gala
For 40 years, Chicago Shakespeare Theater has brought stories to life in Chicago and beyond—illuminating imaginations, welcoming new audiences, and inspiring generations of artists and students. This season marks a momentous milestone: the ruby anniversary. An evening honoring four decades of powerful theater-making and propelling CST into its bold future.
60th Annual Gala Evening
The Women’s Board hosts Ravinia’s Opening Night Gala, unveiling the newly renovated Hunter Pavilion to the public for the first time. A cocktail reception under the stars precedes piano prodigy Yunchan Lim performing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Marin Alsop. Following the concert, guests are wined and dined under the stunning Gala tent with a gorgeous three-course meal, surprise performances, and a celebration worthy of the new state-of-the-art venue.
Beach Party
Set at Offshore Rooftop, Beach Party is a summer celebration for more than 500 luau guests and their pets. Sip festive cocktails and soak up the sun as Lake Michigan waves roll in. As the sun sets, dance the night away with an open bar, dinner, live and silent auctions, raffles, and more.
PAWS Chicago 5K Walk/Run for Their Lives
Chicago’s largest dog-friendly charity event—a day of fun, dog agility courses, raffles, entertainment, treats, and more. Whether you plan to run, walk, or simply enjoy the camaraderie, you’ll be surrounded by a community of fellow animal lovers raising critical funds to help pets in need.
60th Anniversary Celebration & “Designing Futures” Gala
Proceeds benefit CAC’s civic advocacy, trades apprenticeship program, and learning and community engagement programs. More details to come.
Fur Ball
Chicago’s premier pet-friendly black-tie event, set at the legendary Drake Hotel. Guests are invited to dress their pets in four-legged formal wear and walk the red carpet for an exciting evening benefiting PAWS Chicago. Silent and live auctions, raffles, dancing, dinner buffets—and a divine dinner served in crystal goblets at the special dog buffet.
Did you enjoy this article?
Leave a comment