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Galas, concerts, lectures, and celebrations — the essential guide to Chicago’s social season
Trusted (World Premiere)
Chicago Opera Theater closes its 2025/26 season with the concert premiere of Trusted, the seventh full-length opera developed through COT’s Vanguard Initiative. Composed by Aaron Israel Levin to a libretto by Marella Martin Koch, the work receives its fully orchestrated premiere after an earlier piano-vocal workshop.
Joffrey Celebration
Step into the spotlight at the Joffrey Celebration, marking 70 years of The Joffrey Ballet and 30 years in Chicago. The year is 1978—the height of Disco. A mirror ball spins, lights pulse, and Joffrey Company Artists and guests share the floor, channeling the fearless spirit of a generation that changed everything.
Der Rosenkavalier
Chicago City Opera (CCO) presents one of late-Romantic composer Richard Strauss’ most beloved works, Der Rosenkavalier. Composed by Strauss to a libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Der Rosenkavalier requires massive forces both on stage and in the pit, and thus, somewhat of a rarity for traditional opera companies. In CCO’s signature pared-down style, the grand opera is stripped down to its raw essentials, highlighting the complex relationships, sophisticated humor, and nuanced characters at the heart of this work.
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.
Der Rosenkavalier
Chicago City Opera (CCO) presents one of late-Romantic composer Richard Strauss’ most beloved works, Der Rosenkavalier. In CCO’s signature pared-down style, the grand opera is stripped down to its raw essentials, highlighting the complex relationships, sophisticated humor, and nuanced characters at the heart of this work.
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.
Pro Amateur Golf Championship & Dinner on the Bluff
The Founders’ Board of Lurie Children’s hosts the 66th annual event at Onwentsia Club, pairing 200 amateur golfers with professionals from 50 prestigious clubs across the country. The festivities kick off the night before with a summer dinner party, paddle raise, and live auction at Shoreacres in Lake Bluff. Proceeds will benefit the Founders’ Board’s new $3.5M commitment to the Lurie Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
A Celebration of Liberty
The Guild of the Chicago History Museum celebrates America 250 with a gala reception, program, and dinner chaired by Connie Barkley and Erica Meyer at the Chicago History Museum. Revolutionary garb optional, the evening features Sarah Botstein, Executive Director of Ken Burns’ American Revolution, in conversation with Chicago Public Television’s Geoffrey Baer.
The Royal Reunion: Celebrating Six Years of Six
Illinois Conservatory for the Arts (ICA) hosts a one-night-only benefit concert celebrating the music, legacy, and original stars of the Broadway phenomenon Six. Marking the six-year anniversary of the show’s transfer to Broadway in 2020, The Royal Reunion will reunite the original queens and the original band for an evening of powerhouse performances in an intimate Chicago venue. Proceeds will support ICA’s mission of providing high-level arts education to Chicagoland youth.
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.
38th Chicago Duo Piano Festival
The Music Institute of Chicago presents the 38th annual Chicago Duo Piano Festival featuring three concerts, a student recital, and a master class (July 12–19). Called a “duo piano mecca” by Pioneer Press, the world-renowned festival was founded in 1988 by Music Institute faculty members and Piano Duo in Residence Claire Aebersold Neiweem and Ralph Neiweem. Its mission is to foster a deeper interest in the repertoire, performance, and teaching of music for piano, four hands and two pianos, in a fun and supportive atmosphere.
Dance for Life 35th Anniversary
Chicago Dance Health Fund, which provides financial relief for preventative healthcare and critical medical needs for Chicago dance industry professionals, presents its 35th anniversary fundraiser. A Gala Dinner begins at 5:00 p.m. at Venue SIX10, followed by performances featuring prominent Chicago dance companies and celebrated choreographers. The After Party also takes place at Venue SIX10.
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.
70th Annual Gold Coast Fashion Show
Fashion and philanthropy merge as the Children’s Service Board celebrates the 70th annual Gold Coast Fashion Show. Cutting-edge fashion is presented in two fast-paced, live runway shows: a luncheon on September 17 at The Drake Hotel and an evening cocktail reception on September 24 at the Geraghty. Funds raised will benefit the Chicago Institute for Fetal Health at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
Aces & Art: A Night of Luck and Giving
An evening filled with style and a touch of casino-night fun — all in support of the museum’s exhibitions and education programs. The evening includes gaming tables featuring roulette, blackjack, craps, and more; complimentary cocktails and delicious bites; a DJ and dancing; and raffles and artful prizes. Whether you’re feeling lucky or just love a night out surrounded by creativity, this is the can’t-miss event of the season.
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.
Winter Wishes: Annual Holiday Cocktail Celebration
This festive celebration has become the official kick-off to Chicago’s holiday season. Guests gather to celebrate the holidays and help make wishes come true for patients treated at Lurie Children’s. Proceeds benefit the Founders’ Board’s fundraising commitment to the Lurie Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
Allendale Youth Board Polar Plunge
Take the plunge in Lake Michigan, challenge yourself in the stair climbing competition, or cheer from the shore at Allendale Youth Board’s 2nd Annual Polar Plunge. Tickets are $25 and participants are encouraged to invite friends and family to sponsor their plunge or climb. All proceeds benefit Allendale in Lake Villa, a school and residence supporting the behavioral, emotional, and mental health needs of some of Illinois’s most vulnerable children.
75th Annual Children’s Ball
The Children’s Ball is the signature fundraising event of the Children’s Research Fund at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. This black-tie gala brings together philanthropic leaders for an inspiring evening dedicated to advancing pediatric research. Funds raised support the Children’s Research Fund’s commitment to Advanced Therapeutics at the Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, accelerating innovative treatments and transformative discoveries for children in Chicago and beyond.
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