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, conceptual audacity, and ability to surprise—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 (IAM) 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 event 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 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 raises funds to ensure PAWS Chicago can continue to save and care for thousands of homeless pets each year.
Get Lit: Speakeasy Rhymes
Step back into the glittering world of the Roaring Twenties at an evening of clandestine charm, jazz-age flair, and unfiltered artistic expression at the American Writers Museum. Stop by the Blackout Poetry Bar to create your own blackout poetry inspired by literary works of the 1920s. Get an original poem-on-demand from Poems While You Wait. Uncover the Secret Password hidden in clues around the museum to earn a special prize. Share an original poem or song—or recite a work from a notable American writer—at the Open Mic.
A Place to Call Home Gala
The National Public Housing Museum’s biennial gala returns in 2026. Join their engaged community to honor Matthew Desmond, Jackie Taylor, and Denis Pierce, and celebrate 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 impactful work of the Zoo’s education, animal welfare, and conservation programs. Event Co-chairs: Sasha Gerritson & Roxann Giovannini.
An Evening with South Chicago Dance Theatre
South Chicago Dance Theatre (SCDT) presents its ninth annual home season performance, featuring three electric world premieres by award-winning choreographers Natasha Adorlee, David Dorfman, and SCDT Founder and Director of Vision and Strategy Kia S. Smith. The four-part mixed repertory program opens with a powerful work by renowned choreographer Donald Byrd. One night only.
Icons and Innovators Gala: Honoring Joan W. Harris
Co-chaired by Ted Grady and Ross Slotten, Caryn and King Harris, and Nancy and Scott Santi, the evening begins with a cocktail reception and dinner on the elegantly tented rooftop, followed by a one-night-only performance by exceptional artists affiliated with The Juilliard School. At the center of the evening is a celebration of Joan W. Harris, a founder and namesake of the Harris Theater, whose visionary leadership and philanthropy have shaped the performing arts in Chicago and across the nation.
Concert 4 of the 2025–26 Season
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 of the 2025–26 Season
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.
2026 Dream Builders Dinner: Magic in Motion
A magical evening at the Bridgeport Art Center to raise more than $850,000 to support children and families across Northeast Illinois. Guests will connect with vivid, personal quotes shared by participants, participate in STEM learning and magical tricks with after-school students from Ruggles Elementary, and honor Francia Harrington, Sylvia Puente, and Caleb Cares Foundation.
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. An immersive odyssey through the three great pillars of French distinction: Haute Couture, Haute Gastronomie, and Grand Art.
Concert 4 of the 2025–26 Season
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.
26th Annual Spirit of Design
Designs for Dignity (D4D) hosts its 26th annual fundraising event. D4D is dedicated to transforming nonprofit environments through pro bono design services and donated resources. Spirit of Design features curated bites, craft cocktails, a live auction, raffle prizes, and lively entertainment. Proceeds directly support the renovation and enhancement of nonprofit spaces across the Chicagoland area. 2026 grant recipients include Housing Opportunity Development Corporation, Cicero Family Service, Gateway to Learning, Lawrence Hall, Beds Plus, Impact Behavioral Health, Side Street Studios, The Harbour, and Intonation.
50th Jubilee: Celebrating Ragdale’s 50th Anniversary
The evening includes an entertainment-filled cocktail party, seated dinners with an artist, and an afterglow on the idyllic Ragdale campus.
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.
Summer Soirée: The Cabana Club
The Woman’s Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s annual fundraiser is back to kick off the summer party season. The Cabana Club theme will transport guests to the pink sand beaches of Harbour Island in the Bahamas. Under striped cabanas, the event will offer Goombay Smashes and upbeat calypso tunes, raising critical funds to support Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Joffrey Celebration
Step into the spotlight at the Joffrey Celebration, marking 70 years of The Joffrey Ballet and 30 years of calling Chicago home. The year is 1978—the height of Disco. Studio Joffrey is a dazzling homage to disco’s golden age, where glamour met grit and self-expression ruled the night. Cocktails, sequins, Joffrey Company Artists, and Chicago’s most fabulous guests share the floor together.
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, a momentous milestone is celebrated: 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.
60th Annual Gala Evening
The Women’s Board is proud to host Ravinia’s Opening Night Gala, unveiling the newly renovated Hunter Pavilion for the first time to the public. Enjoy a magical cocktail reception under the stars before piano prodigy Yunchan Lim performs with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Marin Alsop. Following the concert, guests will be wined and dined under the stunning Gala tent with a gorgeous three-course meal, surprise performances, and a celebration fit for the new state-of-the-art Hunter Pavilion.
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 the Lake Michigan waves roll in. As the sun sets, dance the night away with open bar, dinner, live and silent auctions, and raffles.
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 while raising critical funds to help pets in need.
60th Anniversary Celebration & “Designing Futures” Gala
Proceeds from the event will benefit CAC’s civic advocacy, trades apprenticeship program, learning, and community engagement programs.
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 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
Elmhurst Art Museum presents 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.
Fur Ball
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 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.
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 2026 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, accelerating innovative treatments and transformative discoveries for children in Chicago and beyond.