DateBook
Galas, concerts, lectures, and celebrations — the essential guide to Chicago’s social season
95th Anniversary Gala
The Music Institute of Chicago hosts its 95th Anniversary Gala. Event highlights include 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.
National Rescue Dog Day Fundraising Social
Join us in celebrating National Rescue Dog Day with a special community-focused event honoring the incredible rescue dogs who have found their forever homes. This event highlights the power of adoption and the amazing work being done by rescue organizations in our community. In partnership with Chicago Rescue Authority, guests will have the opportunity to meet adoptable dogs on site, learn more about the rescue process, and discover ways to support rescue efforts through fostering, volunteering, and adoption. Whether you already have a rescue pup or are simply passionate about helping animals in need, this event is a chance to connect with others who share that same love and commitment.
Innovation Elevates Us All
Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation — it happens when a city comes together. Join us for Innovation Elevates Us All, a dynamic gathering of business, civic, and entrepreneurial leaders shaping what’s next for Chicago. Hear a candid, forward-looking conversation from inspired leaders who are charting a new era of innovation in Chicago. Connect with 30+ exhibiting organizations that offer funding, mentorship, networks and support to help innovators grow and scale.
Summer Soirée: The Cabana Club
The Woman’s Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s annual fundraiser Summer Soirée is back to kick off the summer party season. The evening, themed The Cabana Club, 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. The festive party will raise critical funds to support the programs and services provided by Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Trusted — Concert World Premiere
Chicago Opera Theater (COT) closes its 2025/26 season with the concert premiere of a new opera Trusted — the seventh full-length opera developed through COT’s Vanguard Initiative. Composed by Aaron Israel Levin to a libretto by Marella Martin Koch, Trusted was developed over the course of Levin’s two-year tenure as COT’s Vanguard Composer. Earlier this season, audiences were invited to view a piano-vocal workshop of the opera and provide feedback. Now, audiences can see how the piece has developed since the first workshop in its fully orchestrated premiere.
Joffrey Celebration
Step into the spotlight at the Joffrey Celebration, where we raise a glass to 70 years of The Joffrey Ballet and 30 years of calling Chicago home. And we’re marking the milestone in a way only we know how: on the dance floor. The year is 1978 — the height of Disco. A mirror ball spins, lights pulse, and energy fills the room. For one unforgettable evening, join us at Studio Joffrey, a dazzling homage to disco’s golden age, where glamour met grit and self-expression ruled the night. Cocktails sparkle with effervescent delights, laughter lingers, and sequins shimmer under the limelight as Joffrey Company Artists and Chicago’s most fabulous 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 is 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
The American Writers Festival is a free literary event. It features in-depth conversations with diverse writers from across genres and backgrounds, all to celebrate the power of the written word. With a range of topics discussed and genres represented, the American Writers Festival celebrates the past, promotes the present, and inspires the future of American writing. 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. Composed by Strauss to a libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Der Rosenkavalier requires massive forces both on stage and in the pit, and thus is 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.
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 across our city. This season, we celebrate a momentous milestone: our ruby anniversary. Join us as we Revel in Ruby, 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 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), a non-profit arts education institution in the western suburbs, 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 from the event will support ICA’s mission of providing high-level arts education to Chicagoland youth.
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. Join us for a magical cocktail reception under the stars before enjoying piano prodigy Yunchan Lim perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Marin Alsop. Following the concert, guests will be wined and dined under our stunning Gala tent with a gorgeous three-course meal, surprise performances, and a celebration fit for our 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 and the summer breeze fills the air. As the sun sets, dance the night away, enjoy an open bar, dinner, live and silent auctions, raffles, and so much more. For sponsorship and ticket information, please email BeachParty@pawschicago.org.
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 Chicago Duo Piano Festival was founded in 1988 by Music Institute of Chicago 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, announces Dance for Life 35th Anniversary. A Gala Dinner takes place at 5 p.m. at Venue SIX10, 610 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, and the After Party following the performance also takes place at Venue SIX10. For this special anniversary performance, the lineup includes prominent Chicago dance companies and celebrated Chicago choreographers.
PAWS Chicago 5K Walk/Run for Their Lives
The PAWS Chicago 5K Walk/Run for Their Lives is Chicago’s LARGEST dog-friendly charity event, and it’s a day of fun, dog agility courses, raffles, entertainment, treats, and more. Whether you plan to run, walk, or simply enjoy the comradery, you’ll be surrounded by a community of fellow animal lovers — all 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. 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 at 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
Elmhurst Art Museum presents 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 & 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
The PAWS Chicago Fur Ball is 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 the 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 to 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 Research Fund 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. 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.