The SLC Shortlist is a curated guide of Things to do in Chicago during the week. Whether you’re a lover of culture, music, games/crafts; whether you’re a busy high earner that loves having an active social calendar, WFH-er or transplant looking to make new fab friends, This is the Guide you need. The real outside warriors get it during the week, ready to get into something outside of work. From art+culture events, fashion celebrations and spooky scenes we’ve curated the best of things to do this week in Chicago so you can skip the scroll.
CHICAGO BULLS
March 16, 18, 19 | Time varies
United Center | 1901 W. Madison Street
The Chicago Bulls will face off against the Memphis Grizzlies (16), Toronto Raptors (18), Cleveland Cavaliers (19).
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BRIDAL MARKET CHICAGO
March 15-17 |
The Mart | 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza
National Bridal Market Chicago is the leading tradeshow for your Bridal & Special Occasion needs, offering the latest styles from the Industry’s top Designers. Two times per year, the National Bridal Market Chicago convenes in the iconic Merchandise Mart. The show features a modern open-booth format with a layout that spans the entire 7th Floor – nearly two square city blocks!.
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ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE CHICAGO FESTIVAL DE LA FRANCOPHONIE
February 27-March 31 | Time Varies
University Club of Chicago | 76 East Monroe Street
The a flagship celebration of francophone creativity, ideas, and performance that showcases the relevance of French-speaking cultures worldwide will hold all of March. This week there will be a wine tasting(18), Sip & Sculpt workshop (19) and Dance Party Konpa Sware (20). AF Chicago is designed for Francophones, Francophiles, and anyone curious about the arts, the season celebrates diversity and excellence across dance, theater, music, visual art, film, gastronomy, and literature. Featuring artists and thinkers with roots from Francophone lands around the world, our program reflects the vibrancy of the francophone cultural landscape, blending tradition with contemporary innovation.
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THIS WEEK AT THE SISKEL
March 16-20 |
The Siskel Film Center | 164 N. State Street
In addition to regular film programming the Siskel will host the Chicago European Film Festival: Cyprus. Thirteen films from Cyprus in Three days only. The Chicago European Union Film Festival (CEUFF) will shine a Spotlight on Cyprus, the current holder of the EU presidency. There is also the weekly African Cinema from Independence to Now Lecture Series. Coming soon Conversations at The Edge.
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RAVINIA 2026 TICKETS
March 17 | 7-11pm
Ravinia Park | 2301 S Martin Luther King Drive
Ravinia’s 2026 Summer Lineup Is Here! Now its time to plan your summer visits and get tickets. Members get first priority to tickets starting Tuesday. With the highly anticipated opening of the new Hunter Pavilion, 50+ artist debuts, and 90+ concerts, this summer at Ravinia is shaping up to be one of our most exciting seasons yet! .
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SAVOR LINCOLN PARK
March 18 | 6pm – 9pm
Theater on the Lake | 2401 N. DuSable Lake Shore
Savor Lincoln Park returns as Chicago’s premier indoor neighborhood food festival, bringing together more than 25 of the neighborhood’s top restaurants under one roof for an unforgettable evening of food and drink. With one ticket, guests can sample a wide variety of bites and beverages, discover new favorites, and enjoy Lincoln Park’s delicious dining scene.
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FRANK X WALKER, KELLY NORMAN ELLIS, NIKKY FINNEY, PARNESHIA JONES
March 19 | 6pm-
Poetry Foundation
Frank X Walker coined the term Affrilachian to describe the third space of Blackness in Appalachia and “to create a sense of place that had not existed for us.” Join us to celebrate the new folio in the January/February issue of Poetry magazine, “Frank X Walker: Kinfolk,” which features a sampling of X’s poems from the last three decades and essays highlighting his influence and community. X’s fellow readers hail from the Affrilachian Poets Collective, including visiting poet Nikky Finney and Chicago poets Kelly Norman Ellis and Parneshia Jones. Witness an artistic community “beholden to each other: bonded to place and people,” as Kelly Norman Lewis describes X’s workshops and gatherings.
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AMERICAN AIRLINES GLOBAL WINE DINNER SERIES: SOUTH AFRICA RISING
March 18| 6:30pm
City Winery | 1200 W Randolph St.
City Winery & American Airlines present American Airlines Global Wine Dinner Series: South Africa Rising. Discover South Africa’s rising wines in a five-course dinner that includes: Frikadellen, Wild Grilled Mushrooms, Beet Root Salad, Grilled Lamb Roast, Malva Pudding each with a special wine pairing.
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50TH ANNIVERSARY BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL
March 18 & 19 | 7pm
The Music Box Chicago | 3733 N Southport Avenue
Join us for the 50th anniversary of the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour in Chicago to celebrate the world’s best mountain films! Experience an exhilarating lineup of films showcasing outdoor adventures, mountain culture, and environmental stories.
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GLOW WILD A LANTERN FESTIVAL OF HOPE
March 19-May 10 | Thursday – Sunday
Brookfield Zoo | 1615 S. Clark Street
The Glow Wild lantern festival transforms the night into a glowing celebration of art, culture, and conservation. Wander illuminated pathways surrounded by handcrafted lanterns inspired by wildlife global traditions and mythical worlds. This breathtaking outdoor experience is perfect for families couples and anyone who loves immersive nighttime events. Glow Wild is a special after-hours event and requires a separate event ticket for admission.
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AN OPERA NIGHT WITH RICCARDO MUTI
March 19-21 | 7:30pm
Symphony Center | 220 S. Michigan Avenue
Verdi will be part of mix when Muti returns, in his Music Emeritus for Life capacity, to lead the CSO and Chorus in An Opera Night with Riccardo Muti. Along with six Verdi selections, the program will feature works by Catalani, Giordano and Puccini, including the complete Act IV of Puccini’s Manon Lescaut. Guest vocalists will be tenor Francesco Meli and soprano Lidia Fridman, in her CSO debut.
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THE COSTUME COUNCIL PRESENTS | A FASCINATING EVENING WITH KOKIN
March 19| 6pm-9pm
The Fortnightly of Chicago | 120 E. Bellevue Place
The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum invites you to join them for a stylish and story-filled evening celebrating internationally acclaimed hat designer Kokin, whose designs have crowned some of the most iconic moments in Clueless, Pretty Woman , Sex and the City, Dr. T & the Women, and more.
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CIVIC NIGHT AT LYRIC: MADAMA BUTTERFLY
March 19 | 7:30pm
Lyric Opera House | 20 N. Wacker Drive
The Women’s Board of Lyric Opera of Chicago warmly invites you to their 3rd Annual Civic Night at Lyric, an exclusive evening to celebrate the art of opera alongside our esteemed corporate and community partners. Join us for a stunning performance of Puccini’s timeless Madama Butterfly.
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CHICAGO HUMANITIES SPRING 2026 FESTIVAL TICKETS ON SALE
March 17 | 7:30pm
Lyric Opera House | 20 N. Wacker Drive
Chicago Humanities full lineup for its Spring Festival 2026 is out! With conversations ranging from the U.S. Constitution, social justice, healthcare, literature, food, poetry, architecture, and much more. This year’s Spring Festival spans March through June, and hinges on three major festival dates throughout Chicago, in addition to standalone presentations, all reflecting Chicago Humanities’ deep commitment to civic and civil dialogue, creative expression, and community-rooted programming. Member tickets go on sale March 17 and General audience tickets on sale March 19.
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MAHJONG AT THE GWEN
March 19 | 7pm-9pm
The Gwen Chicago | 521 North Rush Street
Presented by SoBAMFun, enjoy an evening of cocktails, great company, and American Mahjong! Beginners can join a lesson, while more experienced players can drop in for open play and connect with other players. Come solo or with friends — it’s all about having a great night out, whether you’re learning or playing.
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LYP ON TAP
March 18 | 7:30pm
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Hall | 220 S. Michigan Avenue
In partnership with CSO’s Overture Council, we are pleased to invite you to attend the annual Member Salon! Set in the elegant Grainger Ballroom at Symphony Center (220 S. Michigan Ave.), the recital is a great opportunity to discover the hidden musical skills of these organizations’ members! Grab a friend (or two) and RSVP to attend.
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*Cover image credit Unsplash
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