Social Diary — Upcoming Things To Do In Chicago This Month
Welcome to August, where Summertime Chicago reaches its peak and all we want to do is have fun outside. Record heat and torrential rain begone because the SLC babes are trying to have fun. Here’s a curated list of some of the events worth attending this month. DOn’t forget to follow us on Instagram and X for more.
WHAT: Chelsea FC vs Borussia Dortmund
WHEN: August 2; 7:30pm
COST: varies
📍LOCATION: Soldier Field MAP.
DETAILS: Two of Europe’s biggest soccer clubs will face off this summer in Chicago, with England’s Chelsea FC and Germany’s Borussia Dortmund set to play.
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WHAT: Black Women’s Expo 2023: Strength, Success, Sisterhood
WHEN: August 4-6.
COST: Varies
📍LOCATION: McCormick Place, Chicago MAP
DETAILS: BWe is the nation’s largest, longest running, most-respected, intergenerational exposition targeting Black Women and their families. Where Sisters gather for information, inspiration and ultimately elevation. Headliner Iyanla Vanzant plus performances by Musiq Soulchild, Kurt Carr, Twista, Shawna and more.
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WHAT: Lollapalooza 2023
WHEN: August 3-6
COST: Varies
📍LOCATION: Grant Park, Chicago MAP
DETAILS: With 9 stages, and 170+ bands from all over the world, every Lolla lineup makes hands wave, heads nod, and crowds holler.
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WHAT: LeakyCon 2023
WHEN: August 4-6; 10am-6pm Daily
COST: Varies
📍LOCATION: McCormick Place South, Chicago MAP
DETAILS: The fan convention celebrating fandom, fun, and magic, makes its highly anticipated return to Chicago for the first time since 2012. Special Guest lineup includes Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Miranda Otto, Tom Felton, Sean Biggerstaff, Miltos Yerolemou, Ellie Darcey-Alden, Rohan Gotobed, James Payton, Chris Rankin, Stanislav Yanevski, Walles Hamonde, Kiran Shah, and Flick Miles, fandom creators Chanel Williams (TikTok: @chanwills0), Trey Beachum (Instagram: @iamblackharry), and Em Wallbank (Instagram: @emwallbank), and fandom podcasts Potterless, Pottercast, Mugglecast, and more.
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WHAT: Copitas de Sol: A Spirited Mixer
WHEN: August 5, 2:00 – 5:00 pm
COST: $65
📍LOCATION: The National Museum of Mexican Art MAP.
DETAILS: The Auxiliary Board of the National Museum of Mexican Art is thrilled to invite you to Copitas de Sol: A Spirited Mixer. Explore the world of superb agave spirits like mezcal, tequila, and raicilla; plus, enjoy delicious bites, a live DJ, dancing, and more. We’ll be pairing agave spirit brands with some of Chicago’s best restaurants.
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WHAT: Ravinia in August
WHEN: August 2-31
COST: Varies
📍LOCATION: Ravinia MAP
DETAILS: One of our favourite summertime Chi spots and concert venue has a packed August with music for every taste. Start off with Jason Mraz (Aug. 2), Mozart and CSO (Aug. 4), Masterclass with Soprano Ailyn Pérez (Aug. 11), An Evening with John Legend (Aug. 13 & 14). Jethro Tull (Aug. 18), Kenny Loggins (Aug. 19), Boyz II Men AND The Isley Brothers (Aug. 26), Disney Encanto (Aug. 27), Train (Aug. 30), Brandi Carlile (Aug. 31).
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WHAT: Jaleo by Jose Andres Flamenco Brunch
WHEN: August 6 | 1-3PM
COST: varies; Reservations suggested
📍LOCATION: Jaleo by Jose Andres MAP.
DETAILS: Every first Sunday of the month, you can watch an authentic flamenco dance performance while you enjoy classic brunch dishes and Spanish favorites.
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WHAT: The Service Club of Chicago Day of Service
WHEN: August 7; 11am-4pm
COST: $5,000.00/Foursome
📍LOCATION: Peninsula Hotel Chicago MAP
DETAILS: Join co-chairs Jean Antoniou, Tracey DiBuono & Sharyl Mackey at The Peninsula for Day on the Terrace 2023! Day on the Terrace is always a fun & fashionable day featuring a first look at Fall fashions from the best stores on Michigan Avenue.
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WHAT: Designs 4 Dignity Backlot BBQ Bash
WHEN: August 9; 5 – 8pm
COST: $100/per person | $20 Raffle tickets
📍LOCATION: Merchandise Mart North MAP
DETAILS: TBack Lot BBQ Bash is Designs for Dignity’s summer party in partnership with the Building Industry Association of Greater Chicago (BIAGC). The proceeds from the event benefit Designs for Dignity and scholarships for women in construction..
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WHAT: Ribfest Chicago 2023
WHEN: August 18-20; Friday (5-10pm), Sat. & Sun (12pm-10pm)
COST: $10 suggested donation.
📍LOCATION: Lincoln Avenue between Irving Park Road and Berteau Avenue MAP
DETAILS: Celebrating 23 years of BBQ, Ribfest Chicago continues to be Chicago’s most anticipated food festival. Ribfest Chicago invites all Chicagoland restaurant BBQ masters to compete for the title of “Best Ribs” and “People’s Choice.” While ribs reign supreme, Ribfest Chicago is also a nationally recognized indie music festival, hosting two stages that feature music from top local and national acts. And parents love our “Kids Square” with three days of family fun allowing children to slide, climb, jump, ride, dance and enjoy live entertainment all weekend long.
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WHAT: In My Granny’s Garden
WHEN: August 3 Through August 20; 9:30am and 11:30am
COST: FREE
📍LOCATION: various locations around Chicago area.
DETAILS: In My Granny’s Garden helps young audiences understand that food doesn’t just come from the grocery store: it’s grown in the ground. Audiences of all ages can enjoy a rich sensory experience as Granny explains why the food that comes out of her garden tastes so good. In My Granny’s Garden is made specially for children ages 0 – 5 years and their adult friends and family.
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WHAT: Everyday People-Chicago Day party
WHEN: August 12; 3-9pm
COST: $24.35
📍LOCATION: The Salt Shed MAP.
DETAILS: Everyday People Chicago. Hosted by Gitoo, Maine, Hooliboy & Friends. Music by DJ Moma & Friends. There will be food vendors on site.
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WHAT: 94th Bud Billiken Day Parade
WHEN: August 12; 11am
COST: VIP ($94);
📍LOCATION: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, through the historic Bronzeville and Washington Park MAP
DETAILS: Today, the 94th year tradition is historically the second largest parade in the United States next to the Rose Bowl. The Bud Billiken® Parade is more than a procession of bands and floats marching down King Drive, it’s a commemoration of our past and a celebration of our future. Every summer since 1929, “The Bud” has united African-Americans throughout the city of Chicago in music, dance, food, and laughter. It’s one of the only spaces where we can openly and emphatically praise the historic roots that plant us into the South Side of Chicago.
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WHAT: Dîner en Blanc-Chicago
WHEN: August 17
COST: $51 + $14
📍LOCATION: Secret location.
DETAILS: Le Dîner en Blanc-Chicago presents ‘Le retour’ Chicago’s Largest Dinner Party returns after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The elegant, pop-up urban picnic returns at an unexpected and secret new location in the City of Chicago. Returning members will receive an invitation to purchase tickets, and new guests also have an opportunity to join the experience by registering for the waiting list.
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WHAT: Conversation: Carol Ross Barney on Architecture
WHEN: August 17 | 6pm
COST: FREE; registration required | Ticket includes general admission to the museum 30 minutes prior to the start of the lecture.
📍LOCATION: Rubloff Auditorium, Art Institute of Chicago MAP.
DETAILS: Join renowned Chicago architect and 2023 AIA (The American Institute of Architects) Gold Medal recipient Carol Ross Barney for a conversation on her life and work. With a career that spans nearly 50 years, Carol has made significant contributions to the built environment, the profession, and architectural education. From her early days in the United States Peace Corps planning National Parks in Costa Rica to recent collaborations with city governments, Carol has relentlessly advocated that excellent design is a right, not a privilege. Barney is joined by Alison Fisher, Harold and Margot Schiff Curator of Architecture and Design, Jen Masengarb, executive director of AIA Chicago, and Eleanor Gorski, CEO and president of the Chicago Architecture Center.
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WHAT: Chicago Scholars Swing For Scholars
WHEN: August 14
COST: $1,000.00/1 Golfer; $75/On-The-Course Games
📍LOCATION: Naperville Country Club MAP.
DETAILS: Swing for Scholars is an annual golf outing created to benefit Chicago Scholars and the Manny and Pat Pulido Sanchez Legacy Scholarship. Last year, Manny Sanchez, a Chicago Scholars founding board member, and his wife, Pat Pulido Sanchez, were proud to honor three Scholars with the “Manny & Pat Pulido Sanchez Legacy Scholarship Fund.”
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WHAT: Chicago White Sox Charities Field of Green
WHEN: August 14; 8am
COST: $5,000.00/Foursome
📍LOCATION: Edgewood Valley Country Club MAP.
DETAILS: White Sox Charities will hold its annual Field of Greens Celebrity Golf Outing. White Sox team members will chip in for charity at Field of Greens, presented by Modelo, which is supported by the Corporate Partner Program. Proceeds will benefit White Sox Charities.
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Poppi Rosenberg
© Todd Rosenberg Photography 2022
WHAT: Dance for Life 2023
WHEN: August 19; 6pm
COST: $500 (Performance + After Party); $45-$125 (Performance only)
📍LOCATION: Auditorium Theatre | Afterparty VenueSix.
DETAILS: Dance for Life is a one-of-a-kind annual performance and benefit event that has showcased more than 50 Chicago-based dance companies, as well as numerous choreographers, artists, and designers, throughout the past 32 years. The celebratory performance fuels The Dancers’ Fund and those who participate graciously donate their time, energy, and artistry.
The complete lineup of artists includes: BOOM CRACK! Dance Company, Chicago Tap Allstars, Giordano Dance Chicago with Giordano II and members of South Chicago Dance Theatre, Hiplet Ballerinas, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, freelance performers Joseph Massarelli and Riho Sakamoto, Moonwater Dance Project, Muntu Dance Theatre, and, for the finale, choreographer Randy Duncan.
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WHAT: The Jollof Festival 2023
WHEN: August 19; 2pm-7pm
COST: $25+; HERE
📍LOCATION: The Promontory MAP
DETAILS: Who makes the best Jollof rice? – Sample, taste, vote for the best Jollof Rice. The Jollof Festival is a day-long celebration of the many variations of this dish, unique to the various West African countries that consider it a staple.
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WHAT: The Supper Club Chicago Dinner with a View
WHEN: August 16; 7pm
COST: Members only; APPLY HERE
📍LOCATION: Gibson’s Italia
DETAILS: The members only organization that recently celebrate dits Chicago lunch will host its August event with a view. Members will be whisked away to the rooftop, exclusively theirs for the evening, discovering show-stopping panoramic views of the Chicago River and the city skyline, paired with refreshing Maestro Dobel Tequila cocktails and an alfresco multi-course supper rooted in authentic Italian cooking and seasonal ingredients.
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WHAT: North Hasted Market Days Festival 2023
WHEN: August 12-13; 11am-10pm
COST: Donation suggested. $50 VIP Pass donation
📍LOCATION: Halsted St. from Belmont to Addison, Chicago MAP.
DETAILS: Northalsted Market Days® is a weekend long, live music street festival celebrating community in Chicago’s landmark Northalsted/Lakeview neighborhood. The 1/2 mile long summer festival features all-day lineups of live music on 5 stages, 250+ vendors, food and drink, dance exhibitions, drag performance, and more!
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WHAT:2023 Chicago Air and Water Show
WHEN: August 19-20 | 10:30am-3pm (Rehearsal Friday, August 18)
COST: FREE ADMISSION
📍LOCATION: North Ave. Beach and along the Lakefront.
DETAILS: Headliners of the 2023 show include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights; this will be the Thunderbirds’ first appearance in Chicago since 2018. The schedule is decided the morning of the show by the pilots; performers are subject to change.
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WHAT: Chicago Bulls Fest 2023
WHEN: August 19-20; Gates open 7am
COST: $FREE
📍LOCATION: United Center MAP.
DETAILS: Bulls Fest is back this summer at the United Center! The free, two-day festival – the largest interactive basketball experience in Chicago this summer – will celebrate all things basketball and Bulls. Catch performances from Bulls DJ’s, the Luvabulls, Jesse White Tumblers, 312 Crew, and Bucket Boys during the weekend.
Bulls Fest will feature plenty of opportunities for basketball fans to play the game including a large-scale 3v3 tournament with brackets ranging from Elite adults all the way down to 8 years old and up with male, female and co-ed brackets. Youth clinics will also be available for younger basketball players of all skill levels. Interact and meet Bulls Legends like Randy Brown, Eddy Curry, Will Perdue, Nate Robinson, and Horace Grant, throughout the event through photo opportunities, providing tips at the combine, refereeing a 3v3 game, presenting championship rings to bracket champs, coaching a kids clinic, and more!
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WHAT: Jaleo (Chicago) Wine Dinner with La Rioja Alta
WHEN: August 22; 7:30pm
COST: $145 + Tax + 20% Service Charge
📍LOCATION: Jaleo by Jose Andres Chicago MAP.
DETAILS: Embark on an unforgettable journey through the tastes of Spain at Jaleo Chicago’s August Wine Dinner, featuring La Rioja Alta, one of the leading wine producers in the Rioja region.
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WHAT: Chicago Jazz Festival 2023
WHEN: August 31-September 3; 7:30pm
COST: FREE Admission
📍LOCATION: Chicago Cultural Center & Millennium Park
DETAILS: The Chicago Jazz Festival returns with performances celebrating all forms of jazz in Millennium Park, at the Chicago Cultural Center and citywide. Produced by DCASE and programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago (JIC).The Chicago Jazz Festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition that promotes all forms of jazz through free, high-quality music programming.
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WHAT: Pompeii: The Exhibition
WHEN: Through September 4
COST: Additional timed-entry ticket. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
📍LOCATION: The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) Chicago MAP.
DETAILS: The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) invites guests to step back in time and experience one of nature’s most powerful moments in Pompeii: The Exhibition. This world-renowned collection of priceless artifacts and hands-on multimedia productions is staged in 79 A.D., just hours before life in Pompeii was simultaneously fixed and lost in time for centuries by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The exhibition depicts daily life in Pompeii through an incredible combination of projections, audio, video, and photographic murals supplemented by more than 150 priceless artifacts on display from the unparalleled collection of the Naples National Archaeological Museum in Italy.
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WHAT: EEEEEATSCON 2023
WHEN: August 19-20 | 12-6pm
COST: $25 (ticket does not include food and beverage) | Under age 6 FREE
📍LOCATION: The Salt Shed MAP.
DETAILS: A two-day food experience built in the spirit of a music festival, but with restaurants as the headliners. Created and produced by the popular restaurant discovery platform The Infatuation the Chicago stop includes 20+ participating restaurants.
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