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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 and conceptual audacity—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 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 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, 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.
A Place to Call Home
The National Public Housing Museum’s biennial gala returns in 2026, honoring Matthew Desmond, Jackie Taylor, and Denis Pierce and celebrating 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 Zoo’s education, animal welfare, and conservation programs. Event Co-chairs: Sasha Gerritson & Roxann Giovannini.
Icons and Innovators Gala: Honoring Joan W. Harris
An evening honoring Joan W. Harris, a founder and the namesake of the Harris Theater, whose visionary leadership and philanthropy have shaped the performing arts in Chicago and across the nation. The evening begins with a cocktail reception and dinner on the theater’s elegantly tented rooftop, followed by a one-night-only performance in Deering McCormick Hall featuring exceptional artists affiliated with The Juilliard School. Co-chaired by Ted Grady and Ross Slotten, Caryn and King Harris, and Nancy and Scott Santi.
Concert 4
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
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.
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. More than an evening of celebration, it is an immersive odyssey through the three great pillars of French distinction: Haute Couture, Haute Gastronomie, and Grand Art—a Grand Soirée where the excellence of French savoir-faire converges with the timeless spirit of Biarritz.
Concert 4
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.
50th Jubilee: Celebrating Ragdale’s 50th Anniversary
An entertainment-filled cocktail party, seated dinners with an artist, and an afterglow on the idyllic Ragdale campus in Lake Forest.
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.
National Rescue Dog Day Fundraising Social
A community-focused event celebrating National Rescue Dog Day and the incredible rescue dogs who have found their forever homes. Meet adoptable dogs on site, learn about the rescue process, and discover ways to support rescue efforts through fostering, volunteering, and adoption.
Innovation Elevates Us All
A dynamic gathering of business, civic, and entrepreneurial leaders shaping what’s next for Chicago. Hear candid, forward-looking conversations from inspired leaders charting a new era of innovation. Connect with 30+ exhibiting organizations offering funding, mentorship, and support to help innovators grow and scale.
Summer Soirée: The Cabana Club
The annual fundraiser returns themed The Cabana Club, transporting guests to the pink sand beaches of Harbour Island in the Bahamas. Goombay Smashes and calypso tunes set the scene, with proceeds supporting programs and services at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
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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