Chicago Cultural Alliance

Architects on Housing Solutions
2024-11-12 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL, 60601, United States
How can we address the housing crisis in a way that increases social equity? How can architecture and design help achieve these goals? Our panel of seasoned housing designers sets out to find answers.
Cities across the nation face a severe crisis in housing affordability. More than 40% of the U.S. population struggles with monthly housing costs. This situation has multiple complex causes that transcend design-based solutions, but architects are nevertheless key to the systemic change required in how we deliver quality housing, and to whom.
Housing the Nation: Social Equity, Architecture, and the Future of Affordable Housing (Rizzoli, 2024), edited by Alexander Gorlin and Victoria Newhouse, includes contributions from economists, community organizers, lawyers, planners and architects, all actively involved in addressing the housing crisis. Our conversation with innovative architectural practitioners and contributors to Housing the Nation, moderated by former Chicago housing commissioner Marisa Novara, will echo the essay collection in examining our present-day situation and the pragmatism needed to make inroads toward housing justice. The book will be on sale before and after the event at the CAC Design Store and online at shop.architecture.org.
Image: Oso Apartments Courtesy of Canopy Architecture + Design

An Afternoon of Beethoven, Brahms, and Barton Pine
2024-11-10 15:00 - 17:00 | Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126, 149 W Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst, 60126
The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra announces an unforgettable concert featuring the timeless masterpieces of Beethoven and Brahms, with a special performance by renowned violinist Rachel Barton Pine. Join us on November 10, 2024, at 3:00 PM at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church for an afternoon of extraordinary music.
Enhance your concert experience by attending our pre-concert lecture at 1:45 PM, led by Assistant Conductor, Eli Chen. Chen will provide fascinating insights into the program, offering a deeper understanding of the historical and musical context of Beethoven’s and Brahms’ works, as well as Rachel Barton Pine’s interpretation of Brahms’ Violin Concerto.
Program Highlights:
GIOACCHINO ROSSINI Overture to The Barber of Seville
JOHANNES BRAHMS Violin Concerto
LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 7
Performers:
Rachel Barton Pine Violin
Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra
Stephen Alltop, Music Director and Conductor
What’s Interesting About This Concert:
American pianist and comedian Oscar Levant once tried to talk his way out of a speeding ticket by saying, “You can’t possibly hear the last movement of Beethoven’s Seventh and go slow!” We agree, and preemptively caution you as you drive home from this concert. Opening with the charming and witty Barber of Seville Overture (you might fondly recall the Bugs Bunny cartoon), this concert welcomes Rachel Barton Pine to our stage for the Violin Concerto by Johannes Brahms.
A Musical First: This concert will mark the first performance of Brahms’ Violin Concerto during Maestro Stephen Alltop’s tenure as Music Director.
Ticket Information:
Tickets for Beethoven, Brahms, and Barton Pine are available for purchase online, by phone, or at the box office on the day of the event. Discounted prices are available for seniors and students. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness an extraordinary musical journey!
For tickets and more information, please visit ElmhurstSymphony.org or call the ESA office at 630-941-0202 (Monday through Friday, 10 AM-3 PM).
To hear the concert pieces ahead of time visit ElmhurstSymphony.org.

Bluebird Arts Presents Dinner with Friends by Donald Margulies
2024-11-09 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-11-08 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-11-07 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-11-02 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-11-01 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-10-31 19:30 - 21:30 | Theater Wit, 1229 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL, 60657
Bluebird Arts kicks off its sixth season with Donald Margulies’ Dinner with Friends at Theater Wit. The show runs from Saturday, October 19, to Saturday, November 23, 2024. Performances are Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm, and Sundays at 2pm.
Dinner with Friends is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play that delves into the complexities of intimacy in friendships and marriages. It centers on two couples—Gabe and Karen, and their longtime friends Tom and Beth—whose relationships are tested when Tom and Beth announce their divorce. The drama explores themes of love, loyalty, and the evolving dynamics of human connections through recollections and emotional revelations.

Banquet Крим це Україна: Celebrating the Rich Tapestry of Crimean Culture
2024-11-09 18:00 - 21:00 | Ukrainian Cultural Center, 2247 W Chicago Ave,, Chicago, 60622
Join us for our annual fundraiser and experience the breathtaking views, cuisine, wine and rich cultural heritage of Crimea. Learn about the indigenous people of Ukraine, their folk art, language, food, and religious life.Buy your tickets at: https://tinyurl.com/2024UNMGala

UNM Gala 2024 Experience Crimea: A Unique Part of Ukraine
2024-11-09 18:00 - 19:00 | 2249 West Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60612, 2249 West Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, United States
Join us for our annual fundraiser and experience the breathtaking views, cuisine, wine, and rich cultural heritage of Crimea. Learn about the indigenous people of Ukraine, their folk art, language, food, and religious life. Ticket sales start 9/13/2024 at https://ukrainiannationalmuseum.org

Constructing Jathi Choreography with Harini Nilakantan
2024-11-09 13:15 - 14:15, 2024-11-02 13:15 - 14:15 | Kalapriya Studio, 2101 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, United States
Weekly Saturdays
1:15 – 2:15 PM
Harini Nilakantan is a student of Aacharya Choodamani Guru Smt. Roja
Kannan, and has over two decades of experience in this art form. In this 90-minute class, dancers will learn new choreography – both how to piece together combinations and increase retention with her for advanced
rhythmic patterns or Jathis.
Class focus: execution, technique, creativity, retention

Celebration Dia de los Muertos y Mercado artesanal
2024-11-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Trickster Cultural Center, 190 S Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL, 60193, United States
Join us, in our collaboration with the Teolecuilli Aztec Dance Group, for a cultural sharing event.

Pan de muerto (bread) and hot chocolate for sale
Bring an element to display in our traditional ofrenda for your loved ones
Decorate an ofrenda (altar)
Traditional music and dance

This event is free and all are welcome.

FREE Guided Tours at the National Hellenic Museum
2024-11-09 11:00 - 15:00, 2024-11-02 11:00 - 15:00 | National Hellenic Museum, 333 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Join us for our FREE, limited-time offer guided tours every Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. These one-hour tours offer a comprehensive journey through the museum’s rich exhibitions and artifacts.

Puerto Rican Arts Alliance: Studio Arts Program
2024-11-09 10:30 - 14:30, 2024-11-02 10:30 - 14:30
El Rinconcito is a free open art space for creative expression for people ages 12-25. You can meet people like you who are interested in arts, painting, drawing, printmaking, and others. El Riconcito provides a safe and welcoming studio for art making. An artist and a counselor in the studio can guide you in creative experiences, but you can opt to do your own artwork.
Join us! We provide the art supplies, and you bring your creativity.

Kino, Kaffee und Kuchen
2024-11-09 10:30, 2024-11-02 10:30 | DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
Date:
Start
Saturday, January 06, 2024
Time:
Location:
Location
DANK Haus Room 206, 2nd Floor

KINO, KAFFEE UND KUCHEN
Saturdays at the DANK Haus in Room 206
10:30 – 11:00 AM | Kaffee und Kuchen
11:00 – 12:00 PM | Vorfilm
12:00 PM | Feature Film Begins

Join us each Saturday at the DANK Haus in Fall, Winter, and Spring for Kaffee, Kuchen, und Kino. Each week guests will choose the film they want to watch
DANK Members: $5 | Non-Members: $7

Museum of Illusions Veterans Day Deals
2024-11-09 10:00 - 2024-11-11 20:00 | Museum of Illusions Chicago, 25 E Washington St, Chicago, IL, 60602
The Museum of Illusions wants to show their gratitude to all who have served. Veterans and active military personnel will receive free admission during Veterans Day Weekend from Saturday, November 9, 2024, through Monday, November 11, 2024.

LEGO® & LIBATIONS
2024-11-08 19:00 - 20:30 | Big Star Wicker Park, 1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, 60622
Who says LEGO are just for kids? Join the CAC team at Big Star’s Wicker Park location for a hands-on workshop and enjoy an interactive evening of creativity, design, and fun. Bring a friend or make new ones!
Learn about the design process while tackling a LEGO build challenge—perfect for first-timers and seasoned builders. Bring a friend, grab a drink, and enjoy a hands-on workshop where you’ll think like a designer and bring your unique creation to life.
All LEGO materials will be provided.
Your workshop registration includes one draft beer ticket and a pass for a future visit to the CAC.

Kulturküche Cooking Class | Brezeln: German Pretzels
2024-11-08 18:30 - 20:30 | DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
We are hosting 3 pretzel making classes this fall. Why? We LOVE pretzels! These pretzel-making classes will be offered in-person. We will host up to 25 students in our industrial kitchen at the DANK Haus. These 25 students will get hands on training from Reinhard Richter, our resident Pretzel Meister, and take home their homemade pretzels at the end of the class.
We have 3 classes to choose from. All students will get the recipe and be able to communicate directly with our chef.

Artecito Virtual Coyote
2024-11-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Online Event
Coyotes are mammals of the Canidae family. The same family as domestic dogs!
Join us as we explore more about Coyotes with our friends at Lincoln Park Zoo!
https://bit.ly/ArtecitoVirtual
🎨
Los Coyotes son mamíferos de la familia canidae ¡La misma familia de los perros domésticos!
¡Únase a nosotros mientras exploramos más sobre la Coyotes con nuestros amigos del Lincoln Park Zoo!
https://bit.ly/ArtecitoVirtual
🎨
What is Virtual Artecito?
Artecito is a free online workshop in Spanish developed by OPEN Center for the Arts and Lincoln Park Zoo that uses the arts to engage families with nature in ways that resonate with local holidays, culture, and wildlife. With a related art activity, workshops highlight wildlife and nature to encourage children and families to think about nature and their relationship to it in creative ways.
🎨
¿Qué es Artecito Virtual?
Artecito es un taller gratuito en español bimensual gratuito en linea desarrollado por OPEN Center for the Arts y Lincoln Park Zoo que utiliza las artes para involucrar a las familias con la naturaleza de maneras que resuenan con las festividades locales, la cultura y la vida silvestre. Con una actividad artística relacionada, los talleres destacan la vida silvestre y la naturaleza para alentar a los niños y las familias a pensar sobre la naturaleza y su relación con ella de manera creativa.

Papel Picado y Flores
2024-11-02 12:00 - 14:00 | Trickster Cultural Center, 190 S Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL, 60193, United States
Join us and learn how to make papel picado, a traditional Mexican decorative craft, and flowers to decorate an ofrenda (altar). This event is free and all are welcome.

Classic German Cooking by Luisa Weiss: Cooking Demonstration & Book Launch
2024-11-01 19:00 - 21:00 | DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
Join us for a special culinary evening celebrating the launch of Classic German Cooking by acclaimed food writer Luisa Weiss, author of Classic German Baking and My Berlin Kitchen.
On Friday, Nov 1, Luisa Weiss will guide us through a live cooking demonstration, bringing the cozy, comforting flavors of German and Austrian home cooking to life. Afterward, Luisa will be joined by Chicago food writer and blogger Tim Mazurek, creator of Lottie + Doof, for a lively discussion and book launch celebration.
Discover the humble charm of classic German cuisine, renowned for its ability to comfort, nourish, and bring joy to any table. During the cooking demonstration, Luisa will show you how to prepare beloved traditional dishes such as Maultaschen (dumplings with meat and spinach) and Apfelküchle (apple fritters), while sharing personal stories and the rich history behind these timeless recipes.
After the demonstration, Tim Mazurek will join Luisa for an exclusive discussion about her latest cookbook, Classic German Cooking, launched just three days prior to our event. Together, they will talk about the inspiration behind the book, its collection of over 100 essential recipes, and the enduring influence of German and Austrian culinary traditions. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions, engage in the conversation, and take home your own signed copy of the book.

Kurt Weill Circus by Anne Fromm (Lyon) Part of the Cabaret Connexion 2024 Concert Festival
2024-10-31 19:30 - 21:00 | DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
Join us for the opening night of the Cabaret Connexion Concert Festival. Experience KURT WEILL CIRCUS by Anne Fromm (Lyon). Opening with WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? Paulus the Cabarat Geek (London), and a bevy of Parisian chanteuses hosted by Claudia Hommel (Chicago). Meet us in the Brauhaus! Halloween costumes encouraged!
Cats & witches, circus & clowns, songs spun in French, German and English for the Chicago Paris Cabaret Connexion. Meet us in the Brauhaus!
Call 773-509-9360 or visit cabaretconnexion.org/rsvp for more

Artecito Virtual
2024-10-31 18:00 - 19:00 | Online Event
Artecito es un proyecto criado por OPEN Center for the Arts y Lincoln Park Zoo para explorar diferentes temas de la naturaleza y conservación del medio ambiente a través de las artes

Trick-or-Treating at Museum of Illusions Chicago
2024-10-28 10:00 - 2024-10-31 21:00 | Museum of Illusions Chicago, 25 E Washington St, Chicago, IL, 60602
Experience the mystery of illusions this Halloween at the Museum of Illusions Chicago. While MOI is known for its tricks, it also wants to treat guests. Kids can get a head start on trick-or-treating at the Museum during regular operating hours, and don’t forget the tricks! Fan-favorite illusions like Head on a Plate, Ames Room, the Vortex Tunnel, and more will have guests wondering what’s real and what’s not. It’s the perfect destination for families looking to treat their kids to some tricks that aren’t too scary during this fright-filled season.

Meetup with Easy German
2024-10-27 16:00 - 19:00 | DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
Join us for a fun and engaging Meetup with Easy German! Whether you are a German Language Learner, a German, or just simply interested in the German language and culture, this event is perfect for you.
Was ist Easy German?
Easy German is a popular language learning platform based in Berlin that creates educational content to help people learn German in an accessible and enjoyable way. They produce videos, podcasts, and other resources that focus on real-life conversations, cultural insights, and everyday language use. Their approach emphasizes practical vocabulary and phrases, making it easier for learners to understand and use German in daily situations.
What to expect?

Interactive Activities: Engage in language games, conversation practice, and cultural discussions led by the Easy German facilitators.

Networking: Meet fellow German learners, native speakers, the Easy German team as well as the Dankhaus team in a relaxed and friendly environment.

No prior knowledge of German is required. Come ready to learn, have fun, and make new friends. We look forward to seeing you there!
