Chicago Cultural Alliance

Design News Roundtable: The Greater Midwest
2025-08-14 18:00 - 19:15 (America/Chicago) | DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
Join us for the third quarterly Design News Roundtable, a space for freewheeling conversation with architects, designers, preservationists and community leaders dissecting built environment news of note.
Our tapped-in panelists will scour the headlines and opine on recent design, development and planning news across the Midwest and their lessons for Chicago. Brush up on the past few months of built environment happenings and gain a deeper appreciation for the projects, the ideas and the individuals charting the future for our cities. This program takes place at the newly renovated Brauhaus Room at DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Avenue. Registration includes one draft beer or N/A beverage at the bar, and additional drinks are available for purchase. Light snacks will also be provided.

Neighborhood Nights
2025-08-14 19:00 - 23:00, 2025-09-11 19:00 - 23:00 | DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
Date:
Start
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Time:
Location:
Location
DANK Haus, 6th Floor Skyline Lounge

enjoy a beverage with a spectacular EXPERIENCE in our haus
A perfect place to meet your neighbors and socialize! All proceeds support the DANK Haus Museum
WHEN
Each 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month from 7-11 PM.
Location
Winter months – Brauhaus Room (2nd floor)
Summer/Fall months – Skyline Lounge/Terrace (6th floor)
Subject to change. Be sure to check elevator signs when arriving!

Na'wa'hIs' Our Relations
2025-08-15, 2025-08-22, 2025-08-29, 2025-09-05, 2025-09-12 | Trickster Cultural Center, 190 S Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL, 60193, United States
An Art Exhibit by the Levi Family. Step into a visual journey of family, heritage, and the sacred bond between Native people and animals, told through the eyes of three Native artists. Visit this collection of ledger art, paintings, textile and photography.

3rd Fridays Free Admission Museum Night
2025-08-15 17:00 - 20:00 | Heritage Museum of Asian Art, 3500 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL, 60609, United States
Free Admission Museum Nights take place every third Friday of each month from 5 pm to 8 pm! The tour will start at 6 PM on time. All tours depart from the reception desk, and please be sure to arrive on time. The event offers wine and appetizers.
This Friday at 7-7:40 PM, our Resident Artist 2024 – Irene Hsiao will perform at the Heritage Museum of Asian Art as part of the project If The Sky Could Dream.
About the Tour –
Learn about Asian Art in the Heritage Museum of Asian Art with a guided hour-long tour around the gallery. Museum-trained interns and volunteers will give a talk on selected artworks. Each word is packed with fascinating insights, information, and stories. During this participatory experience, you’ll connect with works from across the collection and get a close look at highlighting artworks. Visitors of all ages are welcome.
Please note tours may be canceled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.
About the project –
IF THE SKY COULD DREAM focuses on the Chinese dragon as a powerful being that fosters harmony. This creature is emblematic of China as well as a mythological being for many Asian and Western cultures and thus evokes a sense of mysticism, and intrigue in many communities. Representing the Chinese Dragon as a water deity, the installation series will feature images and projections of the weather and local bodies of water in Chicago.
If The Sky Could Dream is supported, in part, by a Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grant
About Irene Hsiao
Irene Hsiao creates performances in conversation with visual art in museums, galleries, and public spaces, a practice that includes site-specific interaction with visual artworks and experimental engagement with artists, institutions, and the public. Find out more through our website.
Accessibility
The Heritage Museum of Asian Art’s Entrance is on West 35th Street. Take the elevator to the third floor and turn right to the Museum Reception Desk. Accessible and standard toilets are located on the same floor. Free parking space is available next to the museum via West 35th Street.
If you have any programming questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with info@heritageasianart.org or 312-842-8884.

Vom Rhein Jailhaus Rock ft. Windy City Elvis
2025-08-15 19:30 - 23:30 | DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
Join us for our August Open Haus, Jailhaus Rock am Rhein, featuring acclaimed Elvis impersonator Windy City Elvis (Michael St. Angel). We’re turning up the dial on nostalgia and honoring the King’s ties to Germany, where he spent time living in Friedberg during his service in the U.S. Army.
Shake, rattle, and roll the night away with live music, vintage vibes, and panoramic views of the Chicago skyline from our 6th floor lounge.
Think you know the King? Test your knowledge in our Elvis trivia challenge — the winner will receive drink vouchers and bragging rights.
Drinks and food will be available for purchase.
Suggested donation: $10
Online RSVP is appreciated to help us plan, but walk-ins are always welcome.
Free parking is available after 6:00 PM in the 5/3 Bank lot at Western and Gunnison.

Stammtisch Open Haus, Every 3rd Friday
2025-08-15 19:30 - 2025-08-16 00:00 | DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
Feiern Sie mit uns! Our monthly Open Haus Stammtisch is a great way to meet new friends and enjoy a little Gemütlichkeit over some delicious German food and drink!
Theme TBD
Food and drink will be available for purchase.
Free parking at 5/3 Bank after 6:00 PM located at Western and Gunnison

Kino, Kaffee und Kuchen
2025-08-16 10:30, 2025-08-23 10:30, 2025-08-30 10:30, 2025-09-06 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

Puerto Rican Arts Alliance: Studio Arts Program
2025-08-16 10:30 - 14:30, 2025-08-23 10:30 - 14:30, 2025-08-30 10:30 - 14:30, 2025-09-06 10:30 - 14:30 | IL
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.

Constructing Jathi Choreography with Harini Nilakantan
2025-08-16 13:15 - 14:15, 2025-08-23 13:15 - 14:15, 2025-08-30 13:15 - 14:15, 2025-09-06 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

Haitian Heritage Month Konpa Sware
2025-08-21 19:00 - 23:00 | IL
Join the Haitian American Museum of Chicago (HAMOC) at its monthly Konpa Sware! The museum is excited to continue this immersive event which includes an evening of Haitian dance and music. Join us at Room43. Food will be available for free and the FIRST 50 GUESTS will recieve 1 FREE DRINK!
FEATURING MUSIC BY: DJ Frantz!
This is a recurring event on the Third Thursday of each month. Keep an eye out for future event registration!
* TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR*

Caillebotte & Urban Chicago: Watercolor Workshop
2025-08-23 15:00 - 16:30 | Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL, 60601, United States
In partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago’s exhibition Gustave Caillebotte: Painting His World the CAC is hosting a hands-on watercolor workshop exploring Caillebotte’s unique artistic interpretation of modern life as well as Chicago’s history of urban development and architecture.
French Impressionist Gustave Caillebotte brilliantly captured a changing Paris and its modern culture at the end of the 19th century. Caillebotte’s individual exploration of urban life through his unique style has been especially highlighted compared to his Impressionism counterparts. In partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago’s exhibition, Gustave Caillebotte: Painting His World, the CAC is hosting a hands-on watercolor workshop exploring Caillebotte’s unique artistic interpretation of modern life as well as Chicago’s history of urban development and architecture.
Participants will have an opportunity to create their own watercolor masterpiece to take home. All supplies for this workshop will be provided.
Participants will also receive a complimentary ticket (1) to the Gustave Caillebotte: Painting His World exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago, which opens June 29, 2025, and closes on October 5, 2025.
The CAC firmly believes that everyone should have the opportunity to discover why design matters. Should the registration fee be a barrier to your participation in this program, we invite you to please contact us at CACLearning@architecture.org to apply for a partial or full scholarship.

Jazz Frühschoppen Brunch ft. Jim Holman Duo
2025-08-24 11:00 - 13:00 | DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
Savor the sounds of smooth jazz and the flavors of a traditional German brunch high above the city. Join us on the rooftop terrace of the DANK Haus for a relaxing Sunday morning featuring live jazz by the Jim Holman Duo and stunning views of the Chicago skyline.
Enjoy a curated buffet of classic German breakfast offerings, including fresh Brötchen (crusty rolls), assorted deli meats and cheeses, soft-boiled eggs, marmelade and butter, yogurt with muesli, Bavarian Weißwurst with sweet mustard, and more.
Your ticket includes a European buffet breakfast, coffee, tea, and orange juice. Beer, Radler, champagne, and mimosas will be available for purchase.
Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast, a brunch lover, or simply looking for a unique way to spend your Sunday, this rooftop experience offers the perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and community!

Neighborhood Nights
2025-08-28 19:00 - 23:00 | IL

Architect Talk: John Ronan
2025-09-09 18:00 - 19:15 | Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL, 60601, United States
Don’t miss an evening with John Ronan, FAIA, founding principal at internationally-recognized John Ronan Architects, as he reflects on his firm’s design approach and studio culture, and vital practice in Chicago and beyond. CAC President & CEO Eleanor Gorski joins John in conversation following the lecture.
Many will know John for his firm’s widely published, award-winning Chicago projects including the Poetry Foundation, Gary Comer Youth Center, Independence Library and Apartments, Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship at IIT and most recently the new Chicago Park District Headquarters in Brighton Park.
In addition to covering these projects and exploring how Chicago has informed his designs, John will show some work currently “on the boards.” As these projects suggest, John Ronan Architects works across a wide range of building types and scales. The firm has also competed in a number of international design competitions and was a finalist for the Obama Presidential Center and the UCD Future Campus project in Dublin. In 2024, the firm won an invited competition to design the Memorial for Fallen Journalists on the Mall in Washington, D.C.
Ticket holders are invited to arrive early for light bites and refreshments at 5 p.m. outside the lecture hall with the program beginning at 6 p.m.

Raga Boyz: Sufi Rock Concert
2025-09-12 19:30 - 22:00 | South Asia Institute, 1925 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60616, United States
Raga Boyz is a popular sufi-rock band from Pakistan featuring Wali Hamid Ali Khan, Inam Ali Khan and Nayab Ali Khan. The sibling trio band performs music of all genres, from Ragas to Rock, from Sufi to Heavy Metal, from Folk to Fusion. The Raga boys, being the sons of legendary Pakistani Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, are the ninth-generation descendants of the celebrated Patiala Gharana family.
Raga Boyz has performed across the globe in 18 countries, including some of the best venues of the world like Wembley Arena and Radio City Music Hall. They have even appeared with singers like Shakira and Rihanna.
Broaden your horizons and rock out with us this fall at South Asia Institute.
The event will include an intermission, refreshments will be provided.
