Puerto Rican Arts Alliance: Studio Arts Program
2025-09-13 10:30 - 14:30, 2025-09-20 10:30 - 14:30, 2025-09-27 10:30 - 14:30, 2025-10-04 10:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago)
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
2025-09-13 13:15 - 14:15, 2025-09-20 13:15 - 14:15, 2025-09-27 13:15 - 14:15, 2025-10-04 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

African American Civil War Soldiers Honor Roll - Call for names
2025-09-15 08:00 - 2026-06-01 17:00 | Bronzeville Historical Society, 4455 S King Dr. - Suite 103, Chicago, IL, 60653, United States
Dear Friends and Community Members,
Across Chicago, countless stories of courage and service remain untold. Among them are the legacies of Black men who, during the Civil War, donned Union blue and fought for freedom—not only for themselves, but for generations to come.
Over the past two years, Bronzeville Historical Society has encouraged family historians and community members to look closely at their family trees, to uncover the names and stories of these patriot ancestors. Already, a few names have been shared with us:

• Enos Bond
Nero Cooper
• Henry Slaughter
• James Jackson
• Charles Griffin
Mack Reese
• Zach Bell
• James Taylor
• John Litre
and more….
These men’s sacrifices deserve to be remembered, honored, and taught. That is why we are developing a special exhibit that will feature images of these soldiers alongside their biographies. This project will be a lasting tribute, ensuring that their names live on and inspire future generations. Bronzeville Historical Society is collecting names of African American Union Soldiers of the Civil War

through December 2025. The names will be added to an exhibit proposed for Illinois250 programs in June 2026.
We now turn to you. We invite Black Chicagoans to contribute the names of their Civil War ancestors who served. Whether you have a photograph, a document, a family story, or simply a name passed down through the years, we want to include your ancestor in this historic effort.
Together, we can weave a collective tapestry of remembrance—one that uplifts our community’s role in shaping the nation’s history.
Please send names, stories, or photographs to: Sherry Williams

Email: bronzevillehistoricalsociety@gmail.com
or by mail at 4455 S. King Drive Suite 103

Chicago, IL 60653
Let us honor our Civil War heroes by making their bravery visible. Their courage made our future possible; now it is our turn to carry their memory forward.

American Prophets: James Baldwin & Queer Spirituality (ONLINE)
2025-09-16 18:00 - 19:00 | American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL, 60601, United States
Despite James Baldwin’s disavowal of Christianity in his youth, he continued to engage the symbols and theology of Christianity in works such as The Amen Corner, Just Above My Head, and others. With his new book Jimmy’s Faith: James Baldwin, Disidentification, and the Queer Possibilities of Black Religion, author Christopher W. Hunt shows how Baldwin’s usage of those religious symbols both shifted their meaning and served as a way for him to build his own religious and spiritual vision.
Hunt is interviewed by Northwestern professor Ivy Wilson. Books will be available for purchase and Hunt will sign them following the program.
This is the livestream of an in person program at the American Writers Museum. When you register for this event, you will receive access to the livestream link. If you would like to attend the program at the AWM, get your tickets here.
This program is presented in conjunction with the AWM’s forthcoming special exhibit American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and Culture, opening November 2025. American Prophets is supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiative.

New Architecture in a New World
2025-09-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL, 60601, United States
Join us for a conversation with international architects as they reflect on the amazing breadth of contemporary architecture in the Americas and the pronounced impact of the Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize (MCHAP) on diverse stakeholders and communities of practice.
Inspired by the exhibition, The Prize is the Beginning, on view at the Chicago Architecture Center through late October, this discussion will reveal what sets MCHAP apart from other established awards programs.
The program will survey prize-winning and finalist projects as they relate to several broad themes:

Doing More With Less
Working with What We Have
Generosity
Agents of Change
Learning from Each Other

Our panelists bring strong ties to the awards, as past honorees or jurors. Hear unique insights from Stanley Allen, FAIA, Founder of Stan Allen Architect, Professor Emeritus and former Dean of the School of Architecture, Princeton University; Sol Camacho, Founder and Director of Sao Paolo- and Mexico City- based RADDAR; Juan Carlos Bamba Vicente, Founder of Madrid-based BAMBA Studio, Partner with Natura Futura, and Professor at FAD-UCSG, Ecuador; and Michael Maltzan, FAIA, Founder of Los Angeles-based Michael Maltzan Architecture. MCHAP Director Dirk Denison, FAIA, Professor, IIT College of Architecture and Founder of Dirk Denison Architects, will moderate the conversation.
Ticket holders are invited to enjoy a pre-program reception in CAC’s Usher Lambe Gallery with light bites and refreshments from 5 to 5:45 p.m. The program begins promptly at 6 p.m. in the Lecture Hall. This program is presented in partnership with the Chicago Architecture Biennial.

Author Talk: Nicholas Meyer (ONLINE)
2025-09-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual, Chicago, IL, United States
Join us for an evening with acclaimed screenwriter and director Nicholas Meyer, who is also the author of several novels in the Sherlock Holmes universe. In his latest book, Sherlock Holmes and the Real Thing, Holmes and Dr. Watson delve into the world of art forgery. Books will be available for purchase and Meyer will sign them following the program.
This is the livestream of an in person program at the American Writers Museum. When you register for this event, you will receive access to the livestream link. If you would like to attend the program in person at the AWM, get your tickets here.

Author Talk: Nicholas Meyer (IN PERSON)
2025-09-18 18:00 - 19:00 | American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL, 60601, United States
Join us for an evening with acclaimed screenwriter and director Nicholas Meyer, who is also the author of several novels in the Sherlock Holmes universe. In his latest book, Sherlock Holmes and the Real Thing, Holmes and Dr. Watson delve into the world of art forgery. Books will be available for purchase and Meyer will sign them following the program.
This is an in person program at the American Writers Museum. This program will also be livestreamed, and you can register for the link to the online broadcast here.

Haitian Heritage Month Konpa Sware
2025-09-18 19:00 - 23:00
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*

Na'wa'hIs' Our Relations
2025-09-19, 2025-09-26 | 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
2025-09-19 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.

Stammtisch Open Haus, Every 3rd Friday
2025-09-19 19:30 - 2025-09-20 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
2025-09-20 10:30, 2025-09-27 10:30, 2025-10-04 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

Intro to Architectural Photography
2025-09-20 10:30 - 12:30 | Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL, 60601, United States
Do you dream of capturing stunning images that showcase the intricate details and design of Chicago’s captivating architecture? Join us for an engaging workshop where participants will explore the art of architectural photography!
In this workshop, participants will learn how to merge their love for photography with their appreciation for Chicago architecture. Led by a seasoned professional photographer, participants will delve into the fundamental principles of composition, lighting and perspective as they uncover the secrets to capturing unique architectural images.
After an introductory presentation in our Design Studio, the second half of this workshop takes place outside and we ask you to please dress accordingly to the weather. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your smartphone. This class is designed for anyone, with beginning to intermediate photography skills, who wishes to be introduced to or review the fundamentals of architectural photography.
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.

Introduction to Jade Lecture by Jun Wan
2025-09-20 14:00 - 15:00 | 3500 S Morgan Street, 3500 S Morgan St 3F, Chicago, IL, 60609, United States
This lecture, Introduction of Jade, provides an insightful overview of the cultural, historical, and material significance of jade, particularly in Chinese civilization.

What are the differences between jade and gem?

The history of ancient Chinese jade

Why is jade so valuable?

The most valuable kind of jade

About the Instructor:
​​Jun Wan graduated from the Department of Geology of Peking University, majoring in Rock and Mineralogy. During her tenure as Director of the Jewellery Department at Guardian International Auction Co. Ltd, she established the first domestic jewelry and jadeite auction in China. Afterward, she established the first professional jadeite club in mainland China, held jadeite lectures and courses for many years, and served as an appraisal expert on CCTV’s “Treasure Appraisal” program. Currently, for the Art Institute of Chicago (Art Institute of Chicago), jade research guest consultant.
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.

All About Oktoberfest! | Oktoberfest History Presentation
2025-09-25 19:00 - 20:30 | DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
Did you know the world’s largest folk festival started as a royal wedding celebration? Every year, Munich’s Oktoberfest draws million of visitors from across the globe, and its traditions have crossed the Atlantic, becoming a beloved part of American culture.
Join us for an insightful and entertaining presentation as we explore the rich history, unique traditions, and the global impact of Oktoberfest–from its roots in Munich to the vibrant celebrations here in Chicago. Whether you’re a longtime festgoer or just curious to learn more, this interactive talk will leave you with a new appreciation for one of the world’s most iconic festivals!

Neighborhood Nights
2025-09-25 19:00 - 23:00
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!

DANK Haus Oktoberfest Celebration
2025-09-27 18:30 - 23:30 | DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
Prost! Celebrate Oktoberfest at the DANK Haus on Friday, September 27th, from 6:30–11:30 PM with an indoor festival straight out of Munich! Our historic Marunde Ballroom on the 5th floor will be transformed with biergarten-style tables, traditional festival décor, and our signature vintage bar pouring imported German Bier like Spaten Oktoberfest and Würzburger, alongside other authentic German brews on tap.
Feast on German classics—Thüringer, Bratwurst, Leberkäse, potato salad, sauerkraut, pretzels, and Landjäger—while enjoying live entertainment, including the Alpine Thunder band, Schuhplattler dancers, and the mesmerizing Alphorn Duo!
Test your strength in our famous Stein Holding Contest, dance the night away, and come dressed in your finest Dirndl or Lederhosen.
We appreciate your RSVP, with special packages available when you reserve your spot. Don’t miss the Oktoberfest of the season at the DANK Haus!

CAC Designing Futures Gala
2025-09-30 18:30 - 21:00 | Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 South Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60607, United States
Join the CAC at the Epiphany Center for the Arts on the edge of the West Loop. Proceeds from the event will benefit CAC’s learning and public engagement programs. Single tickets and sponsor tables available!
The setting for this year’s event is the Epiphany Center for the Arts, a converted historic Church that has been preserved and adapted into an iconic cultural hub ‘For the Good of Art, Entertainment and Events’. Guests will enjoy a memorable evening that includes a sit-down dinner in this stunning space.
5:30–6:30 p.m. VIP Reception
6:30–7:30 p.m. General Reception
7:30–9:00 p.m. Seated Dinner and Awards Program
For sponsorship opportunities or single tickets, please visit our OneCause page.
The evening will feature:
Presentation of the Civic Champion Award to Curt R. Bailey, President of Related Midwest
Presentation of the Lynn Osmond Award
Presentation of the inaugural Lori Healey Rising Leader Award to Maya Bird-Murphy, Founder & Executive Director of Mobile Makers
An exclusive VIP reception in the Chase House featuring live music

The Rebirth of Apsara: Beyond Genocide.
2025-10-03 19:00 - 21:30 | NEIU Auditorium
The Rebirth of Apsara: Beyond Genocide premiered on April 19, 2025 at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center and was mounted again June 6 and 7 at the Middlesex Community College Academic Arts Center. This full-length multi-media dance/theatre production is created to observe the 50th Anniversary of the beginning of the Khmer Rouge Genocide and to honor its survivors, the resilience of the Cambodian spirit, and to celebrate how Khmer arts has been and continues to be transmitted from generation to generation. It is an adaptation of The Rebirth of Apsara, a Hewlett 50 Arts Commission that premiered at Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center in Rohnert Park, CA on February 1, 2024. Through a story created by Rob and Charya Burt, the production investigates the relationship between art and war exploring how Cambodian arts and in particular Apsaras, fabled female celestial beings, have embodied the essence of Cambodian culture from ancient mythology to its post genocide resurrection. Mirroring her own life’s journey as an artist to explore the impact Apsara has had on both Khmer civilization and Cambodian artists of today, Charya Burt sets her re-imagined classical dance gestures to music by renowned Cambodian-American composer Chinary Ung and traditional Khmer pin-peat all tied together by a soundscape performed live by Marimba Lumina virtuoso Joel Davel and an engaging video backdrop designed by Hsuan-Kuang Hsieh. The text is written by Cambodian-American theatre artist Kalean Ung with additional text by Charya Burt developed to make this adaptation of the original more personal. Joining lead performer Charya Burt is dancer/soloist Chakravartin Sokhomsan, dancer Hannah Chea, and community dancers from the Cambodian Classical Dance Tep Nimmit Dance Troupe.
When: Friday, October 3rd, 2025, 7PM – 9:30PM (Doors open at 6:15PM)
Where: NEIU Auditorium (arrive at 3679 W Brynmawr Ave or Parking Lot D to enter)
Tickets can be purchased at our Eventbrite page: https://rebirthofapsara2025.eventbrite.com
Here is a short video from their performance in Lowell, MA earlier this year: https://vimeo.com/1108886894?share=copy

Get Lit: Blood Suckers
2025-10-07 17:30 - 19:30 | American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL, 60601, United States
Get Lit: Blood Suckers

Sink your teeth into a night of spooky fun at Get Lit: Blood Suckers. This vampire-themed event will celebrate the fanged and fearless from your favorite works of American writing.

Test your knowledge of vampires in film, tv, books, and more in our Bloody Bloody Trivia Challenge.
Put on your best vampire-inspired fit for the Vampire Costume Contest.
Visit our friends from the Horror & SciFi Prop Preservation Association (HSPPA), a traveling museum of screen-used and production-made props, costumes, and film relics.
Flex your artistic side with vampire inspired crafts.
Get your Halloween reads from our friend from Bucket O’ Blood Books and Records, a Chicago store highlighting sci-fi, fantasy, & horror, plus indie rock, punk & metal records.
Enjoy beer, wine, and the night’s specialty cocktail, The Blood Bag, a blood red drink served in a unique container. Non-alcoholic options available as well.

Whether you’re a Dracula devotee, a Buffy buff, or a Twilgiht fanatic, this is sure to be a BLOODY good time.

This is 21+ event. Attendees must show a valid photo ID at the door to enter.

Bridging Worlds
2025-10-07 18:30 - 19:30 | Ukrainian National Museum, 2249 W. Superior St., Chicago, IL, 60612, United States
Wednesday October 29
Description: Journey with us as the Ukrainian National Museum and Friends of the Gamelan weave together a rich tapestry of cultural storytelling. Vibrant music, graceful dance, and timeless traditions will bring Ukrainian and Indonesian heritage to life. While songs and dances are presented in their native languages, skilled storytellers will share their meaning in English, allowing every guest to experience the beauty, humor, and emotion behind each piece. This is an evening where two worlds meet in a shared celebration of art, history, and the connection of stories. Enjoy performances by Ukrainian and Indonesian musical groups.

When: Wednesday, October 29, 6:30pm – Doors Open 6:00pm

Where: Ukrainian National Museum Main Hall 2249 W. Superior St. Chicago, IL 60563
