13 Things to Do in Chicago This Week · August 27–30, 2026

Arts & Culture

SAW The Musical: The Unauthorized Parody

The Off-Broadway national tour of SAW The Musical, an unauthorized horror parody, makes its Chicago debut at The Den Theatre.

Thursday, August 27, 2026 · The Den Theatre, 1331 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago

Brendan Fernandes: In the Round

A dance and visual art exhibition by Brendan Fernandes at The Driehaus Museum, running through November 14.

Friday, August 28, 2026 · The Driehaus Museum, Chicago

Kino, Kaffee und Kuchen

Saturday German film screening with coffee and cake at DANK Haus German American Cultural Center — Kaffee und Kuchen at 10:30 AM, followed by a short film and feature.

Saturday, August 29, 2026 10:30 AM · DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago

Heart Talks - Chicago

An intimate storytelling and conversation event at The Den Theatre in Wicker Park.

Sunday, August 30, 2026 6:00 PM · The Den Theatre, 1331 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago

Festivals & Special Events

Panda Fest Chicago

Panda Fest arrives in Chicago this weekend for a limited-run festival celebration.

Saturday, August 29, 2026 · Chicago

Saturday Night Superwrestlers

A raucous live professional wrestling event at Concord Music Hall, doors at 6 PM for an all-ages spectacle.

Saturday, August 29, 2026 Doors @ 6:00 PM · Concord Music Hall

Music & Nightlife

Comedy You Deserve: Casually Funny

A stand-up comedy show at The Den Theatre in Wicker Park featuring a casually funny lineup.

Saturday, August 29, 2026 7:00 PM · The Den Theatre, 1331 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago

Salute with Derrick Carter & DJ Lady D at Concord Music Hall

ARC After Dark 360° event features house music legends Salute, Derrick Carter, and DJ Lady D at Concord Music Hall.

Saturday, September 5, 2026 Doors @ 10:00 PM · Concord Music Hall

Free Events

Golden Output Presents: Yada Yada / Pucker Up! / Faerie Dream - Brave Space Alliance Fundraiser

A multi-DJ charity fundraiser at Empty Bottle benefiting Brave Space Alliance, a Black-led LGBTQ+ center on Chicago's South Side.

Thursday, August 27, 2026 9:00 PM · Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., Chicago

Puerto Rican Arts Alliance: Studio Arts Program

El Rinconcito is a free open studio art space for ages 12-25 offering painting, drawing, printmaking, and more with artist and counselor guidance.

Saturday, August 29, 2026 10:30 AM · Chicago

Date Night

Big Hair 80s Drag Brunch

A fabulous 80s-themed drag brunch at Chicago Improv, guaranteed to be a spectacular Sunday afternoon out.

Sunday, August 30, 2026 2:00 PM · Chicago Improv

The Jazz Room: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans

An immersive jazz experience at The Den Theatre that transports audiences to the heart of New Orleans, beginning September 6.

Sunday, September 6, 2026 · The Den Theatre, Chicago

Food & Drink

Chicago Bocce Club Opening

Chicago's first dedicated bocce clubhouse opens in West Town — a massive 15,000-square-foot space with Italian-crafted courts, a lounge, and coworking space.

Saturday, August 29, 2026 · West Town, Chicago