14 Things to Do in Chicago This Week · July 16–19, 2026

Music & Nightlife

Haitian Heritage Month Konpa Sware

The Haitian American Museum of Chicago hosts a monthly evening of Haitian dance and music at Room43, with free food for all guests and a free drink for the first 50 arrivals.

Thursday, July 16, 2026 7:00 PM · Room43, Chicago

Pinky Patel at Chicago Improv

Stand-up comedian Pinky Patel performs a one-night show at the Chicago Improv.

Thursday, July 16, 2026 7:00 PM · Chicago Improv, Chicago

Heart of Glass: 70s Glam Disco

A glitzy 70s-themed glam disco night at Beat Kitchen — expect big hair, platform boots, and a floor full of dancers.

Friday, July 17, 2026 9:00 PM · Beat Kitchen, Chicago

Yaeji (DJ Set)

Korean-American electronic artist Yaeji performs a DJ set at Concord Music Hall with support from DJ Manny and Kuh Lida.

Saturday, July 18, 2026 Doors @ 9:00 PM · Concord Music Hall, Chicago

Emmylou Harris & Graham Nash at Ravinia Festival

Legendary Americana icon Emmylou Harris co-headlines Ravinia Festival with Graham Nash in a special summer evening concert.

Sunday, July 26, 2026 · Ravinia Festival, Highland Park, IL

Festivals & Special Events

Chicago Fire Homecoming Red-Out with Two Friends Concert

Chicago Fire FC returns home with a special Red-Out event featuring a live concert by DJ duo Two Friends before the match.

Thursday, July 16, 2026 · Chicago

All White at Soldier Field (United Club)

An all-white themed party event held at the exclusive United Club inside Soldier Field.

Saturday, July 18, 2026 5:00 PM · Soldier Field, Chicago

Arts & Culture

Picturing Mexico: Architecture & Modernism

Architecture scholars Luis E. Carranza and Kathryn O'Rourke explore ten photographs that shaped modern architecture and urban planning in Mexico, in partnership with the Edith Farnsworth House.

Thursday, July 16, 2026 5:00 PM · Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago

Octet at Goodman Theatre

Goodman Theatre presents Octet, running through August 2, with evening performances at 7:30 PM.

Thursday, July 16, 2026 7:30 PM · Goodman Theatre, 170 N Dearborn St, Chicago

Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour

A free guided trolley tour through the Bronzeville Art District stopping at galleries including Gallery Guichard.

Friday, July 17, 2026 6:00 PM · Gallery Guichard, Chicago (Bronzeville)

Free Events

3rd Fridays Free Admission Museum Night at Heritage Museum of Asian Art

Free admission night at the Heritage Museum of Asian Art every third Friday, featuring a guided tour starting at 6 PM, plus wine and appetizers.

Friday, July 17, 2026 5:00 PM · Heritage Museum of Asian Art, 3500 S Morgan St, Chicago

Outdoors & Active

To Washington Park, With Love Fun Run

Read & Run Chicago teams up with Urban Canopy and Haymarket Books for a three-mile run (or two-mile walk) through Washington Park on the South Side.

Sunday, July 19, 2026 9:00 AM · Washington Park, Chicago

Date Night

Jazzin' at the Shedd

Enjoy live jazz performances amid the aquatic exhibits at the Shedd Aquarium — a uniquely Chicago summer tradition.

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 5:00 PM · Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago

Food & Drink

Caviar Hot Dog Pop-Up at The Wiener's Circle

Maple Ash partners with the legendary Wiener's Circle for a free caviar hot dog pop-up — a wild collision of fine dining and Chicago street food.

Friday, July 17, 2026 6:00 PM · The Wiener's Circle, Chicago