Club & Nightlifes in Chicago

Shake off the Monday blues with Danny hosting a night of 90s and 00s music videos, cheap drinks ($5 call it), and the kind of crowd that actually gets it. It's the reset you didn't know you needed — log...

Monday nights at 2Bears belong to the trivia regulars who show up for free games, cheap drinks, and the kind of banter that makes the whole room laugh. It's unpretentious neighborhood bar trivia at its best—the kind of thing that...

Musical Monday Show Tunes night takes on a special anniversary glow as Sidetrack celebrates three decades of Jonathan Larson's revolutionary musical. Expect the songs that defined a generation, a room full of people who know every word, and the kind...

RENT's 30th anniversary lands on Pride month's opening night, and Sidetrack is marking it with the real deal — Anthony Rapp, an original cast member, performing and sticking around for a meet-and-greet. The whole night is RENT sing-alongs woven through...

Real stories from real people — OUTspoken is a monthly storytelling night where LGBTQ+ folks share what's on their minds and in their hearts. First Tuesday of every month at 7pm, it's the kind of intimate, honest gathering that reminds...

Tuesday night poker at 2Bears is the kind of low-key, regular thing that builds a crew. Cheap drinks, cards, and a room full of people who actually know how to play—or at least show up trying. No pretense, just good...

Trivia night gets a drag makeover at Meeting House Tavern — expect sharp questions, sharper wit, and rotating drag performers keeping the energy high between rounds. It's the kind of Tuesday that actually gives you a reason to show up,...

Tuesday night trivia hosted by Stew, followed by a run of pop favorite music videos that keeps the energy going until 2am. It's the kind of reliable midweek hangout where regulars show up for the questions, the crowd, and the...

Bingo night with a glamorous twist at Meeting House Tavern. Expect drag entertainment, competitive spirit, and a room full of people ready to have a good time. It's the kind of midweek event that gives you a reason to get...

As Pride season kicks off, Dorothy hosts an intimate salon-style conversation about the songs and artists that shaped queer lives. Expect thoughtful discussion, shared stories, and the music that called us toward ourselves — the kind of evening that reminds...

Weekly trivia night where geek culture meets bear community. Test your knowledge on everything from pop culture to sci-fi, compete for prizes, and hang with fellow nerds who get it. Hosted by bartender Thomas, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place...

Wednesday nights at Jackhammer belong to anyone who wants to belt it out in front of a crowd that actually gets it. Lip Service is the kind of karaoke where the room sings along, the bartender knows your drink order,...

First Wednesday of every month, Sidetrack transforms into a full Taylor Swift experience — drag performers channeling different eras, a dance floor ready for every era's biggest hits, and an open mic where you can get on stage and show...

A night devoted entirely to Taylor Swift at Sidetrack — expect the full spectrum of her catalog across multiple dance floors, video walls, and a crowd that knows every lyric. From her folk era deep cuts to her biggest pop...

Two authors bringing their new releases to Dorothy for an evening rooted in why queer spaces matter. Kelly Quindlen and Jen St. Jude explore the through-line of community, belonging, and the venues that hold us — a conversation that feels...

A night built for pop's most devoted fans—Sidetrack's Pink Pony Club brings together four of the biggest names in dance and pop music for a high-energy celebration. Expect a packed dance floor, video performances, and a crowd that knows every...

Thursday nights at Meeting House belong to the people who want to sing, the people who want to watch, and everyone in between. Bradley K8 Olsen hosts this weekly cabaret where the energy is theatrical, the crowd is supportive, and...

Thursday night open mic at 2Bears where the regulars bring whatever they've got — jokes, songs, stories, the works. Low-pressure, high-fun vibe in a room that actually listens. Bring your five minutes or just stick around for drinks and the...

Friday afternoons at Sidetrack belong to the show tunes crowd — the kind of people who know every word to every song and aren't shy about it. It's sing-alongs, community, and the best excuse to start the weekend early with...

Sidetrack's legendary viewing parties are where the community gathers to watch All Stars unfold on the big screen — live reactions, cheers for your favorites, and a room full of people who actually care about the lipsyncs. It's the kind...

Seven rooms, 35 screens, and a crowd that knows how to watch—Sidetrack's Friday night viewing party is the city's best place to catch Ru with people who actually care. The show ends and the real fun begins: a full Chicago...

Trivia night meets drag entertainment at 2Bears Tavern Uptown. Test your knowledge against sharp, witty drag queens who'll keep the competition fun and the laughs coming. It's the kind of Friday night that reminds you why this neighborhood bar does...

A leather and kink community night that leans into the raw, unapologetic side of Jackhammer's scene. This is where the gear comes out, the energy runs high, and the crowd knows exactly what they're here for — a night of...

Sidetrack's Friday rooftop comes alive early evening with dancing, DJ sets, and the kind of crowd that knows how to make the most of a night out. Multi-level venue means there's a vibe for everyone — find your people and...

Chicago's no-frills bear night for the big, the hairy, and the ones who love them. Every Friday at SoFo Tap, 9pm to 2am—no cover, no attitude, just a room full of bears and their admirers ready to have a good...

The neighborhood's go-to Friday night at Meeting House Tavern — a laid-back house party vibe with a dance floor, rotating DJs, and a crowd that actually knows how to have a good time. Pool tables, games, and strong cocktails keep...

Chicago's own PLATFORMANGEL takes over Dorothy's decks for a night of electronic music and dancing. From 9pm to 1am, expect the kind of DJ set that keeps the underground dance floor moving — this is the intimate, subterranean vibe Dorothy...

Late-night gaming hangout on the 1st and 3rd Fridays where nerds, gamers, and social butterflies collide for Nintendo Switch tournaments, pinball, darts, drinks, and nonstop vibes. Free entry, 11pm to 4am. Hosted by Deanie & Ruff.

Saturday afternoons at SoFo Tap are for bringing your pup and settling in for a few hours of good drinks, good vibes, and genuinely good company. Half-off all draft beers, cheap daily specials (think $4 Old Style, PBR & Hamm's...

The first Saturday of every month, Sidetrack opens its doors for Dog Day — bring your pup (or just yourself) and settle in for a few hours of drinks, treats, and low-key hanging out. No cover, no judgment, no dog...

A tabletop RPG adventure for gamers of all levels — whether you're a seasoned player or picking up dice for the first time. Rough Magic brings their popular Drinking & Dragons series to Meeting House Tavern for an afternoon of...

Jackhammer's body-positive Pride party for chubs, bears, and the people who love them. Eight hours of dancing, leather, and community from 9PM to 5AM. Fetish gear and themed attire encouraged—this is the night to celebrate yourself exactly as you are.

The first Saturday night for men 35+ and the men who want them. DILF is built on confidence, connection, and a dancefloor that runs from 9pm to 3am with music by Moose the DJ. It's the kind of crowd that...

Dorothy's opening night brings the heat with two DJs ready to set the tone for this new lesbian bar. DaiGroovie and ACONST will be spinning all night in the intimate, 70's-inspired underground space — expect the kind of dance floor...

Fang & Fae brings their permanent jewelry magic to Dorothy for an evening of adornment, charms, and custom pieces in an intimate underground setting. Browse unique jewelry, get fitted for permanent pieces, and soak in the speakeasy vibes—it's the kind...

The West Town business community's Pride happy hour — a chance to connect with fellow queer and allied entrepreneurs, shop owners, and professionals in a space that actually gets it. Dorothy's underground vibe makes for easy conversation and real connections,...

Venus brings mediumship and spell work to Dorothy's underground space for an evening of tarot readings. From 6-10pm, step into the intimate speakeasy vibe and get a reading that blends divination with something deeper. A monthly ritual for anyone curious...

Wednesday nights at Sidetrack belong to the Hive — a dance floor devoted entirely to Queen Bey, with everything from her biggest anthems to deep cuts that hit different. It's the kind of themed party that actually delivers on the...

Four years running, this panel brings queer elders into the room to share their lived experiences and the histories that shaped our community. It's the kind of evening that reminds you why remembering matters — stories that don't get told...

Sidetrack's birthday bash takes over the whole venue for a night — multiple floors, rooftop included, all celebrating the legendary video bar that's been the heartbeat of Chicago's LGBTQ+ scene. Expect the energy that made this place iconic: themed dance...

Dorothy's resident DJ Ca$h Era takes over the second Friday of every month, spinning from 9pm to 1am. She brings her signature sound to the underground speakeasy — the kind of DJ set that keeps the dance floor moving all...

Dorothy's weekly karaoke night for sapphic folks and friends — hosted by E and always free. Grab the mic, pick your song, and sing your heart out in a room that gets it. Low-pressure, high-fun, the kind of Saturday night...

A monthly gathering for readers who want to actually read — no pressure to finish anything, no obligation to chat, just quiet camaraderie in a subterranean lesbian bar. Dorothy dims the lights and plays instrumental music while you settle in...

A celebration of lesbian voices and stories at Dorothy, the city's most welcoming underground lesbian bar. The evening kicks off with a book launch, then opens the floor for community members to share their own stories — the kind of...

Bartender Lou brings the community together for an evening celebrating trans and non-binary folks at Dorothy. Browse a pop-up marketplace from local makers while you settle in with a drink — it's the kind of intentional space that feels rare...

Chicago's queer comedy night is back with a stacked lineup of the city's sharpest comics. Bi, not bi, partnered, single, wife-shaped or otherwise — if you laugh at good comedy and want to be in a room full of people...

Wednesday nights at Sidetrack belong to the Little Monsters. All Things Gaga is a high-energy dance party spinning nothing but Gaga—the deep cuts, the anthems, the remixes that keep the floor moving from 9pm until 2am. If you know every...

Grab a brush, pour a drink, and spend the evening creating something you'll actually want to hang on your wall. Kimberly Summer guides you through a painting while the vibe stays loose, the cocktails flow, and you're surrounded by people...

QPOC Night at the sellout show that's become a Pride institution — musical theatre, queer joy, and a room full of people who came to celebrate together. This is the night the community shows up for.

Sidetrack's Latin night brings the heat to the Main, Cherry, and North Bars — expect high-energy music, a packed dance floor, and the kind of crowd that knows how to move. Thursday nights at 9pm is when the venue shifts...

Cut Cuz takes over Dorothy for a cover-free night celebrating Juneteenth—four hours of uninterrupted DJ sets from 9pm to 1am. Free entry, no cover charge, just good music and community marking the occasion.

A celebration of the pop stars and divas who've soundtracked queer life. Dorothy's turning up the glamour for an evening dedicated to the icons who get it — expect performances, music, and a room full of people ready to sing...

No cover, no pretense, just a room full of queer singles actually looking to connect. Dorothy's basement vibe is the perfect low-pressure spot to shoot your shot on a Sunday evening — show up, grab a drink, see who you...

Monday nights at Dorothy belong to the cult classic that made a generation of queer kids feel seen. She's the Man—that gloriously fun 2006 Twelfth Night adaptation—screens at 7pm in the intimate underground space where it belongs. Grab a drink,...

Twinka Masala's newest queer open mic night launches at Dorothy for Pride Month. Grab the rhinestone mic and share what's on your mind — poetry, comedy, stories, songs, whatever moves you. The kind of intimate underground space where people actually...

Billie Eilish's concert film comes to Dorothy's underground speakeasy for a one-night screening. It's the kind of event that turns a Wednesday night into something special — a room full of people who get it, watching one of pop's biggest...

A night devoted to Dua Lipa and Ariana Grande at Sidetrack — expect the hits, the videos, the energy, and a dance floor that knows every word. If you've got a favorite from either catalog, this is your people.

Dorothy goes country for Pride month with #QueerCountry Bandwagon and Kelsey Montanez taking over the underground speakeasy. If you've been sleeping on queer country, this is the night to show up — expect live performances that celebrate the artists and...

K-pop takes over Sidetrack for a night of dance floor energy, video performances, and a crowd that knows every word. Thursday nights at this legendary video bar mean themed beats, DJs spinning the hits, and the kind of celebration that...

Two guest DJs spinning Latin heat all night long — Cozmiika and DJ Mala Vida are here to keep the dance floor moving as Pride season winds down. This is the monthly Latin Night you actually plan your Friday around:...

Gyrate is a Black, Latine, and Queer-run party that celebrates Caribbean culture and the Black Diaspora. Their Dorothy debut lands right in Pride season—expect a dance floor that knows how to move, music that hits different, and a room full...

Dorothy's closing its doors Sunday evening so the whole crew can hit the streets for Chicago's Pride Parade—because some things are bigger than the bar. Come find us in the march, then stick around for the celebration that follows. It's...

The queer karaoke night that actually gets it — a room full of sapphic energy, hosted by E., closing out Pride season at Dorothy. Expect singalongs, cheers, and the kind of crowd that knows every word to every song that...

Thursday nights at Sidetrack turn into a Latin dance party where the energy is infectious and the dance floor doesn't stop. Whether you're a regular or new to the scene, you'll find yourself moving to the beats alongside a crowd...

Every Friday night, the superfans and the nightlife crowd converge at Meeting House Tavern for a high-energy watch party of All Stars Season 11. Hosted by Jairo Reyna, it's wigs, shade, cocktails, and fierce reactions—commentary, laughs, lip syncs, and all...

Sidetrack's Thursday night Latin party brings the heat with DJ-driven dance floors, Latin beats, and a crowd ready to move. It's the weekly escape for anyone who wants to dance to something that actually makes you want to get up...