LGBTQ+ Events in Chicago

A weekly gathering for LGBTQ+ seniors to discuss current events and community issues in a welcoming, peer-led space. Meet Tuesdays at Center on Halsted to share perspectives on everything from world news to topics affecting the queer community. Free and...

A weekly drop-in space where LGBTQ+ teens can just be themselves — no agenda, no pressure, just a room full of people who get it. Hang out, make friends, play games, grab snacks, and connect with other queer youth in...

Grab your coven and head to Kit Kat for a magical three-hour night of Practical Magic trivia, tarot readings, craft activities, themed cocktails, and giveaways. It's the kind of themed event that actually commits to the bit—expect witchy vibes, good...

Real stories from real people — the kind of intimate, unfiltered storytelling that only happens when a room full of queer folks decides to get honest. OUTspoken brings the community together to share what matters, laugh, and listen to each...

Free Texas Hold'em every Tuesday at 2Bears Tavern Uptown—beginner-friendly, no experience needed, and hosted by Taylor Grimes. Show up, learn the game, win some prizes, and hang with a welcoming crowd that actually wants you to have a good time....

Official Jeopardy! trivia night every Tuesday at Meeting House Tavern — two hours of sharp questions, team competition, and genuine prizes. Free to play, limited seating, and a new shot at the leaderboard every week. Bring your crew, grab a...

Stew hosts Sidetrack's weekly trivia night—test your pop culture knowledge against the crowd, then stick around for Pop Favorite Videos spinning until 2am. It's the kind of reliably fun Tuesday that builds a crowd of regulars who actually know their...

A weekly social space for queer and trans young adults (18-24) to connect with people who get it. Lavender Living brings together community through guided discussions, shared experiences, and regular meetups—no pressure, just genuine conversation and the chance to find...

Zia Varajon, Chicago author and community leader, shares her new book Love, Your Trans Big Sister: Advice on the Transfeminine Journey in an intimate evening of reading, conversation, and celebration. This is a chance to connect with her wisdom on...

A weekly community group where gender-variant folks gather to explore identity, build visibility, and connect with others thinking about gender in new ways. Free, no sign-up needed, masks provided. Join us Wednesday nights from 7-9pm at Center on Halsted to...

A weekly burlesque-themed bingo night that mixes live performance, comedy, and audience interaction with classic bingo gameplay. Hosted by GlaMonster & Reggay Boots, it's the kind of midweek event that actually gives you a reason to show up on a...

Wednesday night trivia where the bear community gathers to test their knowledge and compete for prizes. Grab your crew, bring your brain, and see if your team can dominate the competition. Free entry, running 8-10pm every week at SoFo Tap.

A weekly Wednesday night celebration of Broadway's greatest hits at Atmosphere in Andersonville. Expect showtunes, craft cocktails, and a room full of people who know every word — perfect for musical theater lovers and anyone who wants to belt out...

A Taylor Swift-themed dance party that takes over Sidetrack's dance floor for five hours of pure pop euphoria. Expect singalongs, themed cocktails, and a room full of Swifties ready to celebrate every era from Fearless to Midnights. Wednesday nights just...

Chicago's kinkiest karaoke night happens every Wednesday at Jackhammer, hosted by Tim Bell. Step up to the mic and let it out, or settle in and watch the beautiful chaos unfold — this is a midweek release where bold performances,...

Pop music videos all night long in the Glass Bar at Sidetrack, running from open until 2am. A Thursday tradition for anyone who wants to sing along, dance, and soak up the energy of a room full of people who...

Senior Voice brings together LGBTQ+ advocates 55 and older to share hard-won wisdom, connect with guest speakers, and learn from each other's experience. Whether you're new to advocacy or you've been doing this work for decades, this weekly gathering at...

A peer-led support group for people 55+ who have experienced loss, offering a judgment-free space to connect with others who understand. No pressure, no agenda, and no RSVP required — just show up when you're ready to talk or listen....

Jacky Couture & Friends bring glamour and pageant royalty to Kit Kat Club every Thursday. Three hours of dazzling drag performances, stunning fashion, and high-energy entertainment paired with elevated dining and $10 martinis. Book your seat for the full experience—appetizers,...

Six Chicago cartoonists bring their work to life with live readings that blur the line between page and performance. Expect a range of styles and voices—from political satire to intimate storytelling—all rooted in queer experience and the everyday magic these...

Thursday nights at Sidetrack belong to Pink Pony Club — a themed dance party that draws a reliably fun crowd ready to move. The kind of weekly reset that keeps people coming back.

Thursday nights belong to the power ballads and crowd favorites — a high-energy weekly singalong hosted by Bradley K8 Olsen with music powered by Creaoke Karaoke. Big vocals, cocktails, and unapologetic queer nightlife energy. Whether you're a seasoned diva or...

Sidetrack's weekly Thursday night party takes over the Main, Cherry, and North Bars with high-energy Latin beats, DJ-driven dance floors, and a crowd that knows how to move. Expect a packed dance floor, strong drinks, and great vibes — the...

Late-night open mic where first-timers, seasoned comics, and unexpected moments all collide on one stage. Hosted by Paul Miller and Jason Melton, this Thursday night staple at 2Bears is where anything can happen—no filter, no pretense, just comedy and chaos....

Kick off your weekend at Sidetrack's legendary Friday show tunes sing-along! Every other Friday, the rooftop and video bar come alive with a crowd that knows every word to their favorite Broadway classics and pop standards. Grab a drink, catch...

A high-energy themed drag dinner where the world-famous Kit Kat Divas take over with choreographed performances, pumping music, and personal interaction with the crowd. Your evening includes a prix fixe menu with starter, choice of entree, and two martinis, plus...

Trivia night hosted by Tia Pet where the questions are tricky, the host is shady, and the room is completely out of control. High-energy chaos every Friday from 7pm to 10pm—free, no cover, just show up ready to play and...

Chicago's weekly bear night where the big, the hairy, and the ones who love them come together. No cover, no attitude—just a genuinely welcoming room at the SoFo Tap every Friday from 9pm to 2am. This is the kind of...

A high-energy, underground pup-focused party on the first Friday of the month from 9pm to 4am. Heavy bass, low lights, and a packed dance floor built for the community by the community. Whether you're here to dance, connect, or let...

Friday nights at Meeting House Tavern are all about throwback party vibes, singalong anthems, and a packed dancefloor without the attitude or cover charge. Cheap drinks, free pool, darts, shuffleboard, board games, and skee-ball keep things moving from 9pm to...