Sidetrack&#x27;s 44th Anniversary Celebration

Sidetrack Anniversary Party

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 promise: good music, good energy, and a room full of people who know every word.

Thursday, June 11th, 2026

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 floors, sing-alongs, and a crowd that knows how to mark an occasion. 9pm-2am.

T.G.I.F. Show Tunes

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars

3:00 PM

Friday afternoons at Sidetrack belong to Show Tunes — a weekly 3-7pm sing-along that's part celebration, part community ritual. The kind of event where everyone knows the words, the crowd gets louder with each drink, and you leave hoarse from singing but somehow happier than when you walked in.

RuPaul's Drag Race Viewing Party

7:00 PM

Catch All Stars every Friday night at Sidetrack — the kind of viewing party where the crowd knows every lip sync, every elimination, and exactly when to lose it. Settle in from 7-9pm with people who actually care about the drama, the runways, and who's going home.

7:00 PM

Every Friday at 7pm, Sidetrack transforms into the ultimate viewing experience for RuPaul's Drag Race — massive screens across seven rooms, no cover charge, and a crowd that actually knows how to react. Stick around after the episode for a live Chicago drag showcase featuring local queens who bring the same energy Ru demands.

Friday Night Dance Party

Venusian Visions: Monthly Tarot Readings at Dorothy

The rooftop comes alive Friday nights at Sidetrack — a reliable weekly reset where the dance floor fills up early and stays packed until 2am. DJs keep the energy moving, the crowd knows how to have a good time, and the rooftop opens early evening if you want to ease into it. It's the kind of Friday night that reminds you why you love this place.

More LGBTQ+ Events in Chicago

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6:00 PM

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 about what the cards might reveal.

Let's Get Glam Bingo

Nerd Bear Trivia Wednesdays

7:00 PM

Bingo with a glamorous twist at Meeting House Tavern — think drag energy, competitive spirit, and prizes that make you actually want to win. It's the midweek vibe that turns a classic game night into something worth clearing your calendar for.

8:00 PM

Wednesday nights at SoFo Tap belong to the bears who show up for trivia, cheap drinks, and the chance to win prizes. Hosted by Bartender Thomas, this weekly game night mixes pop culture, geek knowledge, and community vibes — the kind of low-key fun that keeps people coming back. First, second, and third place prizes, plus weekly raffles.

Wayback Wednesday

8:00 PM

Backroom beats and club bangers from multiple eras, curated and pre-mixed by bartender Zack. No cover charge, complimentary clothing check, and the kind of midweek vibe that keeps people coming back. Front bar opens at 1 p.m., backroom opens at 8 p.m. 21+ with valid ID.

Lip Service Karaoke