Let’s explore social events in Chicago, IL happening this week. Local events are a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Look through this page and consider going out and socializing during one of these social events.
Are you looking to take a break from your regular ventures, build friendships or develop emotional intelligence? Social events could just be just the thing you are missing. As they always say, one’s company, two’s a crowd, three’s a party. In these events, you will get to meet a whole new range of people, engage other cultures and understand different perspectives. You get opportunities to expand your circle through the interactions and conversations elicited. Whether you are looking to improve your social or work connections, this is it for you.
There are many events held across Chicago, Illinois. Events range from backyard outings, outdoor activity events, singles events, professional networking, meaningful discussions, and more. They are all varied and interesting covering your lifestyle and preference. If you find it hard to make connections or socialize in these events, here are a few tips to save your situation.
Local Groups’ Events in Chicago
Chicago Data Night: Sanjay Krishnan (UChicago and EchoMark Inc)
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Drive Capital, Fulton East Building, 8th Floor
Please join us for the **University of Chicago’s** monthly **Chicago Data Night**, cohosted by **[Drive Capital](https://www.drivecapital.com/)**, **[ChiData](https://uchi-db.github.io/chidatasite/)** and the **[Data Science Institute (DSI)](https://datascience.uchicago.edu/)**. Practitioners, academics, and aficionados within the Chicago area are all invited to be part of a community at the inter(…)
Tech Pulse 2030 Special Edition: Ask Me Anything with Xiaochen Zhang
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: 1871
Step into the future with **Tech Pulse 2030 Special Edition: Ask Me Anything with Xiaochen Zhang**, an interactive session that will uncover the pivotal trends shaping 2025 and beyond. Join Xiaochen as he shares insights and answers your questions on the topics that matter most to innovators, businesses, and changemakers. Key focus areas include:
* Shaping the Intelligent Age and Safeguarding the(…)
BioTech Fermenter: Chicago’s Biotechnology Meetup
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: 1871 Building
Network over a drink with Chicago’s biotechnology professionals and build a community of biotechnologists, entrepreneurs, investors, and enthusiasts. We’re continuing our series of networking opportunities to discuss challenges, opportunities, and frustrations while enjoying an evening with your professional peers from around Chicagoland.
We are excited to announce our next fermenter will take pla(…)
Meet People Social Chicago | Cultural International Party
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Kerryman Irish Bar & Restaurant
Drink specials.
**What:** Friends, Music, Drinks, Games, Prizes!
**When:** 5:30pm every Friday
**Where:** Kerryman Irish Bar & Restaurant. Downstairs Level.
**Cost Online:** Just a 4 USD online donation to participate. If you don’t buy online, entry costs 8 USD at door.
**JOIN on the website for FREE entry** offers: [https://meetpeoplesocial.com/](https://meetpeoplesocial.com/)
**Join the WhatsAp(…)
Social Night at XYZ Bar in Streeterville
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: W XYZ Bar
Let’s get together for a midweek break from work at XYZ Bar at the Aloft Hotel in Streeterville. It’s a great place to relax with a chill atmosphere. Later on we might check out some spots in Streeterville.
XYZ Bar is on the bottom floor of the Aloft Hotel right as you walk in so it’s easy to find.
Looking forward to seeing everyone!(…)
Upgrading Sucks: Identifying Breaking Changes with Program Analysis
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: Microsoft Chicago- Aon Center
Anyone who’s ever had to upgrade a dependency to add a new feature, fix a bug, or close a security vulnerability has felt the pain. We update our manifests, we compile, and we knock on wood (or run, if it’s a major update to Spring…) Let’s discuss why this is, how to get information about it before we make manifest changes, and tools and tactics for taking some of the suck out of upgrading.
***(…)
Chicago Language Exchange | Make Friends, Learn Languages & Culture
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Kerryman Irish Bar & Restaurant
Learn a new language at this language exchange event!
Come and **make new friends** in a fun, casual atmosphere. No matter which country or background, you will feel welcome.
Socialise, share your knowledge or get new ideas on where to meet people or places to go in Chicago.
**JOIN on the website for FREE entry** offers: [https://meetpeoplesocial.com/](https://meetpeoplesocial.com/)
**Join the Wh(…)
Bagels and Bedrock: January user group event
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: 20 N Wacker Drive Civic Opera House
Let’s kick off the new year with a morning networking event! Join us for breakfast and networking at the TeamWorking space for startups.
We will have breakfast food, coffee, tea but no formal agenda. Bring your gnarly AWS bills, edge cases, and war stories using AWS. All levels of AWS experience and expertise are welcome.
About **TeamWorking**
*Born out of TechNexus Venture Collaborative, this i(…)
Investor Series – House Hacking – Lender
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: A and N Mortgage Services, Inc.
**Investor Series: House Hacking with Terrence Terrell II**
Start 2025 strong with our *Investor Series*! In this exciting first session, dive into “House Hacking” with Terrence Terrell II, a seasoned mortgage expert and homeowner. Learn how to navigate lending, make smart investments, and turn your home into a wealth-building tool.
**Event Date, Time, and Location:**
📅 Monday, January 20, 2025(…)
🎨 Arts & Crafts Crew @ Life on Marz
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: Life on Marz Community Club
Decompress from the monotony of your work week with a little self guided art therapy! 🖼 👩🎨 🖼🧑🎨 🖼 👨🎨
Bring your very own creative project from home to our crew’s table — be it pen and paper, watercolors, your latest cross-stitch, a crochet kit, a magazine to cut and collage, rocks to engrave, or tree bark to paint — whatever artistic medium you wish to make progress on or explore for t(…)
Qiao Lin Hotpot
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Qiao Lin Hotpot – Chicago
[Qiao Lin Hotpot – Chicago Chinatown](https://maps.app.goo.gl/DhH4W5GtCkuqA5nP7). Click the above link for a complete overview of this location.
!Weather permitting event!
Parking:
Spot Hero
Park Chicago
~~~
🌺🪻🌻🌼🏵🌸
All are welcome and all may attend!
“Don’t forget the boba!”(…)
Make friends & BlaBla Language Exchange Chicago
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Fatpour Tap Works – Wicker Park
**⚠️⚠️⚠️ 🍹/🍔 You are asked to order a drink or something to eat BEFORE joining the group (MANDATORY) ⚠️⚠️⚠️**
Meet new people – Make international and local friends – Speak languages (mingle) – Have fun 😉
**👉 Any question or request?** **[Reach out to us on Instagram](http://www.instagram.com/blablalanguage) !**
**👉 Some guidelines for a delightful experience:**
\- 🍺🥤 You are asked to orde(…)
Meet and Greet at Time Out Market
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Time Out Market Chicago
Come hang out with us at Time Out Market! Enjoy a variety of amazing food and drinks while meeting fellow introverts in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. This is the perfect chance to make some new friends and kick off our group!(…)
Data Science & Analytics meetup and chat Chicago
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Kerryman Irish Bar & Restaurant
Meet other people in the data field!
* socialise, connect, share knowledge
* relax after work
**JOIN on the website for FREE entry** offers: [https://itsocial.com.au/](https://itsocial.com.au/)
**Join the WhatsApp** group on the website above to meet people and for directions if lost!
data science data engineering data analysis data analytics data visualisation machine learning ml ai artificial(…)
Young IT Professionals in Chicago Social
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Kerryman Irish Bar & Restaurant
Social event to connect with other 20s and 30s young professionals in the IT field.
Come and meet your peers in a fun, casual atmosphere. No matter if you are senior/management or junior/student, you will feel welcome.
**JOIN on the website for FREE entry** offers: [https://itsocial.com.au/](https://itsocial.com.au/)
**Join the WhatsApp** group on the website above to meet people and for directi(…)
IT Social Chicago | Data, Technology, Cybersecurity, IT
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Kerryman Irish Bar & Restaurant
Drink specials.
**What:** Friends, Music, Drinks, Games, Prizes!
**When:** 5:30pm every Friday
**Where:** Kerryman Irish Bar & Restaurant. Downstairs Level.
**Cost Online:** Just a 4 USD online donation to participate. If you don’t buy online, entry costs 8 USD at door.
**JOIN on the website for FREE entry** offers: [https://itsocial.com.au/](https://itsocial.com.au/)
**Join the WhatsApp group** (…)
Happy Hour at Over/Under 🍹
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Over/Under Sports Bar
Join us for a casual get-together at Over/Under in Lincoln Park! Enjoy food and drinks, watch sports, and talk travel with our community of travel enthusiasts.
**Come meet those who want to travel and meet awesome young people, and hear about our trips to Costa Rica, Iceland, Thailand, Egypt, South Africa, and many more locations!**
**What is Under30Experiences?**
Under30Experiences is a travel (…)
Espresso Martini Fest at Hubbard Inn – Tastings Included
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Hubbard Inn
**Tix include 15 tastings, giveaways & more! Indulge in this one of a kind experience as we celebrate this trendy, energizing cocktail!**
**Click [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/espresso-martini-fest-at-hubbard-inn-tastings-included-tickets-1076760512679?aff=MEETUP) to get your tickets!**
Come join us for the ultimate celebration of Espresso Martinis at Hubbard Inn! Get ready for an unforget(…)
Tips to meet people at social events
One of the best ways to meet new people at social events in Chicago is by choosing a common theme or interest. If you like movies, why not go see a screening with people who also like movies! Then you already have something to talk about. Or if you’re into coffee or beer, a Coffee and Beer Garden Meet and Greet could be perfect for you. And keep in mind that smaller group settings can be less intimidating and easier to start conversations in.
Another thing that might worry you is introductions. Some people aren’t as keen on introducing themselves and others worry or get nervous about it. Why not level the playing field and go to an event where everyone is expected to introduce themselves and talk? It could be a networking event, an acting class, a singles event, or a book club. Not only are people looking to introduce themselves at these events but they’re also there to make friends.
Our final tip is on the age of the people you are going to meet. If you have your heart set on meeting people close to your own age, then research events so that you can find your chosen demographic. At the same time, we want to encourage you not to limit yourself. An age gap doesn’t necessarily mean a disconnect and the great thing about different age groups is that they can learn from each other!
You can find even more events in Chicago on Choosechicago.com, Thrillist.com, or News.wttw.com.
RELATED: How To Meet People In Chicago, Illinois
First Bites Bash 2025
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: Field Museum
Celebrate the city’s acclaimed culinary scene at First Bites Bash, the official kick-off event for Chicago Restaurant Week!
Espresso Martini Fest at Hubbard Inn – Tastings Included
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Hubbard Inn
Tix include 15 tastings, giveaways & more! Indulge in this one of a kind experience as we celebrate this trendy, energizing cocktail!
Mac & Cheese Crawl – Chicago’s Cheesiest Bar Crawl! Mac & Cheese Included!
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Wrigleyville’s Best Bars (full list in event details)
Tix include admission, 7 free mac and cheese servings, drink specials and more! SAY CHEESE! It’s time to party at this one of a kind event!
The Sky Affair House Music Day Party on The 22nd Floor of Vu Rooftop.
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: VU Rooftop. 22nd Floor
The Sky Affair House Music Day Party on the 22nd floor of Vu Rooftop with a massive DJ lineup from 4pm till 12am.
University of Chicago Symposium on Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Gleacher Center
University of Chicago Symposium on Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis
Meet IRL | Friday Night Pickleball: Singles Night at SPF
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: SPF Pickleball
Join us for a Singles Night like no other as we takeover SPF Lincoln Park!
1/21 • Chicago Scandals (Lecture Series) • Dangerous & Disgusting Tourism
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: The Bad Apple (Lincoln Park)
Bad Apple Belden hosts Chicago for Chicagoans for a series of scandalous history lectures exploring controversy, corruption, & shady deeds.
Midnight Release Party – Onyx Storm
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ Where: The Den Theatre
We’re just as excited for another midnight release for a Yarros book. This time we’re adding A SHOW!
NDORH 2025: ART MAKING CHANGE!! ONE Day, TWO Healing Events!!
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Little Black Pearl Art And Design Academy
“IN-JOY” Open Creative Labs & Community Conversations 2pm-6pm, and healing musical vibes with Lizz Wright & special guests, 7pm – 9pm!!
Fundraising Committee and The “Buy Black CAC” Campaign
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Chicago
Please consider contributing $25 or whatever you can to the CAC Fundraising Committee. No gift is too small or too large and is appreciated.
Reading Your Resistance + Writing Your Resistance with StoryStudio Chicago
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Swedish American Museum
The panel and discussion is moderated by Rebecca Makkai and features Parneshia Jones, Adrian Matejka, Megan Stielstra, and Michael Zapata.
Out Pro Meaningful LGBTQ Networking – 1st Anniversary Event – Chicago
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: STK Steakhouse
Help celebrate our first year of LGBTQ networking in Chicago! Make and build professional connections that can advance your career.
Author Talk: Renee Bracey Sherman – Liberating Abortion
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Call & Response Books
Join us on Wednesday, January 22 for a discussion of Renee Bracey Sherman of her book Liberating Abortion!
MLK SERVICE DAY!
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ Where: Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health Cafe, West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
Join us for MLK Day Service on 1/20! Help paint & organize our space for our café & therapy center. Ages 12+ welcome. Sign up now!
Afro Fusion Saturday : Afrobeats, Hiphop, Dancehall, Soca (Free Entry)
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Le Nocturne Chicago
The Most Diverse International Party In Chicago
Baila Habibi in Fulton Market District
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Tabu
Join us for the 1st installment of 2025! Baila Habibi a Party Dedicated to your favorite Latin & Arab Hits!
Sparked Connections X Court Culture: Find your Doubles Partner
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: SPF Chicago
Take a personality quiz, get matched with a group, and play Pickleball with some new friends
The Motherload: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood by Sarah Hoover
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Women & Children First
In The Motherload, Hoover provides a candid, funny, and sobering look at the journey women undertake as expectant mothers and wives.
Red Cup Karaoke
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: The Promontory
Get ready to grab a red cup, hit the stage, and show off your karaoke skills at RED CUP KARAOKE!
Alumni Pre-Game | SIU vs UIC
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Hawkeye’s Bar
Join fellow Salukis when the men’s basketball team takes on University of Illinois Chicago. Pre-game event at Hawkeye’s Bar and Grill.
Events for Expats and Locals to meet
InterNations Chicago Newcomer’s Event @ Time Out Market
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Time Out Market
Hello All,
New in Chicago? New to InterNations? Our Newcomers’ Events are smaller, lovely get-togethers and specially organized for members who are new in our community.
Come join us to mingle and meet other expat newbies, while learning about everything the InterNations Chicago Community has to offer.
The event will start at 6:30 pm and once everyone has had the opportunity to get something to
InterNations Chicago Official Event @ the Godfrey (River North)
◦ When: Friday, Jan 31st
◦ Where: I|O Bar – The Godfrey Hotel
Come join us for a fun evening in the heart of River North!
Located at the Godfrey Hotel, I|O is one of Chicago’s largest indoor/outdoor rooftop lounges with a state-of-the-art retractable glass roof. Revel in the night with new friends and a spectacular city skyline view.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Jonathan & Natalya
InterNations Chicago Newcomer’s Event @ Alhambra Palace
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: Alhambra Palace Restaurant
Hello All,
New in Chicago? New to InterNations? Our Newcomers’ Events are smaller, lovely get-togethers and specially organized for members who are new in our community.
Come join us to mingle and meet other expat newbies, while learning about everything the InterNations Chicago Community has to offer.
The event will start at 6:30 pm and we will start the introduction round at 6:45 pm sharp, so