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.
Social events are great and offer a world of possibilities. You can make new friends, learn new skills, see things from different perspectives and it’s fantastic for your mental health. And never before has companionship and being able to spend time with others been as important as it is today.
You probably remember being a kid and going up to another person your age and saying, “Do you want to be friends?” and that was pretty much that. Friend made. Alas, it’s not quite as simple now that we’re grown up, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult or as awkward as we think. There are thousands of people out there who would love to meet up with others, finding them just takes a bit of help and that’s what we’re here for.
On this page, we hope you’ll find some interesting events in Chicago where you can make some new friends.
Local Groups’ Events in Chicago
Network After Work Chicago at Joy District
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 18th
◦ Where: Joy District Chicago
**USE THIS LINK TO GET YOUR FREE TICKET >>> [https://bit.ly/3OvotM9](https://bit.ly/3OvotM9)**
**Join us for an exclusive** **evening** out with local professionals looking to expand their professional network on **Tuesday, December 17th** at **Joy District.**
Whether you’re new to the professional scene or a seasoned pro, this event is the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, ex(…)
Socialise and Drinks @ Moxy Hotel *XMAS SWEATER OPTIONAL*
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Moxy Chicago Downtown
Drinks, DJ and New faces for the Month of December. A few days before XMAS, so I encourage everyone to wear your xmas sweater ugly or nice!
Come out and meet new faces, socialize with familiar ones at the Moxy Hotel.
This location is inside in the hotel. Large open bar, plenty of seating space, the DJ will be spinning from 8-10pm and there’s a taco shop if anyone is hungry as well.
The event wi(…)
Responsible AI Leaders Forum
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 18th
◦ Where: TeamWorking by TechNexus
The **Responsible AI Leaders Forum** is a distinguished event designed for senior executives, AI practitioners, and thought leaders focused on shaping the future of responsible AI. The forum offers a comprehensive exploration of leadership strategies for integrating responsible AI practices across organizations, emphasizing the importance of ethical governance in the age of advanced technology.
Th(…)
Aunt Linda and Uncle Meggus’ 2nd annual Magickal White Elephant Extravaganza
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Malliway Bros. Spells, Charms, & Potions
Join our Magickal community in a free holiday event at Malliway Bros shop on Friday December 20 at 7:30pm
Potluck- bring some food or drinks to share and a wrapped GENTLY USED or LIKE NEW magical item that you no longer want or need (books, tools, or ingredients). Items should be valued around $20 or more, but priceless is good too 😏
The idea is to gift what isn’t useful to some, to others who (…)
Joint Holiday Party 🎉 GDG Cloud Chicago 🕯️ CJUG 🕎 CKUG🎄
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 18th
◦ Where: The Aspen Group (TAG)
Join us for a festive and welcoming holiday celebration co-hosted by [GDG Chicago](https://gdg.community.dev/gdg-chicago/),[ Chicago Java User Group](https://cjug.org), and [Chicago Kotlin User Group](https://www.meetup.com/Chicago-Kotlin/)! Come unwind, network, and share the joy of the season with fellow tech enthusiasts. Whether you’re a Java pro, Kotlin wizard, or a Google Developer rockstar, (…)
🎨 Arts & Crafts Crew @ Life on Marz
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ 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(…)
Shut Up & Write!®
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: Chicago Public Library – Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago, IL 60605
**Join us for an hour of writing!** We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers.
Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you’ve written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done.
**SCHEDUL(…)
In Person Board Game Night!
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Konak Pizza and Grill
Every 2 weeks starting about 7 PM we have open board game play deep into the night. Some of our favorites include Ticket To Ride, Settlers Of Catan, Carcassonne, 7 Wonders, Love Letter, Ultimate Werewolf, and Pandemic.
There is no charge for this event and people are encouraged to bring games or just join in one. We will have a good mix of new and experienced gamers, and new people are generally (…)
INT’L CAFE at Revolution Taproom on Kedzie
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: Revolution Brewing – Brewery & Taproom
[Create a profile and grab tickets to see the language list here: intlcafe.io](intlcafe.io)
At INT’L CAFE you can make some new friends and practice speaking a language that you are learning or already know.
There will be a table for each language requested. Feel free to move around to different tables if you speak multiple languages. We generally have English, Spanish, German, French, Mandarin,(…)
Holiday Party at FACETS! + Gift Exchange
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Facets Cinematheque Theatre
Our annual Holiday Party is back and bigger than ever! Many thanks to our host FACETS for their continued support of AnimeChicago, and expanding anime access across Chicago’s cinematic landscape.
* Access via #9, #74. Ample paid street parking.
* Check-in for a nametag when you arrive
* Concessions will be open for purchase!
* Bring your valid ID to enjoy alcoholic beverages
**7 PM – Social Hour(…)
Joint Holiday Party 🎉 GDG Cloud Chicago 🕯️ CJUG 🕎 CKUG🎄
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: TAG – The Aspen Group
Join us for a festive and welcoming holiday celebration co-hosted by [GDG Chicago](https://gdg.community.dev/gdg-chicago/),[ Chicago Java User Group](https://cjug.org), and [Chicago Kotlin User Group](https://www.meetup.com/Chicago-Kotlin/)! Come unwind, network, and share the joy of the season with fellow tech enthusiasts. Whether you’re a Java pro, Kotlin wizard, or a Google Developer rockstar, (…)
Language Exchange 语言交换
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Paris Baguette
Our language meetup is for an exchange of English and Chinese. We have learners of varying levels. At each meeting, we will play some word games and study selected readings together. If you are learning Chinese for the first time it’s helpful to have a grasp of pinyin if you plan to attend. If not, we can set you on the right path once you get here！(…)
Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon
**Celebrate the Holidays by ice skating with Windy City Skaters at the Ice Ribbon!**
’Tis the season. We are trading our inline skates for ice skates. Registering takes two steps, 1. RSVP to this Meetup, and 2. Register at the Maggie Daley Park website: [https://maggiedaleypark.com/things-to-do-see/skating-ribbon/](https://maggiedaleypark.com/things-to-do-see/skating-ribbon/)
Ice Ribbon Reservatio(…)
Happy Hour at Marshall’s Landing inside the Merchandise Mart
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Marshall’s Landing
Let’s GO BACK! We will meet on a Thursday evening for some beautiful views of the Chicago River & skyline and get some excellent happy hour specials at this hidden gem inside the Merchandise Mart building! We are trying to catch the happy hour specials but if you cannot come early then try to meet us at least by 6 pm as they close at 7 pm. We did this last couple of years, and it was a lot of fun (…)
Swap Meet (West Loop)
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: West Loop Public Library
hi – this is a swap meet for chicago anime hangouts! hope to trade anime merchandise, manga, comics, etc. just show up 😀
think of it as trading stuff you don’t necessarily want anymore for other people’s stuff they don’t want anymore but it’s collectibles or plushies etc.
(we will be on the second floor, but ask for a meeting room/anime meetup at a reference desk if you’re unclear on location -(…)
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
The Art Of Christmas Gala 2024
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: The United Club at Soldier Field
Its Chicago’s Best 6th Annual Christmas Party and Toy Drive And It All Takes Place At Soldier Field. Get Your Tickets Now!!
After Midnight: Chappell Roan Dance Party [Chicago]
![After Midnight: Chappell Roan Dance Party [Chicago]](https://img.evbuc.com/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.evbuc.com%2Fimages%2F823517279%2F290918113901%2F1%2Foriginal.20240808-215737?w=512&auto=format%2Ccompress&q=75&sharp=10&rect=0%2C0%2C2160%2C1080&s=34b1eea456b26825c423cdcbc35b8aaf)
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Subterranean
After Midnights returns to Chicago!
2024 Official Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl Chicago by Bar Crawl LIVE
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Y Bar
Join us for the Chicago Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl 2024! The city’s most merriest Christmas Bar Crawl Chicago has ever seen.
iHEART RADIO: Christmas Rodeo Bar Crawl: A Festive Ho-Ho-Hoedown
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: River North
Join us for a festive night of fun at River North’s top bars, including Joy District, Hubbard Inn, Moe’s Cantina, TAO and more! Your ticket
Network After Work Chicago at Joy District
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: Joy District
Network After Work invites you to an evening out with other local professionals looking to expand their professional network.
The Chosen Few Djs Holiday Party at Vu Rooftop. House Music in 2 Rooms.
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: VU Rooftop. 22nd Floor
The Chosen Few Djs Holiday Party with Alan King, Terry Hunter, Mike Dunn, Wayne Williams and more in 2 Rooms of House Music at VU Rooftop.
30s & 40s Hanukkah Happy Hour at Graystone
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: The Graystone Tavern
Celebrate Hanukkah with ChiTribe’s 30s & 40s Happy Hour! Manischewitz Pong, dreidels & more at Graystone Tavern! $10, Dec 17, 6-8 PM #Han
This is Life Christmas Extravaganza
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: 513 W 72nd St
Get ready for a festive celebration filled with joy, laughter, and holiday cheer at the “This is Life Christmas Extravaganza”!
Deonte Baker
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: The Promontory
An event to celebrate the music Deonte Baker!
George Daniels BDAY Celebration & Coat Drive 2024
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: Puttery
Celebrate the holiday and the BDAY of The Godfather of Retail Music, George Daniels at a secret location located in Chicago’s Gold.
Tim Warfield’s Jazzy Christmas
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Jazz Showcase
Tim Warfield’s All Star Jazzy Christmas!
Blacklight Blackout – December Edition
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: Le Nocturne Chicago
Blacklight Blackout ft/ Traxman, Erik Flash, Seven, RoseRed, Plumbus, RVNDVLL, Chris Lara +More
City Kid Theatre Company Presents: A City Kid Christmas
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Irish American Heritage Center
Step into a heartwarming, nostalgic musical that celebrates the magic of growing up in Chicago at Christmas time
FRIDAYZ- Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall At Masada
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: Masada
Voted #1 Afrobeats Dance Party in Chicago
Chicago’s BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour ‘Tis The Season
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: Headquarters Beercade
Chicago’s Best BYOB Holiday Lights Tour With A Boozy Twist! Includes Free express entry into the Christkindlmarket & The Zoo Lights.
75% SOLD OUT Baila Habibi in River North Downtown Chicago
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: LITE Chicago
Join us for the 6th and final installment of 2024! Baila Habibi a Party Dedicated to your favorite Latin & Arab Hits!
Katy on Keys Ugly Sweater Party!
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: nola bar & kitchen
Part piano bar! Part game show! ALL FUN!
Afro Fusion Saturday : Ugly Sweater Edition
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Le Nocturne Chicago
The Most Diverse International Party In Chicago
2024 Lakeview East Holiday Party
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: Elf’d Up
Celebrate the season with us at the Lakeview East Holiday Party! Festive drinks, food, Buddy the Elf, and holiday cheer!
SILENT “NAUGHTY or NICE” PARTY CHICAGO (Trap, Juke, R&B)
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: The Promontory
GRAB EARLY-BIRD TICKETS BEFORE WE SELL OUT!
Events for Expats and Locals to meet
Happy Hour for the Holidays!
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
Let’s get together and toast to the holidays. The Adorn bar has a beautiful Christmas tree but we’ll also make it a joyous holiday season remembering Hanukkah, Kwanza, the winter solstice, and more. So join us to share the holiday season together over drinks and nibbles before the start of the new year!
Marché De Noël
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
Are you hitting ALL the holiday markets?
Another European-style holiday market popped up offering unique finds and delicious delights. Shop local artisans, discover handcrafted treasures, and grab a bite from international food stalls offering gourmet baked goods, sweet treats and savory street food.
An array of baked goods will be available from La Boulangerie, the Coffee Cake Guys and The Cooki
InterNations Chicago Official Event @ City Winery (West Loop)
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: City Winery
Hi There!
Join us for an amazing year-end event together at City Winery.
Located in West Loop, City Winery not only produces their own wine on-site, but also serves as a music venue and a full-service restaurant for all to enjoy.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Jonathan & Natalya