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 dbt Meetup (in-person)
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: 55 E Monroe St suite 2950 c
dbt Meetups are networking events open to all folks working with data! Talks predominantly focus on community members’ experience with dbt, however, you’ll catch presentations on broader topics such as analytics engineering, data stacks, data ops, modeling, testing, and team structures.
**Important Note:**
Please ensure you register using your full name. This is required for security purposes, as(…)
Mid-Week Mixer!
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Hopsmith Tavern
Hey all, let’s get together for a **mid-week get together at Hopsmith on Thursday, Feb 20 starting at 6pm**. *We’ll have space reserved for us and will have a couple of free appetizers to enjoy!*
Hopsmith is a high-energy restaurant and bar in the heart of Gold Coast featuring 30 rotating taps, a lively ambience and two stories. It’s a great place to gather for some fun!
I hope you can join us!(…)
Chicago Language Exchange | Make Friends, Learn Languages & Culture
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Timothy O’Toole’s Pub Chicago
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.
**Cost Online:** Just a 4 USD online donation to participate. If you don’t buy online, entry costs 8 USD at door.
**JOIN on(…)
Meet People Social Chicago | Cultural International Party
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Timothy O’Toole’s Pub Chicago
Drink specials.
**What:** Friends, Music, Drinks, Games, Prizes!
**When:** 5:30pm every Friday
**Where:** Timothy O’Toole’s Pub Chicago. Inside.
**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 WhatsApp group** on(…)
Chicago Data Night: Becca Taft (Cockroach Labs)
◦ When: Wednesday, Feb 19th
◦ Where: Drive Capital, Fulton East Building, 8th Floor
Please join us for our monthly **Chicago Data Night**, cohosted by **[Drive Capital](https://www.drivecapital.com/)**, **[ChiData](https://uchi-db.github.io/chidatasite/)** and the **[DSI](https://datascience.uchicago.edu/)**. Practitioners, academics, and aficionados within the Chicago area are all invited to be part of a community at the intersection of industry and academia, brought together by(…)
Enhancing Semi-Supervised Learning
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: 425 S Wabash Ave
**Title:** Enhancing Semi-Supervised Learning via Representative and Diverse Sample Selection
**Details:** Efficient sample selection is a game-changer for Semi-Supervised Learning (SSL), especially under constrained labeling budgets. Representative and Diverse Sample Selection (RDSS), an open-source framework, introduces a novel criterion, α-Maximum Mean Discrepancy (α-MMD), to balance represent(…)
Feburary user group with Brooke Jamieson, Senior DA @ AWS
◦ When: Wednesday, Feb 19th
◦ Where: 22 W Washington St
4 AWS Developer Features from 2024 That Made My Life Easier – Brooke Jamieson, Senior Developer Advocate @ AWS
We will have beers, setlzers, salads, and pizza.
Location:
Morningstar offices
22 W Washington
Agenda:
5pm welcome, pizza, and drinks
5:30pm 4 AWS Developer Features from 2024 That Made My Life Easier
6pm Q&A
6-7pm Networking and more pizza
Abstract:
Having created launch content for (…)
Chicago Cashflow Breakfast Club: REI Education & Networking event – 2/22
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: undefined
Chicago Real Estate Investors, Agents & Professionals: **Introducing the Cash-Flow Breakfast Club**!
**[Join us](https://www.qualitybuilders.com/events/join-us-for-this-months-meetup-0-0) February 22nd for our official launch event. This is the first session of a 12-part monthly educational series covering key real estate investing topics. Network, learn, and mastermind with other professionals.*(…)
Movie Night: Captain America 🦸🏾♂️🍿🎥
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: AMC Block 37 Movie Theatre
Date: Friday, February 21st
Time: 6:15 PM (Movie Time 630PM)
Location: AMC Dine-In Block 37
Link to tickets: https://www.amctheatres.com/showtimes/129149406/seats
Join us for an exciting night out as we catch Captain America: Brave New World at the AMC Block 37 theater! We’ll meet up before the movie to hang out and grab any snacks or drinks before heading into the theater together. The theater (…)
Kicking off 2025 with Pie
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Pie at Workbox, 306 W. Erie St., Sixth Floor, Chicago, IL 60654
Queer Tech Club is kicking off its 2025 event series with Pie!
Join Chicago’s largest group of LGBTQ+ tech enthusiasts for a happy hour event packed with networking, drinks and refreshments provided by our latest sponsor, Pie. The company’s social app is on a mission to defeat social isolation and designed to help users make new friends with similar interests at local events.
* Networking and Re(…)
Live Band Karaoke at the Hard Rock…Before it Closes!
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Hard Rock Cafe Chicago
OK sure Hard Rock is a corporate chain restaurant, but this location does have nearly 40 years of Chicago history, and it’s closing for good in March.
Let’s have one last go round by supporting Chicago’s original and best live band karaoke (some of the members are friends and also just good people). NO COVER!
If you like to sing karaoke there’s nothing like doing it with an actual live band. Eve(…)
Networking in Chicago
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Hubbard Inn
[–>> SIGN UP HERE <<–](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/network-after-work-chicago-at-hubbard-inn-tickets-1234208704459?aff=Meetup)
**Join us for an exclusive** **evening** out with local professionals looking to expand their professional network on **Friday, February 21st** at **Hubbard Inn.**
Whether you're new to the professional scene or a seasoned pro, this event is the perfect opportunity to(…)
IT Social Chicago | Data, Technology, Cybersecurity, IT
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Timothy O’Toole’s Pub Chicago
Drink specials.
**What:** Friends, Music, Drinks, Games, Prizes!
**When:** 5:30pm every Friday
**Where:** Timothy O’Toole’s Pub Chicago. Inside.
**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** on the websi(…)
INT’L CAFE at Revolution Taproom on Kedzie
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ 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,(…)
Investor Series: House Hacking Tips from Broker & Legal Experts
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: A and N Mortgage Services, Inc.
**House Hacking Strategies from Broker & Legal Experts**
with **Sarita Scherpereel & James Erwin**
**Date:** Monday, February 17, 2025
**Time:** 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
**Location:** A and N Mortgage
Are you looking to maximize your real estate investments and explore the benefits of house hacking? Join us for an insightful evening filled with expert knowledge, proven strategies, and actionable advice(…)
Young IT Professionals in Chicago Social
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Timothy O’Toole’s Pub Chicago
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.
**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.(…)
🎨 Arts & Crafts Crew @ Life on Marz
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ 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(…)
Plauderrunde in Person (German Speaking Meetup In Person)
◦ When: Wednesday, Feb 19th
◦ Where: The Berghoff
Hello fellow German speakers!
We’re excited to invite you to our monthly in-person meetup! Join us at The Berghoff, located in 17 W Adams St. We won’t have a clear topic, as this event is meant for everyone that would like to have conversations in German. So whether you’re “neu” to German speaking or “erfahren” does not matter at all! Everyone is welcome to this casual meetup.
Should there be any (…)
Theory restaurant Brunch
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Theory
Hey guys!
Let’s do another brunch!
Check out the menu.
This is street parking.
Swing by. Make some friends.
Enjoy some food and drinks.
You are responsible for your own tab.
As always, message me here or via DM for any questions or concerns(…)
Data Science & Analytics meetup and chat Chicago
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Timothy O’Toole’s Pub Chicago
Meet other people in the data field!
* socialise, connect, share knowledge
* relax after work
**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 on the website above to meet people and for directions if lost(…)
Tips to meet people at social events
You can make more friends at one party by showing interest in them than in a month by trying to meet people online. Meeting new people and making genuine connections in local events can be fun and easy if you go with the right mindset.
When it comes to meeting new people, nothing beats showing up in the real world. But none of the tips will work if you are not coming from the right place. Keep an open mind when attending social events. Reframe strangers as potential friends, it will make it much easier to approach conversations and fully engage in them.
When choosing an event, keep an eye on interesting themes, something you can relate to. Meeting new people in the context of mutual interest increases your chances of being friends.
Research events with the types of people you want to meet. They could be people in your age group, your field of work, or a specific neighborhood. Do not be too strict though, loosen up a little bit from your expectations.
Go where people are intentionally looking to make friends such as networking events where it feels normal and expected to walk up and introduce yourself.
In this digital era, apps and websites are the most convenient solutions for finding out about local events. If you are not sure where to look for events happening in Chicago, you can try out Choosechicago.com, Thrillist.com, or News.wttw.com.
RELATED: How To Meet People In Chicago, Illinois
UIC Law Student Bar Association – Barrister’s Ball 2025
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Fairmont Chicago – Millennium Park
tbd
2025 Winter Gala
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: 720 S Michigan Ave
Join us for a fun-filled Forester night out at Winter Gala, taking place at the Hilton!
Chicago Margarita Crawl on National Margarita Day
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: River North’s Best Bars TBA
Tix include admission, gift cards to use on the crawl, margarita specials, taco specials, tequila specials & more! Let’s party!
Après Ski Party at Ranalli’s in Lincoln Park
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Ranalli’s Pizza Bar – Lincoln Park, Chicago
Get ready for a fun Après Ski Party at Ranalli’s in Lincoln Park!
Old Crow’s Country Day Party: Live Band, Welcome Drink & Shot of Whiskey!
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Old Crow Smokehouse – Wrigleyville
Tix include admission, a welcome drink, shot of whiskey, live band and more! Chicago’s only country day drinking party!
Piscquarius Affair 10th annual
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: VU Rooftop Bar
Celebrate the ultimate blend of Pisces and Aquarius vibes at the Piscquarius Affair on Feb 22, 2025, at 9:00 PM
Happy Hour with Pastor Sharpe
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: House of Blues Chicago
Celebrate Pastor Sharpe’s 34th Birthday! Join us Feb. 21st, 6-10 PM, at the House of Blues for mocktails, jazz, laughter, and joy! ✨
2025 Engineers Week EXPO
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: UIC Student Center East
Join the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) – Chicago for our National Engineers Week Expo!
2/18 • Chicago Scandals (Lecture Series) • The First Ward Ball
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ 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.
Meet IRL | Curated Speed Dating | West Town | Ages 25-34
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: Midwest Coast Brewing Company
Meeting new people can be hard – join us for curated speed dating where we match you with the most compatible people in the room!
Après Ski Brunch Party at Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern
Ticketes include an All-You-Can-Eat Brunch Buffet, Mimosa Package, Call Drink Package, All Drafts, Truly Hard Seltzers and more!
Derek Warfield & the Young Wolfe Tones
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Irish American Heritage Center
Join us for this private event with Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones in the Fifth Province Pub!
Noir Soiree
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: Untitled Supper Club
Kick off your Black History Month celebration with Kellogg BMA at our inaugural Party: Noir Soiree
Level Up Social Club – Professional Networking Event @ PB&J!
◦ When: Wednesday, Feb 19th
◦ Where: PB&J: Pizza Beer and Jukebox
Level Up Social Club is a premier social club for business professionals throughout Chicagoland. Network with over 150+ professionals.
Chicago Bacon Fest: Live Band & Bacon Everything: Food, Drink & Photo Ops
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Old Crow Smokehouse – Wrigleyville
Tix include admission, a bacon whiskey shot, a bacon cocktail, live band, access to tons of tasty, bacon food, drinks and more!
Ke’s 30th Birthday Party
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: BASSLINE || 2239 – CHICAGO
Come dressed in your best formal or casual wear and be ready for a night of fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Foster Care & Adoption Fireside Chat at the Center on Halsted
◦ When: Wednesday, Feb 19th
◦ Where: Center on Halsted
Join Let It Be Us experts at The Center on Halsted to learn about Foster Care and Adoption and the opportunities in Chicago & suburbs
CLUB twigs [Chicago]
![CLUB twigs [Chicago]](https://img.evbuc.com/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.evbuc.com%2Fimages%2F947877603%2F290918113901%2F1%2Foriginal.20250129-193644?crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&auto=format%2Ccompress&q=75&sharp=10&fp-x=0.835227272727&fp-y=0.647014902599&s=23215934972f37557860e8d29fae1848)
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Subterranean
CLUB twigs makes its Chicago debut!
DAYHAÜS
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: 3352 N Halsted St
Welcome to DAYHAÜS, Saturdays as you know have changed. Officially. A Saturday House music day party in the heart of Boystown!
2025 First Annual Love Lockdown Basketball Camp
◦ When: Monday, Feb 17th
◦ Where: The Flats at East-West University
Join us for the 2025 First Annual Love Lockdown Basketball Camp where we celebrate Valentine’s Day through hoops, mentorship and fun.
Events for Expats and Locals to meet
Joaquín Sabina in Concert – Hola Y Adiós Tour!
◦ When: Wednesday, Feb 19th
Let’s enjoy the Joaquín Sabina – Hola y Adiós Tour concert at {% location %}Rosemont Theater {% endlocation %}in Rosemont, IL. He is one of my favorite singers of all time and this might be the last chance to see him again and say Hi and Good bye! Can’t wait for the concert!
Concert starts at 8:00 pm. We will meet at 7:30 pm to mingle and have a drink in the lobby of the theater before the conc
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
Let’s Mingle, Dance and Have Fun at Salsa Bachata Activity!
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
Let’s take a Salsa dance class, have a drink and dance the night away to the rhythms of Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia and some Merengue and Cha Cha.
The activity is held at {% location %}Alhambra Palace Restaurant {% endlocation %} in the West Loop, which is a beautiful venue and have a full liquor bar and food service for any one that wants to have a drink and even dinner.
Salsa dancing class star
InterNations Chicago Official Event @ Expat (West Loop)
◦ When: Wednesday, Feb 26th
◦ Where: Expat
Hey There,
Join us for a fun evening together at Expat in the West Loop.
Expat is a charming restaurant and bar where American classics meet global comfort food, well-traveled cocktails and natural wines. What better venue for our InterNations group?!
We encourage you to bring any of your non-member friends and show them what a great community we are.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Jona