ChicagoAfter Five
Bars & lounges

Bars & Lounges in Chicago

Cocktail programs with a point of view.

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Big Irish Jay at Riddles Comedy Club
Fri, Sep 18
7:00 PM

Big Irish Jay at Riddles Comedy Club

Riddles Comedy ClubAlsip

Big Irish Jay Hollingsworth headlines Riddles Comedy Club for a full weekend of stand-up. $25 cash cover, two-drink minimum.

$25
Monique Marvez at Riddles Comedy Club
Fri, Sep 11
7:30 PM

Monique Marvez at Riddles Comedy Club

Riddles Comedy ClubAlsip

Comedy veteran Monique Marvez brings her fearless, no-holds-barred stand-up to Riddles Comedy Club. Three nights of shows. $25 cash cover.

$25
Ten Cat Swing Summer Series Finale at Banging Gavel
Thu, Aug 6
6:30 PM

Ten Cat Swing Summer Series Finale at Banging Gavel

Banging Gavel Brews at The Vogt HouseTinley Park

Swing and acoustic jazz night at Banging Gavel Brews. Sophisticated, intimate, soulful. Upscale brewpub menu and charcuterie. 6:30-9:30PM Thursday.

Cruising The Waves Yacht Party
Sat, Aug 1
6:00 PM

Cruising The Waves Yacht Party

Navy PierNavy Pier

You're floating down the Chicago River and out onto Lake Michigan while a top-shelf open bar keeps the good times flowing—and then Navy Pier's fireworks explode across the skyline right in front of you. This inaugural yacht experience pairs live DJs, dinner, and unobstructed water views with the kind of vantage point landlubbers will never have.

$16521+
Prime Time: Adults-Only Museum Dance Party
Sat, Jul 25
7:00 PM

Prime Time: Adults-Only Museum Dance Party

Museum of Contemporary Art

Late-night museum dance party at the MCA. Food stations, cocktails, choreography workshops. Adults only.

90s House Music Vinyl Tribute
Fri, Jul 24
6:30 PM

90s House Music Vinyl Tribute

Ping Tom Park

Free outdoor riverside DJ set at Ping Tom Park pagoda in Chinatown. 90s house music on vinyl with scenic river views. 6:30-9:30 PM.

Orland Park Summer Brewfest and Food Truck Rally
Sat, Jul 18
4:00 PM

Orland Park Summer Brewfest and Food Truck Rally

Orland Park Civic CenterOrland Park

Craft beer fest with 15+ food trucks, microbrewery sampling pavilions, and live music at the Civic Center. 4-10PM Saturday.

Drew Thomas at Riddles Comedy Club
Fri, Jul 17
7:30 PM

Drew Thomas at Riddles Comedy Club

Riddles Comedy ClubAlsip

Drew Thomas headlines Riddles Comedy Club. Two nights of stand-up at 7:30 PM and 10 PM. $25 cash cover, two-drink minimum.

$25
PAWS Chicago Beach Party at Offshore
Thu, Jul 16
6:00 PM

PAWS Chicago Beach Party at Offshore

Offshore RooftopNavy Pier

You'll sip craft cocktails while the Chicago skyline melts into Lake Michigan from the world's largest rooftop deck—all while actually funding rescue operations for the city's homeless pets. Offshore's Streeterville perch delivers that rare combination of unobstructed water views and live entertainment that makes you feel like you're summering in the Hamptons, except your cover charge ($220, 21+) goes straight to PAWS.

$22021+
Splou Yorkcity Live at Riddles
Sun, Jul 12
5:00 PM

Splou Yorkcity Live at Riddles

Riddles Comedy ClubAlsip

Splou Yorkcity takes the Riddles stage for a Sunday afternoon set. 5 PM showtime. $25 cash cover.

$25
90s R&B Sing-A-Long Interactive Lounge
Sat, Jul 11
6:00 PM

90s R&B Sing-A-Long Interactive Lounge

Above Average Candle Studio

90s R&B sing-along with candle crafting in Logan Square. BYOB-friendly, nostalgic, interactive.

Blue Violet Late-Night Social
Fri, Jul 10
Recurring
10:00 PM

Blue Violet Late-Night Social

Hubbard Inn

High-energy Latin and Afrobeat social at Hubbard Inn in River North. Weekly recurring Friday midnight track with elite cocktail mixology and VIP table

Square Roots Craft Brew & Music Festival
Fri, Jul 10
5:00 PM

Square Roots Craft Brew & Music Festival

Old Town School of Folk MusicLincoln Square

Live indie music and craft brewery festival in Lincoln Square. Over 40 regional craft beer taps, local food vendors, and three days of music. Runs thr

Interactive Salsa & Bachata Dance Lesson
Thu, Jul 9
6:00 PM

Interactive Salsa & Bachata Dance Lesson

Humboldt ParkHumboldt Park

Free salsa and bachata dance lesson and social at Humboldt Park Boathouse Pavilion. 6-8:30 PM. All levels welcome.

Midweek Jazzin' at the Shedd
Wed, Jul 1
Recurring
5:00 PM

Midweek Jazzin' at the Shedd

Shedd Aquarium

Premium lakefront jazz cocktail series at the Shedd Aquarium. Wednesday after-hours with live jazz, upscale drinks, and aquatic ambiance. Recurring we

Rachel Z and Lenny White at Martyrs'
Sat, Jun 27
7:30 PM

Rachel Z and Lenny White at Martyrs'

Martyrs'Lincoln Square

Jazz legends Rachel Z and Lenny White bring the Generations Deconstructed Tour to Martyrs' with The Rock 'N' Roll Collective. $35 adv / $45 doors. All

$35
Super Sapphic V — All-Building Event
Fri, Jun 26
9:00 PM

Super Sapphic V — All-Building Event

Metro ChicagoWrigleyville

The fifth installment of Super Sapphic takes over Metro + smartbar for Pride weekend. Old Gold with Good Girls & Darling Shear, Ca$hera, LipStick Loun

TAZ — Brandon Niederauer at Martyrs'
Fri, Jun 26
8:00 PM

TAZ — Brandon Niederauer at Martyrs'

Martyrs'Lincoln Square

Guitar prodigy Brandon Niederauer (aka TAZ) performs at Martyrs'. The kid from School of Rock Broadway is now shredding at 22. $25. All ages. Doors 7

$25
Chicago Michelada Fest
Fri, Jun 26
5:00 PM

Chicago Michelada Fest

Union ParkUnion Park

Mexican heritage food and cocktail festival at Union Park. Authentic street vendors, competitive michelada bars, tacos. Festive, high-energy, rowdy. G

East Nash Grass at Martyrs'
Thu, Jun 25
8:00 PM

East Nash Grass at Martyrs'

Martyrs'Lincoln Square

East Nash Grass brings progressive bluegrass from Nashville to Martyrs' in Lincoln Square. $15 adv / $20 doors. Doors 7 PM, Show 8 PM.

$15
You Set Me Up!: Live Comedy Dating Gameshow at The Hideout
Wed, Jun 24
8:00 PM

You Set Me Up!: Live Comedy Dating Gameshow at The Hideout

The HideoutNear North Side

You Set Me Up! — a live comedy dating gameshow at The Hideout. Watch real people get set up on dates by their friends, with comedians and crowd chaos.

Cold / University Drive at Bottom Lounge
Wed, Jun 24
7:00 PM

Cold / University Drive at Bottom Lounge

Bottom LoungeWest Loop

Nu-metal and alt-rock act Cold performs at Bottom Lounge with University Drive. Doors 6 PM, Show 7 PM.

Family Groove Company at Martyrs'
Tue, Jun 23
7:30 PM

Family Groove Company at Martyrs'

Martyrs'Lincoln Square

A Special Friends and Family Night with Family Groove Company and CSN-tial Quartet at Martyrs'. $15. Doors 7 PM, Show 7:30 PM.

$15
Dead Rider / Pugs Atomz & Codak Smith at The Hideout
Sat, Jun 20
9:00 PM

Dead Rider / Pugs Atomz & Codak Smith at The Hideout

The HideoutNear North Side

Dead Rider, Pugs Atomz & Codak Smith, and Reid Coker take the stage at The Hideout. Art-rock meets hip-hop in the Industrial Corridor.

Waco Brothers at The Hideout
Fri, Jun 19
9:00 PM

Waco Brothers at The Hideout

The HideoutNear North Side

The Waco Brothers — Chicago's own insurgent country legends — return to their spiritual home at The Hideout. Rowdy, punk-infused honky tonk from Jon L

Juneteenth Kickoff: Black Yacht Weekend
Fri, Jun 19
8:00 PM

Juneteenth Kickoff: Black Yacht Weekend

Vertiport Chicago FBONear West Side

Elevated Juneteenth celebration with Afrobeats, curated minority food trucks, and premium bottle service. Energetic, rhythmic, soulful. 8PM Friday.

CC & The Madman: Summer of '77 at Martyrs'
Fri, Jun 19
8:00 PM

CC & The Madman: Summer of '77 at Martyrs'

Martyrs'Lincoln Square

CC & The Madman perform two sets celebrating the Summer of '77 at Martyrs'. $20. Doors 7 PM, Show 8 PM.

$20
Juneteenth Takeoff w/ Odeal & Mannie Fresh
Fri, Jun 19
6:00 PM

Juneteenth Takeoff w/ Odeal & Mannie Fresh

BounceRiver North

Mannie Fresh is bringing the legendary beat-making energy to Chicago for a proper Juneteenth celebration—expect two nights of bounce, hip-hop, and the kind of live performances that remind you why summer in this city hits different. You'll be surrounded by the city's best crowd, moving from 6 PM to midnight both nights as Odeal and crew keep the momentum going.

21+
Afro Fusion Penthouse Day Party
Fri, Jun 19
3:00 PM

Afro Fusion Penthouse Day Party

VU Rooftop LoungeSouth Loop

Afrobeats rooftop day party with upscale appetizers, small plates, and premium bottle service. Trendy, elite, rhythmic. Juneteenth Friday starting 3PM

Voltage! Speakeasy: An Immersive Cabaret Thriller
Thu, Jun 18
10:00 PM

Voltage! Speakeasy: An Immersive Cabaret Thriller

Chicago Actors Studio

Immersive dance and theater inside a simulated 1920s marathon dance hall. Premium cocktails, spooky cabaret.

Stan P Band, Earth Radio, RADO at Martyrs
Thu, Jun 18
8:00 PM

Stan P Band, Earth Radio, RADO at Martyrs

Martyrs'Lincoln Square

Triple bill: Stan P Band, Earth Radio, and RADO bring eclectic live music to Martyrs. Doors 7PM, show 8PM.

$15
Ken Vandermark at Green Mill
Thu, Jun 18
8:00 PM

Ken Vandermark at Green Mill

The Green MillUptown

Free jazz titan Ken Vandermark takes the Green Mill stage. Experimental, fearless, and uniquely Chicago.

Deer Tick with Jobi Riccio at Thalia Hall
Tue, Jun 16
8:00 PM

Deer Tick with Jobi Riccio at Thalia Hall

Thalia HallPilsen

Alt-country icons Deer Tick perform at Thalia Hall in Pilsen with Jobi Riccio. Raw, whiskey-soaked rock and roll. Doors 7 PM.

Gottlieb, Palace Guard, Lavender
Tue, Jun 16
8:00 PM

Gottlieb, Palace Guard, Lavender

Reggies on the BeachSouth Loop

At Reggies Music Joint.

Anti-Everything, Gray Ghost, Kat Baptista
Saturday
9:00 PM

Anti-Everything, Gray Ghost, Kat Baptista

Reggies on the BeachSouth Loop

At Reggies Bananna's Shack .

Artikal Sound System, Josh Heinrichs
Saturday
8:00 PM

Artikal Sound System, Josh Heinrichs

Reggies on the BeachSouth Loop

At Reggies Rock Club.

Son Little
Saturday
8:00 PM

Son Little

Garcia's ChicagoLincoln Square

With special opening act Tonina. All sales are final, no refunds/exchanges permitted, but tickets may be transferred through your TM Account. Garcia's is fully ADA compliant featuring wheelchair lifts and ramps between the various levels of the venue, assisted listening devices upon request, and allows official service animals. Premium Table seating is located closest to the stage offering the most intimate music experience for guests and includes table service. Reserved Table seating is located on our main floor, behind the Premium section, and also includes table service. Both Premium and Reserved table seating is cabaret style which means you may be sitting with other fans. Private Booths are available and depending on the booth seats 1 to 4, 5, or 6 guests. General Admission/Standing Room is located around the sides of the room on an elevated level for quality viewing and easy bar access. 21 & Over Show. Must be 21+ with a valid ID to purchase alcohol. At Garcia's Chicago.

21+
Fallen Condition, Alenia, Rose of Demise, Wyvern
Saturday
8:00 PM

Fallen Condition, Alenia, Rose of Demise, Wyvern

Reggies on the BeachSouth Loop

At Reggies Music Joint.

I Set My Friends On Fire at Bottom Lounge
Saturday
7:00 PM

I Set My Friends On Fire at Bottom Lounge

Bottom LoungeWest Loop

Post-hardcore chaos returns. I Set My Friends On Fire at Bottom Lounge — the West Loop's most reliable venue for acts that make your ears ring.

Pearlsnap at Carol's Pub
Friday
9:30 PM

Pearlsnap at Carol's Pub

Carol's PubUptown

Pearlsnap plays classic country at Carol's Pub in Uptown. Saturday night honky-tonk — two-stepping optional, cold beer mandatory. 21+.

LOUDERNOW at Bottom Lounge
Friday
8:00 PM

LOUDERNOW at Bottom Lounge

Bottom LoungeWest Loop

LOUDERNOW takes the stage at Bottom Lounge. Doors 7 PM, Show 8 PM.

Worm, Dusk, Fer De Lance
Friday
8:00 PM

Worm, Dusk, Fer De Lance

Reggies on the BeachSouth Loop

At Reggies Rock Club.

Wraith, Witchtrap, the Black Moriah, Burial Oath
Friday
8:00 PM

Wraith, Witchtrap, the Black Moriah, Burial Oath

Reggies on the BeachSouth Loop

At Reggies Music Joint.

Vacations
Friday
8:00 PM

Vacations

SubterraneanWicker Park

At Subterranean.

Whiskey Fest Chicago 2026
Friday
6:00 PM

Whiskey Fest Chicago 2026

Navy PierNavy Pier

Sample premium whiskeys, bourbons, and ryes from top distilleries. Live music, food pairings, expert-led tastings. 21+ only.

90s Night at the Zoo
Friday
6:00 PM

90s Night at the Zoo

Brookfield ZooBrookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo after dark with 90s music, themed cocktails, food stations, and animal encounters. Dress in your best 90s gear. 21+ event.

House Music is Home at Navy Pier
Friday
4:30 PM

House Music is Home at Navy Pier

Navy PierNavy Pier

Free house music DJ showcase at Navy Pier Wave Wall Stage featuring legendary Chosen Few DJs. Closes with free lakefront fireworks. 4:30 PM – 10:15 PM

Jack Bensinger at The Hideout
Thursday
10:00 PM

Jack Bensinger at The Hideout

The HideoutNear North Side

Stand-up comedian Jack Bensinger performs late night at The Hideout. Sharp, clever comedy in one of Chicago's most unique rooms.

Jeff BearCat Bunch at Carol's Pub
Thursday
9:00 PM

Jeff BearCat Bunch at Carol's Pub

Carol's PubUptown

Jeff BearCat Bunch at Carol's Pub. Blues, country, and everything that makes a Friday night at a dive bar worth staying out for. 21+, 9pm.

Brandon James & Soulogy: a Tribute To Luther Vandross
Thursday
9:00 PM

Brandon James & Soulogy: a Tribute To Luther Vandross

Reggies on the BeachSouth Loop

At Reggies Bananna's Shack .

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