If your 2026 resolution was “see more shows,” we got bad news: you’re about to be crushing it way too hard. Today’s drop is stacked: Twigs tix, an MLK tribute, cowboy honky-tonks, and a birthday hack that basically prints you free stuff. Go forth and overachieve.

FKA twigs: spiritually enlightened and bringing her Body High tour to Salt Shed. Enter now for a shot at free tickets.

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Chicago Sinfonietta’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert celebrates the legacy of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, the trailblazing Black Chicago surgeon who changed the course of medical history. Win tix for Auditorium Theatre show on January 19th.*

• Chicago’s honky-tonk heroes, The Hoyle Brothers, just announced a whole slew of shows for the new year. See all the shows here.

• Garage punk chaos at Cubby Bear. Wild Zero is bringing their show on January 14th. Get tickets here.

• Sorry for Partying brings the party straight to Chicago with a high-octane performance that doesn’t let up. January 31st at Bub City Rosemont. Snag your tix.

• Plus other just announced shows from DJ Ca$h Era, Derrick Carter, Sixteen Candles, The Iron Maidens, Improvised Music Series, Patrizio Buanne, Gil De La Paz and The Nite Soundz, and more!

BIRTHDAY FREEBIES

Birthdays are nature’s way of saying “milk the system.” We rounded up every freebie, b-day perk, and celebratory cheat code in the city so you can eat, drink, and party like it’s... literally your birthday.

THIS MONTH

LOCALS ONLY

• Planning fatigue is real. Fix it with our guide to actually cool Chicago date nights, from sultry to divey. Check it out.

• FREE MONDAY at Empty Bottle never misses. This week’s lineup includes Welcome to the Show, and yes, it slaps. Tonight at 8.

• First Bites Bash is basically the foodie version of Coachella. 70+ restaurants. Unlimited tastings. No judgment. Get your tickets now.

• Stretch it out at Center on Halstead with Meditative Yoga. Get your zen on.

WIN STUFF

FEATURED

Bookmark this now: our Birthday Freebies Guide is live, lethal, and liable to get you freebies all over. Aging has never looked hotter.