What’s up, Chicago! It’s finally warming back up. Finally. And we’re not wasting a second. Read on for the best ways to spend some time out of the house and in the city.

North Coast Music Festival just dropped its lineup for this September, and it’s jam-packed with big hitters like ILLENIUM, CRANKDAT, and more. If you’re an EDM lover in Chicago, you have no choice but to be there. We managed to get our hands on three-day VIP tickets. Enter to win.

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Empty Bottle is hosting a National Immigration Law Center Benefit, featuring Godstar Megamax, Ira Glass, Alive Girl, and Glen Bias. Nothing better than jamming to some cool music and supporting a good cause. Grab tickets here.

• Chicago, start your engines. Drag Race: The Experience is giving big city glam, mainstage realness, and behind-the-scenes tea. Bitch, you’re from Chicago! This one’s for you. Enter for a chance to win a pair of VIP tickets.*

• Ready to fight on the front lines of Ticketmaster? Don Toliver is performing at the United Center this summer, and tickets are on sale now. Secure your seats before they’re snatched up.

• EXP Rosemont is bringing 14th century medieval southern France to the Chicagoland area with VR experience The Last Stronghold. Journey through the iconic fortress city of Carcassonne, where danger lurks within the city walls, and uncover its secrets while defending the fortress in the face of the Inquisition. Want free tickets?*

• Plus other just announced shows from Noah Kahan, Beyond Wonderland, Warm Love Cool Dreams, Tim McGraw, Staind, Grieves, Terrapin Flyer, Steep Canyon Rangers, Ratboys, Ari Lennox, Derrick Carter, Vacation Manor, Yuja Wang, Ritt Momney, Night Ranger, and more!

HEATED RIVALRY EVENTS IN CHICAGO

Will you go out in Chicago with us? Don’t stay at home. Come to a Heated Rivalry themed event. We’ll have so much fun. It's so exciting. Everyone will know. We could have a night, or even two. We’ll be surrounded by Heated Rivalry fans. Together.

• TOM. - HEATED RIVALRAVE at HOUSE OF BLUES (2 TIMES)

• SAT. - HEATED RIVALRY DRAG BRUNCH at MACY’S STATE STREET

• MON. - HEATED RIVALRY SINGLES MIXER at DOROTHY

• 02.12 - ALL THINGS HEATED RIVALRY at SIDETRACK

NON-CONCERTS THIS WEEKEND

LOCALS ONLY

• Mark your calendars: Art students at Columbia College Chicago are hosting INK FEST 2026 at their student center next Friday. There’ll be over 90 artists showcasing and selling their pieces, so be sure to stop by to support the next generation of creatives.

• 2026 Chicago Beer Fest. At the Field Museum. 65+ breweries. Don’t lie to yourself. You know you want in.

• Wanna have a say in the Chicago social scene? Work with us.

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