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Daily Email - Thursday - 08/21/2025

August 21, 2025

Welcome back to your favorite Chicago newsletter. Let’s make this Thursday count.

If you’re drafting anywhere but a Dave & Buster’s Fantasy Football Draft Party, you’re doing it wrong. Book by 9/2 for 20% off, and enter to win your whole party on the house!*

JUST ANNOUNCED

  • We’re giving away two tickets to see The Mountain Goats at The Salt Shed on September 27th. Get ready for sharp storytelling, unforgettable songs, and a night made for singing your heart out. Roll the dice and win your way in.*

  • Sad folk boy from Australia alert. Hazlett’s bringing his tender, ghost-of-Bon-Iver energy to Chicago for one night only. Enter to win tickets for his show on Thursday, September 11th at House of Blues.*

  • Polka, pierogi, and Polish pride - the Taste of Polonia Festival returns Labor Day Weekend. Come for the culture, stay for the music, food, and family-friendly fun at Copernicus Center. Wanna win some tickets?*

  • Edgewater Music Fest is back on Broadway for the first time since 2019! Catch Cloud Nothings, Ric Wilson, Foxy Shazam, and more, plus a chance to win a $50 gift card!*

  • Plus, more just announced shows here!

CONCERTS UNDER $20

Photo: Ramova Theatre Facebook

Your wallet deserves a break, but your ears still deserve great tunes. We’ve rounded up the best concerts in Chicago that’ll cost you less than a fancy cocktail. From sweaty rock shows to breezy jazz nights, here’s where you can catch killer sets without the sticker shock.

SEÑORITA PRESENTS:

Señorita Beach Takeover

Señorita THC Margaritas are popping up at North Avenue and Oak Street Beaches in this weekend. Check out our giveaway of the ultimate Señorita summer pack! One lucky winner will score a 4-pack of each flavor of the award-winning THC margaritas plus a swag pack featuring an embroidered beach towel. Enter now for the ultimate summer vibes. Must be 21+ to win.

THIS MONTH

🪄 The Signature Show

Thursday-Sunday @ The Chicago Magic Lounge

A night out that actually feels magical. Every Thurs–Sun, The Signature Show brings you world-class close-up magic at your table, cocktails in hand, and a stage show that’ll leave you speechless. Get tickets now!*

🚨 Chicago Independents’ Day Weekend

Saturday & Sunday at Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture

Get your weekend passes for Chicago Independents’ Day, featuring a comedy showcase with Deanna Ortiz and Michael Meyers, plus panel discussions, music and arts markets, and more! Don’t miss the city’s ultimate summer weekend.*

🎭 Clue: A Drag Parody

August 28th-30th at Mercury Theater Chicago (7:30PM)

Your favorite whodunit just got a fabulous makeover. Serving mystery, camp, and killer lip-syncs, this Clue drag parody will have you guessing and gagging all night long. Tickets here.

🌍 Sarabande Africaine: Angélique Kidjo & Yo-Yo Ma

Tuesday, August 26th at Jay Pritzker Pavilion (6:30PM)

Two global icons, one unforgettable evening. Experience the rich tapestry of African rhythms and classical mastery under the city lights. This Millennium Park show is free, but the vibes are priceless. See you there?

🤠 Low Dough Show with George Birge

Wednesday, August 27th at Joe’s Bar on Weed St. (8PM)

Country fans, here’s your midweek treat: a night with Nashville hitmaker George Birge for just a few bucks. Boots optional, good times guaranteed.

News Without the BS (Bot Stuff)

Every day, the 1440 team hand-selects and summarizes the most important stories from 100+ trusted sources. The result? A fast, factual 5-minute newsletter that’s refreshingly human. No bots. No bias. Just clear news on politics, business, and culture—trusted by 4M+ readers and always free.

RADIUS + CERMAK HALL UPCOMING SHOWS

Arc is throwing pre-parties, opening parties, and mid-festival after-parties that feel like spiritual awakenings with strobe lights. Then it’s a who’s who of dance gods and sweaty believers: Chris Stussy, Tchami & AC Slater, SG Lewis, and the three-headed techno hydra known as Brutalismus 3000 (twice).

LOCALS ONLY

  • Chicago’s longest-running dark alternative dance night returns. DJs Scary Lady Sarah & Philly Peroxide spin goth, industrial, and new wave until dawn. Dress code: black, bold, and unapologetic. Join the night.

  • August is slipping away, but Chicago isn’t ready to cool down just yet. There’s still plenty of time to pack your calendar with summer magic with our top picks.

🎟️ LIKE FREE TICKETS?

Do312 MORE Members get at least one pair a month. Get started with a Free Preview today to see what we have for you. Like a:

  • Rising Country Star @ Joe’s Bar on Weed Street

  • A Night of Metal @ The Forge

  • Americana @ SPACE

After your free preview, Membership is $7/mo. Cancel anytime.
Browse ticket matches before starting a trial / joining.

🤩 GOLDEN DoWEE GIVEAWAY: HOT LUCK

As a DoMORE Member, you get access to our exclusive Golden DoWEE Giveaways.  We’re sending one lucky winner to Win the Whole Enchilada at Hot Luck in Austin – a full-blown flavor fest packed with live music, legendary chefs, and some serious good times.

Our Golden DoWEE winner will score two all-access Whole Enchilada passes to Hot Luck, a four-night stay at Hotel Magdalena, $600 towards your flight to Austin, and local restaurant gift cards so you can feast and party your way through the best of the city.

Subscribe to Gay Do312 to find the best LGBTQ+ giveaways, events, and artists in Chicago!

That’s your Thursday cheat sheet, Chicago. Whether you’re twirling in drag drama, swaying to world-class music, or finding the best shows for $20 or less, the city’s yours for the taking. See you out there.