What up, Chicago?! With Market Days and Labor Day (aka North Coast) on the horizon, it feels like we have a never-ending to-do list of Chicago summer activities. And thank god for that. Also, I’m about to blow up my own spot in the name of #community. It’s National Oyster Day today, and you already know I’m going to be camping out at my favorite $1 oyster happy hour after work. See you there? 😋

Here’s another big (belated) national holiday celebration…

Hit every stop on an all-American adventure—no gas required. Jewel-Osco's free Party in the USA is packed with interactive fun, live entertainment, and more. Don't forget to enter for your chance to win a $250 Jewel-Osco gift card.*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• If you're into comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, or cosplay, come join the playground at FAN EXPO Chicago later this month. It’s going to be out of this world, and you’ll feel right at home. Get tix or win a pair of 3-day passes.*

• In just a few weeks, Gallagher Way transforms into wine country with Summer Wine Down featuring plenty of wines to sample, live music, wine charm making and more. Attend for free, or enter to win a pair of VIP tasting tickets.*

• Every rock and roll lover’s favorite festival returns to Douglass Park this September 18th through 20th. Riot Fest is back and better than ever with headliners like Alanis Morissette, Pierce the Veil, and more. Win VIP passes.*

• Mega-star Lil Yachty comes to Chicago for one night where Red Bull Setlist turns the set over to you, the fans. Online, social, and IRL voting moments allow you to curate the set and performance at Radius. Enter to win tickets.*

• Plus other just announced shows from Orville Peck, Tinashe, Patrick Wolf, Jim James, Rod Wave, YG, Ratboys, Friko, Florry, Trivium, Automatic / Accessory, Brett Eldredge, Tyla, Atliens, and more!

WIN STUFF WEDNESDAY

You may have already entered our big giveaways — y’know, the all-day festival passes or the artists with millions of listeners at the top of the giveaway page — but there are so many hidden gems buried in that giant list of 400+ free tickets. Here are some sleeper picks that are absolutely free to enter, and that you have a better shot of winning. And who knows, maybe you’ll even get barricade…

• SAT 08.22 - BABYCHIEFDOIT at RAMOVA THEATRE

• SAT 09.05 - UNDERTALE: THE DETERMINATION SYMPHONY at THE AUDITORIUM

• FRI 11.13 - ALMOST MONDAY at HOUSE OF BLUES

• WED 11.11 - TWO IDIOT GIRLS LIVE at PARK WEST

KEEP ON ROCKIN’ 🎸

LOCALS ONLY

• Girls and gays, listen up. It’s Market Days this weekend, and we want to make sure you’re queermaxxing the entire time. Our incredible Gay Do312 writer Amèlia put together a list of the gayest things to do this year. Go ham.

• Bring on the rubber duckies. Tomorrow is Chicago Ducky Derby 2026, where they dump tens of thousands of ducks into the Chicago River for one epic race. It’s free to attend, and you can even adopt a duck for 10 bucks.

• Obviously, since you’re getting this newsletter, you know about Do312. But did you know you can make a profile on our website, promote your own events, and even write for us? Here’s a guide for everything Do312 to get started.

WIN STUFF

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