BLK in the City: Events Guide 8.11 - 8.17 (2026)

Things to do in Black Chicago

Last update: 8.10.26 at 12:10 am CT - Events will be updated regularly.
🏢 Company (if different from venue) | 🎟️ Event + Ticket hyperlink | 📍 Venue

Experiences

🎶 Candlelight Concerts | Candlelight: Tribute to Lauryn Hill (You must purchase early; next show - Sep 5) | Congress Plaza Hotel

Fever Experiences
Unique experiences from immersive art exhibits and candlelight concerts to food events, comedy shows, pop-up experiences, and more.

Events

Featured Events

NBMBAA, Chicago Chapter Summer Soirée 2026

Sat, Aug 15, 2026
1775 N Clybourn Ave - Rooftop

An elevated rooftop experience that brings together Black professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an afternoon of celebration, connection, and purpose. Guests will enjoy Chicago skyline views, an open bar, signature cocktails, curated spirit tastings, delicious food, live music, and an atmosphere designed for genuine connections beyond traditional networking.

Attendees can enjoy one of Chicago’s premier summer social experiences while helping prepare the next generation of leaders.

Get 15% off tickets with code BLK15

The Wine Down R&B Summer Fest

Sun, Aug 16, 2026
DuSable Museum Roundhouse Plaza
Website | IG reel | TikTok reel

The Wine Down R&B Summer Fest brings wine, live music, and community together in an elevated outdoor setting. LÉKAN and Jai’Len Josey take the stage alongside a diverse lineup of DJs, with wine vendors, immersive activations, and VIP experiences throughout. Created with the Black community in mind, the festival welcomes all wine and R&B lovers to sip, dance, and connect.

Multiple Dates

🎆 Free summer fireworks every Wednesday at 9:00 PM and Saturday at 10:00 PM through Labor Day weekend (ending September 5, 2026).

🎨 Jul 24 - Aug 21: Revolutionary: The Exhibition | Viola Cafe and Events
🛍️ Aug 15 + 16: Vintage market ($10 and under) is back! | Revolution Brewing (not black-curated)

Tue, Aug 11

🎶 Tuesdays on the Terrace series: AKENYA | Museum of Contemporary Art
🎉 Sigma Chris | DND: Tuesdays are for Drake (every Tuesday night) | Bar Tabu

Wed, Aug 12

🌐 Bloom Collective | Movie in the Park | Nafsi at South Shore Cultural Center
🍸🎶 After Five: An intimate happy hour with live music designed to actually help you connect | Wellsey Tavern

Thu, Aug 13

🎉 Friday, Jr. | Wellsey Tavern

Fri, Aug 14

🌐 exprssn studios x ILA Creative Studio | Co-work Session | Little Black Pearl Art & Design Center
🎶 Bronzeville Summer Nights | East 43 Street (King Dr - Cottage Grove)
🎶 koze concerts: Vol 14 - Live Music |  A South Side beach (secret location)
🎶 PRĪVIT HOUR: Boi Jeanius | Wellsey Tavern
🎶 Jazz Funk on Vinyl | Hoste Cocktails (Pilsen)
♟️ Pigment International | Revolutionary Game Night | Vjosa aCafe (Bridgeport)
🍸 VELVET: Where Chicago Meets Sexy | The L Station Chophouse
🍹🎉 Happy Hour | ETC Chicago

Sat, Aug 15

🎉 NBMBAA Chicago Chapter | Rooftop Summer Soirée 2026 - Get 15% off tickets with code BLK15 | 1775 N Clybourn Ave - Rooftop
🎨 Vanguard Art Show | Zhou B Arts Center
🚲 Great Lawn: Bikers - Ride through the South Side | starting at the Obama Presidential Center and ending at the Washington Park Sunflower Garden
🎉🪩 Chicago Culture Ball 2026 | Obama Presidential Center Home Court
🎉Brooks All-Class Reunion After Party - R&B, Twerk & Chicago Anthems | Row 24

Sun, Aug 16

🍷🎶 The Wine Down R&B Summer Fest (IG | TikTok) | DuSable Museum Roundhouse Plaza
🎉 ROSÉ & WINGS | Morgan's on Fulton Rooftop

Mon, Aug 17

🎶 The Unfamiliar Sessions | Jam Sessions | Cole's Bar
🎉 Afrobeats on the Beach | Pier 31 Restaurant, 3101 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive

UPCOMING EVENTS

Aug 12 | The Table | After Five: Happy Hour Meetup for Black Creatives + Professionals

For those who've outgrown the club but still love a good time out.
📍Wellsey Tavern, 613 N. Wells
5PM - 8PM
Live band Wu-Tang tribute
FREE (must RSVP)