While it may not be the same as unearthing a new speakeasy bar or attending a major festival in-person, virtual events are quickly taking stage as new, hip, social gathering places.
Each week, I’ll be sharing online events that are both fun and entertaining. These events will focus on local artists, makers, creators, chefs, community advocates, and more—all based in the Chicagoland area. For more things to do from home, be sure to check out this guide to date night ideas and other fun ways to have while staying at home during the pandemic.
From a drive-in concert featuring classic R & B and Hip Hop artists to virtual mural tours, here are some virtual events and offline experiences to check out this week.
Know of cool and interesting virtual events that are happening around Chicago? Submit them for an opportunity to be featured on the website! For consideration, submit your event using this form.
Virtual Tour | Pilsen Murals
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, August 18th
Cost: $5; Free for members
Chicago is a mecca to some of the best murals, this week, visit them virtually with the Chicago History Museum. Take an hour-long virtual walkthrough Pilsen with local guide Luis Tubens and discover the larger meaning behind the artwork in Chicago’s capital of Mexican cultures. The tour weaves the history of Pilsen with vibrant large-scale murals and lived personal experiences. For more details and to register for the event, the website.
The Distribution Down Low – Online Film Workshop
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, August 20th
Cost: Free
Now is the perfect time to own your creativity. Join Seed&Spark’s along with the Chicago Film Office for an educational workshop about creative independence. Join Christian Raia, as she breaks down the current landscape of distribution for independent film and TV, including the economics of different avenues to take, the right questions to ask potential partners, and what needs to be done from pre-production through post-production to set yourself up for success. Registration is required to attend this free event.
Boxville Community Day
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, August 20th
Cost: Free
Feed the block with Boxville this Thursday in Chicago. Every Thursday, residents from the Washington Park and Woodlawn communities, along with supporters of Boxville, will help distribute 300+ quality produce and grocery boxes, toiletry care packages, baby goods, and more. Tell a friend, bring a friend to this community-focused event. For more information, visit Boxville on Instagram.
The Warehouse Sale – Pop-Up Shoe Store Grand Opening
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Date: Friday, August 21st – Sunday, August 30th
Cost: Free
Chicagoland! Find your deals on your favorite shoe brands this weekend in Naperville. The Warehouse Sale is a pop-up shoe store only in town from August 21st to August 30th. They carry men’s & women’s brand name shoes & have a brand name, price point, and size for everyone! Sign-up for the VIP list and receive an exclusive Buy 2 Get 1 FREE coupon for the grand opening. For more details on this event, visit the event page here.
Ray Bradbury’s Centennial
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. .
Date: Saturday, August 22nd
Cost: Free; Donations received will benefit Storycatchers Theatre and Brown Books & Paint Brushes
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Ray Bradbury’s birthday with the American Writer’s Museum this week. One of Chicago’s most unique museums will offer free admission all day long so that guests can explore all of our engaging exhibits and learn more about Bradbury and more iconic American writers. Plus, get a sneak peek of our upcoming exhibit “Ray Bradbury: Inextinguishable,” set to open in early 2021. Tickets are not required to be booked in advance. The museum will accept donations for their charity partners on this day. To learn more about this free event, visit the American Writers’s Museum.org.
The Drive-In Fest featuring Lloyd, Bobby V, Pleasure P, Do or Die
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, August 22nd
Cost: $55 – $500
Vibe out to your favorite RB + Hip Hop acts this Saturday in Chicago. The Drive-In Fest is a social distance friendly drive-in experience featuring some of your favorite R&B + Hip Hop acts. The same concert experience, but from the safety of your car. This event is taking place in the South Lot of Soldier Field. This event is 21+. Group ticket purchase includes entry for 4 in one vehicle and allows two lawn chairs to be seated directly in front of guests’ cars. Lawn chairs not provided. Individual add-on tickets are available for purchase but can only be used in conjunction with a group ticket. To purchase tickets to this outdoor festival, visit Ticketmaster.com.
