← Part of House Music Festival
Part of the Gay Chicago Guide — bars, events & things to do.
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602, United StatesThe industry-conference side of the Chicago House Music Festival, held at the historic Chicago Cultural Center in the Loop, steps from the Millennium Park stages. Across the festival weekend (Thursday–Sunday, August 27–30, 2026), free panels and talks gather house music icons, DJs, producers, and scholars to trace the genre's roots in Chicago's Black and queer communities and its reach around the world today. Presented by DCASE alongside the free performances at Millennium Park, the conference is open to all with no ticket required. The full 2026 session schedule and speaker lineup will be announced at chicagohousemusicfestival.org — check back for panel times and topics.
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Sun, Aug 16
11 AM - 3:30 PM
Kit Kat Lounge, Chicago
Weekly Sunday drag brunch at Kit Kat Lounge in Chicago's Northalsted. Rotating themed shows, cocktails, and brunch with Chicago's gay crowd.
Sun, Aug 16
11 AM - 3 PM
Lark Restaurant & Bar, Chicago
Sunday drag brunch at Lark in Northalsted, Chicago: rotating themed shows from local queens with a bottomless brunch package, 11am to 3pm.
WeeklySun, Aug 16
11 AM - 4 PM
The River Kitchen and Bar, Chicago
Chicago's Sunday drag brunch at The River Kitchen and Bar in Lakeview, with three seatings at 11am, 1pm and 3pm and bottomless drinks.
WeeklySun, Aug 16
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Chicago Eagle, Chicago
Sunday drag brunch at the Baton Show Lounge inside Chicago Eagle in Uptown. Doors 11:30am, show around noon, all-you-can-eat buffet, hosted by Jourdin Larue.
WeeklySun, Aug 16
12 PM - 2 PM
Lips Drag Queen Show Palace, Restaurant & Bar, Chicago
Lips Chicago's Sunday gospel drag brunch in the South Loop: a two-hour show with a served entree and bottomless brunch cocktails, seatings around noon.
Weekly
Sun, Aug 16
12 PM - 3 PM
The SoFo Tap, Chicago
Weekly Sunday happy hour in Andersonville with free hot dogs, $5 Miller Lite drafts, $6 cocktails, and no cover. Dog-friendly patio.
WeeklyLet people know you're going, see who else is attending, and share the event with friends.
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