Part of the Gay Chicago Guide — bars, events & things to do.
Friday, August 21, 2026
Steppenwolf 1700 Theater, Chicago
1700 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614, United StatesThrough a hybrid of storytelling, stand-up, and theatre, Claire Lochmueller's one-trans-woman dark-comedy memoir traces a journey from a childhood in the Catholic Church and a JROTC military school to a career as an award-winning trans theatre-maker. CRACKS navigates gender identity, substance abuse, and finding joy in a story about how, through laughter and tears, two lives became one trans identity. A two-night run in Steppenwolf's LookOut series at the 1700 Theater.
Have feedback on this description? Let us knowDrag brunches, circuit nights & every party worth knowing in Chicago — in your inbox every week.
Fri, Aug 14
3 PM - 7 PM
Sidetrack, Chicago
Weekly Friday show tunes party at Sidetrack Chicago. Video dance party, frozen cocktails, drag race viewing, and dancing. Start your weekend with the gay community.
Weekly
Fri, Aug 14
6 PM - 10 PM
Kit Kat Lounge, Chicago
Weekly Friday drag dinner show at Kit Kat Lounge with rotating themed performances, cocktails, and fine dining. Glamorous LGBTQ+ nightlife in Chicago.
Fri, Aug 14
6 PM - 8 PM
Goblin Market, Chicago
Queer nerd meetup at Goblin Market, Lakeview's LGBTQ+ manga & games shop, Chicago.
Fri, Aug 14
6:30 PM - 9 PM
Montrose Beach, Chicago
LGBTQ+ beach volleyball league Friday evenings at Montrose Beach, Chicago, through Aug 21.
Fri, Aug 14
7 PM - 11 PM
Charlie's, Chicago
Weekly B2B DJ night every Friday at Charlie's, Chicago's queer country bar. Guest DJs spin live—dance, connect, and celebrate with the community.
Weekly
Fri, Aug 14
7 PM - 10 PM
2Bears Tavern Uptown, Chicago
Weekly drag trivia game show hosted by Tia Pet at 2Bears Tavern Uptown. Compete for prizes, enjoy performances, and connect with the queer community every Friday.
WeeklyLet people know you're going, see who else is attending, and share the event with friends.
Your complete guide to LGBTQ+ Chicago — the best gay bars, annual events, neighborhoods, hotels, and things to do in the Windy City.
Robbie S.
Everything you need for Chicago's Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade — the route, the costume contest, the Northalsted bars that go all out, and where to stay that's gay.
Robbie S.
Parvati Shallow's Survivor brunch, Queen! celebrates Lucy's birthday, and G.E.M. turns five at Jackhammer — plus 92 ways to fill your weekend.
Robbie S.
A citywide guide to the best gay bars and clubs in Chicago — Northalsted's neon-lit video bars, Andersonville's laid-back locals, historic South Side spots and everything between.
Robbie S.
Laid-back patios, karaoke, and the least pretentious crowd in the city — here's where Chicago's bears, cubs, and otters actually hang out, night by night.
Robbie S.
From cruise bars in Rogers Park to the Chicago Eagle, here's every corner of Chicago's leather and kink scene — the birthplace of IML.
Robbie S.