Part of the Gay Chicago Guide — bars, events & things to do.
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Landmark Century Cinema & Chicago Filmmakers, Chicago
2828 N Clark St (Landmark Century) + 5720 N Ridge Ave (Firehouse Cinema), Chicago, IL, United StatesReeling, the Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, returns for its 44th edition with roughly 75 to 100 independent queer features, shorts, and documentaries over eleven days. One of the longest-running LGBTQ+ film festivals in the world, it screens at Landmark's Century Centre Cinema in Lakeview and Chicago Filmmakers' Firehouse Cinema in Edgewater. Runs September 17 through 27 — see the festival site for the full schedule and venues.
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Thu, Sep 17
6 PM - 9 PM
Kit Kat Lounge, Chicago
Weekly drag cabaret with dinner at Kit Kat Lounge. Live performances, Art Deco elegance, and high-energy entertainment every Thursday in Chicago's Northalsted.
Weekly
Thu, Sep 17
7 PM - 8:30 PM
Dorothy, Chicago
Life is a Queer Cabaret — a queer cabaret and variety show at Dorothy in Chicago's West Town.
Thu, Sep 17
7 PM - 9 PM
Replay Lakeview, Chicago
Thirsty Thursday Trivia at Replay Lakeview, Chicago: weekly Thursday trivia at 7pm with cash prizes in the Halsted Street bar-arcade.
Weekly
Thu, Sep 17
7 PM - 9 PM
Sidetrack, Chicago
Thu, Sep 17
9 PM - 11 PM
Charlie's, Chicago
Monthly Paint & Sip every Thursday at Charlie's gay bar in Chicago. Free art supplies, $4 drinks, hosted by Kimberly Summer. Low-key creative night out.
Monthly
Thu, Sep 17
9 PM - 4 AM
Hydrate Nightclub, Chicago
Club Flamingo is Hydrate Nightclub's weekly Thursday 80's & 90's alternative night in Chicago's Boystown, with drag, DJs and dancing until 4am.
WeeklyLet people know you're going, see who else is attending, and share the event with friends.
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