BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Chicago Social Butterflies - ECPv6.18.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Chicago Social Butterflies REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20270314T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20271107T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261024T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261026T190000 DTSTAMP:20261022T153038Z CREATED:20261008T001652Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261022T153038Z UID:10005424-1792868400-1793041200@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:Funny Is Female Comedy Festival DESCRIPTION:Femmes\, Queers\, Theys and Shes take over Downtown Oak Park for a 3 day comedy festival October 23-October 25.\nThe second annual Funny Is Female Comedy Festival puts feminist and female-queer voices center stage as over 50 comics from around the country perform on two stages over 3 days. Headlined by nationally known comics Marina Franklin and Ariel Elias\, the festival has a variety of voices\, shows\, and ticket prices. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/funny-is-female-comedy-festival-3/ LOCATION:Comedy Plex\, Oak Park\, 1128 Lake Street\, Oak Park\, IL\, 60301\, United States CATEGORIES:comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/FIF-Logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261026T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261026T200000 DTSTAMP:20260702T155504Z CREATED:20260702T155504Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260702T155504Z UID:10003620-1793037600-1793044800@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:🎹 Marks of Art – A Two-Session Workshop with Sholo Beverly DESCRIPTION:“Let’s get CREATIVITY flowing and trust in your marks of art.” \nThis workshop is all about meditative mark making — creating freely\, trusting your process\, and discovering that some of your best art comes from happy mistakes. Over two sessions\, you’ll explore unexpected materials and techniques that lead to a final self-portrait piece. \n📅 Wednesday\, July 15 | 6–8pm\n📅 Thursday\, July 16 | 6–8pm\n💰 $110 for both sessions \nWhat to bring:\n‱ 1 sketchpad of mixed media paper\n‱ Drawing media (pencil\, pen\, pastel\, charcoal\, etc.)\n‱ 10 items from home for mark making (think Q-tips\, a comb\, bubble wrap\, corks\, leaves — get creative!) \n⚠ Space is limited! Cancellations must be made at least 1 week before the workshop. If enrollment minimums aren’t met\, you’ll be notified 3 days in advance with a full refund. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/%f0%9f%8e%a8-marks-of-art-a-two-session-workshop-with-sholo-beverly-2/2026-10-26/ LOCATION:6311arts\, 6311 N Clark Street\, Chicago\, IL\, 60660\, United States CATEGORIES:arts-and-galleries ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image-4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261026T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261026T210000 DTSTAMP:20260930T235833Z CREATED:20260930T235833Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260930T235833Z UID:10005381-1793039400-1793048400@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:Gypsy 83: The Director's Cut DESCRIPTION:Sandusky\, Ohio is hell on earth for goth misfits and Stevie Nicks superfans Gypsy Vale (Sara Rue) and her younger\, queer protĂ©gĂ©e Clive Webb (Birkett Turton). When they discover a New York City club is hosting a “Night of 1000 Stevies”\, the pair hit the road with high hopes that Gypsy will be able to perform. Along the way\, they encounter other misfits who pave the way to their salvation\, all while discovering profound truths about themselves. Costarring John Doe of the legendary punk band X and the great Karen Black as a has-been lounge singer\, Todd Stephens’s cult favorite puts a queer\, outsider spin on both the road movie and the coming-of-age journey\, with plenty of black eyeliner to spare. \nFor its 25th Anniversary\, GYPSY 83 has been completely reimagined as a brand-new Director’s Cut\, restored in 4K from the 35mm camera negative. Now featuring over 40 minutes of never-before-seen footage and containing more legendary goth songs from bands like The Cure\, Cocteau Twins and Echo and the Bunnymen\, the Director’s Cut is sure to satiate longtime fans and create a generation of new ones. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/gypsy-83-the-directors-cut-2/ LOCATION:Music Box\, 3733 N Southport Ave.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60613\, United States CATEGORIES:film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/gypsy.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261026T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261026T210000 DTSTAMP:20261001T000946Z CREATED:20261001T000946Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261001T000946Z UID:10005397-1793039400-1793048400@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:Gypsy 83: The Director's Cut DESCRIPTION:Sandusky\, Ohio is hell on earth for goth misfits and Stevie Nicks superfans Gypsy Vale (Sara Rue) and her younger\, queer protĂ©gĂ©e Clive Webb (Birkett Turton). When they discover a New York City club is hosting a “Night of 1000 Stevies”\, the pair hit the road with high hopes that Gypsy will be able to perform. Along the way\, they encounter other misfits who pave the way to their salvation\, all while discovering profound truths about themselves. Costarring John Doe of the legendary punk band X and the great Karen Black as a has-been lounge singer\, Todd Stephens’s cult favorite puts a queer\, outsider spin on both the road movie and the coming-of-age journey\, with plenty of black eyeliner to spare. \nFor its 25th Anniversary\, GYPSY 83 has been completely reimagined as a brand-new Director’s Cut\, restored in 4K from the 35mm camera negative. Now featuring over 40 minutes of never-before-seen footage and containing more legendary goth songs from bands like The Cure\, Cocteau Twins and Echo and the Bunnymen\, the Director’s Cut is sure to satiate longtime fans and create a generation of new ones. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/gypsy-83-the-directors-cut-3/ LOCATION:Music Box\, 3733 N Southport Ave.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60613\, United States CATEGORIES:film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/gypsy.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261026T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261026T210000 DTSTAMP:20261001T000656Z CREATED:20261001T000656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261001T000656Z UID:10005384-1793041200-1793048400@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:IOWA VET: DOGS\, CATS\, CORN\, & MURDER DESCRIPTION:Murders. Mormons. A modern family. And one extraordinary Midwestern life. IOWA VET: DOGS\, CATS\, CORN\, & MURDER follows Dr. Alan Younkin\, who grew up on an Iowa farm that has been in his family since 1863 and went on to become a veterinarian\, husband\, father\, and eventually the unexpected center of a story filled with remarkable twists. After graduating as valedictorian from the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine\, Alan built a successful animal hospital with his wife\, Dr. Sybil Younkin\, and raised four children. But after Sybil’s death\, his life took an entirely new direction. Alan moved to New York\, met filmmaker Michael Schelp\, and the two fell in love and married. And that’s only part of the story. Along the way\, IOWA VET ventures into murder cases\, questions of faith\, the dramatic transformation of veterinary medicine\, and even the claim by some believers that Zarahemla — the ancient city described in the Book of Mormon — was located on Alan’s family farm. Funny\, surprising\, affectionate\, and deeply personal\, IOWA VET is ultimately about how much one life can change — and how much life can still surprise us. The film had its world premiere at Cinema Village in New York City in June 2026. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/iowa-vet-dogs-cats-corn-murder/ LOCATION:Facets\, 1517 W. Fullerton\, Chicago\, IL\, United States CATEGORIES:film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/vet.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261026T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261026T220000 DTSTAMP:20260106T041945Z CREATED:20260106T041945Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T041945Z UID:10001103-1793041200-1793052000@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:Queer Speed Dating DESCRIPTION:Meet other cutie queers in a space that’s easy\, fun\, and designed for connection without the pressure. Here’s how it works: you’ll rotate through a series of short conversations (about 5 minutes each). Afterward\, you write down who you’d like to connect with as a friend\, flirty new crush\, or just someone to watch the game with at Babes. Matches are emailed the next day. \nWho’s to say if you’ll leave with a crush\, brunch buddy\, or just a night of good conversations. No matter what\, our Queer Speed Dating event is about building connections that last. \nFollow @hotpotatoheartshotpotato on Instagram for updates. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/queer-speed-dating-3/2026-10-26/ LOCATION:Lemon CATEGORIES:dating ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Image-2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261026T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261026T220000 DTSTAMP:20260903T045411Z CREATED:20260903T045411Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T045411Z UID:10004605-1793041200-1793052000@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:Remy Bumppo Theatre Company Hosts “Exploring The In-Between: A Conversation about Mid-Sized Theaters in Chicago\,” Monday\, Oct. 26 DESCRIPTION:Remy Bumppo Theatre Company’s 30th Anniversary Season continues with “Exploring The In Between: A Conversation About Mid-Sized Theatres in Chicago\,” Monday\, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. in Theater One at Theater Wit\, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. This one-night-only event\, moderated by Chicago theatre Historian and Author Mark Larson and Associate Director of the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Matt Randle-Bent bring together Chicago theatre voices from four storied companies: Remy Bumppo Theatre Company\, A Red Orchid Theatre\, Teatro Vista Productions and About Face Theatre to discuss how midsized theatres have shaped our city’s cultural ecosystem and what role might they play in what is to come. \n“Exploring The In Between: A Conversation About Mid-Sized Theatres in Chicago” is a night of discovery\, conversation and envisioning. “Exploring the In Between” excavates the history\, heart and value of midsized theatres in Chicago featuring Remy Bumppo Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Marti Lyons\, A Red Orchid Theatre Founding Artistic Director and Board Member of The Red Orchid Theatre Guy Van Swearingen\, An Artistic Collective member of Teatro Vista Productions and a Core Ensemble Member of Remy Bumppo Theatre Company Charin Alvarez and About Face Theatre’s Director of Education and Artistic Programing Dionne Addai. \nTickets are on sale now for $35 at TheaterWit.org or by calling the Theater Wit Box Office at 773.975.8150. \nImage Information: Top Row: (L to R) Mark Larson\, Matt Randle-Bent\, Marti Lyons\nSecond Row: Guy Van Swearingen\, Charin Alvarez and Dionne Addai URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/remy-bumppo-theatre-company-hosts-exploring-the-in-between-a-conversation-about-mid-sized-theaters-in-chicago-monday-oct-26/ LOCATION:Theater Wit\, 1229 W. Belmont Ave.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60657\, United States CATEGORIES:panel-conversation,theater-performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HEADSHOT-HEADSHOT-BLOCK-CAPTION-REMY_BUMPPO-Hosts-Exploring-the-in-Between_-A-Conversation-about-Mid-sized-Theatres-in-Chicago-October-26.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261028T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261028T170000 DTSTAMP:20261001T152925Z CREATED:20261001T152925Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261001T152925Z UID:10005413-1793196000-1793206800@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:Music Theater Works Presents “Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville\,” October 8 - November 1 DESCRIPTION:Music Theater Works is proud to announce the cast and creative team for the third production of its 2026 season\, Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville\, in the North Theatre\, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie\, 9501 Skokie Blvd.\, Skokie\, October 8 – November 1. Escape to Margaritaville has a book by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley\, with music and lyrics by Jimmy Buffett. Music Theater Works’ production is directed and choreographed by Brenda Didier with co-director Sarafina Vecchio and co-choreographer Clayton Cross and music directed by Linda Madonia. \nMusic Theater Works presents the first professional production of Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville in Chicago since its pre-Broadway run. Set sail for a tropical getaway with this feel-good musical packed with island vibes and beloved Buffett classics. This lighthearted romantic comedy follows Tully\, a laid-back island singer\, and Rachel\, a career-focused tourist\, as their worlds collide at a beachfront resort. With a story about adventure\, self-discovery and living life to the fullest\, Escape to Margaritaville is the ultimate musical vacation for Parrot Heads and newcomers alike. \nThe cast of Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville includes Brian Acker (he/him\, Tully); Kate McQuillan (she/her\, Rachel); Khaki Pixley (she/her\, Tammy); Chase Grabowski (he/him\, Brick); Tamara Batiest (she/her\, Marley); Brian James (he/him\, J.D.); Matt Frye (he/him\, Chadd/ensemble/U/S Brick); Lili Galluzzo (she/they\, ensemble/U/S Rachel); Mackenzie Furlett (she/her\, ensemble/U/S Tammy/dance captain); Andrew Faggion (he/him\, Ted/ensemble/U/S Tully); Mikala Curless (she/her\, ensemble); Ivan James (he/him\, ensemble/U/S J.D./non-equity deputy); Jacob Merschel (he/they\, Jamal/ensemble); Kelcy Taylor (she/her\, ensemble/U/S Marley); Kenny Miller (any with respect\, ensemble/swing) and Juliet Lopez-Gutierrez (she/her\, ensemble/swing). \nThe performance schedule is Saturday\, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m.\, Sunday\, Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. (Post-show discussion)\, Wednesday\, Oct. 14 at 2 p.m.\, Friday\, Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m.\, Saturday\, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.\, Sunday\, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. (Post-show discussion)\, Wednesday\, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m.\, Friday\, Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m.\, Saturday\, Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (ASL interpreted performance)\, Sunday\, Oct. 25 at 2 p.m.\, Wednesday\, Oct. 28 at 2 p.m.\, Friday\, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m.\, Saturday\, Oct 31 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday\, Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets are now on sale from $19.50 to $106 with tickets for guests 25 years old and younger available at half-price at MusicTheaterWorks.com or by calling the Music Theater Works box office at the North Shore Center\, 847.673.6300. Memberships for the 2026 season are also available at MusicTheaterWorks.com and group discounts for 10 or more people are available by contacting JRuffner@MusicTheaterWorks.org. \nPhoto by Steven Townshend/Distant Era URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/music-theater-works-presents-jimmy-buffetts-escape-to-margaritaville-october-8-november-1/2026-10-28/ LOCATION:North Shore Center for Performing Arts\, 9501 Skokie Blvd.\, Skokie\, IL\, 60077\, United States CATEGORIES:theater-performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/EscapeToMargaritaville_MusicTheaterWorks_Photoby_StevenTownshend_Distant_Era_1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261028T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261028T223000 DTSTAMP:20261022T144243Z CREATED:20261022T144243Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261022T144243Z UID:10005758-1793212200-1793226600@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:2026 HUMP! Film Festival: FALL SEASON - Chicago\, IL (Facets) DESCRIPTION:HUMP! is a curated\, adult short film festival celebrating sex\, love\, kink\, humor\, vulnerability\, and human creativity told by real people and experienced together\, in theaters\, as it was meant to be. We have 2 showings daily at 6:30 pm and 9 pm on October 28th. \nWe are returning with an entirely new collection of short films for Fall 2026. Check out the trailer and full Fall 2026 lineup on our website: humpfilmfest.com \nFor over two decades\, HUMP! has been a platform for independent filmmakers to explore intimacy\, identity\, and connection without compromise. What began as a bold experiment has grown into a global showcase of boundary-pushing cinema where emerging voices and seasoned creators present work that is as thoughtful as it is provocative. Founded by Dan Savage\, HUMP! has spent over two decades proving that intimacy is culture and that audiences are hungry for work that is bold\, funny\, handmade\, and deeply human. \nThis season continues that tradition. We look forward to seeing you soon. \nDo you have a dirty little film idea? Submission is free! Get more info on submitting a Hump Film here: https://www.humpfilmfest.com/submit URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/2026-hump-film-festival-fall-season-chicago-il-facets/ LOCATION:Facets\, 1517 W. Fullerton\, Chicago\, IL\, United States CATEGORIES:festival,film,kink/leather ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/New-Season.-New-Fantasies.New-Films-.-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261028T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261028T220000 DTSTAMP:20261015T061804Z CREATED:20261015T061804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T061804Z UID:10005607-1793214000-1793224800@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:Investor Connect: Pitch & Deal Flow Night | Chicago DESCRIPTION:Join LGBTQ+ founders\, investors\, operators\, and startup professionals for an evening of live startup pitches and focused deal-flow conversations in Chicago.\nThe event features 3–5 selected startups presenting their companies to the room. Founders will share what they are building\, their team\, traction\, current fundraising goals\, and growth plans\, followed by live Q&A and discussion.\nThe evening is designed to create a focused space for LGBTQ+ founders and professionals across Chicago’s startup and venture ecosystem to meet\, exchange perspectives\, and build new connections.\nAfter the pitch session\, attendees can connect directly with participating founders\, angel investors\, venture professionals\, operators\, and other members of the community.\nWhat to expect\n– 3–5 startup pitches\n– Live Q&A\n– Founder and investor conversations\n– Focused deal-flow networking\n– Open networking after the presentations URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/investor-connect-pitch-deal-flow-night-chicago-2/ LOCATION:Ascent Valley\, 800-848 14th St\, San Francisco\, CA 94114\, San Francisco\, CA\, 94114\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/photo_2026-10-12_20-24-08.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T133000 DTSTAMP:20261008T003742Z CREATED:20261008T003742Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261008T003742Z UID:10005441-1793275200-1793280600@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:Constellation: Networking and Peer Support for Queer and Trans Business Owners DESCRIPTION:Constellation provides networking\, connection\, and community for queer and trans business owners in the Chicagoland area\, through structured\, twice-monthly meetings\, a monthly in-person happy hour\, and regular social gatherings. \nWe’re building toward a world where queer and trans people can thrive in every part of their work and life. By resourcing queer and trans small business owners through community\, business development\, and skill-sharing\, we help create vibrant neighborhoods\, welcoming workplaces\, and affirming services for everyone. \nJoin us for one of our bi-monthly online meetings! URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/constellation-networking-and-peer-support-for-queer-and-trans-business-owners/2026-10-29/ LOCATION:IL CATEGORIES:networking-mixer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/imgi_17_Screenshot2026-04-28blurred.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T203000 DTSTAMP:20260917T151042Z CREATED:20260917T151042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T151042Z UID:10005231-1793298600-1793305800@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:Book Club Run of Summerdale with David Jay Collins DESCRIPTION:Spend a spooky evening in Andersonville with Chicago author David Jay Collins inspired by Summerdale\, his queer horror trilogy! \nFour gay men\, four addictions\, one landlord from Hell\, and one house that only they can see: what could go wrong? \nSpoiler: a lot goes wrong in David Jay Collins’s bloodcurdling trilogy Summerdale. \nIn this series\, David uses characters Steve\, Eric\, David\, and Aaron to expose difficult\, problematic aspects within the gay community—and entertain readers with hints at long-forgotten Andersonville history. \nKick off your Halloween weekend with David Jay Collins on Thursday\, October 29\, for a special 2.5-mile\, Summerdale-inspired running route (12:00 minute per mile) using the Read & Run Tours format. This immersive experience invites readers to step beyond the pages into the real-life setting of his horror novels while stopping along the way at locations connected to his novels and local businesses. You’ll get insider scoops and lesser-known Chicago history. \nWhether you’re a horror bookworm\, Chicago fanatic\, or just looking for a spooky adventure on foot\, this is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow runners and talk about the Summerdale horror trilogy directly with the author! \nFollowing the route\, stick around for Summerdale-themed drinks at The Understudy and an intimate Q&A with David. \nHere’s the schedule: \n6:30 PM Arrive at The Understudy (5531 N Clark) to drop your belongings and pick up your souvenir run bib\n6:35 PM Program begins\n6:40 PM 2.5-mile run with stops with David Jay Collins\n8:00 PM Q&A with David Jay Collins\nWhat’s included in your ticket: \n2.5-mile guided running route\nQ&A with David Jay Collins\nOne Summerdale-themed speciality drink from The Understudy\nSmall bag of Candyality’s spooky* caramel corn blend\, Summerdale Crunch. This is a seasonal mix of two caramel corns\, mini Kit Kat and Oreo\, chocolate-covered pretzels\, chocolate drizzle\, and ghastly candy eyes\nPre reading: \nWe strongly recommend reading the first novel in the Summerdale series prior to the event. The books are available in the following formats from David Jay Collins’s site here: ebook or paperback. Bonus? Grab a Summerdale T-shirt and wear it on the run. \nQ&A-only option: \nIf you loved the book but prefer to join only for the author chat\, meet runners at The Understudy at 8pm! Please note that the exact starting time for the Q&A is heavily dependent on route conditions\, and those arriving for this portion only are expected to be patient. \nAll registered runners will receive reminder emails and details 2 days and 4 hours prior to the event. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/book-club-run-of-summerdale-with-david-jay-collins/ LOCATION:The Understudy Coffee and Books\, 5531 N. Clark St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60640\, United States CATEGORIES:sports-recreation,wellness ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/summerdale.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T203000 DTSTAMP:20260709T034151Z CREATED:20260709T034151Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T034151Z UID:10003970-1793300400-1793305800@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:Adolescent Salvation DESCRIPTION:Over the course of one night\, through a haze of tequila\, texting\, and Taylor Swift\, three teenagers banter\, bicker\, and push each other to the edge of danger — with consequences that could prove lethal. A play that lingers long after the curtain\, Adolescent Salvation dares to portray adolescence in all its abundance of contradictions: sloppy\, raw\, and deeply human. Starts August 14\, only at Theater Wit. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/adolescent-salvation-2/2026-10-29/ LOCATION:Theater Wit\, 1229 W. Belmont Ave.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60657\, United States CATEGORIES:theater-performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ASforcalendars-2-2560x14402-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T220000 DTSTAMP:20260910T185255Z CREATED:20260910T185255Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T185255Z UID:10005270-1793300400-1793311200@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:The 37th Annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival Returns September 20 - October 26 at Four Chicago Venues DESCRIPTION:Curious Theatre Branch\, with co-producers Chicago Danztheater Ensemble\, Chicago Dramatists and Labyrinth Club\, are pleased to announce the 37th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival\, September 20 – October 26 at four venues across Chicago. The month-long festival of shows will kick off with a special “afternoon tea” edition of the Full Moon Vaudeville\, this concert launches the festival on Sunday\, Sept. 20 at 3 p.m. at Facility Theatre\, 1138 N. California Ave.\, headlined by art/folk/cabaret act The Crooked Mouth and other special guests. \nSince its inception in 1989\, as a single weekend of shows in the Wicker Park neighborhood\, this unique and mutable fringe festival has expanded and contracted to fit the time and has become the longest running Fringe Festival in Chicago. Festival events will take place at four venues this year: Facility Theatre\, 1138 N. California Ave. in Humboldt Park (Full Moon Vaudeville only); Chicago Dramatists\, 798 N. Aberdeen St. in River West\, The Labyrinth Club\, 3658 N. Pulaski Rd. in the Irving Park neighborhood and Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble\, 1650 W. Foster Ave. \nThe 37th Rhinofest will feature mostly original work from Chicago artists and companies\, including new work from The Fat Theatre Project\, the 10th anniversary of Ira Murfin’s An Interview\, a new work by Jessica Wright Buha\, new work from Drinking and Writing Theater\, and\, of course\, an evening of short works by The Curious Theatre Branch\, Rhinofest’s host. New to the Festival in 2026 are partnerships with Chicago Danztheater\, a beautiful space in Andersonville\, featuring movement-based work and a creativity workshop called Maps\, Guides & Legends: a generative writing and interdisciplinary art-making workshop on Saturday\, Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. \nAll tickets are offered at pay-what-you-can pricing\, with a $25 suggested price. Tickets and details for all upcoming shows are available at Rhinofest.com. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/the-37th-annual-rhinoceros-theater-festival-returns-september-20-october-26-at-four-chicago-venues-2/2026-10-29/ LOCATION:Facility Theatre\, 1138 N. California Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, United States CATEGORIES:theater-performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/FullMoonVaudeville_2025RhinoFest.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T210000 DTSTAMP:20261015T055144Z CREATED:20261015T055144Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T055144Z UID:10005647-1793302200-1793307600@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:JERKER DESCRIPTION:Funny\, sexually explicit\, provocative\, and unexpectedly tender\, Robert Chesley’s JERKER remains one of the most remarkable works to emerge from the AIDS era. First produced in 1986\, the play begins with two men connecting through telephone sex. They have never met. They know very little about each other. Their conversations are anonymous\, imaginative\, playful\, and often outrageously erotic. \nAs they continue calling\, however\, something begins to change. Between the fantasies and sexual games\, the men reveal fragments of their everyday lives\, their insecurities\, their humor\, and their growing affection. Without ever sharing a physical space\, they begin to create something that looks remarkably like a relationship. \nAnd outside those conversations\, the AIDS epidemic is transforming their world. \nChesley\, who died of AIDS-related complications in 1990\, was an outspoken defender of gay sexuality at a moment when fear and shame dominated much of the public conversation about gay men. \nRather than retreat from sexual expression\, he placed it at the very center of his work. He insisted that pleasure\, desire\, laughter\, and intimacy were essential parts of gay life and deserved to be celebrated\, even in the shadow of death. \nThat insistence made JERKER controversial. It also made the play revolutionary. \nBut what may surprise contemporary audiences most isn’t its explicit language or sexual frankness. It is the tenderness of the relationship that gradually emerges. \nBeneath its provocative surface\, JERKER is a profoundly human story about loneliness\, companionship\, vulnerability\, and the courage it takes to love another person. \nRobert Chesley was among the first American playwrights to confront the AIDS crisis directly. His groundbreaking NIGHT SWEAT (1984) was one of the earliest full-length plays about AIDS. Two years later\, JERKER challenged censorship and conventional attitudes toward gay sexuality\, insisting that intimacy\, desire\, and love remain essential even in the face of death. Chesley died of AIDS-related complications in 1990 at age 47. This 40th-anniversary production honors both his artistic legacy and the generation whose lives he documented. \nFor this special 40th-anniversary production\, Open Space Arts brings together Jason Bowen and Joshua Bowen\, who are husbands in real life. Jason’s Chicago theater career includes founding Quest Theatre Ensemble\, and his performance credits include the national tour of Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue. Joshua is an actor\, producer\, and entertainment attorney. \nTheir real-life relationship adds another dimension to Chesley’s exploration of intimacy and connection. And in a theater where just 25 audience members sit only a few feet from the performers\, every laugh\, hesitation\, confession\, and moment of tenderness becomes immediate and personal. \nForty years after its premiere\, JERKER continues to challenge us. But it also offers something wonderfully simple: the chance to witness two people discovering that what began as sex has become love. \nJERKER contains explicit sexual language\, mature themes\, and partial nudity. Recommended for adult audiences. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/jerker/ LOCATION:Open Space Arts\, 1411 W Wilson Ave.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60640\, United States CATEGORIES:theater-performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Press-Image.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T213000 DTSTAMP:20261015T063840Z CREATED:20261015T063840Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T063840Z UID:10005363-1793302200-1793309400@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:A Strange Loop DESCRIPTION:Usher is a Black\, queer playwright who spends his days working as an usher on Broadway. He spends his nights struggling to write an original musical about a Black\, queer playwright who spends his days working as an usher on Broadway. Lines blur\, thoughts intrude\, and soon he finds himself wrestling to break free from a very strange creative loop.This blistering\, groundbreaking\, Pulitzer Prize winning musical explores identity\, race and sexuality through the lens of a young artist at war with a chorus of his own demons and inner voices on a journey towards understanding and self love. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/a-strange-loop-3/2026-10-29/ LOCATION:Raven Theatre\, 6157 N Clark St\, Chicago\, IL\, 60660\, United States CATEGORIES:theater-performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/9516acb5-d8f8-498d-aa25-c94085266ada.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T223000 DTSTAMP:20260820T141124Z CREATED:20260820T141124Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T141124Z UID:10004571-1793302200-1793313000@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:Redtwist Theatre Presents The First Show of Its 22nd Season\, “Prayer Circle\,” September 17 - November 8 DESCRIPTION:Award-winning Redtwist Theatre’s new 22nd season\, “State of Violence\,” begins with Prayer Circle\, September 17 – November 8\, by Erik Gernand and directed by Executive Artistic Director Dusty Brown\, at Redtwist Theatre\, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. \nAs the world hurtles ever faster in the wrong direction\, Addy discovers she may have the power to make it better. Joining with the members of a small town prayer circle\, four people try to convince their pastor to pray with them
 to bring about some killer results. Erik Gernand\, Redtwist’s resident playwright\, invites audiences to a darkly comedic debate – how far would you go to save your country? \nThe cast of Prayer Circle includes Jaqueline Grandt* (she/her\, Marilyn); Philip C. Matthews* (he/him\, Pastor Evans); Andi Muriel (she/they\, Addy); Kezia Waters (he/they\, Doug); Macaria Chaparro Martinez* (she/they\, Carol); Natalie Rae (she/her\, Marilyn U/S); Jeff Menezes (he/him\, Pastor Evans U/S); Jessie Skonesey (she/her\, Addy U/S) and Marco Antonio Perez (he/they\, Doug U/S). \nThe creative team of Prayer Circle includes Erik Gernand (he/him\, playwright); Dusty Brown (they/them\, director); Joshua Servantez (he/him\, assistant director); Lauren Volkart (she/her\, stage manager); J Bestul (he/him\, dramaturg); Jeff Brain* (he/him\, scenic designer); Leo Bassow* (he/they\, props designer); Piper Kirchhoffer* (she/her\, lighting designer);Madeline Felauer (she/her\, costume designer) and Charlie Tolbert (they/them\, production manager). \nRegular performance schedule includes Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. Single tickets are on sale for $50 (seniors and veterans: $35; students: $10 and Fridays are Pay-What-You-Can) with subscriptions also available at RedtwistTheatre.org. \n*denotes Redtwist Theatre Ensemble Member URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/redtwist-theatre-presents-the-first-show-of-its-22nd-season-prayer-circle-september-17-november-8-2/2026-10-29/ LOCATION:Redtwist Theater\, 1044 W Bryn Mawr Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60660\, United States CATEGORIES:theater-performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HEADSHOT-BLOCK-Redtwist-Theatre-PRAYER-CIRCLE-Sept17-Nov8-Cast-Announcement_2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T223000 DTSTAMP:20260820T143637Z CREATED:20260820T143637Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T143637Z UID:10004450-1793302200-1793313000@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:Remy Bumppo Theatre Company Presents “Mud Row\,” October 15 - November 15 at Theater Wit DESCRIPTION:Remy Bumppo Theatre Company is pleased to announce the cast\, creative and production teams for the first production in its 2026 – 2027 season\, Mud Row\, written by Dominique Morisseau and directed by Malkia Stampley\, October 15 – November 15\, in Theater One at Theater Wit\, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. \nSet in the historically Black neighborhood of Mud Row in West Chester\, Pennsylvania\, two generations of sisters protect and defy the legacy of their foremothers in this surprisingly funny\, thrilling and ultimately hopeful play from Tony Nominee and MacArthur “Genius” Grant Recipient Dominique Morisseau. Mud Row deftly shifts between past and present exploring themes of identity\, belonging and the complexities of heritage through the lives of several Black women and men\, each with their own struggles and aspirations. \nThe cast of Mud Row includes Ayanna Bria Bakari (she/her\, Regine); Toccara Castleman (she/her\, Frances); Alexis Janae (she/her\, Elsie); Tiffany Renee Johnson (she/her\, Toshi); Jabari Khaliq (he/him\, Tyriek); Jamaque Thomas (he/him\, Davin); Maureen Azzun (she/her\, Toshi U/S); Quenna Barrett (she/her\, Regine U/S); Emefa Dzodzomenyo (she/her\, Elsie U/S); Reginald Hemphill (he/him\, Davin U/S) and Solomon Langley (he/him\, Tyriek U/S). \nThe creative and production team for Mud Row includes Malkia Stampley (she/her\, director); Lo Williams (she/her\, associate director); Jean E. Compton (she/her\, stage manager); Matthew R. Chase (he/him\, production manager); Jyreika Guest (she/her\, violence & intimacy designer); Abhi Shrestha (they/them\, dramaturg); Shadana Patterson (she/her\, voice & text coach); Sydney Lynne (she/her\, scenic designer); Amanda Herrmann (they/them\, properties designer); Levi Wilkins (he/him\, lighting designer); Christopher Kriz (he/him\, composer & sound designer); Evelyn Danner (she/her\, costume designer); Aubrey Pierce (she/her\, scenic supervisor); Nicholas Chamernik (he/him\, lighting supervisor); Gabriela Carrillo (she/her\, wardrobe supervisor); Adelina Feldman-Schultz\, Tertulia Creative Solutions (she/her\, casting director); Marti Lyons (she/her\, artistic director); Margaret McCloskey (she/her\, executive director); Christina Casano (she/her\, creative producer); Missy Preston (they/the\, development manager) and John Craig (they/he\, operation manager). \nRegular performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.\, Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Subscriptions for the 2026 – 2027 season and single tickets are on sale now at RemyBumppo.org for $34 – $55. Groups of 10 or more may call the Theater Wit Box Office at 773.975.8150 to receive group discounts and make reservations. \nHeadshot Block:\nTop Row: (L to R) Ayanna Bria Bakari (Regine); Toccara Castleman (Frances);\nAlexis Janae (Elsie); Tiffany Renee Johnson (Toshi)\nMiddle Row: (L to R) Jabari Khaliq (Tyriek); Jamaque Thomas (Davin); Maureen\nAzzun (Toshi U/S); Quenna Barrett (Regine U/S)\nBottom Row: (L to R) Emefa Dzodzomenyo (Elsie U/S); Reginald Hemphill (Davin\nU/S); Solomon Langley (Tyriek U/S) URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/remy-bumppo-theatre-company-presents-mud-row-october-15-november-15-at-theater-wit-2/2026-10-29/ LOCATION:Theater Wit\, 1229 W. Belmont Ave.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60657\, United States CATEGORIES:theater-performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Mud-Row-Headshot-Block.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T223000 DTSTAMP:20260910T041737Z CREATED:20260910T041737Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T041737Z UID:10005214-1793302200-1793313000@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:Tin Drum Theatre Company Presents the Chicago Premiere\, “A Dark Wood\,” October 15 - November 1 DESCRIPTION:Tin Drum Theatre Company announces the Chicago premiere of A Dark Wood\, October 15 – November 1\, written by Eric Coble and directed by Steve Needham\, at Studio 44 in the Greenhouse Theater Center\, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. \n“The Fix” was supposed to correct everything that had gone wrong with the country. Now\, three members of a shattered family\, Earthworm\, Hummingbird and Armadillo\, occupy different corners of a society in free-fall\, each surviving in their own way. Earthworm squats in no-man’s land beside his only friend\, desperate to cross the river border and begin a new life. Hummingbird hides in a boarded-up apartment\, secretly reading books with a fugitive teacher who will do anything to keep both her — and the resistance — alive. Armadillo stands alone in her police armor searching for justice\, or perhaps forgiveness. Which of them will make it to Paradise and what will it cost? Does such a place even exist? \nA Dark Wood ensemble cast includes Renzo Vicente (he/him\, Earthworm)\, Delaney Vallese (she/her\, Hummingbird)\, Marlee Feacher (she/her\, Armadillo)\, Carlos AndrĂ©s Mai (he/they\, Montrose)\, Shannon Leigh Webber (she/her\, Miss Vivian)\, and RaĂșl Alonso (he/him\, Dipper)\, Eric Hinkle (he/him\, U/S Earthworm)\, Bryce Ranee (she/her\, U/S Hummingbird)\, Anika Flores (she/her\, U/S Armadillo)\, Dimitri Marinakos (he/him\, U/S Montrose)\, Renae Stone (she/her\, U/S Miss Vivian)\, and Michael Stejskal (he/him\, U/S Dipper). \nThe performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.\, Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. The Understudy Performance is Saturday\, Oct. 31 at 2:30 p.m. There will be a post-show talk-back with playwright Eric Coble after a select performance date\, to be announced. Tickets are $29 with $15 student tickets. Tickets are on sale at TinDrumTheatre.com or by calling the Greenhouse Theater Company box office at 773.404.7336. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/tin-drum-theatre-company-presents-the-chicago-premiere-a-dark-wood-october-15-november-1-2/2026-10-29/ LOCATION:The Greenhouse Theater Center\, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60614\, United States CATEGORIES:theater-performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/LOGO_TinDrum_A_Dark_Wood.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T220000 DTSTAMP:20260916T230427Z CREATED:20260916T230427Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T230427Z UID:10005232-1793304000-1793311200@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:Exotic Erotic presented by Gender F*cked Productions and KazMo Universe DESCRIPTION:Celebrating culture\, heritage\, and community through burlesque and performance art. \nThis BIPOC/LGBTQ only burlesque show will highlight culture\, community\, heritage and liberation through the erotic. \nWith inspiration by October observances like Dia de los muertos\, Filipino heritage month\, hoodoo heritage month\, Halloween and Diwali ; we encourage audience members to wear some sort of cultural dress to celebrate their community\, tribe\, ancestors\, culture \, tradition! Represent your people! \n“Exotic erotic” is reclaiming our connection to our heritages while exploring freedom through sex\, sensuality and self-acceptance through burlesque\, storytelling\, traditional and modern cultural performance. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/exotic-erotic-presented-by-gender-fcked-productions-and-kazmo-universe/ LOCATION:The Newport Theater\, 956 West Newport Avenue\, Chicago\, IL\, 60657\, United States CATEGORIES:burlesque-boylesque,theater-performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/exotic.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T203000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T213000 DTSTAMP:20261015T063310Z CREATED:20261015T063310Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T063310Z UID:10005671-1793305800-1793309400@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:Give It 2 Me Gay DESCRIPTION:Give It To Me Gay is a variety show\, celebrating queer art and joy through many forms of comedy and performance. Each show is different\, featuring 3 unique LGBTQIA+ acts and a performance by the Give It To Me Gay ensemble. This Pride\, we want to laugh\, celebrate\, and create space for queer voices to shine onstage. Join us for a night of community\, chaos\, and unforgettable performances. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/give-it-2-me-gay/2026-10-29/ LOCATION:The Second City\, 230 W. North Ave.\, Chicago\, IL\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Give-it-2-me-Gay-Ads-1400-x-800-px.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261030T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261030T210000 DTSTAMP:20261015T063623Z CREATED:20261015T063623Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T063623Z UID:10005570-1793386800-1793394000@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:The Uncanny Attic: Chapters I-L Halloween Edition! DESCRIPTION:The Uncanny Attic is a theatrical anthology inspired by Edward Gorey’s iconic The Gashlycrumb Tinies will return to Chicago’s Newport Theater on Halloween Eve! \nThis absurdist dark comedy series brings to life\, and then almost immediately to death\, the book’s twenty-six ill-fated children. Each installment ‘chapters’ of The Uncanny Attic creates imagined histories for four of Gorey’s ill-fated characters as told through puppetry\, clowning\, dance\, live music\, drag\, stop-motion animation\, and visual theater. \nFor Halloween’s Eve\, the Newport Theater transforms into an immersive Uncanny Attic experience with peculiar art\, Pocket Cemeteries\, Uncanny cocktails\, a curious photo op\, Edward Gorey-inspired prizes\, and other delightfully morbid surprises before the curtain even rises- costumes highly encouraged! \nThe Uncanny Attic is an original performance series created and produced by Chicago-based Beautifully Gruesome Productions\, the creative partnership of Jennifer Friedrich (The Bunny Royale) and Bazuka Joe. \nThe cast includes veteran performers in several disciplines including co-creators Jennifer Friedrich (Incurable Theater\, Redmoon Theater) and Bazuka Joe (Poonie’s Cabaret\, Newport Theater Camp)\, along with Jill Summers\, Susie Kirkwood\, Josh Levine and Mackenzie Shapiro\, Luc Ami\, Mz Love\, Karma Carnelian\, Derry Eire\, Marla Wyrd\, Lady Ve’Lush\, Vixxie Velvet\, and Vixen Violencia. Poster Illustrations by Ken Gerleve. \n“The Uncanny Attic: Chapters I-L” adds these two final performances on Friday\, October 30th at 7pm & 10pm after a sold out run in September. The Newport Theater is located at 956 W. Newport Ave\, second floor.\nTickets range $25-$40 and can be found at www.NewportTheater.com and www.TheUncannyAttic.com. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/the-uncanny-attic-chapters-i-l-halloween-edition/ LOCATION:The Newport Theater\, 956 West Newport Avenue\, Chicago\, IL\, 60657\, United States CATEGORIES:theater-performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Halloween-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261030T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261031T010000 DTSTAMP:20261022T152303Z CREATED:20261022T152251Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261022T152303Z UID:10005762-1793386800-1793408400@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:DJ Gloria presents: Nightmare of Queer Street DESCRIPTION:Prepare for killer beats\, sexy costumes\, wild energy\, and a dance floor that stays on fire all night featuring Chicago hottest Female DJs. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/dj-gloria-presentes-nightmare-of-queer-street/ LOCATION:Chicago Theater Work\, 1113 W. Belmont Ave.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60657\, United States CATEGORIES:culture,dance-dj ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/imgi_1_image.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261030T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261030T210000 DTSTAMP:20260604T145118Z CREATED:20260515T005151Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260604T145118Z UID:10002460-1793388600-1793394000@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:SMILEY DESCRIPTION:Open Space Arts is proud to present SMILEY by Guillem Clua\, a sharp\, funny\, and deeply relatable queer romantic comedy that has captivated audiences around the world. \nOriginally premiering in Barcelona\, SMILEYquickly became a breakout success in Spain\, enjoying extended runs in Barcelona and Madrid and earning widespread acclaim. Since its debut\, the play has been produced internationally across Europe and Latin America\, with productions in Germany\, Italy\, Greece\, Cyprus\, Chile\, Puerto Rico\, Peru\, and beyond. \nWhile SMILEY has become a global audience favorite\, it has had only limited exposure in the United States\, with select Spanish-language productions in New York and Miami. Open Space Arts’ production introduces this internationally celebrated work to Chicago audiences\, offering a fresh opportunity to experience one of the most engaging contemporary queer love stories to emerge from the European stage. \nWhen ÁLEX leaves a voicemail for his ex\, it lands in the inbox of BRUNO—a stranger. What begins as a wrong message turns into an unexpected connection between two very different men. As texts turn into calls\, and calls into something more\, they navigate attraction\, vulnerability\, and the complicated reality of modern love. \nFunny\, fast\, and disarmingly honest\, SMILEYexplores the thrill and risk of connection in a world shaped by screens\, expectations\, and the fear of being truly seen. \nGuillem Clua is one of Spain’s most widely produced contemporary playwrights\, whose work has been staged internationally and translated into multiple languages. His plays\, including SMILEY and THE SWALLOW\, are known for their emotional intelligence\, wit\, and insight into the complexities of human connection. \nOpen Space Arts continues its commitment to bold\, intimate storytelling that centers queer lives and voices with SMILEY\, a play that reflects the company’s ongoing exploration of connection\, identity\, and the evolving nature of love. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/smiley/2026-10-30/ LOCATION:Open Space Arts\, 1411 W Wilson Ave.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60640\, United States CATEGORIES:comedy,theater-performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/banner-no-qr-code-small.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261030T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261030T210000 DTSTAMP:20260806T180853Z CREATED:20260806T180853Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T180853Z UID:10004333-1793388600-1793394000@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:THE SWALLOW DESCRIPTION:Open Space Arts presents THE SWALLOW\, an intimate and deeply moving two-character drama by internationally produced Catalan playwright Guillem Clua\, author of SMILEY\, which Open Space Arts presented in a successful extended run in June and July 2026. \nFeaturing Michelle McKenzie-Voigt and Jim Nally\, THE SWALLOW is set during a private singing lesson between a choral director and a new student. As they work together on a song\, what initially seems like a simple musical exchange becomes something more personal\, more complicated\, and more revealing. \nWith humor\, tension\, and emotional precision\, the play explores grief\, memory\, family\, faith\, identity\, and the stories people tell in order to survive. Music becomes both a refuge and a doorway\, allowing two strangers to move toward truths that have been difficult to face. \nTHE SWALLOW is a powerful theatrical encounter about loss\, compassion\, and the possibility of connection when people are willing to listen. \nPerformance Schedule \nTHE SWALLOW runs September 11–27\, 2026\, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 3:00 PM. \nA possible extension would run October 2–18\, 2026\, with the same performance schedule: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 3:00 PM. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/the-swallow/2026-10-30/ LOCATION:IL CATEGORIES:theater-performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/fb-event-poster-4.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261030T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261030T223000 DTSTAMP:20260903T050139Z CREATED:20260903T050139Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T050139Z UID:10004623-1793388600-1793399400@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:The Factory Theater Presents the World Premiere of “Radical Futures\,” October 9 - November 21 DESCRIPTION:The Factory Theater and Artistic Director Michael Jones are proud to announce the first production of its 32nd season\, the world premiere of B.Z Florida’s Radical Futures\, directed by Kayla Menz\, October 9 – November 21 at The Factory Theater\, 1623 W. Howard St. \nForged in Factory Theater’s workshop\, Radical Futures showcases a genre not often explored on the Factory stage. In a failing dive bar\, two estranged friends try to reconnect over hallucinogenic cocktails that trigger visions of tomorrow. As these sci-fi visions grow wilder and more intense\, one question looms large: Does their friendship have a future? B.Z Florida’s play is a flight of science fiction about the relationships of today and different futures of tomorrow. \nThe performance schedule is Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are on sale at TheFactoryTheater.com for $30. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/the-factory-theater-presents-the-world-premiere-of-radical-futures-october-9-november-21/2026-10-30/ LOCATION:The Factory Theater\, 1623 W. Howard St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60626\, United States CATEGORIES:theater-performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/radical-futures.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261030T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261030T223000 DTSTAMP:20260924T175558Z CREATED:20260924T175558Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260924T175558Z UID:10005318-1793388600-1793399400@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:“The Last Word\,” an Adventure Screenplay with a Cocktail Experience\, Announces Fall & Winter 2026 Performances DESCRIPTION:The Last Word\, created by Declan Grogan\, announces extension performance dates each month from September to December\, at the iO Theater\, 1501 N. Kingsbury St. \nThe Last Word is the ONLY craft cocktail progression paired with a screenplay. The story is based on Chartreuse\, a real-life liqueur that sells millions of bottles every year\, but only two people in the world know how to make it. When Mike finds one dying in the woods and is given the only known copy of the recipe\, he has to decide whether to return it to the monastery that keeps it safe or die trying. Audiences may experience a high-action comedy script complete with lights\, sound\, music and other fun surprises throughout the night\, including four cocktails crafted specifically for each act of the show. Finally\, at The Last Word\, there is only one rule: No one knows what will happen tonight. Content warning: flashing lights\, loud sounds\, profanity and depictions of violence. \nThe running time is two hours and 30 minutes\, including an intermission. The performance schedule through December is Thursday\, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m.\, followed by Friday\, Oct. 30\, Friday\, Nov. 20 and Friday\, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $50 for both general admission and the drink package\, which includes four specialty cocktails and $20 for general admission tickets without the cocktail experience. Tickets are available at TheLastWordShow.com. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/the-last-word-an-adventure-screenplay-with-a-cocktail-experience-announces-fall-winter-2026-performances-2/ LOCATION:iO Theater\, 1501 N Kingsbury\, Chicago\, IL\, 60642\, United States CATEGORIES:theater-performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/TheLastWord_Summer2026_2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261030T210000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261030T223000 DTSTAMP:20261015T062811Z CREATED:20261015T062811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T062811Z UID:10005603-1793394000-1793399400@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:Gay for Pay: Ghouls\, Gays\, and Theys DESCRIPTION:Calling all ghouls\, gays\, and theys! Halloween is upon us once more\, and Chicago’s funniest queer comics are here to make you laugh so hard you’ll die 💀 (with laughter\, of course!). This month’s lineup includes your hosts with the mosts Dan Hickey and Mary Fiala\, standup from Todd Douglas\, Lio Cundiff\, and headliner Manny Petty\, along with an extra terrifying set by body horror clown Violet Chaos. PLUS: Come in costume and strut your stuff on stage for a chance to win a ~mystery prize~ URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/gay-for-pay-ghouls-gays-and-theys/ LOCATION:The Lincoln Lodge\, 2040 North Milwaukee Avenue\, Chicago\, IL\, 60647\, United States CATEGORIES:comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot_2026-07-31_at_8.17.33_PM_50.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261031T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261031T180000 DTSTAMP:20261022T150714Z CREATED:20261022T150714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261022T150714Z UID:10005678-1793444400-1793469600@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:XempasĂșchil: DĂ­a de los Muertos en la Calle 26 DESCRIPTION:The Little Village Chamber’s two-day DĂ­a de los Muertos celebration turns participating businesses along the 26th Street corridor into neighborhood stops for remembrance and discovery. Visitors can follow the organizer’s map to traditional ofrendas\, live Catrina and CatrĂ­n appearances\, free traditional food and drinks\, and commemorative photo booths. Programming runs from 11am to 6pm on both Saturday\, October 31 and Sunday\, November 1. Admission is free. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/xempasuchil-dia-de-los-muertos-en-la-calle-26/ LOCATION:Various locations ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/imgi_1_flyer.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261031T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261031T220000 DTSTAMP:20261022T145809Z CREATED:20261022T145415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261022T145809Z UID:10005676-1793444400-1793484000@chicagosocialbutterflies.com SUMMARY:Haunted Halsted Fest and Halloween Parade DESCRIPTION:Northalsted’s 30th annual Halloween celebration begins with an all-ages street festival from 11am to 6pm\, featuring a kids zone\, arts and crafts\, games\, trick-or-treating at more than 25 businesses\, and more than 50 vendor booths. The street clears at 6pm before a parade of more than 300 costumed participants travels from Halsted and Belmont to Halsted and Brompton from 7 to 8pm. A five-category costume contest and post-parade party follow at 3514 N Halsted\, with entertainment continuing until 10pm. Spectator admission is free; costume-contest entry is $5. The parade proceeds in rain or snow. URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/haunted-halsted-fest-and-halloween-parade/ LOCATION:Halsted Street from Belmont to Brompton\, Chicago\, IL\, United States CATEGORIES:festival,outdoor ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/haunted-halsted-halloween.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR