As busy parents, we deserve a night out every now and then without the kids. And when you finally have a babysitter, it’s time to have some fun!
Resist the urge to catch some much-needed shuteye in a parking lot, make a Target run or do the boring old dinner and a movie routine. Chicagoland has so many sensational options for unique date night experiences!
We’ve rounded up our favorite local events and activities to make your next date night extra special. Don’t have time to go out? Check out these at-home date night ideas instead.
Local events
Pixar Putt at Navy Pier
July 21-23, 2023
- Address: 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $27-$32.50
Pixar Putt is a pop-up, open-air mini-golf experience made up of 18 fun and interactive holes inspired by Pixar films.
Tacos y Tamales Festival
July 21-23, 2023
- Address: W. 16th St. & S. Peoria St., Chicago
- Cost: Suggested donation benefiting the local community organizations in Pilsen
Come to experience the best (and most authentic) tacos and tamales Chicago has to offer, plus handmade tortillas, local art Installations, merchant vendors, authentic Mexican chefs, Latin music and dance performances.
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
July 21-23, 2023
- Address: 2500 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $10/entry at the gate
Enjoy a main stage with local and regional entertainment, food and more.
Bags, Brew and BBQ at Wilder Park
July 22, 2023
- Address: 175 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst
- Cost: Free/admission; fees/food and drinks
Parents can enjoy a game night in Wilder Park for adults. Grab a drink and bring out your competitive spirit with bags and supersized editions of classic games. For ages 21 and up only (state or federal ID required).
Dining in the Dark: An Elegant Blindfolded Dining Experience at The Sofitel
July 22, 2023
- Address: 20 E. Chestnut St., Chicago
- Cost: $95-$140
Parents can enjoy Dining in the Dark at The Sofitel, where they can immerse themselves in a mysterious and interactive experience.
Movies in the Parks at Brooks (Oscar) Park
July 22, 27, 2023
- Address: 7100 N. Harlem Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head to Brooks Park for a showing of Black Adam on July 22 and Thor: Love and Thunder on July 27. Movies begins at dusk.
Movies in the Parks at Rosenblum (J. Leslie) Park
July 22, 2023
- Address: 7547 S. Euclid Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head to Rosenblum (J. Leslie) Park for a showing of The Wiz. The movie begins at dusk.
Lincolnwood Fest at Henry A. Proesel Park
July 27-30, 2023
- Address: 6915 Kostner Ave., Lincolnwood
- Cost: Free
This fest features live music, carnival rides, games, BINGO, classic car show, arts and crafts and more.
The GooRoos at Venue 1012
July 27, 2023
- Address: 1012 Station Drive, Oswego
- Cost: Free
Feel like you’re at an old school rock concert when you come out to Venue 1012 to see The GooRoos in this free concert.
Wicker Park Fest
July 28-30, 2023
- Address: Milwaukee Ave. between Damen Ave. and Ashland Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $10/suggested donation
This event returns to Wicker Park and features over 50 local bands, over 200 participating small businesses, local food vendors and more.
Art at the Glen
July 29-30, 2023
- Address: 2030 Tower Drive, Glenview
- Cost: Free
See the art of more than 140 juried artists from across the country. Artists will be available at their booths to give demonstrations and one-on-one conversations about their artistic processes.
Movies in the Parks at Lake Shore Park
July 29, Aug. 15, Sept. 8, 2023
- Address: 808 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head to Lake Shore Park for a showing of Jungle Cruise on July 29, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on Aug. 15 and Grease on Sept. 8. The movie begins at dusk.
Concerts in Your Park: Scarlett’s Fire at Tall Grass Park
July 30, 2023
- Address: 3512 Grassmere Road, Naperville
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a Sunday evening live concert in the park.
Movie in the Park: Spider-Man No Way Home at Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center Band Shell
Aug 3, 2023
- Address: 8125 W. 171st St., Tinley Park
- Cost: Free
See the film, Spider-Man No Way Home at Tinley Park District’s Thursdays in the Park summer series. Bring your own blanket and chairs. A small concession stand will be available.
Movies in the Parks at Berger (Albert) Park
Aug. 5, 2023
- Address: 6205 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head to Berger Park for a showing of Indiana Jones and the Raiders and the Lost Ark. The movie begins at dusk.
Movies in the Parks at Oz Park
Aug. 5, 26, 2023
- Address: 2021 N. Burling St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head to Oz Park for a showing of West Side Story on Aug. 5 and The Wiz on Aug. 26. Movies begin at dusk.
Southern Accents: Tom Petty Tribute Band at Venue 1012
Aug. 5, 2023
- Address: 1012 Station Drive, Oswego
- Cost: $10-$15
Enjoy this Tom Petty tribute band called Southern Accents, formed by elite musicians from Nashville.
Titan Walls Festival at District Brew Yards
Aug. 7-12, 2023
- Address: 417 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Check out Chicago’s largest mural festival and spread art across the city. It will feature incredible mural artists from around the world. A fusion between art, culture and community, you’ll be able to experience live-painting, immersive activations and so much more!
Movies in the Parks at Bartelme (Mary) Park
Aug. 9, Sept. 7, 2023
- Address: 115 S. Sangamon St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head to Bartelme Park for a movie. Begins at dusk. Top Gun: Maverick is on Aug. 9 and Million Dollar Arm is on Sept. 7.
Live @ Lighthouse Summer Concert Series: Lenny White, Cyrus Chestnut and Buster Williams at Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago
Aug. 10, 2023
- Address: 108 W. Germania Place, Chicago
- Cost: $65-plus
Enjoy a summer concert series at Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago featuring acclaimed classical and jazz artists. Aug. 10 is Lenny White, Cyrus Chestnut and Buster Williams
Starry Night Champagne Dinner
Aug. 10, 2023
- Address: 20 E. Chestnut St., Chicago
- Cost: $209/ticket
Join Sofitel Chicago for an evening sipping Dom Perignon champagne under the stars. Experience their first ever pop-up dinner on La Terrace.
Lincolnshire Art Festival
Aug. 12-13, 2023
- Address: 100 Village Green, Lincolnshire
- Cost: Free
Lincolnshire Art Festival showcases the work of more than 80 juried artists from around the world in a variety of mediums. There’s also live music, a selection of beers, festival food and more.
Movies in the Parks at Loyola Park
Aug. 12, 19, 2023
- Address: 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head to Loyola Park for a showing of Top Gun: Maverick on Aug. 12 and Spider-Man: No Way Home on Aug. 19. The movies begin at dusk.
Northalsted Market Days
Aug. 12-13, 2023
- Address: 3400 N. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: Contact for details
There will be music on five stages, food, drinks, DJ’s and over 200 unique vendors at this annual.
Broadway in Chicago Summer Concert at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park
Aug. 14, 2023
- Address: 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head downtown and hear selections from MJ, Hamilton, the pre-Broadway Chicago premieres of A Wonderful World and The Wiz, Boop! The Musical, which has its World Premiere in Chicago this fall, Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Tony Award-winning musical revival Company and Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical. More shows to be announced.
Movies in the Parks at Commercial Club Playground of Chicago at Commercial Park
Aug. 17, 2023
- Address: 1845 W. Rice St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head to Commercial Club Playground of Chicago at Commercial Park for a showing of Top Gun: Maverick on Aug. 17. The movie begins at dusk.
Second Hand News: Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band at Venue 1012
Aug. 17, 2023
- Address: 1012 Station Drive, Oswego
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a free concert to see Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Second Hand News at Venue 1012.
Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival
Aug. 18-20, 2023
- Address: 800 Church St., Evanston
- Cost: Free
Shop from over 130 juried artists from around the country at this annual event. For three days, art lovers will have the opportunity to see the masters at work with live art demonstrations along with one-on-one booth chats.
Movies in the Parks at Calumet Park
Aug. 18, 2023
- Address: 9801 S. Avenue G, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head to Calumet Park for a showing of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. The movie begins at dusk
Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake on the Summer Worship Nights Tour at NOW Arena
Aug. 18, 2023
- Address: 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy., Hoffman Estates
- Cost: $25-plus
Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake on the Summer Worship Nights Tour is set to be a powerful night of authentic worship and prayer.
Movies in the Parks at Kells (George) Park
Aug. 22, 2023
- Address: 3201 W. Chicgao Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head to Kells (George) Park for a showing of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The movie begins at dusk.
Movies in the Parks at South Shore Cultural Center/Fieldhouse Park
Aug. 23, 2023
- Address: 7059 S. South Shore Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head to South Shore Cultural Center/Fieldhouse Park for a showing of The Wiz. The movie begins at dusk.
Movies in the Parks at Hermitage Park
Aug. 25, 2023
- Address: 5839 S. Wood St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy seeing Black Panther: Wakanda Forever at Hermitage Park. The movie begins at dusk.
Taste of Greektown
Aug. 25-27, 2023
- Address: 315 S. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: Contact for details
This annual event returns for its 33rd year. It features Greek food, music and entertainment, including Greek bands, artisans and games and more.
Movies in the Parks at Churchill Field Park
Aug. 26, 2023
- Address: 1825 N. Damen Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a showing of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back on Aug. 26. The movie begins at dusk.
Live @ Lighthouse Summer Concert Series: Billy Hart, Yotam Silberstein and Omer Avital at Lighhouse ArtSpace Chicago
Aug. 31, 2023
- Address: 108 W. Germania Place, Chicago
- Cost: $65-plus
Enjoy a summer concert series at Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago featuring acclaimed classical and jazz artists. Aug. 31 is Billy Hart, Yotam Silberstein and Omer Avital.
Silent Movie Series at Indian Boundary Park
Sept. 1, Dec. 1, 2023
- Address: 2500 W. Lunt Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
See A Buster Keaton Short Film Festival is on Sept. 1 and Son of the Skeik, starring Rudolph Valentino on Dec. 1.
Art Fair on the Square in Historic Lake Forest Market Square
Sept. 3-4, 2023
- Address: 264 Market Square Ct., Lake Forest
- Cost: Free
This event features 120 exhibitors work in a variety of disciplines including glass, wood, fiber, ceramics, digital art, jewelry, metal, drawing/pastels, graphics/printmaking, painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media.
Harry Potter: Magic at Play at Water Tower Place
Through Sept. 4, 2023
- Address: 835 Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $42.50
Enjoy 30,000 square feet of hands-on magical interactivity including games, exploration, sensory activations and more that celebrate Harry’s own journey in discovering the wizarding world.
Pompeii: The Exhibition at Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
Through Sept. 4, 2023
- Address: 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $18
See this immersive, educational museum exhibit, “Pompeii: The Exhibition.” You’ll be transported back in time to learn about Pompeii and see more than 150 historical artifacts.
Movies in the Parks at Eckhart (Bernard) Park
Sept. 6, 2023
- Address: 1330 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
See a showing of Grease on Sept. 6. The movie begins at dusk.
Sid Sriram at NOW Arena
Sept. 8, 2023
- Address: 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy., Hoffman Estates
- Cost: $54-plus
See Sid Sriram at the All Love No Hate Tour 2023 when he performs live at NOW Arena.
Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop at Cleve Carney Museum of Art
Through Sept. 10, 2023
- Address: 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
- Cost: $40/anytime ticket, $25-$30/timed ticket; add on packages available
This exhibit allows visitors to experience Andy Warhol’s life through interactive exhibits, recreations and videos created exclusively for this exhibition.
Lauren Daigle: The Kaleidoscope Tour at NOW Arena
Sept. 16, 2023
- Address: 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy., Hoffman Estates
- Cost: $39.50-plus
See two-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter, Lauren Daigle and she brings the Kaleidoscope Tour to NOW Ar
More date night ideas
Splurge on a chef’s tasting at Roka Akor
Individually curated, multi-course seafood, steak and sushi meals dazzle the eyes as much as they delight palates at Roka Akor. Chef’s tastings are fun to try, especially when they’re capped off with dessert that looks like a work of art.
Play a round of mini golf Puttshack
- Address: Oakbrook Center, 1828 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook
- Cost: $12
There’s a new mini golf bar and restaurant at Oakbrook Center. While families are welcome during the day, you can make it a date night since only ages 21 and older are welcomed after 8 p.m.
Catch a magic show at Chicago Magic Lounge
- Address: 5050 N. Clark St., Chicago
Chicago Magic Lounge aims to bring the lost art of close-up style magic back to its birthplace in the Windy City. This incredibly designed space features a hidden entrance in the middle of a laundromat. Once inside, magicians will dazzle you and your date behind the art deco inspired bar.
Make a wooden sign at Board & Brush
- Various locations in Chicagoland
Bring your Pinterest board to life by working alongside your date to make a custom DIY decor piece for your home. Board and Brush features hundreds of personalized farmhouse-style signs, coat racks, clocks, and more that look great in any space. Most Board & Brush locations are BYOB.
Craft your own cocktail at Hollow Leg
- Address: 2524 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago
If your only specialty is a vodka cranberry, it’s time to up your bartending abilities. Hollow Leg offers private and group mixology courses that’ll teach you the art and science behind making the perfect drink. Find and discover the unique flavor profiles of your date.
Channel your inner lumberjack at Bad Axe Throwing
Experience the thrill of throwing an axe directly at a target. No prior knowledge of the sport is needed, as coaches brief participants on safety rules and provide thorough demonstrations before letting you run wild. Insider tip: Given the number of things that could go wrong if alcohol were involved, it is prohibited.
Feel like a kid again at Lucky Strike Social
As a parent, you’ve probably been to your fair share of arcades and bowling alleys. Lucky Strike Social recreates the entertaining atmosphere for adults by enforcing a 21 and older age policy after 9 p.m.
Create your signature scent at Scentcerely Yours
- Address: 211 W. State St., Geneva
With a variety of options like brown sugar, campfire or basmati rice, you’ll bound to find the perfect scent. Choose from a candle, lotion, scrub, and more, then gift your creation to the other. Pro tip: You’ll need at least 90 minutes for a candle to set. Lotions can be made quickly.
