Join diverse community events and cultural celebrations in Des Plaines, IL. Find festivals, networking events, religious celebrations, educational workshops, and gatherings from communities worldwide. Experience the rich cultural tapestry of your area through events that celebrate heritage, foster understanding, and bring people together across cultures."
A once-in-a-lifetime concert event celebrating Vietnamese American heritage starring Carol Kim and a talented ensemble from New Orleans
Step back in time with us! Saigon Jazz Revival features legendary Vietnamese singer Carol Kim with a talented jazz ensemble from New Orleans for a live performance. This event kicks off the Vietnamese Association of Illinois 50-year anniversary celebration! HAI QUÊ, MỘT HỘI (Two homes, one VAI) honors those that carried this community forward and uplift those who will continue leading it into the future.
This collaborative project brings together artists across oceans and generations to celebrate jazz and its influence on Vietnamese and Chicago culture.
Rooted in the sounds and spirit of old Saigon and reimagined in New Orleans, this performance celebrates our diverse backgrounds, expansive homelands, and shared love of timeless songs.
Starring Vietnam’s Queen of Soul, Carol Kim, this concert features musicians from Vietnam, Honduras, Cuba, Mexico, Japan, and New Orleans and will showcase original collaborations with various Vietnamese diasporic artists as well as dynamic re-creations of Vietnamese folk songs.
Saigon Jazz Revival is not just a moment of nostalgia; it is a living collaboration celebrating our Vietnamese American community past and present. Join us for a one-night only portal into the electric nightlife and emotional landscape of Old Saigon celebrating continuity, migration, cultural memory, and our collective joy.
--
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: MARION HOANG NGOC HILL
MUSIC DIRECTORS: STEVE LANDS, OSCAR ROSSIGNOLI
VOCALISTS: CAROL KIM, TRACE LE
--
Visit our website or follow us on Instagram to be the first to know of our future 50th anniversary celebrations!
Interested in sponsoring Saigon Jazz Revival? Please contact Tran Ma or call (331) 806-3155 for more information.
ABOUT THE VIETNAMESE ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS
The Vietnamese Association of Illinois (VAI) is one of the largest and oldest Southeast Asian refugee organizations in the United States. This year is VAI’s 50th anniversary in solidarity with our community.
Since its founding in 1976, VAI has been shaped and sustained by the efforts of community members from different generations and waves of migration—each with their own distinct connection to the community. The first wave of Vietnamese refugees began to organize and help people resettled in Illinois following the Fall of Saigon and created an organization to help fellow Vietnamese people, anticipating the influx of those who were to come. Today, we continue to serve our community to fit changing needs through direct service and community organizing.
Saturday, 29, 18.00 -
Saturday, 29, 21.30
Chicago,
IL
_$25
A festival celebrating Bronzeville’s legacy & Black Chicago through performances, exhibitions, games, health & wellness, and community.
Black & Bronze is more than a festival—it's an intentional celebration of Bronzeville’s legacy as a national epicenter of Black history, creativity, and cultural power. Held in the heart of the neighborhood, this day-long gathering pays homage to Black Chicago's unmatched contributions to American music, art, sports, and activism—while shining a light on the next generation carrying that torch forward. Join us for a vibrant day of performances, workshops, health & wellness sessions, sports, vendors, and community fun rooted in spirit and storytelling.
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Bring your people. Bring your love for the South Side. This is our moment. This is our music. This is Black & Bronze.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
🎵 MUSIC PERFORMANCES
Experience unforgettable musical tributes, where today’s artists honor the pioneers who put Bronzeville and Chicago on the map—from Nat King Cole to Earth Wind & Fire, Sam Cooke to Common:
A Tribute to Chicago Soul & R&B ft. Jessica Lá Rel and Vee Armstrong
A Tribute to Chicago Hip Hop ft. A.J.IV, Da' Lightbeam, Moyana, and Dai Raps
A Tribute to Chicago Gospel ft. Monica Anissa, Tramaine Parker, Skii George, Apollo Robinson, Marquetta Jackson, 3DC, and David Wilson.
A Tribute to Chicago Jazz ft. Khrys Royalle
🗣 SPOKEN WORD
Our spoken word poets will share the rich, layered history of Bronzeville while drawing powerful connections to the issues shaping the South Side today. Featuring: Eros The Poet • Faith Overallat & Nuff Said • Josh Paul • T'Aura The Poet
💃🏿 MOVEMENT & DANCE PERFORMANCES
"Prime Time With Lime" Footwork Dance Battle
Battle of The Bands
Dance Performance by ChiBuck Movement, 3DC, and JC4U
African Drumming & Dancing by Victoria Djembe & Dancers
Line Dancing Tutorials
Fashion Show with Swag The Runway
🏀 WELLNESS & COMMUNITY
Basketball Tournament & Dunk Contest by The Denard Bros
Hip Hop Dance Workshop with Diva Dance Studio Bronzeville
Pilates Session with Melanin Matters
Roller Skating with Party Movers
HIIT Training with Coach Julius
Yoga with Spiritchill Wellness
👦🏿 KIDS ZONE
Story Time Tent with Caught By A Tale
Bounce Houses, Gaming Truck & Face Painting with Bright Star Community Outreach
Frozen Treats with Citypoint Church
Beat Making with Intonation Music
Innovation Station STEM Activities with Project Exploration
👵🏾 SENIOR SEATING
Elders are welcome to relax in our Legacy Lounge, where they can receive shaded seating.
🏛️ HISTORY & EXHIBITIONS
Experience our archival walkway exhibition, documenting the history of Bronzeville and Black Chicago at large. Shop with local businesses in our Black Metropolis Market, and buy delicious food from our Sam Cooke Food Court.
Black & Bronze is rooted in historical reverence and creative resurgence. It uplifts local independent artists and storytellers, connects generations, and turns a neighborhood park into a portal of pride, memory, and movement.
By registering for this event, you grant permission to Black & Bronze to use photographs and/or video of you taken in publications, news releases, online, and in other communications related to the mission of Black & Bronze: A Bronzeville Music Fest.
Saturday, 29, 13.00 -
Saturday, 29, 19.00
Chicago,
IL
_$25
A day to connect, empower, and celebrate community coming together to build brotherhood and uplift the community.
The Birmingham BLK Male Summit and the Chad Wright Jr. Collective proudly present the 1st Annual BLK Male Summit x Brotherhood Summit – Chicago.
This first-of-its-kind collaboration brings together two impactful organizations, two cities, and a shared commitment to strengthening our communities. The summit will convene men from all backgrounds, along with advocates, allies, community leaders, and change-makers, for a day centered on connection, empowerment, leadership, and collective impact.
Our mission is simple: create a space where people can come together to build relationships, access resources, engage in meaningful conversations, and explore solutions that improve the quality of life in our communities. No agendas. No divisions. Just brotherhood, community, opportunity, and action.
Attendees can expect inspiring speakers, engaging discussions, valuable networking opportunities, community resources, free food, giveaways, and more.
We are honored to bring this experience to Chicago and look forward to welcoming you on August 15th for a powerful day of learning, fellowship, and community building.
Join us as we invest in people, strengthen communities, and build a brighter future—together.
Saturday, 15, 10.00 -
Saturday, 15, 17.00
Chicago,
IL
_$25
Please join Circle Ruth Women's Ministry for our 14th Annual Prayer Fellowship Brunch.
Annual Prayer Fellowship Brunch
You are warmly invited to join Circle Ruth Women’s Ministry for our 14th Annual Prayer Fellowship Brunch!
Theme: “Rooting & Producing”
Just as a tree must be deeply rooted to bear fruit, this gathering is a time for us to be grounded in God’s presence so we can grow, flourish, and produce in every area of our lives. In this season, we are intentionally planting ourselves in faith, nurturing our spiritual foundation, and preparing to yield a powerful harvest.
As we step into 2026, we are believing God to cultivate something extraordinary within us—strengthening our roots and causing us to produce fruit that remains.
Come expecting:
Spiritual growth and renewal
Meaningful fellowship and connection
Joy, laughter, and uplifting music
Delicious food and exciting raffles
Bring a friend and join us as we grow deeper, stand stronger, and produce greater—together.
🌿 Get rooted. Grow strong. Produce abundantly.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Friday, 07, 18.00 -
Friday, 07, 22.00
Alsip,
IL
_$25
CHOOSE RIGHT! – A Conference for Singles Join us for an inspiring and life-changing weekend designed specifically for Christian singles.
CHOOSE RIGHT!
A Conference for Singles
Join us for an inspiring and life-changing weekend designed specifically for Christian singles who desire to make wise, God-centered decisions in every area of life.
Through powerful teaching, engaging panel discussions, practical financial wisdom, and meaningful fellowship opportunities, you’ll gain biblical insight for your spiritual walk, relationships, purpose, and future.
Featuring dynamic speakers, interactive sessions, and this conference will encourage, equip, and empower you to confidently choose God’s best for your life.
NEW SCHEDULE:
Friday, August 7 • 7:00 PM
Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Mark Taylor Spoken Word: Ms. Keyuana Jointer
Saturday, August 8 • 9:30 AM
Meet & Greet Breakfast – Come connect, laugh, and build new friendships!
Saturday, August 8 • 11:00 AM Financial Session Presented by Financial Advisor Ms. Penny Gomez
Sunday, August 9 • 9:30 AM
Rev. Dr. Mark Taylor returns with a powerful closing message you won’t want to miss!
Come expecting connection, growth, encouragement, and direction as you discover how to CHOOSE RIGHT!
Register today and reserve your seat!
Friday, 07, 19.00 -
Sunday, 09, 09.30
Chicago,
IL
_$25
Join us for Mussar: A Jewish Spirituality of Ethics with Raw Sarah Mulhern, Rabbi of Silverstein Base Lincoln Park
Join us August 5 for Mussar: A Jewish Spirituality of Ethics
With Rav Sarah Mulhern, Rabbi of Silverstein Base Lincoln Park
7:30 PM–9:00 PM at Base Lincoln Park
We typically think of ethics and spirituality as quite different realms—ethics is about big thorny issues between human beings, and spirituality is about intimate emotional experiences and connection with the Divine. However the Mussar movement, which grew out of the 19th century Lithuanian Jewish community drawing on much older insights and texts, sees ethical self-improvement and directed character work as both a religious imperative and a spiritual practice. How can spiritual practice help you be a better person in everyday moments? How can pushing yourself ethically nurture your soul? Join us for this session where we will meet some of the core ideas and practices of Mussar, offering a different way to consider the relationship between spirituality and ethics and leaving you with practical tools to implement in your own journey towards a sacred life.
ASL interpreter will be present. All are welcome to attend at no cost. Light dinner provided.
Silverstein Base Lincoln Park is accessed by two flights of stairs. If this is not accessible to you, a livestream is available. Please email [email protected] for info.
In partnership with Mishkan, BASE Lincoln Park, Ashe Emet Synagogue, and SketchPad.
Rav Sarah Mulhern is a rabbi, educator, and community builder who serves as the Rabbi of Silverstein Base Lincoln Park, where she welcomes young adults and college students from across Chicago into her home for Jewish life and community. A nationally regarded Torah educator, she teaches widely on Jewish ethics, gender, and practice. She was ordained by Hebrew College, where she also earned a Master’s in Jewish Education, and received private rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Daniel Landes (Yashrut). Rav Sarah passionately believes that Torah matters and that Judaism can enrich human life and better society.
Save the dates for our the upcoming classes in our Spirituality Series:
October 13: Accessing Prayer One Word at a Time
December 10: Shalom Aleichem: Jewish Connection to Angels
Wednesday, 05, 19.30 -
Wednesday, 05, 21.00
Chicago,
IL
_$25
THE ISUPK CHICAGO'S ANNUAL MIDWEST FIRE WEEKEND BLACK AND BROWN UNITY COOKOUT A FREE EVENT FOR BLACK, HISPANIC AND NATIVE AMERICAN PEOPLE
The Premier Black and Brown Unity Event of the Entire Midwest. Free Food, Drinks, Games, entertainment and more. Come enjoy a safe, family friendly environment and experience brotherhood and sisterhood unlike anything you've seen before.
Sunday, 02, 12.00 -
Sunday, 02, 19.00
Chicago,
IL
_$25
CareFreeBlackGirl celebrates Black femmes through culture, wellness, entrepreneurship, and community in a fun way. SEE YA'LL IN CHICAGO!
The #CareFreeBlackGirl squad is coming to Chicago!
the cookout is an interactive day event that celebrates black women & femmes in a fun and carefree enviroment.
Everyone is welcome to join the fun!
Location : Park No. 540
2401 S Federal St Chicago, IL 60616
Time - 2pm-8pm
What to expect::
•black women DJs , performers & host’s
•vendors
• Creative activities
•Free food 1st hour
•Good vibes
•Giveaways
•Games UNO - Double Dutch - Red Light, Green Light
ACTIVITIES
Wellness Activites w/ Not a Bad Life & More
What To Bring
•Blanket
•Good Vibes
•comfy clothes
**This is an adult focused event. Kids under 13 do not need a ticket but must be with an adult at all times***
RSVP & GET READY !FOOD . GAMES. MELANIN
Please Note
Updates will be shared with all ticket holders via email and social media. This event is open to the public. Paid tickets include activities and food. Please READ THE DETAILS. No refunds unless the event is canceled.
Instagram @carefreeblackgirlinc_
twitter @cfbgpod
This isn’t just a cookout—it’s a movement.
The CareFreeBlackGirl CookOut is a safe space for Black femmes and allies to celebrate in full color. Come for the vibes, leave with community.
Saturday, 22, 14.00 -
Saturday, 22, 20.00
Chicago,
IL
_$25
Turn your smartphone into a filmmaking tool with Chicago filmmaker Coquie Hughes in this hands-on cinematic storytelling workshop.
Included with Festival & Day Passes!
Saturday, July 25 | 11:30 AM
Learn the basics of smartphone filmmaking, including storytelling, cinematography, editing, and sound.
*Workshop-only attendees are welcome to attend with a suggested donation.*
Saturday, 25, 11.30 -
Saturday, 25, 12.30
Chicago,
IL
_$25
A once-in-a-lifetime concert event celebrating Vietnamese American heritage starring Carol Kim and a talented ensemble from New Orleans
Step back in time with us! Saigon Jazz Revival features legendary Vietnamese singer Carol Kim with a talented jazz ensemble from New Orleans for a live performance. This event kicks off the Vietnamese Association of Illinois 50-year anniversary celebration! HAI QUÊ, MỘT HỘI (Two homes, one VAI) honors those that carried this community forward and uplift those who will continue leading it into the future.
This collaborative project brings together artists across oceans and generations to celebrate jazz and its influence on Vietnamese and Chicago culture.
Rooted in the sounds and spirit of old Saigon and reimagined in New Orleans, this performance celebrates our diverse backgrounds, expansive homelands, and shared love of timeless songs.
Starring Vietnam’s Queen of Soul, Carol Kim, this concert features musicians from Vietnam, Honduras, Cuba, Mexico, Japan, and New Orleans and will showcase original collaborations with various Vietnamese diasporic artists as well as dynamic re-creations of Vietnamese folk songs.
Saigon Jazz Revival is not just a moment of nostalgia; it is a living collaboration celebrating our Vietnamese American community past and present. Join us for a one-night only portal into the electric nightlife and emotional landscape of Old Saigon celebrating continuity, migration, cultural memory, and our collective joy.
--
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: MARION HOANG NGOC HILL
MUSIC DIRECTORS: STEVE LANDS, OSCAR ROSSIGNOLI
VOCALISTS: CAROL KIM, TRACE LE
--
Visit our website or follow us on Instagram to be the first to know of our future 50th anniversary celebrations!
Interested in sponsoring Saigon Jazz Revival? Please contact Tran Ma or call (331) 806-3155 for more information.
ABOUT THE VIETNAMESE ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS
The Vietnamese Association of Illinois (VAI) is one of the largest and oldest Southeast Asian refugee organizations in the United States. This year is VAI’s 50th anniversary in solidarity with our community.
Since its founding in 1976, VAI has been shaped and sustained by the efforts of community members from different generations and waves of migration—each with their own distinct connection to the community. The first wave of Vietnamese refugees began to organize and help people resettled in Illinois following the Fall of Saigon and created an organization to help fellow Vietnamese people, anticipating the influx of those who were to come. Today, we continue to serve our community to fit changing needs through direct service and community organizing.
Friday, 24, 18.00 - Friday, 24, 22.00
Chicago, IL
95.00
A festival celebrating Bronzeville’s legacy & Black Chicago through performances, exhibitions, games, health & wellness, and community.
Black & Bronze is more than a festival—it's an intentional celebration of Bronzeville’s legacy as a national epicenter of Black history, creativity, and cultural power. Held in the heart of the neighborhood, this day-long gathering pays homage to Black Chicago's unmatched contributions to American music, art, sports, and activism—while shining a light on the next generation carrying that torch forward. Join us for a vibrant day of performances, workshops, health & wellness sessions, sports, vendors, and community fun rooted in spirit and storytelling.
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Bring your people. Bring your love for the South Side. This is our moment. This is our music. This is Black & Bronze.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
🎵 MUSIC PERFORMANCES
Experience unforgettable musical tributes, where today’s artists honor the pioneers who put Bronzeville and Chicago on the map—from Nat King Cole to Earth Wind & Fire, Sam Cooke to Common:
A Tribute to Chicago Soul & R&B ft. Jessica Lá Rel and Vee Armstrong
A Tribute to Chicago Hip Hop ft. A.J.IV, Da' Lightbeam, Moyana, and Dai Raps
A Tribute to Chicago Gospel ft. Monica Anissa, Tramaine Parker, Skii George, Apollo Robinson, Marquetta Jackson, 3DC, and David Wilson.
A Tribute to Chicago Jazz ft. Khrys Royalle
🗣 SPOKEN WORD
Our spoken word poets will share the rich, layered history of Bronzeville while drawing powerful connections to the issues shaping the South Side today. Featuring: Eros The Poet • Faith Overallat & Nuff Said • Josh Paul • T'Aura The Poet
💃🏿 MOVEMENT & DANCE PERFORMANCES
"Prime Time With Lime" Footwork Dance Battle
Battle of The Bands
Dance Performance by ChiBuck Movement, 3DC, and JC4U
African Drumming & Dancing by Victoria Djembe & Dancers
Line Dancing Tutorials
Fashion Show with Swag The Runway
🏀 WELLNESS & COMMUNITY
Basketball Tournament & Dunk Contest by The Denard Bros
Hip Hop Dance Workshop with Diva Dance Studio Bronzeville
Pilates Session with Melanin Matters
Roller Skating with Party Movers
HIIT Training with Coach Julius
Yoga with Spiritchill Wellness
👦🏿 KIDS ZONE
Story Time Tent with Caught By A Tale
Bounce Houses, Gaming Truck & Face Painting with Bright Star Community Outreach
Frozen Treats with Citypoint Church
Beat Making with Intonation Music
Innovation Station STEM Activities with Project Exploration
👵🏾 SENIOR SEATING
Elders are welcome to relax in our Legacy Lounge, where they can receive shaded seating.
🏛️ HISTORY & EXHIBITIONS
Experience our archival walkway exhibition, documenting the history of Bronzeville and Black Chicago at large. Shop with local businesses in our Black Metropolis Market, and buy delicious food from our Sam Cooke Food Court.
Black & Bronze is rooted in historical reverence and creative resurgence. It uplifts local independent artists and storytellers, connects generations, and turns a neighborhood park into a portal of pride, memory, and movement.
By registering for this event, you grant permission to Black & Bronze to use photographs and/or video of you taken in publications, news releases, online, and in other communications related to the mission of Black & Bronze: A Bronzeville Music Fest.
Friday, 24, 18.00 - Friday, 24, 22.00
Chicago, IL
0.00
A day to connect, empower, and celebrate community coming together to build brotherhood and uplift the community.
The Birmingham BLK Male Summit and the Chad Wright Jr. Collective proudly present the 1st Annual BLK Male Summit x Brotherhood Summit – Chicago.
This first-of-its-kind collaboration brings together two impactful organizations, two cities, and a shared commitment to strengthening our communities. The summit will convene men from all backgrounds, along with advocates, allies, community leaders, and change-makers, for a day centered on connection, empowerment, leadership, and collective impact.
Our mission is simple: create a space where people can come together to build relationships, access resources, engage in meaningful conversations, and explore solutions that improve the quality of life in our communities. No agendas. No divisions. Just brotherhood, community, opportunity, and action.
Attendees can expect inspiring speakers, engaging discussions, valuable networking opportunities, community resources, free food, giveaways, and more.
We are honored to bring this experience to Chicago and look forward to welcoming you on August 15th for a powerful day of learning, fellowship, and community building.
Join us as we invest in people, strengthen communities, and build a brighter future—together.
Friday, 24, 18.00 - Friday, 24, 22.00
Chicago, IL
0.00
Based in Des Plaines, Illinois, the Association of South Asian Real Estate Professionals represents a movement beyond traditional networking—it is a community-driven organization dedicated to empowering South Asian real estate professionals and the neighborhoods they serve. ASARP's mission centers on being a trusted voice and resource for South Asian real estate professionals while advocating for private property rights and fair practices across North America. The organization recognizes and addresses specific gaps in the real estate market by providing South Asian communities with knowledge about investment opportunities, cultural competency training for mainstream real estate professionals, and a supportive network of peers who understand their unique experiences. At its core, ASARP operates on the principle that success is measured not by profits but by tangible outcomes—member prosperity, community empowerment, and industry diversity. The organization actively reaches out to South Asian communities to maximize their real estate experiences while partnering with policymakers and industry practitioners to ensure South Asian voices are heard. ASARP's core values of growth, community success, integrity, and innovation guide every initiative, from educational programs to community outreach efforts. By joining ASARP, members become part of a professional movement committed to strengthening business opportunities, building meaningful connections, and creating sustainable improvements in the real estate sphere. The organization serves communities across South Asia and North America, recognizing that real estate success is built on professionalism, cooperation, and a deep commitment to the people and neighborhoods served. ASARP stands as a testament to what can be achieved when dedicated professionals unite around shared values and a commitment to community advancement.
Rooted in the experiences of post-World War II immigrants, the Donauschwaben Society of Chicago represents a unique community institution serving Des Plaines, IL and the greater metropolitan area. The organization emerged from the resilience and determination of founding members who arrived as displaced persons seeking to rebuild their lives in America. Grateful for the opportunities provided by their adopted country, these pioneers established the Society with a dual purpose: to preserve the rich cultural traditions and German language of the Danube Swabian people, while simultaneously giving back to their community through meaningful charitable work. Today, the Society continues this legacy by fostering a sense of cultural pride among its youth, ensuring that younger generations understand and appreciate their ancestral heritage. The organization's commitment extends beyond cultural preservation to active community engagement, with particular focus on supporting vulnerable populations including senior citizens and at-risk youth in Des Plaines. Through supervised programs and community outreach initiatives, the Donauschwaben Society addresses pressing social needs while creating safe, nurturing environments where young people can thrive. The organization's philanthropic mission reflects the values instilled by its founding generation—compassion born from hardship, generosity rooted in gratitude, and a deep commitment to strengthening the neighborhoods where members live and work. By maintaining this balance between cultural celebration and community service, the Donauschwaben Society of Chicago honors both its heritage and its responsibility to the Des Plaines community it calls home.
Rooted in the Des Plaines, Illinois community, the Federation of Hellenic American Organizations of Illinois embodies a mission to unite and strengthen Hellenic American organizations and the broader Greek-American community. The organization honors the resilience and enduring spirit of Greek heritage, guided by the conviction that cultural identity and community bonds remain vital across generations. With a foundational commitment to honest stewardship and selfless service, the Federation operates with deep respect for its member organizations while working collectively to preserve and celebrate Greek traditions in American society. The organization recognizes that the Greek-American experience spans generations of immigration, integration, and cultural contribution, and it works to ensure that these stories and values are passed forward. The Federation serves the Midwest region through community-building initiatives, cultural celebrations, and support for Greek-American institutions ranging from churches and schools to professional and civic organizations. Leadership within the organization includes distinguished community members—judges, civic leaders, and cultural advocates—who exemplify the values of service and cultural pride that define the Federation's work. By facilitating connections among Greek-American organizations in the Illinois area and beyond, the Federation strengthens the social fabric of the community and creates meaningful opportunities for cultural expression, education, and intergenerational dialogue. The organization's annual events and programs reflect a deep commitment to keeping Greek culture alive and relevant in contemporary American life while maintaining the authentic traditions and values that connect community members to their heritage and to one another.