As inauguration day draws closer, Chicago is playing host to scores of happenings for almost every interest and political belief, from rallies and watch parties to button-making gatherings and art shows. Here are more than two dozen:
Rallies and protests:
Inauguration Day People’s Assembly United Working Families will meet downtown for workshops, community building, and strategy sharing before marching to join one of the protests planned at Trump Tower. The event is part of the organization’s week of action. Fri 1/20, 1 PM-5 PM, Grace Episcopal Church, 637 S. Dearborn, 312-922-1426, free.
UIC Walkout & Rally The student-led rally hopes to bring together a large group of people, regardless of race, gender, or political affiliation, to unite against president-elect Donald Trump. Participants are encouraged to walk out of classrooms or workplaces and stand together. Fri 1/20, 2:30-4:30 PM, University of Illinois at Chicago Quad, 1200 W. Harrison.
Resist Trump As part of the mass protests planned for inauguration day, the Chicago chapter of the Movement for the 99% and the Chicago Socialist Alternative will lead demonstrators in a show of resistance against the new president. Fri 1/20, 3-5 PM, Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington.
Trump Tower Chicago Inauguration Day Protest A peaceful, nonviolent demonstration is planned for the evening of inauguration day. Organizers hope to show “discontent toward the rhetoric that won the president-elect the election and continues to empower similar rhetoric.” Fri 1/20, 5 PM-midnight, Trump International Hotel and Towers, 401 N. Wabash.
Strike Against Hate While the president-elect is inaugurated in D.C., people around the country are called on to strike—no work, no school, no shopping—in protest. Fri 1/20, all day, everywhere, free.
Women’s March on Chicago A day after the inauguration, the Women’s March will start with music and a rally at Jackson and Columbus Drive, followed by a march around the Loop. Sat 1/21, 10 AM rally, 11:30 AM march, womens121marchonchicago.org, donations accepted.
Fund-Raisers:
40 Hours to Trump Before President-elect Trump takes the oath of office, Welcome to the Neighborhood hosts a fund-raiser for groups working in areas the Trump Administration has vowed to target. Planned Parenthood, the Center on Halsted, and the National Lawyers Guild of Chicago are just a few of the organizations that visitors can donate to. Wed 1/18, 7-9 PM, Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley, free.
Beyond Trump The benefit for the LGBTQ-focused Howard Brown Health Clinic includes music and food. Fri 1/20, 5 PM-midnight, Hairpin Arts Center, 2810 N. Milwaukee, 773-437-6966, $7-$15.
Artists Against Hate Artists Against Hate hosts a fund-raiser for the American Civil Liberties Union that’s intended for those who seek an alternative to protesting. The event boasts an eclectic collection of Chicago creatives, from circus performers to visual artists. Fri 1/20, 8 PM, Uptown Underground, 4707 N. Broadway, 773-867-1946, $19-$39.
Donate $20 on 1/20 Those who stand in solidarity with Planned Parenthood are being asked to donate $20 to the organization on inauguration day. Fri 1/20, ppaction.org.
Love-a-Thon This three-hour Facebook Live event aims to raise $500,000 in defense of civil liberties. Artists, musicians, and actors—including Jane Fonda, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tim Robbins, and Jeff Tweedy of Wilco—are coming together live in support of various causes. Fri 1/20, 12:30-3:30 PM, facebook.com, free.
Shake It Up for Justice Latino Union of Chicago and Centro de Trabajadores Unidos are holding a joint fund-raiser to raise workplace standards for immigrant workers in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Mon 1/23, 5:30-8:30 PM, Lagunitas Brewing Company Chicago, 2607 W. 17th, 312-491-9044, $10.
Inauguration watch parties:
Trump Goes to Washington This bipartisan inauguration viewing party offers a lunch special and plenty of televisions carrying the inauguration ceremony. Fri 1/20, 11 AM-3 PM, Wise Owl Drinkery & Cookhouse, 324 S. Racine, 312-374-8915, $8.
Trump Tower Rebar at Trump Tower Chicago will host an inauguration watch party. Fri 1/20, noon, 312-588-8034, free.
Other events:
Button-making party Button parts, paper, markers, and other materials will be provided by Busy Beaver Button Co. during this night of button making. Those who plan on attending marches—locally or nationally—are invited to come craft and eat pizza. Mon 1/16, 3-8 PM, Busy Beaver Button Co., 3407 W. Armitage, 773-645-3359, free.
Feminist Happy Hour It’s going to be hard to say good-bye to Obama for some. To commemorate the good times, feminist comedians celebrate their favorite moments of the last eight years. Mon 1/16, 7 PM, Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee, 773-227-3530, $10 suggested donation.
Banner-making workshop Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, in partnership with Gallery 400, Aram Han Sifuentes, and collaborator Lisa Vinebaum will facilitate a workshop for making protest banners. People can make their own or contribute one to the Protest Banner Lending Library. Materials will be provided, but fabric donations are accepted. Wed 1/18, noon-8PM, Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, 800 S. Halsted, 312 413-5353, free.
Prep rally In preparation for the Women’s March on Chicago, everyone—regardless of gender identity—is invited to make signs, drink wine, and eat appetizers. All proceeds from tickets will go to the ACLU Nationwide and the Women’s March on Chicago. Thu 1/19, 6:30-9:30 PM, Greenhouse Loft, 2545 W. Diversey, greenexchange.com, $35.
Art on the Fly As part of a new exhibition and discussion series, artists, community members, and special guests examine the ramifications of the election. Through 1/19, Hairpin Arts Center, 2810 N. Milwaukee, 773-437-6966.
Take It to the Bridge Steve Dawson of the band Dolly Varden and Mark Caro, a longtime local entertainment journalist and author of The Foie Gras Wars, will discuss the power behind the protest song and their new book Take It to the Bridge: Unlocking the Great Songs Inside You. Fri 1/20, 7 PM, Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln, 773-293-2665, free.
Chicagoland Inauguration Deplorrr-a-Ball Trump supporters, conservatives, and libertarians are invited to the Chicagoland/DuPage Deplorables’ inauguration ball. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to WCKG, a conservative news talk-radio station, and to the DuPage Republican Party township organizations. Fri 1/20, 6:30 PM- 10:30 PM, Diplomat West Banquets, 681 W. North Ave., Elmhurst, 630-359-8200, $50.
The Election Monologues Chicago Created by Tanya Taylor Rubinstein and Kerri Lowe, this national series of spoken-word performances and speeches aims to unify and humanize as well as offer a safe space for people to process their feelings surrounding the election. In 13 cities across the country, including Chicago, groups of six to ten people share stories of how the election affected them. Fri 1/20, 7:30-9 PM, Catalyst Ranch, 656 W. Randolph, 312-207-1710, $10 suggested donation.
What a Joke In response to the president-elect’s threats and statements during the campaign, comedians and producers in more than 30 cities are coordinating shows to raise money for the American Civil Liberties Union during inauguration weekend. There will also be a silent auction. Fri 1/20, 9 PM, Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 773-227-4433, $20.
Fictlicious Protest Show Two days after the major protests and marches surrounding inauguration day is a night of stories, songs, and objections. Sun 1/22, 7-9 PM, Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 773-227-4433, free.
Drinks, Discourse, and Politics Chicago Progress’s second monthly meet-up event and first postinauguration gathering is an informal, open space for participants to drink and discuss politics. Thu 1/26, 7:30-9:30 PM, Jerry’s, 4739 N. Lincoln, chicagoprogress.com, free.