Howdy, reader! I hope you’ve all had a well-rested and lovely week. This past weekend I treated myself to air conditioning at home (from the couch), did some extracurricular activities (smoked weed and watched re-runs of Glee), and went grocery shopping. And while those events cannot be listed on Do312, I still had a blast! The heat is here! Summer has officially arrived, so while you’re attempting to stay cool, I can suggest some lovely parties, drag shows, and events that’ll make you feel even cooler! Pay attention! We’re starting. . .

First on the docket, you’ve gotta check out Catch As Catch Can at Steppenwolf Theatre! A harrowing and original take on the prodigal son. When the aforementioned son makes his return, he sparks a spiraling crisis for two families that calls into question not just their relationships but their very identities. Get your popcorn and your front row tickets!*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• BUMP. is BACK for Market Days on August 8th! The category is PRINTS ON PRINTS. Kandy Muse is coming to party, so get your leopard, cheetah, zebra, throw ‘em together, and click right here to get your party tickets!

• The Edgewater Music Fest announced its first-wave lineup for August 28th - August 30th. Join them on Broadway & Thorndale for more than 35+ bands, 100+ vendors, and local food and drinks! Festival season comes to Edgewater!

• This summer's "hottest" show, ICEBOY!, tells a story about 1939 Broadway’s brightest star who adopts a 40,000-year-old caveman discovered frozen in the Arctic. As the “Iceboy” thaws, he becomes a theatrical sensation. Make sure to enter our giveaway for a chance to see the ice thaw!*

• Nightshade: Chicago’s Premiere Goth Party is coming atcha on July 25th with an amazing lineup, including Drag Race’s Laila McQueen. Get your eyeliner, black eyeshadow, lace, and leather, join in, and buy a ticket to the dark side.

• Lucy Stoole returns to nightlife production with LADYBEAR this Market Days on August 8th with special guest DJ Kevin Aviance! It’s the place to be for bears and their lovers! Get those tickets for booze, beats, and bellies!

MELI’S JULY PICKS

It’s hot in Chicago, and the events are even hotter! I like to say think that Chicago really comes alive during the summertime, and it’s the best time to truly see what this city has to offer! You can still catch some of the spring flowers, check out bars you’ve never been to before, and so much more! I am going to plug some events that I will be hanging out at or working in drag! Come say hi to me, I would love to meet some of our GayDo312 readers! “This is the beginning of the rest of July!”

• EVERY MON - MONDAYS ARE RUFF at HYDRATE

• SAT 07.18 - JAI HO: ALL THINGS BOLLYWOOD at SIDETRACK

• SAT 07.18 - DOROTHY POP!: TOP 40: 1986-2026 at DOROTHY

• FRI 07.17 - SUN 07.19 - WEST FEST CHICAGO at CHICAGO AVE BETWEEN WOOD & DAMEN

• THU 07.23 - SUN 07.26 - DREAM DEVIS: THE DEATH & LIFE OF at STEPPENWOLF THEATRE (WIN)

THIS WEEKEND

LOCALS ONLY

• Chicago’s favorite party-girl, Miz Thang, joins Queen! this Sunday as the special guest host! Get your low-rise jeans, cropped tanks, leather, and your tickets! It’s time to “Queen!” out!

• Chicago’s WNBA team, Chicago Sky, has a home game next Wednesday, July 15th, against Seattle Storm! Join the watch party at Whiskey Girl Tavern!

• This Friday is Happy Oil Day! Also known as International Dab Day, it’s a day to celebrate dab lovers! Wanna celebrate? Get high! Check out more about Oil Day and dispensary deals to celebrate the holiday season!

WIN STUFF

FEATURED