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First Fridays at the Museum of Contemporary Art
Spice up your regular Friday happy hour at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The first Friday of every month, urban professionals and art lovers alike gather at the museum for some boozing, mingling, and tasty hor dourves. A DJ invites some dancing and spontaneous performance art as well. Explore the galleries and make sure to check out the artist of the month. In the warmer months you can enjoy their beautiful back patio as well. Buy tickets is advance for cheaper admission.

Chicago Arts District Second Fridays
Every second Friday of the month, the artists of Pilsen open their gallery doors to the public, ready to show off their latest work. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Chicago Arts District, it’s a hub of artistic creativity centered around the 1800 block of South Halsted. Home to local, national, and international artists, the area houses more than 30 galleries, lofts, and work spaces. Works range from traditional painting, photography and sculpture to mixed media installations and video art. Gallery owners and artists are on site to discuss their works and help visitors better understand art. Of course, if they sell a piece or two that doesn’t hurt, but it’s not the main mission of Second Friday participants. The welcome atmosphere makes it a great place to mingle, especially within the hidden courtyards connecting the rear of several galleries. And most galleries provide alcohol and tasty treats, so spending the evening grazing is encouraged. To learn more about it, check out the full article.

Adler After Dark Third Thursdays
21+ event that takes place every third Thursday of the month. Young Chicagoans are invited to come nibble on appetizers and sip cocktails with the Chicago skyline at their backs, while mingling and taking in the exceptional facilities of the Planetarium. Adler After Dark is the only time you can take a look through the Doane Observatory telescope, the largest of its kind in the Midwest. Groups are welcome, and hey — it might even make a good first date.