Things to Do in Chicago Tonight: Burlesque, Cabaret & Film Noir (Jan 28–31)

Looking for an unforgettable night out? Chicago’s cabaret and burlesque scene is booming this week, with a mix of glamorous supper‑club shows, drag spectacles, live music and classic film‑noir screenings. We’ve curated the best events for January 28–31 so you can plan a magical evening or a full weekend of culture and cocktails. Below are our top picks for each day with links for tickets, plus bonus suggestions if you want to explore more.

Wednesday, January 28

Kit Kat Club Cabaret & Happy Hour

Experience the original North Halsted drag club with dinner and a show. Sip $8 wines, $9 appetizers and $10 martinis during the Happy Hour (4 – 7 pm) and stick around for the Kit Kat Club Cabaret, a variety show featuring drag divas and live vocals starting at 6:30 pm.

• Location: 3524 N Halsted St.
• Time: Happy Hour 4–7 pm; Cabaret 6:30 pm–close
• Tickets: Reservation recommended via OpenTable or Eventbrite .
• Why go: Classic Chicago drag glamour, delicious martinis and a rotating cast of performers.

Doc Films: The Old Jockey (1940)

Catch a rarely screened Soviet comedy at the University of Chicago’s Doc Films.  The Old Jockey tells the story of a retiree who buys a racehorse to prove he’s not obsolete; Soviet censors banned it for poking fun at retirement.

• Location: Max Palevsky Cinema, UChicago
• Time: 7 pm
• Tickets: $7 general / $5 students at the door
• Why go: Enjoy a film‑noir era classic on 35 mm. More info at docfilms.uchicago.edu.

Thursday, January 29

Teatro ZinZanni – Love, Chaos & Dinner

An immersive cirque‑cabaret set in a vintage Spiegeltent. This evening’s lineup features aerialists, burlesque, comedy and live music while you enjoy a multi‑course dinner. It’s the last weekend of ZinZanni’s Chicago run, so expect special surprises.

• Location: Spiegeltent ZaZou at the Cambria Hotel, 32 W Randolph St.
• Time: Doors 6:30 pm; show 7–10 pm
• Tickets: Book via Purplepass
• Why go: Circus arts, burlesque and gourmet dining under one gorgeous tent.

Reprise (Phish Tribute)

Love jam bands? Reprise re‑creates iconic Phish shows with a four‑piece lineup of seasoned musicians. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show starts at 8 pm. Garcia’s seating is cabaret‑style – premium seats are closest to the stage while general admission tables are shared.

• Location: Garcia’s at the Vineyard, 2755 N Halsted St.
• Time: Doors 6:30 pm, show 8 pm; 21+ only
• Tickets: Buy through Ticketmaster or garciaschicago.live
• Why go: Two hours of high‑energy jams plus craft cocktails and table service.

Friday, January 30

Life Is A Cabaret Drag Dinner

Kit Kat Lounge steps up the glamour with this prix‑fixe dinner and drag spectacular. Enjoy a three‑course meal with two martinis while the divas bring cinematic numbers, comedy and costume changes.

• Location: Kit Kat Lounge, 3524 N Halsted St.
• Time: 6–10 pm
• Tickets: Reserve via Event page or OpenTable
• Why go: Perfect date night or girls’ night; Friday and Saturday performances available.

House of Burlesque

The Foundation Room at House of Blues hosts this intimate burlesque revue featuring sultry dancers and live jazz. Doors open at 8 pm and the performance begins at 9 pm.

• Location: Foundation Room, House of Blues, 329 N Dearborn St.
• Time: Doors 8 pm; show 9 pm
• Tickets: Live Nation
• Why go: Chic setting with limited seats; expect close‑up performances and audience interaction.

Saturday, January 31

Teatro ZinZanni (Closing Night)

If you missed Thursday, catch the very last Chicago performance of Love, Chaos & Dinner on Saturday. The Spiegeltent will be buzzing with energy as the cast bids farewell.

• Location: Cambria Hotel, 32 W Randolph St.
• Time: Doors 6:30 pm; show 7 pm
• Tickets: Purplepass – Jan 31
• Why go: Immersive, cinematic and unmissable – plus the final curtain call.

Big Richard with Al Scorch

This string quartet flips bluegrass on its head with virtuosic fiddles and four‑part harmonies. The band plays at Garcia’s with folk‑punk hero Al Scorch opening.

• Location: Garcia’s at the Vineyard
• Time: Doors 6:30 pm, show 8 pm
• Tickets: Garcia’s event page
• Why go: Catch one of the most exciting string bands in the country before they head to their next festival.

Bonus Picks

• Glam Bingo & Karaoke Cabaret – Meeting House Tavern hosts campy bingo on Wednesday (7:30 pm) and karaoke cabaret on Thursday (9 pm).
• Doc Films Special Screening – Portrait of a Young Girl at the End of the 60s in Brussels screens Saturday at 4 pm, exploring 1960s youth and revolt.
• Bordel Speakeasy – From Thursday through Saturday, Bordel’s candle‑lit lounge offers burlesque and jazz shows at 8 pm & 10 pm with resident DJs until 2 am.
• Kit Kat Drag Brunch – Start your Saturday with drag brunch seatings at 11 am and 1:30 pm.
• PEEP SHOW: Chicago’s Finest Burlesque Show – Fridays and Saturdays at 10 pm (Stars & Garters Theater) for late‑night striptease and comedy; tickets via Bim Bam Boom.