De Rey a Rey Pre Party
Jun
6
4:00 PM16:00

De Rey a Rey Pre Party

Friday, June 6 | 4:00–7:30PM | Just Minutes from United Center

Before Alejandro Fernández takes the stage at United Center with his De Rey a Rey tour—a powerful tribute to his late father, the legendary Vicente Fernández—kick off your night at The Dawson with a festive pre-party honoring the música, familia, and corazón of Mexico.

🎟️ $10 Ticket includes welcome cocktail

🎺 Live Mariachi Band | 5:30–6:30PM

Menu Features

🌶️ Salsa Macha Duck Wings – Carnitas-style duck wings with spicy macha

🥟 Empanadas de Chorizo – Spicy chorizo, queso fresco, sour cream

🌮 Tacos Gobernador – Shrimp, cheese, salsa brava, avocado, lime, flour tortillas

Flight Specials

🍹 Margarita Flight – Spicy, Hibiscus, Mango | $20

🥃 Tequila Flight – Cazadores, Patrón Blanco, Patrón Reposado | $40

From mariachi and mezcal to bold flavors and classic sounds, this is your perfect pre-show celebration. Raise a glass to the Fernández legacy—de Rey a Rey—at The Dawson. ¡Salud!

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Meet IRL | Curated Speed Dating at The Dawson | Ages 33-45
Jun
12
6:30 PM18:30

Meet IRL | Curated Speed Dating at The Dawson | Ages 33-45

Our curated dating events aim to faciliate introductions with potential. If you're looking to meet someone great in person, our curated speed dating events create space for compatible connections in a fun, low-pressure setting.

This specific event is for our community of folks ages 33-45 that are interested in male/female dating. Check out our other upcoming events if this one isn't for you!

How it works:

  • Purchase your ticket based on your age and gender—you'll tell us who you're hoping to meet later.

  • After checkout, check your confirmation email for a link to set up your profile in our Meet IRL app.

  • In the app, you'll answer a few quick questions to help us match you with the most compatible people in the room!

  • What to expect:

    • We’re a small, woman-owned business and we care deeply about creating high-quality, welcoming events. We’ll be there throughout the night to facilitate, answer questions, and make sure you have a great experience.

    • Arrive between 6:30–6:45pm to check in, grab a drink, and mingle.

    • Speed dating rounds start promptly at 7pm (please arrive no later than 6:55pm).

    • Using our app, you’ll rotate through about 8–10 one-on-one “mini dates” at different tables. Think of each round as a vibe check—short, intentional conversations with optional prompts to keep things flowing.

    • You'll indicate your interest after each round directly in the app, and you can also make private notes if needed.

    • We’ll wrap up the structured rounds around 8:30pm, but we encourage you to stick around, grab a drink, and continue your conversations at the bar!

    • After the event, you’ll be connected with mutual matches so you can continue to build on the initial spark!

    • Access Notes

      • The Dawson is a fully accessible location with staircase and elevator access to the second floor.

      • Masks are available upon request.

      • This event involves frequent moving between tables and standing for periods of time; if this is difficult for any reason, just let us know ahead of the event and we’ll make a plan.

      • For any other accessibility needs, please reach out before the event—we’ll do our best to accommodate.

      • Sliding scale tickets are available—email us at heythere@meetirlco.com.

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The Dawson City Limits - Patio DJ Kid Clay
Jun
13
8:00 PM20:00

The Dawson City Limits - Patio DJ Kid Clay

Live music Friday nights at The Dawson: Live DJs, cool vibes, and unforgettable moments. Join us for Dawson City Limits from 8 to 11 PM!

DJ KID CLAY
An exhilarating and versatile talent, Kid Clay truly understands the art of DJing. It's impressive to see someone who not only has talent but also puts in the hard work and continuous effort to refine their skills. By constantly practicing, exploring new blends, breaking new records, and studying the greats, Kid Clay is setting himself up for success in the competitive world of DJing. Recognizing that music is a gift, he has the power to uplift others which is a beautiful sentiment that adds depth to his artistry. With this mindset and work ethic, Kid Clay is sure to make waves in the industry and bring joy to many through his ability to take people on a musical roller coaster.

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The Dawson City Limits - Patio DJ Evie the Cool
Jun
20
8:00 PM20:00

The Dawson City Limits - Patio DJ Evie the Cool

Live music Friday nights at The Dawson: Live DJs, cool vibes, and unforgettable moments. Join us for Dawson City Limits from 8 to 11 PM!

DJ Evie the Cool
EVIETHECOOL IS NOT JUST AN ORDINARY DJ; SHE’S A DYNAMIC FORCE IN THE MUSIC SCENE, ELECTRIFYING CROWDS WITH HER UNPARALLELED TALENT AND CAPTIVATING PRESENCE! SINCE LAUNCHING HER CAREER IN MAY 2015, EVIE HAS SET THE STAGE ABLAZE AT COUNTLESS VENUES BOTH DOMESTICALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY, TRANSFORMING EVERY EVENT INTO A REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE. 

AS THE BRILLIANT MIND BEHIND BABES ONLY, SHE HAS CHAMPIONED THE TALENTS OF HUNDREDS OF CREATIVE WOMEN AND BROUGHT MUCH-DESERVED RECOGNITION TO FEMALE DJS EVERYWHERE. NOW, SHE IS ON A MISSION TO TAKE HER INCREDIBLE SETS TO NEW CITIES, INVITING SUPPORTERS TO JOIN HER ON THE DANCE FLOOR FOR UNFORGETTABLE NIGHTS FILLED WITH MUSIC, ENERGY, AND EMPOWERMENT.

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The Dawson City Limits - Patio DJ Yaya the Bawse
Jun
27
8:00 PM20:00

The Dawson City Limits - Patio DJ Yaya the Bawse

Live music Friday nights at The Dawson: Live DJs, cool vibes, and unforgettable moments. Join us for Dawson City Limits from 8 to 11 PM!

DJ Yaya the Bawse
Influenced by the rich cultures of Mexico, Chicago, and the Caribbean, her sets are a vibrant fusion of musical styles. From the rhythmic beats of cumbia and norteñas, to the pulsating energy of house and juke, added with a twist of hip-hop, afrobeats, and dembow - it’s a sonic journey you don’t want to miss.

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Sunday Brunch Patio DJ Jon Marks
Aug
6
12:00 PM12:00

Sunday Brunch Patio DJ Jon Marks

Jonathan Marks began playing drums at the age of 5 after taking over the blue-sparkled Rogers kit his older brother received as a gift for Christmas. Before becoming a professional musician, he             ventured through an obsession with heavy metal and Lars Ulrich as a youth, jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, Jeff Buckley, and J-Dilla in high school, and everything in between as a music composition and theory major at Princeton University. 

   He has since moved to Chicago where he performs regularly with the city's best rock, pop, latin, and jazz musicians.  He co-founded the electro-synth-pop outfit, Hey Champ, whose highlight performances include the main stage at Lollapalooza and tours with Lupe Fiasco and the Sounds. Jonathan took the throne as drummer for Grammy-nominated, acid-jazz sensation Liquid Soul for 3 years and is the first-call drummer for the Chicago Diamond Trio, winner of the 2014 Chicago Music Award in Jazz.  He works as a producer/DJ under the moniker, Rogue Vogue, and as a freelance percussionist and music instructor for Columbia College's Community Schools program.  His latest production/drumming project, Monakr, is signed to Embassy of Music in Germany and released their debut EP in January  2016.  He currently performs with Minneapolis-based pop artist, Dessa, and has toured across North America in support of her new album, Sound the Bells. 


   Jonathan has performed throughout the U.S. and in Canada, Europe, Russia, Brazil, the Caribbean, and Mexico. He has won a number of awards including an "Outstanding Performance" award from Downbeat magazine and the 2005 Ira Sachs Memorial Prize for Outstanding Musical Performance from Princeton University.

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Sunday Brunch Patio DJ Dylan Hyde Castle
Jul
30
12:00 PM12:00

Sunday Brunch Patio DJ Dylan Hyde Castle

Originally a drummer hailing from Detroit, Dylan Hyde Castle’s desire for live performance produced one of Chicago’s notable acts, Gun Love. The transition from drums and synthesizers to live DJing was accelerated after landing multiple gigs at popular nightclubs and music festivals throughout the city.

“I make my sets pretty universal and non-abrasive so anyone can be a part of the action….I try to play a variety of sounds that break barriers between music genres but still keeping to my roots.”

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Friday Night Patio DJ Gordon Bramli
Jul
28
8:00 PM20:00

Friday Night Patio DJ Gordon Bramli

Gordon Bramli is a Chicago based DJ originally from Belgium. Current resident DJ at Celeste/Soho House/Z bar/Beatnik/Bordel. As a member of Chicago band Gemini Club, Gordon has performed at: Lollapalooza, Hangout Fest, Firefly Fest, North Coast Fest, Spring Awakening, Mamby on the Beach, SXSW, CMJ and more.

As a DJ, Gordon has been direct DJ support to artists: Nancy Whang (LCD Soundsystem), Rufus Du Sol, Kryptogram, Hot Chip, Moon Boots, Digitalism, Washed Out, Alinka, Tom Trago, MØ, Bag Raiders, Gigamesh, Louis The Child, and more. 

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Friday Night Patio DJ Dylan Hyde Castle
Jul
21
8:00 PM20:00

Friday Night Patio DJ Dylan Hyde Castle

Originally a drummer hailing from Detroit, Dylan Hyde Castle’s desire for live performance produced one of Chicago’s notable acts, Gun Love. The transition from drums and synthesizers to live DJing was accelerated after landing multiple gigs at popular nightclubs and music festivals throughout the city.

“I make my sets pretty universal and non-abrasive so anyone can be a part of the action….I try to play a variety of sounds that break barriers between music genres but still keeping to my roots.”

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Friday Night Patio DJ Daniel Villarreal
Jul
14
8:00 PM20:00

Friday Night Patio DJ Daniel Villarreal

Daniel Villarreal-Carrillo is a well known drummer, musician and DJ in the Chicago music scene. Originally from Panamá he fuses his pan-Latin style with influences of psychedelic rock, Cumbia, afro-beat, boogaloo, rock, free experimental jazz, hip-hop, and funk to create an original contemporary soundscape. 

Daniel Villarreal has long been a widely known and beloved character on the Chicago music scene. On almost any night of the week, you’ll find him DJing at at least one spot on bustling 18th Street in his home neighborhood of Pilsen. If he’s not there, he’s playing drums with Dos Santos, Valebol, The Los Sundowns or Ida y Vuelta (all bands he co-leads), or sitting in with Wild Belle or Rudy De Anda.

Villarreal may be most known for his big style and magnetic personality, but to musicians on the scene, it’s as much for his talents as a malleable and reliable drummer, with a deep pocket in many styles and sounds...

As a DJ, Daniel specializes in groovy vintage Afro-diasporic sounds. His DJ sets (vinyl or digital) showcase his knowledge of world music, electronica,Tropicalia, vintage latin soul, Chicha, psychedelic Cumbia, Afrobeat, reggae, funk, and groovy deep cuts beats.  

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Patio DJ Dylan Hyde Castle
Sep
23
8:00 PM20:00

Patio DJ Dylan Hyde Castle

Originally a drummer hailing from Detroit, Dylan Hyde Castle’s desire for live performance produced one of Chicago’s notable acts, Gun Love. The transition from drums and synthesizers to live DJing was accelerated after landing multiple gigs at popular nightclubs and music festivals throughout the city.

“I make my sets pretty universal and non-abrasive so anyone can be a part of the action….I try to play a variety of sounds that break barriers between music genres but still keeping to my roots.”

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Live Music by The Jukebox Heroes
Sep
18
4:00 PM16:00

Live Music by The Jukebox Heroes

The Jukebox Heroes' are an acoustic based cover band that can come in many forms and facets. Having the ability to change the instrumentation to fit the need has allowed The Jukebox Heroes to create its own style and take on each song they sing yet still staying true to the original songs vibe and feel. With an eclectic play list of over 350 classic rock, country & pop songs from the 50’s to today, there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone to enjoy.

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Patio DJ Gordon Bramli
Sep
16
8:00 PM20:00

Patio DJ Gordon Bramli

Gordon Bramli is a Chicago based DJ originally from Belgium. Current resident DJ at Celeste/Soho House/Z bar/Beatnik/Bordel. As a member of Chicago band Gemini Club, Gordon has performed at: Lollapalooza, Hangout Fest, Firefly Fest, North Coast Fest, Spring Awakening, Mamby on the Beach, SXSW, CMJ and more.

As a DJ, Gordon has been direct DJ support to artists: Nancy Whang (LCD Soundsystem), Rufus Du Sol, Kryptogram, Hot Chip, Moon Boots, Digitalism, Washed Out, Alinka, Tom Trago, MØ, Bag Raiders, Gigamesh, Louis The Child, and more. 

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Patio DJ Will Sullivan (Éadrom)
Sep
9
8:00 PM20:00

Patio DJ Will Sullivan (Éadrom)

Pronunciation: ey•drum
Éadrom, meaning light in Irish, is a DJ/Musician/electronic music producer from Chicago, IL. With originals and remixes rooted deeply from house music; Éadrom blends a unique style of old and new sounds. Éadrom has played alongside many artists a few of which being Moon Boots, Louis The Child, and Ingénue.

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Patio DJ Gordon Bramli
Sep
2
8:00 PM20:00

Patio DJ Gordon Bramli

Gordon Bramli is a Chicago based DJ originally from Belgium. Current resident DJ at Celeste/Soho House/Z bar/Beatnik/Bordel. As a member of Chicago band Gemini Club, Gordon has performed at: Lollapalooza, Hangout Fest, Firefly Fest, North Coast Fest, Spring Awakening, Mamby on the Beach, SXSW, CMJ and more.

As a DJ, Gordon has been direct DJ support to artists: Nancy Whang (LCD Soundsystem), Rufus Du Sol, Kryptogram, Hot Chip, Moon Boots, Digitalism, Washed Out, Alinka, Tom Trago, MØ, Bag Raiders, Gigamesh, Louis The Child, and more. 

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Patio DJ Will Sullivan (Éadrom)
Aug
26
8:00 PM20:00

Patio DJ Will Sullivan (Éadrom)

Pronunciation: ey•drum
Éadrom, meaning light in Irish, is a DJ/Musician/electronic music producer from Chicago, IL. With originals and remixes rooted deeply from house music; Éadrom blends a unique style of old and new sounds. Éadrom has played alongside many artists a few of which being Moon Boots, Louis The Child, and Ingénue.

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Live Music by Mike Jansen
Aug
7
4:00 PM16:00

Live Music by Mike Jansen

Mike Jansen is an acoustic musician based in Chicago. Raised on punk and pop, he paints an optimistic look at mixed emotions, uncertainty, and anxiety.

After 15 years of playing in rocks bands, this is a dialed back, more raw, and honest version of himself as a solo musician.

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Low Country Boil
Jul
31
5:00 PM17:00

Low Country Boil

Join us on the patio at The Dawson for live music and an authentic southern Low Country Boil including shrimp, crab, sausage, corn and potatoes. No boil is complete without Southern Peach Cobbler Pie for dessert. Beer and wine included.. Tickets are $85 per person (not including tax and gratuity).

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Patio DJ Dylan Hyde Castle
Jul
29
8:00 PM20:00

Patio DJ Dylan Hyde Castle

Originally a drummer hailing from Detroit, Dylan Hyde Castle’s desire for live performance produced one of Chicago’s notable acts, Gun Love. The transition from drums and synthesizers to live DJing was accelerated after landing multiple gigs at popular nightclubs and music festivals throughout the city.

“I make my sets pretty universal and non-abrasive so anyone can be a part of the action….I try to play a variety of sounds that break barriers between music genres but still keeping to my roots.”

View Event →
Live Music by The Jukebox Heroes
Jul
24
4:00 PM16:00

Live Music by The Jukebox Heroes

The Jukebox Heroes' are an acoustic based cover band that can come in many forms and facets. Having the ability to change the instrumentation to fit the need has allowed The Jukebox Heroes to create its own style and take on each song they sing yet still staying true to the original songs vibe and feel. With an eclectic play list of over 350 classic rock, country & pop songs from the 50’s to today, there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone to enjoy.

View Event →