#1 Theater, Dance & Music Event (up from #2)
More than 3,300 opera fans gathered at the Lyric Opera for the opening-night performance of Verdi’s Otello. Afterwards, some 550 guests boarded buses and headed to a lavish dinner-dance at the Chicago Hilton. The event netted approximately $900,000. The 2014 event will celebrate the Lyric’s 60th anniversary and will have a special, new format to mark the occasion; a separate concert and gala for the anniversary will be held November 1. Next: September 27, 2014
#2 Theater, Dance & Music Event
This year’s event kicked off with a performance of Verdi’s classics at the Symphony Center for 2,000 guests; for the first time, there was an open bar. The ensuing ball for 700 patrons was held at the Palmer House Hilton, eliminating the need for trolleys. The gala raised around $1.2 million. Next: September 20, 2014
#3 Theater, Dance & Music Event (up from #6)
The nation’s biggest comedy festival features stand-up comedy, sketch shows, and films in major venues throughout the city, including the Chicago Theatre. The talent includes comedy’s biggest names: this year, Seth Meyers, Bill Maher, and Russell Brand headlined. A major change to the 2013 iteration was the new Digital Comedy Hub at Stage 773. Next: Summer 2014
#4 Theater, Dance & Music Event
The 2013 event included a performance at the Auditorium Theatre and cocktails, dinner, and a Blue Star Lounge-theme after-party at the Hilton Chicago. The gala had more live-auction prizes this year and ultimately raised $1.23 million. Next: April 25, 2014
#5 Theater, Dance & Music Event
This year’s famous-actor-studded gala raised $1.1 million. The 600 guests also included corporate, civic, and cultural leaders. The live auction had unique prizes donated by the company’s actors. Next: May 3, 2014
#6 Theater, Dance & Music Event (up from #7)
With 800 guests, this year’s event featured a performance from world-renowned pianist Lang Lang and marked the first time that a gala concert had a sold-out pavilion with record attendance on the lawn. The event raked in $1.2 million. Next: July 26, 2014
#7 Theater, Dance & Music Event (up from #12)
Stephen Colbert hosted the buzzed-about gala in 2013, which broke significant ground by raising $1 million from 500 guests. In 2012, the event raised only $600,000. Next: March 2013
#8 Theater, Dance & Music Event
Inspired by the then-upcoming performance of The Jungle Book, this year’s event had animal-filled decor and an exotic menu. It drew some 700 guests and raised more than $1 million. Next: Spring 2014
#9 Theater, Dance & Music Event
The 2013 event included the presentation of the Spirit of Shakespeare awards to civic honoree Richard M. Daley and artistic honoree Stephen Sondheim. Major stars of the international theater community, including Audra McDonald, were among the 550 guests in attendance, and the gala raised $1.1 million. Next: June 16, 2014
#10 Theater, Dance & Music Event
The 35th anniversary gala in May honored Mayor Rahm Emanuel and JPMorgan Chase. With 700 guests, the evening raised more than 1.1 million. Next year’s gala honors Mikhail Baryshnikov. Next: May 19, 2014
#11 Theater, Dance & Music Event
The Chicago Dancing Festival started as a one-day affair and now offers several days of free programming in various venues. This year’s event placed emphasis on local dance companies and featured performances of diverse styles ranging from ballet to classical Indian. Next: August 18-23, 2014
#12 Theater, Dance & Music Event (up from #13)
A nearly indescribable evening of puppetry, pageants, and more, the theater's gala is a hotly anticipated event each year. This year’s bash took place in the theater’s new Pilsen home base and raised more than $400,000. Next: March 15, 2014
#13 Theater, Dance & Music Event
With honorees including Scandal’s Jeff Perry, the gala took place this year at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile. Raising funds to support area companies, the event had sponsors such as The Chicago Tribune and Boeing. Next: Spring 2014Â
#14 Theater, Dance & Music Event
Held at Architectural Artifacts, the event had a Circus Maximus theme. Raising funds for the company for L.G.B.T. youth, the ball had sponsors including BMO Harris and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. It drew around 450 guests and raised more than $85,000. Next: Spring 2014
