Imagine: it’s 5 pm on a Friday and all you’re craving is a hoppy IPA from your local watering hole. During any other time in history, you would’ve grabbed an Uber and met up with friends. But since that’s not possible right now, some Chicago bars and venues are offering social-distancing-approved activities: virtual happy hours! Here are a few of our favorites.
Sip Back And Relax With WineStyles
When: Friday, April 24 at 5 pm
Are you more of a grapes kind of person? Then join WineStyles for a virtual happy hour on Facebook Live! You can even win prizes by posting a creative photo of yourself enjoying a glass of wine, craft beer, or cocktail. Register on Eventbrite to raise a glass (virtually) with all of your WineStyles friends!
Jam Out With Hideout
When: Friday, April 24th at 5 pm
Chicago’s beloved live music spot might be closed but they’re still jamming. Tune in to their livestream on Twitch in to hear from Hideout veteran employee and award-winning country singer, Lawrence Peters. Join Peters for some deep cuts from his albums, and even some Hideout peeps may even pop in to answer Q’s about the bar. Don’t forget to pour yourself a stiff drink and leave a generous tip.
Play Trivia with Refuge Chicago
When: Daily through April 30th at 8 pm
Refuge Live claims to be the only music venue in Chicago where you can catch the best singers, poets, musicians, comedians, actors, and DJs in one location. They have events weekly and right now they’re hosting virtual trivia. It’s free to play, you’ll just have to BYOB. Sign up here and enter the code REFUGE5. Cheers to that!
Tailgate With Revolution Brewing
When: Saturday, April 25 at 3 pm
Missing sports? Tailgate the Chicago Red Stars opener with Revolution and the Chicago Local 134 — the official supporters club of the Chicago Red Stars! Sign up now and tune in for beer talk with Revolution, Q&A with new Red Star Kealia Ohai Watt and team owner Arnim Whisler, and a contest where you could win Red Star gear, a Local 134 scarf, or Revolution beer.
Support Local Artists With The Quarantine Concerts
When: Now through May – check schedule for times
Music lovers, get your fix with Experimental Sounds Studio’s Quarantine Concert series. With so many shows canceled and events postponed, this collaborative effort helps performers share their talents and continue to earn a paycheck during this unprecedented time. Kick back with a cocktail and watch for free on Twitch. And be sure to donate on their website.
Get Boozy During NFL Pre-Draft With ESPN Chicago
When: Thursday and Friday, April 23 and 24 at 5 pm
Tune into Twitch for the White Claw NFL Pre-Draft Show with ESPN’s Waddle & Silvy! Stay up-to-date on the latest NFL coverage leading up to the big draft. Stock up on a few White Claws and get comfortable in front of your screen, because there ain’t no laws when you’re drinking the claws.
