[GRAD] Wicker Park Fest 2025

FRI., JUL. 25, 2025

Join I-House for Wicker Park Fest 2025! Experience one of Chicago’s most vibrant street festivals featuring live music, local food, and eclectic street culture. Meet at International House at 5:30 PM. Free entry with a suggested $10 donation to support community initiatives.

Colorful illustrated poster for “Wicker Park Fest 2025,” presented by the Graduate Commons Program. The design features a pink and turquoise boombox, microphone, music notes, and a red mouth with a gold tooth. Event details state the festival is on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Participants meet at International House, 1414 East 59th Street, Chicago. The event is open to graduate students with UCID who are 21+, and attendees are responsible for their own transportation. Wicker Park Fest is free with a suggested $10 donation at the gate.

[GRAD] Tacos y Tamales Festival

FRI., JUL. 18, 2025

Join I-House for a flavorful evening at the Tacos y Tamales Festival in Pilsen! Savor authentic Latin American cuisine, enjoy live music, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. Meet in front of I-House at 5:30 PM. Suggested $10 donation at the gate supports local causes.

Colorful event poster for the “Tacos y Tamales Festival 2025,” presented by the Graduate Commons Program. The top features close-up images of tacos on a wooden table, with a bold central title in orange and pink. Event details note that it takes place Friday, July 18, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM in Pilsen, Chicago, IL. The festival is free to attend with a suggested $10 donation. Graduate students should meet in front of International House (1414 E 59th St) at 5:30 PM. Open to UCID-holding grad students 21+.

[GRAD] Grad Summer Mixer

TUES., JULY 15, 2025

Join the Graduate Commons Program for a relaxed and friendly Summer Mixer! Connect with fellow graduate students and postdocs over light refreshments and outdoor fun at International House.

Flyer for the "Grad Summer Mixer" hosted by the Graduate Commons Program on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at International House, 1414 East 59th Street, Chicago, IL. The event is for graduate students and postdocs aged 21+ with valid UCID. Colorful design with illustrated leaves, dots, and a group of people sitting on a picnic blanket near a grill. Registration link: https://ihouse2025_summermixer0708.eventbrite.com. Accessibility contact information included at the bottom.

[GRAD] Midsommer Flight: Love’s Labour’s Lost

FRI., JUL. 11, 2025

Enjoy an enchanting evening of Shakespeare in the park with Midsommer Flight’s performance of *Love’s Labour’s Lost* at Nichols Park. Gather with fellow grad students for a night of culture and community beneath the summer sky.

Poster for the Graduate Commons Program event "Midsommer Flight: Love’s Labour’s Lost at Nichols," taking place Friday, July 11, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Attendees meet in front of International House (1414 E 59th St) at 5:30 PM. The poster features two actors in period costume smiling at each other, framed by a scalloped-edge cutout. Registration required at https://ihouse2025_midsommer.eventbrite.com. Event is for graduate students with UCID, 21+.

[GRAD] Movies on the Midway

WED., JUL. 9, 2025

Enjoy a summer evening under the stars with a free outdoor screening of *Despicable Me 4* on the Midway! Join fellow grad students for laughs, snacks, and community fun. Presented by UChicago’s Office of Civic Engagement and the Chicago Park District.

Poster for the Graduate Commons Program event "Movies on the Midway" featuring an outdoor screening of Despicable Me 4 on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Attendees meet in front of International House (1414 E 59th Street, Chicago, IL) at 7:00 PM. Poster includes images of Gru, a baby, and Minions from the movie, plus colorful graphics of popcorn, a movie ticket, and a film projector. Registration required at https://ihouse2025_MoviesOnMidway.eventbrite.com. Event is for graduate students with UCID.

[GRAD] Grad Summer Mixer

TUES., JUL. 8, 2025

Celebrate summer with fellow grad students and postdocs at the Grad Summer Mixer! Enjoy food, games, and great conversation at International House in this fun, relaxed social gathering.

Poster for the Graduate Commons Program event titled "Grad Summer Mixer" on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at International House (1414 East 59th St., Chicago, IL). Features colorful, playful graphics of leaves, dots, and a barbecue scene with people socializing. Registration is required at https://ihouse2025_summermixer0708.eventbrite.com. Open to graduate students and postdocs 21+ with UCID.

[GRAD] Disc Golf

MON., JUL. 7, 2025

Get outside and join the Graduate Commons Program for a fun and active evening of disc golf! No experience needed—just bring your energy and enjoy a relaxed game with fellow grad students.

Poster for a Graduate Commons Program event titled "Disc Golf" on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Participants will meet in front of International House at 5:00 PM (1414 East 59th Street, Chicago, IL). The poster includes a photo of graduate students holding discs and smiling on a grassy field. Registration is required at https://ihouse2025_discgolf0707.eventbrite.com. The event is for graduate students with UCID, 21+, and a valid government-issued ID. The design features playful illustrations of trees, discs, and a disc golf basket.

[GRAD] Griffin Museum & Japanese Garden

SUN., JUL. 6, 2025

Join the Graduate Commons Program for an inspiring afternoon at the Griffin Museum of Science and Technology, followed by a tranquil walk through the Japanese garden. Explore interactive exhibits and unwind in a peaceful natural setting.

Poster for the Graduate Commons Program event titled "Griffin Museum and Japanese Garden" on Sunday, July 6, 2025. Participants are instructed to meet in front of the Griffin Museum at 3:00 PM, located at 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The event is for graduate students with UCID, 21+, and requires registration at https://ihouse2025_griffinmuseum.eventbrite.com. The poster includes images of the museum’s neoclassical architecture and a serene Japanese garden with a bridge.

[GRAD] Independence Day Fireworks

SAT., JUL. 5, 2025

Join International House for a festive Independence Day celebration in Chicago on Saturday, July 5. We’ll meet in front of International House at 8:20 PM sharp to catch the Metra (fare on you) and roll down to Navy Pier together. Once we arrive, wander the pier, sample your favorite snacks or drinks, and stake out the ultimate viewing spot for what comes next.

Poster advertising Fourth of July Fireworks at Navy Pier Event presenting a black background filled with colorful fireworks and small stars and American flags, detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] Sunrise Dip & Yoga

FRI., JUL. 4, 2025

Start your day with a refreshing sunrise dip and relaxing yoga at 57th Street Beach! Hosted by the Graduate Commons Program, this early morning event is open to graduate students with UCID, ages 21+.

Poster for a University of Chicago Graduate Commons Program event titled "Sunrise Dip & Yoga" on Friday, July 4, 2025, at 5:30 AM at 57th Street Beach, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive. Includes a cartoon of a woman doing yoga by the lake with the Chicago skyline in the background. The event is for graduate students with UCID, 21+. Registration link: https://ihouse2025_dip.eventbrite.com.

[GRAD] I-House Visits the Art Institute of Chicago

THU., JUL. 3, 2025

Join International House for an evening of art, culture, and connection at one of the world’s premier museums—the Art Institute of Chicago! Stroll through galleries filled with iconic works by Monet, Van Gogh, and many others, alongside captivating pieces from around the globe. Whether you're a longtime art lover or simply curious, this is a perfect summer outing to experience the city's rich cultural offerings with fellow graduate students.

Poster advertising I-House Visits the Art Institute of Chicago Event presenting an ornate gold picture frames, one containing an image of the Art Institute lion sculpture and illustrations of people exploring an art museum at the bottom, detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] Pride Parade

SUN., JUN. 29, 2025

Get ready to paint Boystown every shade of fabulous—Graduate Commons is rolling out the glitter carpet for the Chicago Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29! Enjoy live music, LGBTQIA+ performances, educational programs, and community resources. It's a vibrant celebration of pride, diversity, and inclusion.

Poster advertising Pride Parade Event presenting a vibrant parade photo with rainbow balloon letters spelling "CHICAGO", detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] Beach & Ball

SAT., JUN. 28, 2025

Picture this: you, your future BFF, and a seagull all sprinting for a Spikeball like it’s the last ice cream at a grad mixer. Then you’ll “spectacularly” dive for volleyball saves worthy of slow-mo replays. No swimming? No problem. No prior athletic ability? Even better. Just bring your sense of humor and your best beach-day swagger. See you where Uchicago meets chill vibes!

Poster advertising Beach & Ball Event presenting illustrations of a striped beach chair, umbrella, volleyball net, and beach ball on sand near the ocean., detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] Grant Park Music Festival

FRI., JUN. 27, 2025

Experience a summer evening of powerful symphonic music in the heart of Chicago! Join International House for a night at the Grant Park Music Festival as world-renowned conductor Giancarlo Guerrero leads Shostakovich’s gripping Symphony No. 10, along with stirring works by Augusta Read Thomas and Wagner. Enjoy the music at the indoor Harris Theater, just steps from Millennium Park!

Poster advertising Grant Park Music Festival Event presenting images of instruments (trumpet, clarinet, music notes) and a photo of violinists performing, detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] Latin Dancing

THU., JUN. 26, 2025

International House is turning up the heat this Thursday night with a trip to the legendary Alhambra Palace! We’ll meet at I-House and head together to a two-level Latin dance haven: downstairs, the Main Room pulses with salsa, mambo, cha-cha and cumbia; upstairs, the Bachata Room sizzles with both classic and sensual bachata. From 8 PM until the last beat, you’ll start with expert-led salsa and bachata classes, then laugh, dance and discover moves you never knew you had.

Poster advertising Latin Dancing Event presenting an image of dancing couple, detailed description of the event and registration link

[GRAD] Adler Planetarium and Fireworks

WED., JUN. 25, 2025

Join us for a night of wonder at the Adler Planetarium! Step into the stars with interactive exhibits and immersive sky shows that take you on a journey through the cosmos. After exploring the universe, relax and enjoy a stunning, panoramic view of the Navy Pier fireworks, from the planetarium.
Don’t miss this unique blend of science, skyline, and celebration!

Poster advertising Adler Planetarium and Fireworks Event presenting colorful illustrations of planets, comets, stars, rockets, and fireworks, detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] A Taste of Chicago Summer Mixer

MON., JUN. 23, 2025

International House at the University of Chicago and International House at UC Berkeley welcome you to join us for a "Taste of Chicago" reception for Graduate Fellows, Interns, Alumni, and Friends. Sample foods from some of Chicago’s famous neighborhoods while enjoying time with old friends or meeting new ones.

Poster advertising Grad Summer Mixer Event presenting a graphic of group of people barbecuing, detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] Dragon Boat Race

SAT., JUN. 21, 2025

The Dragon Boat Festival is a vibrant cultural tradition with roots over 2,000 years old, celebrating unity, heritage, and community spirit. Join International House as we gather to experience the 2025 Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy, featuring exciting boat races, cultural performances, and music along the scenic Chicago River.

Poster advertising Dragon Boat Race Event presenting a dragon boat with animated paddlers and a fierce dragon head, there are fireworks in the background, detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] Grad Summer Mixer

TUE., JUN. 17, 2025

Join us for our first Grad Summer Mixer! Unwind and bask in the gentle breeze in the I-House Courtyard, an idyllic respite for a light dinner, games, and good conversations. Whether this is your first summer in Chicago or your seventh, the I-House Grad Summer Mixer beckons to rekindle bonds with old friends and weave new tales of camaraderie.

Graduate Commons Program 2025-2026

[GRAD] Wicker Park Fest 2025

FRI., JUL. 25, 2025

[GRAD] Tacos y Tamales Festival

FRI., JUL. 18, 2025

[GRAD] Grad Summer Mixer

TUES., JULY 15, 2025

[GRAD] Midsommer Flight: Love’s Labour’s Lost

FRI., JUL. 11, 2025

[GRAD] Movies on the Midway

WED., JUL. 9, 2025

[GRAD] Grad Summer Mixer

TUES., JUL. 8, 2025

[GRAD] Disc Golf

MON., JUL. 7, 2025

[GRAD] Griffin Museum & Japanese Garden

SUN., JUL. 6, 2025

[GRAD] Independence Day Fireworks

[GRAD] Sunrise Dip & Yoga

FRI., JUL. 4, 2025

[GRAD] I-House Visits the Art Institute of Chicago

[GRAD] Pride Parade

[GRAD] Beach & Ball

[GRAD] Grant Park Music Festival

[GRAD] Latin Dancing

[GRAD] Adler Planetarium and Fireworks

[GRAD] A Taste of Chicago Summer Mixer

[GRAD] Dragon Boat Race

[GRAD] Grad Summer Mixer

Subscribe

Contact