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Center on Halsted's Community and Cultural team creates and hosts a wide array of fun, interactive and engaging programs enjoyed by members of the entire community. Events range from volleyball games in our gymnasium to dance recitals in our theatre. We host regular receptions showcasing local LGBTQ artists and special events for LGBTQ families and friends.

Keep reading to find out about the different events and programs offered at Center on Halsted. And be sure to check out our calendar to find an upcoming event that's right for you.

Programs

Recreation & Wellness

Center on Halsted has a full-size gymnasium on the third floor which hosts a number of athletic events and programs like open gym volleyball, floor hockey, and basketball. More than 500 people come to Center on Halsted every week to enjoy the athletic facilities and team sports.
  • Center on Halsted hosts Open Gym Volleyball Monday and Thursday nights 6pm to 9pm. Mondays are for beginners/intermediate players; Thursdays are for advanced players. Players must be 18+ years of age, sign a waiver form, and agree to gym rules. The Center does not provide parking for this or other Center programming.
    Click here for more information and to purchase your Open Gym Volleyball pass.

  • Center on Halsted hosts Open Gym Pickleball on Friday nights 6pm to 9pm beginning Friday, June 14th. Players must be 18+ years of age, sign a waiver form, and agree to gym rules. The Center does not provide parking for this or other Center programming.
    Click here for more information and to purchase your Open Gym Pickleball pass.

  • We are home to five Recreational Leagues that play regularly at Center on Halsted throughout the year.

 Community Programs

Please click on the date & times to get the groups contact information for access to these virtual and in-person meetings. We offer regular events and programs designed for specific communities within the LGBTQ family to help foster identity and fellowship.
  • Bisexual Programs
    Center on Halsted provides event space and offers specific workshops, discussions, networking opportunities and cultural events tailored specifically for the bisexual community and allies. Ongoing events include a bi-monthly movie night and discussion group.
    View upcoming events related to the bisexual community.

  • Children's Space & Family Programs
    Center on Halsted provides a safe and inviting place for all families to play and celebrate with one another. The Butler-VanderLinden Family Children's Area on the second floor is a space completely devoted to children's activities. You're invited to bring your little ones!  Toys, books, and games are all available—just bring the fun! To visit, check in at first floor reception. The Butler-VanderLinden Family Children's Area is open Monday through Friday, 8am to 2:30pm.

    Additionally, we host regular events and programs for LGBTQ families and we partner with area organizations including the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois and PFLAG, as well as children's festivals and theaters to host local family events.
    View upcoming events for your family.

  • Transgender Programs
    These include a number of trans-related community events, social gatherings, and other opportunities throughout the year, such as TQI Lounge, Community Cave, T-FEM, T-MAC, GenderQueer Chicago, Parents of Trans Individuals, Trans Turning Point, our Trans Ice Cream Social during Pride Month, Transgender Day of Visibility, Transgender Day of Remembrance, as well as a number of trans-focused workshops, trainings, and additional events. All of these program offerings are designed for trans*-identified and/or questioning individuals. View upcoming transgender related events.

  • Women's Programs
    The Women's Action Committee is a group of dedicated Center on Halsted volunteers who plan and host regular fundraising and social events—“By Women, For Women”—throughout the year to benefit local women’s organizations. The organization also hosts women’s speed dating and in the winter we have a Women’s Art program that brings women together to socialize and learn to paint. Each week we host a peer led women’s game night where several dozen women gather to socialize and play board games and a women’s discussion group called the L Lounge.
    View upcoming women's events.

LGBTQ Artists Gallery

Center on Halsted is home to two art galleries which showcase different LGBTQ artists from the community. You can view the galleries on the second and third floors during normal business hours or join us for our opening night reception where you can mix and mingle with other community members and meet the featured artists.

If you are an LGBTQ artist based in Chicagoland and interested in being considered for a show, please contact our curator David Joseph at davidmjoseph@aol.com.


Career Development Programs

  • Culinary Arts and Job Readiness
    Center on Halsted's Silver Fork Program is a nine-week vocational training program for LGBTQ and allied adults who are unemployed or underemployed. Participants receive hands-on training from local chefs in the culinary arts, including cooking, knife handling, sanitation, and etiquette. Graduates receive two certificates and receive job placement assistance. For more information and to apply, please visit click here.

  • Career Development Workshops
    Through corporate partnerships, Center on Halsted is able to provide career development workshops and trainings to assist individuals in the job market. Topics and skills covered include things such as résumé building, networking, job searches, and interviewing skills.


Hosting Your Own Community Event 

Space at Center on Halsted—including our gymnasium, theatre, and meeting rooms—is available for rent to community groups and corporations. Non-profit organizations receive discounted prices.
If you would like to rent a space for an event, please check out our rental page.


Contact Us

Have an idea for an event or program? We want to hear from you! If you would like more information about our Community and Cultural Programs, you can reach us at culture@centeronhalsted.org.

If you have an idea for a program, please submit a proposal that provides an overview of your idea, including the who, what, when, where, and why of your program to culture@centeronhalsted.org. If you have marketing materials, including imagery and promotional videos, please include them.

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