Chicago’s Best Creative Networking Events (Monthly Breakdown)

Not all networking events are created equal.
Especially in a city like Chicago — where every other flyer says “mixer” but ends up being six people and a folding table. You deserve more.

At CLVR LABs™, we don’t just throw events — we build ecosystems. So if you’re a creative, entrepreneur, founder, or community-builder wondering where to find actual opportunities, this monthly breakdown is for you.

🗓️ Monthly Creative Networking in Chicago (2025)

JANUARY – New Year Vision Labs

Kick off the year with intentionality. Our January events focus on goal-setting, journaling, mindset-building, and aligning creative projects with action.

FEBRUARY – Black-Owned Business Spotlights

Featuring femme-owned brands, vendors, and entrepreneurs in a curated showcase. Think candle makers, wellness creatives, apparel drops, and nonprofit founders.

MARCH – Women in Business + Cannabis Crossover

High-vibe, low-pressure gatherings with real conversation — from dispensary managers to creative freelancers. Includes our Chicago cannabis networking series.

APRIL – 420 Vendor & Culture Festival

The biggest CLVR event of the spring. Includes creators in music, fashion, photography, and cannabis. Brand booths, rolling stations, photo zones, and performance sets.

MAY – Startup Showcases + Streetwear Markets

Designed for emerging founders and product-based businesses. Startups demo their brands in spaces where tech meets culture. See also: The 2025 Creative Power Guide.

JUNE – South Side Networking Tour

We go deep into Bronzeville, Hyde Park, and South Shore for culture-rich meetups where storytelling and impact drive connections. Community-based, hyper-local, and always free to attend.

JULY – Yacht Series + Summer Pop-Ups

Welcome to peak CLVR season. Creative networking takes to the water with the CLVR Yacht Networking Series, plus bar-based pop-ups across the city.

AUGUST – Wellness x Wealth Building Nights

Expect panel convos, light bites, and networking between financial educators, life coaches, wellness practitioners, and community entrepreneurs. Designed for reflection and re-alignment.

SEPTEMBER – Cannabis + Creators Market (Fall Edition)

Rolling culture meets rolling applications. Vendors, creatives, and canna-brands show up and show out with curated booths, gift bags, and 21+ experiences.

OCTOBER – Content Creator Link-Up

Our Content Creator Events in Chicago guide gets real here. Meet photographers, stylists, brands, and influencers IRL — no gimmicks.

NOVEMBER – Year-End Biz Planning Nights

Less “networking,” more execution. We host strategic work sessions around grant writing, sponsorship decks, pitch building, and monetizing your gifts.

DECEMBER – Intimate Dinners + Closing Reflections

Small, curated circles for top vendors, partners, and past participants. Private chef collabs, artist talks, and visioning into the new year.

🌟 Not Just Another Mixer

Everything CLVR curates is intentionally designed for creatives and entrepreneurs who want to build — not just talk.

If you’re ready to plug into something that actually makes sense for your business and your energy, start here:

• Upcoming CLVR Events
• Vendor Application
• Our 2025 Blueprint

Also explore:

• Business Networking Events That Actually Matter
• Events for Creatives Chicago This Weekend
• Professional Networking Events Worth Attending

👉 View Our Events | Apply to Vend | Sponsor CLVR