Chicago’s journalism community is throwing a party — and you’re invited.
On Thursday, Sept. 10, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., journalists from across the city’s newsrooms, professional associations and neighborhoods will gather at Promontory Point for food, drinks, and the kind of conversation that happens when you’re not chasing deadline. It’s free. Dinner’s on the house. And the whole point is simple: to celebrate the people doing the work and the work itself.
The picnic is organized by eight Chicago journalism groups — the Asian American Journalists Association, National Association of Black Journalists, South Asian Journalists Association, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, Trans Journalists Association, Chicago Journalists Association and Chicago Headline Club — and sponsored by the Field Foundation.
What you need to know
- When: Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Promontory Point, 5491 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Look for the colorful helium balloons on the eastern side of the Point.
- Cost: Free
- Food: Dinner, drinks and refreshments provided — including Mediterranean favorites from Cedar’s in Hyde Park.
- Bring: A picnic blanket or folding chair if you have one. September lakefront evenings cool down fast, so a sweater or light jacket is smart.
- RSVP: Registration closes Friday, Aug. 28. Organizers need an accurate count for food and drinks.
The evening is designed to be exactly what it sounds like: a chance to reconnect with colleagues, meet journalists from other newsrooms and organizations, and spend time together away from the news cycle. Photographer Ronit Bezalel, whose work has appeared in Windy City Times, Block Club Chicago and other Chicago publications, will be there documenting the night.
Volunteers needed
About 10 people have already signed up to help, but organizers still need a few hands:
- A driver to pick up drinks, utensils, desserts or supplies a day or two before the picnic.
- One or two folding tables for food and supplies.
- An outdoor Bluetooth speaker and someone willing to build a playlist and handle music during the event.
If you can help with any of those, reach out to the Chicago Headline Club or one of the participating journalism organizations.
Come for the free food. Stay for the people. RSVP by Aug. 28 so there’s enough for everyone.