Upcoming Events at necessary & sufficient coffee®
Community gatherings, performances, workshops, and ticketed events hosted at our cafés in Logan Square and Printers Row.
We host a rotating calendar of events—from intimate performances and readings to workshops, tastings, and neighborhood gatherings. Some events are free and drop-in; others are ticketed with limited capacity.
Live Music with Other Voices
Other Voices is an alternative trio of close friends, June Thomas, Trinity Clay and Kensey Kendall. The group blends folk music with classical and alternative influences in songs about love, sorrow, and the quiet difficulty of change. Lush instrumental compositions merge with diary entry lyricism.
Learn more about the artists by following @inothervoices on Instagram!
Neighborhood Coffee Shop Vibes with DJ Roads Clear
Sunday, April 12 | 10 AM–4 PM | Printers Row
Ease into your Sunday the right way with the perfect caffeine and music combo.
DJ Roads Clear will be spinning a laid-back soundtrack for your morning-to-afternoon drift through breakfast, specialty coffee, and good company.
Free entry. Full menu. Flawless vibes.
Pop-Up Event with Allison Poplett
The summer farmers’ markets can’t come soon enough; that’s why we’re kicking off things early! In need of a conversation piece for your walls? Swing by the cafe to find some eye-catching art and stunning color work by Allison Poplett.
Allison Poplett is an artist based in Chicago, IL. She creates work in both digital and acrylic mediums, influenced by her graphic design background and admiration for historical art movements. She draws inspiration from nature, the bold, colorful strokes of Matisse, and the cultural richness of Italy and France. She loves to romanticize the simplicities of everyday life within her work, whether it is a serene cup of tea, a vibrant meal, or a delicate bouquet. Her brand is a study in everyday romance- inviting you into a world where beauty lives in the small, simple moments.
Instagram: @allisonpoplett
Neighborhood Coffee Shop Vibes with DJ Roads Clear
Sunday, Aoril 5 | 10 AM–4 PM | Printers Row
Ease into your Sunday the right way with the perfect caffeine and music combo.
DJ Roads Clear will be spinning a laid-back soundtrack for your morning-to-afternoon drift through breakfast, specialty coffee, and good company.
Free entry. Full menu. Flawless vibes.
Coffee Shop Speed Dating with Jigsaw
Love is in the air… and in your latte!
Join us for an afternoon of sparks and good conversation. This speed-dating event is hosted by Jigsaw, a new dating experience for people 25-40. Come ready to meet someone!
Ages 25-40
Necessary & Sufficient Coffee - Printers Row
728 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605
Regular price $29.99 USD
Limited tickets available! Get your tickets HERE
ArtNight Chicago - Ticketed Event
Celebrate art in all its forms. From storytelling and comedy to music, uncover what the industry is doing next with ArtNight Chicago.
Friday, April 3· Doors 7:30PM · Show 8PM · 728 S Dearborn St
For the past nine years, ArtNight has been organizing monthly community-building variety shows all around Chicago! ArtNight provides talented, passionate artists a platform to share what they love.
On the first Friday of the month, Chicagoans gather to laugh, learn, and celebrate art in all its forms. From storytelling and comedy to music, uncover what the art industry is doing next with ArtNight Chicago.
This April’s lineup includes:
The greatest true story ever told
The physics of adaptation
An innovative screenplay
Two fresh perspectives on Chicago’s most beloved buildings and waterways
Come early, mingle, participate in community activities, and join the discussion — then settle in as the show unfolds.
First Thursday Silent Reading Night
Join us on the first Thursday of the month for Silent Reading and Writing night at the cafe from 6-8 pm.
The cafe will not be closing from 5-6 p.m. Instead, remaining customers will be notified that we’re getting ready for silent reading and writing night, and we’ll stop serving from 5-6 p.m. After that, we will have a limited menu, baked goods, bagels, and burritos.
Neighborhood Coffee Shop Vibes with DJ Roads Clear
Sunday, March 29 | 10 AM–4 PM | Printers Row
Ease into your Sunday the right way with the perfect caffeine and music combo.
DJ Roads Clear will be spinning a laid-back soundtrack for your morning-to-afternoon drift through breakfast, specialty coffee, and good company.
Free entry. Full menu. Flawless vibes.
Tarot Readings with Sarah, Saturday, from 12-4 p.m. - $25 Per Reading
Sarah has 20 years of experience in astrology and tarot, and can be found at events around Chicago with her tarot, art, and vintage pop-up.
Café Urban Sketching with Amy Gowans
Ever looked at a perfectly poured latte or a flaky croissant and thought, "I wish I could capture this"? Now you can, no previous sketching experience needed!
Join us for a relaxed, beginner-friendly urban sketching session at Necessary & Sufficient Coffee. Travel Sketcher Amy Gowans will guide you through this fun, low-pressure experience.
All levels are encouraged. If you are a beginner and don't have supplies, they will be provided.
📅 Saturday, March 28
⏰ 9:00-11:00 a.m.
📍Necessary & Sufficient: 728 S Dearborn St, Chicago
🎟️Class Fee: $25 (to be paid at time of registration)
To register: email Amy Gowans: amy.gowans0803@gmail.com
**Necessary & Sufficient has generously offered a discount on food/beverage items ordered by participants in this class. Please arrive hungry and plan to order what you're interested in sketching.
Warm croissant paired with a silky hot cocoa and whipped cream
Laugh or Cry! A Free Musical Cabaret on Friday, March 27th
What's better than a good laugh or a good cry? Having both at the same time. Laugh or Cry is an intimate event highlighting Chicago's funniest and saddest musicians, poets, and storytellers. This is a FREE event and will not be ticketed.
25% of mocktail sales will go towards the cause
Collecting donations for the Illinois Community for Displaced Immigrants
6-8 pm
Friday, March 27th
728 S Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60605
The Pillars of Well-Being for Creating a Zestier, Happier Life with Zhenya Evans
Looking for more joy, balance, and energy in your everyday life?
Join us for an uplifting, interactive workshop, where the science of positive psychology meets real life.
Using the PERMA framework: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment, we'll explore practical, research-backed ways to strengthen your well-being and bring more zest into each day.
Through guided reflection, gentle experiential exercises, and lively discussion, you'll discover how small, intentional habits can create meaningful change in various domains of life, from how you start your mornings to how you connect with others and celebrate your progress.
You'll leave feeling inspired, energized, and equipped with simple, actionable strategies you can use immediately to make your days more vibrant, fulfilling, and joyful.
Neighborhood Coffee Shop Vibes with DJ Roads Clear
Sunday, March 22 | 10 AM–4 PM | Printers Row
Ease into your Sunday the right way with the perfect caffeine and music combo.
DJ Roads Clear will be spinning a laid-back soundtrack for your morning-to-afternoon drift through breakfast, specialty coffee, and good company.
Free entry. Full menu. Flawless vibes.
Live Music with Kelly Parker
Join us for an afternoon of live music with Kelly Parker and her bandmate, Aaron!
Kelly is a singer-songwriter whose music falls into the indie folk/pop genre. With a passion for storytelling and connecting with people on an emotional level, she uses her music as both a form of communication and a way to regain control of her big feelings. Fans of Lizzy McAlpine, Jensen McRae, and Holly Humberstone will likely resonate with her intentional and charming lyricism and intimate acoustic sound.
IG: @kellyparkerr
TikTok: @kellyparkerr_
IG: @aaronsbookclub
TikTok: @aaronsbookclub
Neighborhood Coffee Shop Vibes with DJ Roads Clear
Sunday, March 15 | 10 AM–4 PM | Printers Row
Ease into your Sunday the right way with the perfect caffeine and music combo.
DJ Roads Clear will be spinning a laid-back soundtrack for your morning-to-afternoon drift through breakfast, specialty coffee, and good company.
Free entry. Full menu. Flawless vibes.
Neighborhood Coffee Shop Vibes with DJ Roads Clear
Saturday, March 7 | 10 AM–4 PM | Printers Row
Ease into your weekend the right way with the perfect caffeine and music combo.
DJ Roads Clear will be spinning a laid-back soundtrack for your morning-to-afternoon drift through breakfast, specialty coffee, and good company.
Free entry. Full menu. Flawless vibes.
Live Music with Vian Haziel
Join us Friday, March 6th, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a special live performance by Vian Haziel!
Vian is a pop singer-songwriter with R&B and acoustic influences, currently based in the downtown Chicago area. Focusing mostly on originals, Vian will be playing songs from his summer EP, as well as some new songs from his upcoming album.
Find more of Vian’s work at @vianhaziel on Instagram!
First Thursday Silent Reading Night
Join us on the first Thursday of the month for Silent Reading and Writing night at the cafe from 6-8 pm.
The cafe will not be closing from 5-6 p.m. Instead, remaining customers will be notified that we’re getting ready for silent reading and writing night, and we’ll stop serving from 5-6 p.m. After that, we will have a limited menu, baked goods, bagels, and burritos.
Looking Both Ways: An Exhibition by Jahse
Photographer Jahse combines expertise in lighting, digital technology, and painting to create photographs. Drawing inspiration from many facets of our modern world, he studies fine art, fashion, design, advertising, street art, and gallery scenes. His creative process is centered around working with people, collaborating, and dream sharing. Sharing is the goal of his work; communicating various ideas, desires, hopes, fears, and truths with his subjects in an effort to build community in the process of documentation. Some notable subjects include Rhianna, Harry Belafonte, Hugh Masekela, QTip, Sweet Honey In The Rock, Roy Ayers, Judith Jamison, Abiodun Oyewole, Blitz Bazule, and Randy Weston.
Very Necessary Open Mic - Finale
Hosted by Geno Mars, this event transforms Sunday nights into a stage for raw talent, weird brilliance, and unexpected moments.
From comedy and music to poetry and everything in between, the Very Necessary Open Mic Night is your weekly dose of creative chaos.
Sign-up begins at 6 pm, open mic begins at 6:30. One drink minimum to participate!
Show & Tell for Grown-Ups
🎤 Show & Tell for Grown Ups
Hosted at Necessary & Sufficient Coffee – Printers Row
Do you want to show & tell or are you just here to listen and learn?
Join us for a night of laughs, curiosity, and discovery!
Topics can range from the intricacies of dovetail woodworking joinery to the chemical structure of the 90s cult-favorite nail polish color Unicorn Pee—and the black-market conspiracy behind it.
Check out our Instagram @tellmewhyitscool_show to get a feel for the vibe.
🎟️ Purchase Tickets Here:
👉 Click to Buy on Eventbrite
🎙 Want to Present?
Presenters get 5 minutes to tell us why something’s cool, followed by 3–4 minutes of Q&A.
Reserve your presenter slot here: Presenter Sign-Up Form
Need ideas? Try these prompts:
Have you made something you’re proud of but never got to show off? (Kickass spreadsheets and life hacks encouraged!)
Do you have deep, “pointless” knowledge about a random subject? We love niche deep dives.
What was your latest dopamine-fueled rabbit hole? Tell us about it!
🎭 What to Expect
This show is PG-13 — please keep it free of adult content, excessive swearing, or anything that challenges others’ religious, political, racial, or sexual identity.
We’re here to ignite curiosity, not spark conflict.
These open mics help us discover new storytellers, hobbyists, and experts for future shows and podcast episodes. Impress us, and you might be invited to present again!
Follow along:
📸 Instagram: @tellmewhyitscool_show
🌐 Website: www.tellmewhyshow.com
Neighborhood Coffee Shop Vibes with DJ Roads Clear
Friday, February 27 | 12 AM–5 PM | Printers Row
Ease into your weekend the right way with the perfect caffeine and music combo.
DJ Roads Clear will be spinning a laid-back soundtrack for your morning-to-afternoon drift through breakfast, specialty coffee, and good company.
Free entry. Full menu. Flawless vibes.
Classic Caprese Burrata Toast
Neighborhood Coffee Shop Vibes with DJ Roads Clear
Friday, February 27 | 10 AM–4 PM | Printers Row
Ease into your weekend the right way with the perfect caffeine and music combo.
DJ Roads Clear will be spinning a laid-back soundtrack for your morning-to-afternoon drift through breakfast, specialty coffee, and good company.
Free entry. Full menu. Flawless vibes.
Tomato Jam, Greens, Egg and Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich
Tarot Readings with Sarah, Saturday, from 12-4 p.m. - $25 Per Reading
Sarah has 20 years of experience in astrology and tarot, and can be found at events around Chicago with her tarot, art, and vintage pop-up.
Laugh or Cry! A Free Musical Cabaret on Friday, February 20th
What's better than a good laugh or a good cry? Having both at the same time. Laugh or Cry is an intimate event highlighting Chicago's funniest and saddest musicians, poets, and storytellers. This is a FREE event and will not be ticketed.
25% of mocktail sales will go towards the cause
Collecting donations for the Illinois Community for Displaced Immigrants
6-8 pm
Friday, February 20th
728 S Dearborn Street
Chicago IL 60605
Neighborhood Coffee Shop Vibes with DJ Roads Clear - Saturday
Sunday, February 8 | 10 AM–4 PM | Printers Row
Ease into your Sunday the right way—caffeine first, questions later.
DJ Roads Clear will be spinning a laid-back soundtrack for your morning-to-afternoon drift through breakfast burritos, good coffee, and better company.
No cover, no fuss—just free music, great food, and espresso worth showing up for.
Come hang, chat, or zone out in style. Whether you’re brunching with friends or flying solo with a flat white, this is your official permission slip to do absolutely nothing productive.
Free entry. Full menu. Flawless vibes.
Coffee Shop Speed Dating - Valentine's Edition
Love is in the air —and your White Chocolate Rose Matcha Latte!
Join us for an afternoon of sparks and good conversation. This speed-dating event is hosted by Jigsaw, a new dating experience for people 40-45. Come ready to meet someone!
Ages 40-55+
Necessary & Sufficient Coffee - Printers Row
728 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605
Regular price$29.99 USD
Limited tickets available! Get your tickets HERE
Jackie (Limited Edition)
An interactive session for makers and thinkers to collaborate, connect, and spark new ideas.
Xolo Yo Carlos Ramona Solo Exhibit
Carlos Carmona
XOLO YO: Remembrance and Renewal
The Tender Psychopomp
When does an inherited motif stop being an image and become a bond?
In XOLO YO, Carlos Carmona—a self-taught painter from Mexico—treats painting as an act of continuity rooted in heritage, family, and everyday life, using bold color and devotion to connect his work to his roots and lived experience in the present.
The series begins with an origin story: Carmona writes that his father once painted a Xoloitzcuintli that later appeared on a Mexican postal stamp, and the image endured for him as a symbol of legacy and identity—one that, over time, enables a bond between generations.
He returns to the motif not as quotation or nostalgia, but as inheritance—something received with care and carried forward through renewed seeing.
At the center of this work stands the Xoloitzcuintli, revered in Mexican cultural memory and, within Mexica tradition, associated with guiding souls through the dangers of the journey to Mictlán.
National Geographic describes the “Dog of Xolotl” as created to guard the living and guide the souls of the dead through Mictlán. In this light, the Xolo can be understood as a psychopomp—a guide across thresholds—yet. Carmona renders that role with intimacy rather than spectacle: a tender psychopomp, a relational presence through whom “guidance and loyalty” become legible as lived commitments.
Carmona’s phrase—“remembrance and renewal”—names a disciplined balance between honoring what is received and keeping it alive in the present tense; the bond the exhibition proposes is material—painting as a durable site where father and son, symbol and self, remain in conversation across time.
February 2 - 27
Opening Reception: Feb. 3 • 4-5 p.m.
IG: xolo_yo_11
Free Admission
supporting Mexican rights
Earlier Event: February 1
The Very Necessary Open Mic with Geno Mars
Later Event: February 5
Country Fried: A Solo Exhibition by Kensey Kendall
Country Fried gathers Kensey Kendall’s muslin drawings into a tender, rigorous meditation on the ethics—and the impossibility—of keeping. Born in 2002 in Michigan’s Northwoods and now working from Chicago, Kendall approaches image-making as a form of custodianship: a practice that does not simply preserve the past, but re-animates it, submits it to touch, and asks what it means to live alongside what is already gone.