CHICAGO — K-pop superstars BTS are taking over Soldier Field Thursday and Friday for two sold-out shows on their “ARIRANG” world tour, with tons of fan-organized events to keep concertgoers busy all week.
The last time all seven members of BTS performed together in Chicago was in May 2019, during their “Love Yourself: Speak Yourself” tour at Soldier Field. Members J-Hope and Suga have since made their way back to Chicago for solo performances in 2022 and 2024.
The anticipated return has also prompted a new statewide commemoration thanks to Army, the term used to describe BTS’ fanbase. Gov. JB Pritzker has officially declared Aug. 27 and 28 BTS Day in Illinois, according to a proclamation he signed earlier this month.
Chicago BTS Army and the HANA Center, an immigrant rights nonprofit that joined the petition to the governor, are also campaigning to light Chicago’s skyline “Borahae Purple” during both nights of the concert, in honor of BTS, according to a news release.
But the celebration extends well beyond the stadium with fan-organized parties, cupsleeve events, cruises and more planned across Chicago. Here’s what Army needs to know about meal specials plus free and ticketed events happening this week around the concert.
Food Specials
Korean BBQ special
Where: Perilla Korean Fare, 401 N. Milwaukee Ave., River West
Army can fuel up before or after the group’s Chicago concerts with a limited-time ARMY Set available Aug. 24-30.
The $70-per-person meal includes three Korean fried chicken wings, a half-order of scallion pancake, silken tofu stew and a grill set with USDA Prime short rib, heritage pork belly and LA galbi. Rice and banchan are also included.
BTS Concert Hot Pot Deal
Where: Qiao Lin Hotpot, 2105 S. Jefferson St. in Chinatown and 210 E. Illinois St. Downtown
Fans who dine in and show a valid BTS concert ticket can receive one complimentary order of marinated beef per table from Aug. 24-28, while supplies last.
Reservations are encouraged.
Free Ube Cookie With Meal
Where: PERILLA Korean Steakhouse, 225 N. Wabash Ave., Downtown
Concertgoers can score a free house-made ube cookie at Perilla Steakhouse with the purchase of a Korean breakfast, lunch or brunch tray from Aug. 26-29. A valid BTS concert ticket is required.
The trays come with rice, soup and banchan, plus a choice of prime ribeye, garlic chicken or grilled mackerel.
Reservations are available, and walk-ins are welcome.
BTS-Inspired Meal Set
Where: K-KITCHEN, inside Chicago French Market at Ogilvie Transportation Center, 131 N. Clinton St., Downtown
Army can try Korean dishes inspired by foods the group’s members eat, with two limited-time ARMY sets available through Aug. 28.
The $15 japchae set includes japchae, three vegetable mandu and a soda. A $13.50 pork galbi Bun Set comes with a pork galbi bun, three vegetable mandu and a soda.
Fan Organized And Other Non-Official Events
Tuesday
BTS Trivia Night
Where: Replay, 2833 N. Sheffield Ave., Lincoln Park
Army can put their BTS knowledge to the test at an adults-only trivia night starting at 8 p.m. at Replay Lincoln Park. The team-based competition will feature BTS-themed questions and prizes for teams of two to eight people.
Wednesday
BTS Arrirang Chicago Cupsleeve Event
Where: Daboba Chinatown, 2142 S. Archer Ave.
Army can celebrate BTS’ arrival in Chicago from noon-7 p.m. at a fan-organized cupsleeve event, which sees fans decorate the protective sleeves placed on hot beverage cups, at Daboba Chinatown.
The event will feature multiple photo opportunities, local vendors and hourly merchandise giveaways. Fans who purchase a drink can also receive a BTS-themed cupsleeve, photocard and wristband while supplies last. The same cupsleeve event will also take place on Thursday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
ARMY Popup at KPOP NARA
Where: KPOP NARA Chicago, 545 S. State St., Downtown
Army can hang out ahead of BTS’ Chicago concerts during a two-day fan event from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at KPOP NARA Chicago.
The free, all-ages event will feature a message wall, photo opportunities, vendors and giveaways while supplies last.
Chirang Fireworks Cruise
Where: Chicago River
Army can take in fireworks and BTS music on the Chirang Fireworks Cruise from 8-10:30 p.m.
The roughly three-hour cruise will feature BTS music from DJ Dorian Westwood, themed drinks and a fireworks show. Light sticks are welcome.
Tickets are $52 for general boarding. The cruise is for guests 21 and older with a valid ID.
ARMYRANG Chicago Pre-Party
Where: Bassline, 2239 S. Michigan Ave., South Loop
BTS fans can celebrate this week’s shows at the ARMYRANG Event Tour Pre-Party from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesday, featuring BTS music, dancing and fan activities.
Attendees are encouraged to wear BTS gear, bring light sticks and bring freebies to exchange with fellow members of ARMY, the group’s fanbase.
Tickets are required. Prices currently range from $20-25.
Thursday
Cupsleeve Event
Where: Uni Uni Chinatown, 2171 S. China Place,
Army can celebrate BTS’ Chicago tour stop from noon-4 p.m. at a concert-themed cupsleeve event in Chinatown.
The event will feature several vendors, including YoonglesEpiphany, Raven Maven K-Pop, Midwest Fox Creations and Halo Studios.
Guests must make a purchase from Uni Uni to receive a BTS-themed cupsleeve and other goodies while supplies last. Fans can also preorder a $5 package to guarantee a cupsleeve, photocard, button and pouch.
BTS Concert-Day Fan Event
Where: Hello Jasmine Chinatown, 2026 S. Clark St.,
Army can stop by Hello Jasmine Chinatown on both days of BTS’ Chicago concerts for free fan activities, raffles and giveaways from noon-6 p.m.
The event will feature free hourly raffles, unlimited bracelet making and BTS and BT21 coloring pages. Freebies will also be available with drink purchases, including official BTS CDs and posters, with merchandise from other K-pop groups also available.
A free grand raffle will give one fan a collection featuring all versions of BTS’ “ARIRANG” albums.
BTS Pre-Concert Party
Where: October Cafe, 6046 N. Avondale Ave., Norwood Park
Army can celebrate ahead of this week’s concerts with a pre-show party from noon-4 p.m. at October Cafe.
The event will feature freebies, drinks and snacks, along with BTS-themed crafts and games.
Tickets are $10, and space is limited.
The Sounds of Purple: ARIRANG
Where: Ping Tom Memorial Park, 1700 S. Wentworth Ave., near the Chinatown Water Taxi entrance
Army can celebrate BTS while raising money for the Chicago Center for Music Education’s music therapy program during The Sounds of Purple: ARIRANG from noon-4 p.m. at Ping Tom Memorial Park.
The fundraiser will feature BTS-themed activities, dancing and merch from local artists. Proceeds from song requests, donations and purchases will support ChiME’s efforts to expand access to music therapy for Chicago youth.
BTS K-Pop Night at Sidetrack
Where: Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St., Lakeview
Army can keep the party going after the first night of BTS’ Chicago concerts with a special K-pop night from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at Sidetrack.
The free, 21-and-older event will feature BTS throwbacks alongside music from other K-pop groups, with performances from Jas Guzman, Boy J and Kitty VanDyke.
Friday
ARMYRANG Event Tour Cupsleeve Event
Where: Bassline, 2239 S. Michigan Ave., South Loop
Army can gather from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for a free, all-ages BTS fan event ahead of Friday’s show. The event will feature vendors, a photo booth and a special menu.
Fans who make a purchase at Bassline can snag a free commemorative cupsleeve while supplies last. BTS-themed event packages will also be available for $25-$60, with merch including photocards, fans, mirrors, lanyards, shirts and other items.
The event is part of the ARMYRANG Event Tour, a series of fan gatherings following BTS’ U.S. tour stops.
Saturday
BTS-Themed Art Exhibit
Where: Jackson Junge Gallery, 1389 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wicker Park
Army can check out a new K-pop-inspired art exhibition event from noon-5 p.m. Saturday at Jackson Junge Gallery.
The free fan event, hosted with The Purple Court, marks the opening of “K-POP!,” a mini exhibition from Chicago-based artist iri5 featuring portraits of K-pop artists created with cassette tape and other mixed media, according to the gallery’s website.
The exhibition runs Aug. 24-Sept. 20.
BTS Cupsleeve Event at Tous les Jours
Where: Tous les Jours, 1726 W. Division St.
Army can wind down concert week from noon-5 p.m. Saturday with special drinks, photocard trading and giveaways. Fans who purchase a drink can receive a blind bag with a random cupsleeve, photocard, member photo and sticker while supplies last.
The first 50 guests can also receive a limited-edition sticker, and the first 77 can receive a photo strip.
