'Clark After Dark' kicks off in River North to raise money for USO Illinois

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The USO's "Clark After Dark" festival returned to River North Thursday night.

The 13th annual event features music, drinks and food from local restaurants. It raises money for USO Illinois programs and services that support more than 350,000 military members and their families throughout the state.

And as we know, over the past 18 months, they've been true heroes during the pandemic.

"Our Illinois National Guard, in particular, staffing testing sites and now vaccination sites. We're going to have a special opportunity to recognize some of those soldiers here tonight," said Christopher Schmidt, executive director of USO Illinois.

"Unity, community, and just everybody getting together, and definitely without being political supporting our troops," attendee Debra Lynn Wilcox said.

Things to do in Chicago: Festivals, events happening around city

The bands performing this year are LowDown Brass Band, Liquidated Damages and headliner Rodd Tuff Curls & The Bench Press.

Admission is $10 and there are VIP tickets available as well that get you into a tent with special food and drink.

Clark After Dark runs from 4 to 10 p.m. on Hubbard Street between Clark Street and LaSalle Drive.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the event, visit Illinois.uso.org.