Hats off to the Service Club: Chicago’s chicest Spring Luncheon returns

There are luncheons and then there are hat luncheons. And when it comes to glamour, generosity and a dazzling parade of millinery masterpieces, few events rival the annual Spring Hat Luncheon hosted by The Service Club of Chicago.

Set for May 20 at the elegant The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, this beloved event promises an afternoon where fashion meets philanthropy in the most fabulous way. 

From the moment guests arrive, it’s clear this isn’t your average charity affair. Think champagne in hand, a sea of statement hats - feathers, florals, fascinators - and a room buzzing with Chicago’s most stylish and civic-minded crowd. It’s a scene straight out of a glossy magazine, yet rooted in something far more meaningful: giving back.

Co-chaired this year by Lauren Brynjelsen and Claudine Schramko, the luncheon continues a long-standing tradition of blending high fashion with high impact. The Service Club, founded in 1890, has spent more than a century quietly transforming lives across Chicagoland, funding essential equipment, improving facilities and supporting programs for local nonprofits. 

And while the mission is serious, the mood is anything but.

Guests can expect an afternoon filled with lively conversation, impeccable style and, of course, the always-anticipated hat contest where creativity knows no bounds. Past events have featured everything from runway-worthy creations to whimsical, over-the-top designs that turn heads and spark smiles. 

But beyond the spectacle lies the true magic of the day: community. The Spring Hat Luncheon has become a cherished rite of the season, a place where friendships are celebrated, new connections are made and generosity takes center stage.

Simply put, it’s where Chicago shows up - and shows off - for a cause.

So, whether you’re a devoted hat enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable afternoon steeped in style and purpose, this iconic event remains one of the city’s most delightful ways to welcome spring.

And remember: in Chicago, the bigger the hat…the bigger the heart. (For tickets/more info, click here!)