Part of the Gay Chicago Guide — bars, events & things to do.

Saturday, May 29, 2027
International Mr. Leather 2027 runs May 29 – June 2. Expect the contest weekend, the leather market and the host-hotel parties. IML runs over Memorial Day weekend, which falls on May 31 in 2027. We add the full schedule, parties and venue details to this page as organizers publish them.
Have feedback on this description? Let us knowDrag brunches, circuit nights & every party worth knowing in Chicago — in your inbox every week.

Wed, Aug 26
9 PM - 2 AM
Sidetrack, Chicago
Monthly Wednesday night dance party at Sidetrack featuring Dua Lipa and Ariana Grande hits. Gay video dance party in Chicago's welcoming venue.
Monthly
Wed, Aug 26
9 PM - 1 AM
Jackhammer, Chicago
Weekly Wednesday karaoke at Jackhammer in Rogers Park. High-energy performances, $4 well drinks, and a bold queer community. Hosted by Tim Bell.
Weekly
Wed, Aug 26
9 PM - 2 AM
Splash, Chicago
Weekly Wednesday drag competition at Splash Chicago hosted by Miss Toto and Ann Arquía. No eliminations, fierce performances, and a winning prize package.
Weekly
Wed, Aug 26
9 PM - 2 AM
Replay Lakeview, Chicago
Weekly gay karaoke night in Boystown. Sign-ups at 9 PM, $6 drafts, $7 cocktails, half-off wine. Hosted by Niko at Replay.
Monthly
Wed, Aug 26
11 PM - 4 AM
Charlie's, Chicago
Weekly Wednesday gay male revue and go-go show at Charlie's Chicago. Hosted by Sapphire Feliciano with DJ Lightning. Country-queer nightlife and dancing.
Weekly
Thu, Aug 27
11 AM - 6 PM
Chicago Cultural Center
Free house-music conference at the Chicago Cultural Center during the Aug 27–30 festival — panels with DJs, producers and icons on house's queer roots.
Let people know you're going, see who else is attending, and share the event with friends.


Your complete guide to LGBTQ+ Chicago — the best gay bars, annual events, neighborhoods, hotels, and things to do in the Windy City.

Everything you need for Chicago's Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade — the route, the costume contest, the Northalsted bars that go all out, and where to stay that's gay.

Parvati Shallow's Survivor brunch, Queen! celebrates Lucy's birthday, and G.E.M. turns five at Jackhammer — plus 92 ways to fill your weekend.

A citywide guide to the best gay bars and clubs in Chicago — Northalsted's neon-lit video bars, Andersonville's laid-back locals, historic South Side spots and everything between.

Laid-back patios, karaoke, and the least pretentious crowd in the city — here's where Chicago's bears, cubs, and otters actually hang out, night by night.

From cruise bars in Rogers Park to the Chicago Eagle, here's every corner of Chicago's leather and kink scene — the birthplace of IML.