AFTER HOURS EVENTS
The fun doesn't end when the show floor closes. Our after parties & events ensure every fan's schedule is stacked all weekend long. Sign up for our e-newsletter to receive afterparty & event updates.

FAN EXPO CHICAGO COSMIC CELEBRATION
Saturday, August 16 at 7 PM I Theater #2
Get ready to rock the multiverse. The most out-of-this-world afterparty is headed to Chicago. Galactic Empire is performing live, and the vibes will be astronomical. Show up in your sci-fi finest, grab a cosmic cocktail, and snag some giveaways while we celebrate in style. Free with your FAN EXPO Chicago badge.

ANIME AFTER DARK
Two nights. One epic after-hours hangout. Join us Friday and Saturday for DJs, karaoke, late-night arcade games, cosplay moments, and appearances from anime voice actors who are coming to the show exclusively for this event. Friday leans into K-pop vibes, and Saturday turns up the anime remixes. Entry is included with your Friday, Saturday, 3-Day, VIP, or Ultimate badge.

GEEKY SPEAKEASY
Friday, August 15 from 9 PM - 11 PM | Level 1
The password is fandom. Behind the curtain, you’ll find burlesque, bingo, improv D&D, karaoke, crafts, comedy, and cocktails—plus a photo op worth bootlegging. The Geeky Speakeasy is open for one night only.

BOOTLEG BALLADS KARAOKE
Friday, August 15 from 9 PM- 11 PM | Anime HQ Room
Anime hits meet speakeasy glitz in this retro-inspired karaoke lounge. Come dressed to impress and croon your fave tracks over themed drinks and vintage vibes.

BINGO MASQUERADE SPEAKEASY
The Bingo Masquerade Speakeasy is where golden-age style meets game night energy. Hosted by Fun’N Free Bingo, this immersive experience features custom bingo cards using 1920s slang, free masks for kids and adults (or decorate your own while supplies last), a photo booth with vintage props, and a prize for the snazziest costume of the night.

IMPROV D&D (18+)
No dice, no character sheets, no prep—just pure roleplay mayhem. Audience members become the party in this off-the-cuff Dungeons & Dragons adventure where anything can happen, and probably will. Guided by a Game Master and fueled by your imagination.

Korrupted Comedy
When the lights dim, the rules get blurry. Korrupted Comedy brings an after-hours lineup of sharp, offbeat stand-up straight from the indie scene. Smart, unscripted, and never sanitized.

KILL IT, KEEP IT, LIVE! AN IMMERSIVE D&D ACTUAL PLAY EXPERIENCE
Saturday, August 16 from 7PM -10 PM | Theater #3
Rough Magic and Counterfeit Combat bring you Kill It, Keep It, LIVE!—a high-stakes, world-premiere D&D experience where two adventuring crews clash for the prized Kraken’s beak. Fast-paced, fully improvised, and shaped by audience choices, this is tabletop like you’ve never seen it before.

BOOTLEGGING N' BASEMENTS
Friday, August 15 from 9 PM - 11 PM in the Dungeons & Dragons Room
Secrets, schemes, and scandal await in this 1920s-inspired TTRPG night hosted by Rough Magic Games. Bootlegging n’ Basements invites you into the shadows for a prohibition-themed session of after-hours roleplay. Dress the part and we’ll deal you an extra edge.

HEROES, VILLAINS & VIXENS: A COSPLAY-THEMED DRAG SHOW
Friday, August 15 from 9:30 PM - 10:30 PM in the Geeky Speakeasy
From rogue to royalty, Heroes, Villains & Vixens transforms your favorite archetypes into show-stopping drag looks. Catch dazzling performances from Aubrey Damned Belle, Gina Belle, Sativa Diamond, and Saya.