AFTER HOURS EVENTS

Friday, August 15 at 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM | Level 1 Fountain Lobby
Saturday, August 16 at 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Level 1 Fountain Lobby

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.

Saturday, August 16 at 7:30 PM | Main Lobby

Celebrate jaw-dropping art and music at Comics Xplosion at FAN EXPO Chicago. Watch as world-class illustrators transform blank canvases into masterpieces, all synced to the beat of live music. Feel the energy as art comes to life, and don’t miss your chance to own these exclusive pieces. Access is included with Saturday, 3-Day, Ultimate Fan, and VIP badges.

• Round One will feature: Tony Moy, Daniel Govar, Creees Lee, Aaron Reynolds, Chris Campana, and special guest Kate Micucci!
• Round Two will feature: Mel Milton, Ingrid Gala, Alan Quah, Matt Horak, and Sebastian Fiumara

Saturday, August 16 at 7 PM | Theater #4

Join Helen Hunt and Paul Reiser for a one-night-only Mad About You screening and Q&A. Watch two classic episodes and see the stars live on stage. Gold and Silver packages are available, with the Gold package including a duo photo op with Helen and Paul.

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.

Friday, August 15 from 9 PM - 11 PM | Level 2

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.

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.

Friday, August 15 at 9 PM | Bingo Room 45

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.

Friday, August 15 at 9 PM | Workshops
Saturday, August 16 at 8 PM | Theater #4

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.

Friday, August 15 at 9:45 PM | Programming Room B

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.

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.

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.

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.