FAN EXPO CHICAGO 2025 is nearly upon us! In just a few days, one of Chicago’s premiere comic conventions will be upon us. But just because the show floor closes, it doesn’t mean the fun has to end at FAN EXPO CHICAGO! Both Friday and Saturday night have plenty of after dark events designed to extend your convention fun lasting well into the night.
Friday
Anime After Dark: K-Pop Friday
7:30-10:30PM Level 1 Fountain Lobby
Kick off Anime After Dark with K-Pop Friday. Immerse yourself in pulsating K-pop beats with a live DJ, join spontaneous dance plays and showcase your vocals at karaoke. Meet event-exclusive anime voice actors while connecting with fellow enthusiasts in an atmosphere buzzing with ultimate ‘Otaku’ energy.
Geeky Speakeasy
9:00-11:00PM 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 Ballands Karaoke
9:00-11:00PM 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.
Korrupted Comedy
9:00-11:00PM 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.
Note: A separate ticket is required for this event. Tickets can be purchased here.
Bootlegging N’ Basements
9:00-11PM 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-Themes Drag Show
9:30-10:30 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.
Bingo Masquerade Speakeasy
9:00PM 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.
Saturday
FAN EXPO CHICAGO Cosmic Celebration
7:00PM 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: Remix Saturday
7:00-10:00PM Level 1 Fountain Lobby
Immerse yourself in anime culture on Remix Saturday. Meet an exclusive lineup of anime voice actors appearing only at Anime After Dark while our DJ blend your favorite anime tracks and viral meme music into unforgettable remixes. Showcase your talent at karaoke, connect with the iconic voices behind your beloved characters, and create lasting memories with fellow fans. This all-ages celebration delivers the ultimate anime experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Comics Xplosion
7:30PM 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 features: Enid Balam, Creees Lee, Rachta Lin, Matt Horak, Chris Campana, and Drew Moss
- Round Two featurea: Tony Moy, Daniel Govar, Mel Milton, Ingrid Gala, Alan Quah, and Sebastian Fiumara
Kill It, Keep It, LIVE! An Immersive D&D Actual Play Experience
7:00-10:00PM 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.
Improv D&D (18+)
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.
What after-hours event are you looking forward to the most at this year’s FAN EXPO CHICAGO?
For the newest updates on FAN EXPO keep an eye on their Social media – Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Show Hours:
Friday 4 PM – 9 PM*
Saturday 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM
There is a special Preview on Friday at 2 PM for VIP, Ultimate, and 3-Day pass holders who purchase in advance.
FAN EXPO Chicago is located at
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555 N River Rd.
Rosemont, IL 60018
For more information about the location, directions and parking click here.
ABOUT FAN EXPO
FAN EXPO Chicago is the ultimate go-to event for sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Chicago that attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
FAN EXPO Chicago offers exciting family-friendly attractions, events, and world-renowned Celebrities! The show, which started as Chicago Comic Con in 1972 and became Wizard World Chicago in 1998, has featured celebrities and creators like Stan Lee, Michael J. Fox, John Travolta, Carrie Fisher, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, WWE® Superstar John Cena®, David Boreanaz and many more headliners.
Everyone is a fan of something, and FAN EXPO Chicago is a place to celebrate all things pop culture. Get an autograph or a photo with your favorite guest then get the inside scoop about your favorite movies and TV shows at our celebrity panels! Watch professional comic artists battle it out in our popular Sketch Duels, learn from our “How To” workshops, and take photos with your favorite costumed characters! It’s also a great place to buy a unique gift (or treat yourself!) with a huge show floor for shopping madness.
FAN EXPO HQ is the largest comic con producer in the world. Collectively, it hosts over one million fans annually at FAN EXPO Canada, MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Denver, CALGARY EXPO, FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO Dallas, FAN EXPO Boston, FAN EXPO Philadelphia, EDMONTON EXPO, FAN EXPO San Francisco, Toronto Comicon, FAN EXPO Cleveland, FAN EXPO New Orleans, FAN EXPO Portland, FAN EXPO Vancouver, and Dallas FAN FESTIVAL. The latest schedule of events is available here, along with up-to-date ticket information. Discover. Celebrate. Belong.
To see what Cosplay Conventions are coming to your area,
be sure to check out our Cosplay Convention List!
