Conventions have been tuned in to the wants and needs of their audience, and know that even after the show hours offer plenty for guests of the event to do, there's still an interest in exploring after-hours programming. Fan Expo and its vast amount of conventions across North America have tapped into the demand for show-exclusive and unique attractions to attend while waiting to return to the convention hall. Fan Expo Chicago has prepared an impressive 2023 convention filled with a vast array of interactive media and star-studded guests; now, they're building onto their program by adding new events to keep conventiongoers well entertained well into the night.
The Rocky Horror Bingo Show is an 18+ event and is new to Fan Expo Chicago's evening events. FreeN'Fun Bar Bingo will host a special presentation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show while playing bingo. There will be prizes awarded to winners. The Rocky Horror Bingo Show kicks off at 8:30 p.m. CST on Thursday, August 10. For those looking for a more artistically inclined Thursday night, Emmy Award-winning cartoonist and television host Joe Wos is set to lead a drawing session at the Drawing Jam. The Drawing Jam welcomes is suitable for all ages, and attendees are eligible to win prizes from Wacom and others. Drawing Jam will start at 8:30 p.m. CST on Thursday, August 10. The Critical Strike Nerdlesque Variety Show is another 18+ option to wrap up the first day of Fan Expo Chicago 2023. Individual tickets are required to attend the geek-centric burlesque, drag, pole, and circus cabaret performance presented by the NerdDoms Universe troupe. The show begins at 9:00 p.m. CST Thursday, August 10 - tickets are $20.00 USD and can be purchased here.
NerdDoms Universe also hosts an additional show at Fan Expo Chicago 2023 - the Twilight Parady Shadowcast - that will feature a live shadow cast performance of Twilight alongside a screening of the 2008 movie. The NerdDom cast will break down each scene in a live play-by-play accompanied by props. The Twilight Paraody Shadowcast is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. CST on Friday, August 11. Tickets are available for purchase and are $20.00 USD each. Joe's Live Rosemont is teaming up with Fan Expo Chicago for their first-ever K-Pop Night: Official Fan Expo Chicago After Party. All attendees must be 21+, and tickets are $15.00 USD when purchased in advance ($18.00 USD at the door). Doors open at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, and the official K-Pop Night begins at 9:00 p.m. Joe's Live Rosemont is located at 5441 Park Pl, Rosemont, IL 60018.
The Last Masquerade Escape Room challenges Fan Expo Chicago conventiongoers to solve clues and beat period-piece-themed puzzles. All parties are required to purchase a ticket to participate. There are additional ticketed escape room experiences at Fan Expo Chicago that show attendees can partake in, both intergalactically themed as passengers must team up to complete sci-fi-inspired tasks. The Secret Aboard Starship Astraeus and Discovery of Starship Astraeuous Escape Rooms will run on Thursday, August 10, and Saturday, August 12. Tickets for both are available for purchase.
A staple to comic cons everywhere, Fan Expo Chicago will continue the tradition of the Drink 'n Draw. Held at Pete's Tiki Tiki at 5510 Park Pl B, Rosemont, IL 60018, the Drin 'n Draw will be hosted by Emmy Award Winning cartoonist Joe Wos. Artists of all skill levels are welcome to participate and will have a chance to win hundreds of dollars in prizes provided by Wacom, as well as other sponsors. The Drink 'n Draw will start at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 13.
Tickets for Fan Expo Chicago 2023 are officially on sale. Fan Expo Chicago will return from August 10 to August 13, 2023, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. More information about Fan Expo Chicago 2023 will be shared through an official newsletter that can be subscribed to here, and new updates about the convention are accessible through their official Facebook Page.