The week of C2E2 has finally arrived, but there's more to look forward to than traversing the convention floor, ogling amazing cosplayers and attending panels helmed by your favorite creators. With so many people in town for one of Chicago's largest comic book conventions, the celebration has a tendency to spread to afterparties and events throughout the weekend. If you want to keep the geeky good times going, check out some of the best C2E2 afterparties and post-convention events happening throughout the city this weekend. Get your tickets here!
RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to C2E2: Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo
Thursday, April 20
Funky Klingon Party
Get into the spirit of C2E2 weekend at this Star Trek-themed party, which will feature a live performance from Klingon Pop Warrior, a.k.a. local comedian and musician Jen Usellis, who sings pop songs in the Klingon language. Everyone can enjoy specials on Schmaltz beer, Star Trek episodes playing throughout the bar and cocktail called Klingon Bloodwine. (Easy Bar, 1944 W Division St, Thur 8pm. Free)
Friday, April 21
Enjoy the musical stylings of Doctor Who-themed rock band Time Crash at this benefit for Comics Education Outreach, which helps puts socially conscientious graphic novels into classrooms. A donation at the door will get you a free drink, two free raffle tickets and the opportunity to watch talented comic book artists draw throughout the evening. (Baderbräu, 2515 S Wabash Ave, Fri 6pm. $20)
The Better Boobie Bureau burlesque troupe embraces its nerdy side for a special show during C2E2 weekend, with a performance inspired by Star Wars, Saturday morning cartoons, superheroes and Joss Whedon TV shows. (Bughouse Theatre, 1910 W Irving Park Rd, Fri 10pm. $20)
Hard Rock Cafe and Revolution Brewing team up to present a benefit for nonprofit Reading with Pictures, which uses comics to improve education. Attendees receive a free pint of Galaxy Hero with the purchase of a ticket, which includes access to a cosplay contest, video games, tabletop games and music from Insane Ian. (Hard Rock Cafe, 63 W Ontario St, Fri 9pm. $15–$20)
X-O Manowar Galactic Golden Ale Release Party
Comic book publisher Valiant celebrates the release of Pipeworks Brewing Co.'s new beer, inspired by its X-O Manowar series, by Matt Kindt and Tomas Giorello. The first 50 attendees receive a signed X-O Manowar cover and all proceeds benefit Hope for the Day, supporting suicide prevention outreach and mental health education projects. (Cobra Lounge, 235 N Ashland Ave, Fri 7pm. $5)
Saturday, April 22
Cosplay Contest
Show off your most creative costume and compete for a $200 cash prize at this cosplay contest, conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from McCormick Place. Kroll's South Loop will be serving Zelda: The Breath of the Wild, Star Wars and Super Mario Brothers cocktails and guests will be able to play You Don't Know Jack on the bar's projection screen. (Kroll's South Loop, 1736 S Michigan Ave, Sat 8pm. Free)
Finish Him: A Mortal Kombat Fan Party
An arcade bar is a natural spot for a C2E2 afterparty, and this one is welcoming attendees 21+ to come show off their (video game) fighting skills. Guests can sip themed cocktails and participate in a Mortal Kombat I & II tournament, with prizes for the top competitors. Go ahead and wear your costume—there's also a cosplay competition. (Replay Lincoln Park, 2833 N Sheffield Ave, Sat 9pm. Free with RSVP, at the door $5)
After the convention floor closes, Baderbräu hosts live DJs, dancing, a cosplay contest, giveaways and drink specials at this post-con bash. The first 300 fans to arrive recieve a free swag bag from Threadless and everyone can catch a free shuttle from McCormick Place to the South Loop brewery. (Baderbräu, 2515 S Wabash Ave, Sat 8pm. $10)
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