UPCOMING EVENTS
upcoming events!
07/11/2026
Cosplay Beach Party 2026
North Avenue Beach, Chicago
Join us for our second annual Cosplay Beach Party! Hosted by the Fan Expo Meetup Ambassadors team! With Special Guests: CosMeetUp Chicago!
FAQs
What should I wear?
Comfortable beach attire- Cosplay is encouraged but not required! Get creative!
Create a beach look inspired by your favorite character, or anything that represents your favorite fandom! Remember to dress appropriate for the weather!
What should I bring?
Beach towels, picnic blankets, beach tents, sun umbrellas, water, snacks, activities. Anything to best accommodate your day at the beach!
Prop policy:
Props resembling weapons are not allowed. Anything resembling a firearm of any kind is strictly forbidden. Failure to comply with this policy will result in being turned away from the event.
Location:
North Avenue Beach
1600 N. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
Parking and Public Transit
Beach Surface Lot
1603 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60613
Additional Parking
1730 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
CTA:
151 & 156 Stockton & La Salle
TBD
Print Swap
Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago
Calling all cosplay photographers!
It's been a long while since we've taken a moment to get together and talk shop, brainstorm, or just get to know each other. So let's fix that!
Come on over to the studio and bring a few prints of your work where you will be able to chat with other photogs, show off your work in printed format, and maybe swap prints.
Many photogs who attend events like this find they walk out with new contacts, fresh ideas, and techniques to try out on their own work. We'll have snacks and beverages. Just bring yourself and your prints!
How it works:
-Print of a few prints of your work in the ballpark of 5x7/8x10.
-We'll all meet at the Studio run by Carlos Martinez Photography
-After a brief intro, you'll have the opportunity to check out each other's work, chat, swap, etc
-PLEASE Keep the subject matter of the prints SAFE FOR WORK. Although boudoir photography is amazing, this is our first event of this kind, and we'd like to keep everything as simple as possible.
Photographer Sign Up Form:
https://forms.gle/mFSge1hHsLEjZT837
FAQs:
How many prints should I bring?
-It's up to you, but 5 is a good starting number.
Should they all be the same photo, or different?
-Either works!
Is there a ticket fee?
-Nope! 100% free to attend.
Do I have to bring Prints in order to attend?
-Although it is highly encouraged, photogs are welcome to attend without prints.
I'm a cosplayer, may I attend?
-We're keeping this mostly to photogs for now. CosMeetUp Chicago hosts several events throughout the year for all members of the community. This Print Swap is intended to give photographers the chance to get together in a capacity not usually afforded by our other events. But don't worry, there will be plenty of other opportunities in the coming year and 2027!!
[Click here to learn more, join our Facebook Event/Register]
*Note: Some CosMeetUp Chicago Events are Members-Only. To join, visit CosMeetUp Chicago’s Facebook Page.
Past Events
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Spring has sprung!
CosMeetUp Chicago invites you back to familiar meetup location! This June, we'll be headed back to LaBagh Woods for a Dungeons and Dragons themed meetup.
About the Event:
Our annual Enchanted Spring Picnic / Cosplay Photography Meetup is going to be at LaBagh Woods on Sunday, June 7–and this year it’s DnD-themed!
The picnic grove will become our “Enchanted Tavern”, cosplayers will be adventurers, and photographers will be camera wizards.
As with all of our events, cosplayers may cosplay anything they so wish. The theme is just a suggestion. If you want to roll with the theme and be a known or OG DnD character, that’s wonderful! If you know nothing about DnD and want to dress as something completely off-theme like Barbie or Ken? Well that would make for a fun DnD adventure too, now wouldn’t it?
Lastly since this is a picnic, we are letting members of the community bring in food, drinks, and supplies to the event. Please check the link below if you are planning to provide any to help with the picnic event
Picnic Link: [Link]
What are the Details?
Where: LaBagh Woods: West Foster Avenue, N Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
When: Sunday, June 7, 2026 - 3:00pm - 7:30pm CST
What: Cosplay Photo Meet-up with emphasis on Dungeons and Dragons and general fantasy themes
Who: All participants must be at least 18 years old at time of registration (also available on-site).
Cost: Free, but we encourage donations to the Forest Preserve to give back to LaBagh Woods
Bring: Cosplay & Cameras.
Reminder, NO prop weapons will be permitted at the event (BOTH REALISTIC OR FANTASY).
Hope to see you there!
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WELCOME TO THE REBELLION. 💫
Join us for our first of 2 unofficial C2E2 afterparties!
🎟️ Tickets are now on sale at HighFantasyEvents.com
🪐 You are invited to dance in an abandoned Jedi Temple turned Rebel Base. Join us in a celebration of the resistance, featuring performances by those the Empire sought to silence.
🤝 Together, we honor what the Empire can never seize: the Force that lives within us all.
“Rebellions are built on hope.”
🎚️🎛️🎚️Electronic music late. Jizz music by holobots early.
👩🚀Attire and timeline: A night after of revelry during the rebellion... No Imperials. Stormtroopers will be turned away at the door. Original characters encouraged.
🤖Drag, Burlesque and Circus performances throughout the night.
Located in House of Blues Foundation Room.
Friday March 27 9-2
Tickets at HighFantasyEvents.com
> Click here for the Gallery! < -
Come one, come all for the best cosplay meetup of all! Cosmeetup Chicago (@cosmeetupchicago) has returned to take photos at cosplay meetups for #AMKE2026! Dust off those cosplay, bring your best fit, and have fun showing off those skills!
For those who have never heard of Cosmeetup Chicago, allow us to explain! They allow for many varieties of cosplayers and photographers to meet and create beautiful collaborations! It doesn't matter if you're brand new to either cosplay or photography or if you're an expert in either field, all are welcome to join!
Learn more: [CLOSED LINK]
> Click here for the Gallery! < -
UChi-con is an annual student-run convention at the University of Chicago put on by the University of Chicago Japanese Animation Society (UCJAS). They have a variety of events from artist alley, cosplay contest, panels, performances, and much more.
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It's almost the new year! We remember having a blast with you all at Midlane for NYE a few years ago, and we thought its time for a part two!
$25 GA with unlimited gaming and glass of champagne!
Raffle Prizes!
New Years Champagne Toast!
Photos!Dress to the nines, come in cosplay, or your favorite cozy clothes!
We recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time via Eventbrite (linked below)!
[Link] or [Link]
Event is 21+
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Ever wanted pictures as Spider-man actually climbing? Ever thought, what if my Link cosplay actually went vertical?
On Saturday, November 8th, your dreams will come true! We are collaborating with Brooklyn Boulders for this one-time event. Think of it like our events at Midlane: One part cosplay, one part social event. So if you aren't interested in climbing, you're still more than welcome to join!
During the event, we will also be hosting a raffle for attendees with several prizes!
We have two links below to fill out. The first is our own sign up form. The second is Brooklyn Boulder's climbing waiver and safety agreement. Please take the time to fill these out as soon as you are available.
When: Saturday, Nov 8th, 2025
Time: 4pm-8pm
Admission: $15 (paid at the door, say you are attending CosMeetUp's event to get this discount)Links:
Facebook Event
[Link]Event Sign Up form:
[Link]Safety waiver and Acknowledgement:
[Link]Q&A
I've never climbed before. Should I even bother?
-Of course! Anyone can climb. Climbing at this gym is enjoyed by all ages and skill levels. We will be posting videos shortly with info and simple guidelines.What does Brooklyn Boulders offer?
-Brooklyn Boulders has various short walls for untethered climbing and taller walls for top roping. Top roping walls range from 30 to 55 feet! The facility is also home to a full workout gym, social/work spaces, and more.Do I have to climb?
-Not at all! This is just as much intended to be a social event as it is climbing and cosplay.What do I get with admission?
-Access to the facility and climbing gearWill there be food and beverages?
-Yes, we will be providing this (if this changes, we will make an announcement)I am concerned about ICE activity in Chicago.
-Once again, we will be watching several Facebook groups, watching for reports, and communicating with others to keep track of ICE activity in the area surrounding Brooklyn Boulders. If we find that there are reports of activity in the time leading up to the event, we will cancel. As always, the safety and comfort of our attendees is number one. -
Fall is upon us!
We return to a familiar meetup location that we've hosted in the past. However it's going to be a different time of the year. We are hosting our fall photo meetup at Lincoln Park.
About the Event:
We bring back out photo meetup to a familiar location, but with just a few extra changes. We'll start in north aspects of the park near the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Then we'll make our way down to the iconic Lincoln Park Honeycombs and Grant Monument for sunset.
What are the Details?
Where: Lincoln Park: 500-5700 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
When: October 11th, 2025 12:00PM - Sunset
What: Cosplay Photo Meet-up with Emphasis on Fall or Halloween Cosplay (but all types of cosplay are welcome)
Cost: Free, but we encourage donations to give back to Lincoln Park or the Lincoln Park Zoo
Bring: Cosplay & Cameras. Reminder, NO realistic prop weapons will be permitted at the event.
Hope to see you there!
> Click here for the Gallery. < -
We are excited to announce that we have been invited as guests for Fan Expo Cosplay Beach Party on North Ave Beach on July 19th from 3-7pm
Fan Expo’s Cosplay Beach Party is where the sands of Lake Michigan meet the vibrant world of cosplay! Slip into your favorite summer themed costumes and showcase your creativity whilst enjoying the sun, splash and sand with fellow enthusiasts! Bring your picnic set-up to share in a delightful community potluck. Let’s make a splash and build unforgettable memories together! RSVP now and be part of this epic gathering. See you by the water!
RSVP
Cosplay encouraged but not required!
Stay cool, hydrated, and see ya there !
> Click here for the Gallery. < -
Enchanted Fabyan Gardens
Hear ye, adventurers, artists, and mystics of the realm!
You are invited to our annual Enchanted Picnic Meetup that’s half photo meetup and half potluck picnic! In years past we’ve hosted this picnic at LaBagh Woods, but this year, we are shaking things up and hosting it at a brand new location we’ve never met up at before.
About the Event:
A portal has opened within the Fabyan Forest Preserve, revealing an enchanted land where heroes, fair folk, and wandering souls gather in harmony. Whether you wield a camera like a wizard’s staff or don armor crafted for battle, this is your call to adventure! What awaits you in the garden?
Delicious Picnic–Share food and drinks with friends new and old
Magical scenery—Japanese garden, bear cage, windmill, forest, and more
Fellow travelers—Meet cosplayers, photographers, and fantasy enthusiasts alike
A realm of creativity—all fandoms, skill levels, and realms welcome
A day of merriment—casual and open for exploration
What are the Details?
Where: Fabyan Forest Preserve | 1925 S Batavia Ave, Geneva, IL 60134
When: June 7th, 2025 12:00PM - Sunset
What: 18+ Potluck Picnic / Cosplay Photo Meet-up with Emphasis on Fantasy Cosplay (but all types of cosplay are welcome)
Cost: Free, but we encourage donations to give back to the Fabyan Forest Preserve as a thank you for letting us use their space.
Bring: Cosplay, cameras, food, non-alcoholic drinks, and folding chairs/tables/picnic blankets/canopies. No realistic prop weapons.
Food Signup: If you want to contribute food for the picnic, please Click Here!
Finally, we’d like to give a big thank you to long-time Cosmeetup member, Vivien Grimm, for partnering with us and helping us organize this unique meetup for you all.
Gather your party & spread the word! Let us weave a tale of friendship, art, and magic beneath the open sky!
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Columbia College Chicago Expo, otherwise known as C3Expo, is Columbia College’s very own Pop Culture Exhibition made by fans, for fans! At this student-led and created event, we take the day at Columbia’s Film Building 1104 to showcase the nerdy and geeky to all ages for students, to Chicago locals, to everyone, and to anyone who wants to join in on the fun!
Come check out things like our Artist Alley and Marketplace, Cosplay Masquerade, Fan Ran Panels, Industry Guest Panels, Cosplay Meetups, Meet and Greets, Collabs with special guests and vendors, photography, and more! Come join us for the fun and make 2025 a year to remember!
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Come one, come all for the best cosplay meetup of all! Cosmeetup Chicago (@cosmeetupchicago) has returned to take photos at cosplay meetups for #AMKE2025! Dust off those cosplay, bring your best fit, and have fun showing off those skills!
For those who have never heard of Cosmeetup Chicago, allow us to explain! They allow for many varieties of cosplayers and photographers to meet and create beautiful collaborations! It doesn't matter if you're brand new to either cosplay or photography or if you're an expert in either field, all are welcome to join!
Learn more: [CLOSED LINK]
> Click here for the Gallery! < -
A one-day anime convention held in Ida Noyes Hall and the Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago.
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Join us on October 26th for a Halloween Party at Midlane Esports! We are excited to host another hangout event and can’t wait to see you all there! Although Cosplays are highly encouraged to celebrate the Halloween season, they are not a requirement. This event focuses more on bringing our community together in a safe space to hang out & play games together. (This is a 21+ ticketed event - please join our [CLOSED LINK], and see more details on our [CLOSED LINK]!)
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Back to School! Back to School
We're excited announce for our fall meetup will be at an iconic location we have hosted since 2021, the University of Chicago. Most people attend this location during the winter for Uchi-con. But with the fall colors, it'll be a great time to get some amazing photos. So prepare your Halloween, Harry Potter, Xmen, Critical Role, Baldur's Gate, etc for this historic academic location.
Location: Ida Noyes Hall, 1212 E 59th St, Chicago, IL 60637
Date: Saturday, October 12th
Time: 2:00PM CT - SunsetPlease complete the form below to sign up for the meetup. We can't wait to see you there!
Due to high attendances, our meetups are 18+ events. Minors aren’t allowed to attend
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Cosmeetup Chicago Members, you are invited to our first ever Warren Dunes Cosplay Photography Meetup on Saturday, September 7th!
___Quick Details___
-Location: 12032 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer, MI 49125
-Date: Saturday, September 7th
-Time: 1:00 CT/2:00 ET - Sunset
-Cost: $10-$15 parking fee
-Food/Drinks: Bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages
-Ages: 18+
-Sign-up Form: [LINK]___FAQs___
1) Is this a cosplay photography meetup?
Yes, photographers and cosplayers will network and collaborate to create cosplay photography together.After the event, photographers will edit and post the photos to the Cosmeetupchicago smugmug at their leisure where they can be downloaded and shared for free - just make sure to give credit to the person you collaborated with.
2) What can I expect at the Warren Dunes?
Warren Dunes State Park has 3 distinct features for a variety of cosplay photography opportunities: 1) The Beach - a sand beach along Lake Michigan 2) The Dunes - large hills of sand, some areas bare, others with dune grass or trees and 3) The Claypits - a hike along a stream that is lined with natural clay that you can paint yourself with.Our home base will be at a distinctly-marked canopy near a bathroom hut, beach, and parking lot. If you are not an outdoorsy person, have health concerns, or simply feel like relaxing, you may be happiest at The Beach - you can spend a whole day there and get tons of great photos, stay cool in the water, build sandcastles, play volleyball, take a nap in the sun etc.
If you are outdoorsy and up for some hiking, The Dunes and Claypits are a fun playground for photos and adventure. We will guide groups of people to a few choice locations throughout the day, and provide maps in case you want to explore on your own.
3) What’s the food/drink situation?
Bring your own food and nonalcoholic beverages. There’s a small hot dog stand on the premises if you wish to purchase something, but it may be closed for the season and is a bit pricey.4) What’s the bathroom situation?
There are three public bathrooms at the Warren Dunes, our home base will be near one of them.5) Are Pets Allowed?
Yes, but we don’t recommend pets for this particular meetup.The area of the beach that will be our home base is not pet friendly. For ease of photo taking and enjoying the day as a group, we recommend you leave pets at home.
That said, there is a dog-friendly beach at the Warren Dunes and dogs are welcome on the hiking areas on leash, so if you REALLY want to bring your pet, there’s nothing stopping you.
6) What’s the Driving/ Carpool Situation?
At the moment, everyone must find their own way to get to the event. However, we may start a carpool thread and look into other transportation options closer to the event to make the trip easier for people without cars.7) This event is far! Will you have any events closer to Chicago?
We know that a 2 hour drive from Chicago is farther than any of our other events, but the uniqueness of this location makes it worth it.We also have another event in the works for October/November which will be more local to the city of Chicago itself. So if you can’t make this one, stay tuned for that announcement coming soon!
___Pro Tips:___
-Prepare for a lack of phone reception - while phone reception has gotten better at The Dunes in recent years, it’s still spotty. Channel your inner 90s kid and prepare to navigate and communicate without smartphones.
-Bring lots of water.
-Bring a small backpack for hiking.
-Bring a pair of socks you don’t mind destroying - If it’s a hot day, wear socks as you hike up the dunes, it’s easier than bare feet on hot sand or tennis shoes.
-Hike the big dune at sunset - it’s easier to climb when the temperature cools down, and some days you get lucky and can see the Chicago Skyline across the lake from there.
-Note the time change: The Warren Dunes State Park is in the Eastern Time Zone.
-Note what side of the lake you are on. When looking at the lake, left is south. Right is north. This sounds obvious, but life-long Chicagoans often get confused with directions because they are used to being on the other side of the lake. -
We will be hosting a phot booth at FanExpo 2024!
Photos will be available online to download for FREE 1-2 weeks after the convention is over.
We are all excited to see you and hype you up! Even if you don't want to take any photos feel free to stop by and say hi!
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You’re invited to the CosMeetUp Chicago’s LaBagh Woods Enchanted Forest Meetup. It will be half photo meetup and half potluck picnic! And it’s FREE!
-Where: LaBagh Woods, Chicago
-When: June 15th, 2024 12:00PM - 7:00PM
-What: 18+ Potluck Picnic / Cosplay Photo Meet-up with Emphasis on Fantasy Cosplay
-Cost: FREE
-Bring: Fantasy cosplay, cameras, food, non-alcoholic drinks, and folding chairs/tables/picnic blankets/canopies.About the Event:
We highly encourage cosplayers to join in as fairies, fawns, and magical mushroom hat people as we’ll have fairy circles, giant flowers, smoke, and other magical things set up to create enchanted forest cosplay photography together. DnD characters and renaissance faire clothing will look fantastic at this meet-up. At the end of the day, we welcome all cosplays, so if magic isn’t your thing and you want to show up as Batman, by all means show up as Batman - we just might throw a flower crown on you at some point. Photographers, we highly encourage you to prep for fantasy photography and bring any props, lights, etc you need for the shoots.
Sometimes magic is light and sometimes it’s dark. LaBagh Woods has several settings for both types of enchantment. There’s huddles of trees, prairie grass, streams, concrete bridges with graffiti, fallen trees, large open fields, and more.
Additionally, this is a picnic! We were unable to secure a specific grove this year as they were all booked, so we are asking people to bring folding tables, chairs, canopies, and picnic blankets to share. Feel free to bring food or non-alcoholic drinks to share with the group. Please label anything you bring so people with allergies can make informed decisions.
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"Columbia College Chicago Expo, otherwise known as C3 Expo is our college's very own Pop Culture Exhibition made by fans, for fans! Here we take the day to showcase the nerdy and geeky to all ages! Come check out things like our Artist Marketplace, Cosplay Masquerade, Fan Ran Panels, Industry Guest Panels, Cosplay Meet ups, photography and more! Come join us for the fun and make 2024 a year to remember!" - Via C3 Expo Website
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We will be hosting a Photobooth at Uchi Con 2024! Uchi Con is a convention by Poor college students who bring you the best free anime convention on the center side of the Atlantic! UChi-Con is located in Ida Noyes Hall and the Harper Memorial Building at the University of Chicago. Sign-in and Artist Alley are at Ida, whose address is 1212 E 59th St, Chicago, IL 60637. Panels, screenings, and other events are in Harper, whose address is 1116 E 59th St, Chicago, IL 60637.
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We will be hosting a selfie booth at FanExpo 2023! If you have visited us at conventions before you know how much we love interacting with you all! However, this booth will be slightly different. This will be more of a selfie station vs a photoshoot booth!
Photos will still be avaible online to download for FREE 1-2 weeks after the convention is over.
We are all excited to see you and hype you up! Even if you dont want to take any photos feel free to stop by and say hi!
Booth Hours:
Thursday: N/A
Friday: 11am - 7 pm
Saturday: 11am - 7pm
Sunday: 11 am - 3pm
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We are pleased to announce that Cosmeetup’s summer event will be in Chinatown. We haven’t hosted a meetup there since 2019, so we are excited to revisit this location for our old and new members who missed the original one.
Where: Chinatown (Ping Tom Park & Chinatown Square
When: July 8th from 4pm to 8pm
Who: Cosplayers and Photographers
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We'll be meeting up to watch the Pride Parade together, then heading west for a picnic in Lincoln Park! This is a social event to celebrate pride month and our LGBTQIA+ community.
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Anime Central (ACen) is the largest anime, manga and Japanese popular culture convention in Chicago and the Midwest.
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A fandom fest for the whole family!
Join Hinsdale Public Library for this library-wide event offering a welcoming, social space for pop culture fans of all ages. HPL Con will bring together those passionate about films, books, video games, anime, music, and beyond. Congoers are encouraged to come dressed in costumes that pay homage to beloved characters.
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You’re invited to the CosMeetUp Chicago’s LaBagh Woods Enchanted Forest Meetup. It will be half photo meetup and half potluck picnic! And it’s FREE!
-Where: LaBagh Woods Grove #3, Chicago
-When: May 6th, 2023 12:00PM - 7:00PM
-What: All Ages Potluck Picnic / Cosplay Photo Meet-up with Emphasis on Fantasy Cosplay
-Cost: FREE
-Bring: Fantasy cosplay, cameras, and food or drink to share
-How Do I Sign up?: [LINK]
-Sign up for food: [LINK]
About the Event:
We highly encourage cosplayers to join in as fairies, fawns, and magical mushroom hat people as we’ll have fairy circles, giant flowers, smoke, and other magical things set up to create enchanted forest cosplay photography together. DnD characters and renaissance faire clothing will look fantastic at this meet-up. At the end of the day, we welcome all cosplays, so if magic isn’t your thing and you want to show up as Batman, by all means show up as Batman - we just might throw a flower crown on you at some point. Photographers, we highly encourage you to prep for fantasy photography and bring any props, lights, etc you need for the shoots.
Sometimes magic is light and sometimes it’s dark. LaBagh Woods has several settings for both types of enchantment. There’s huddles of trees, prairie grass, streams, concrete bridges with graffiti, fallen trees, large open fields, and more.
Additionally, this is a picnic! We rented out Grove #3 so we’ll have a dedicated set of picnic tables to hang out and listen to music at through out the day. Feel free to bring food or non-alcoholic drinks to share with the group. Please label anything you bring so people with allergies can make informed decisions.
Co-hosted by Itaysha Tay Walker, Laura Janota, and the rest of the CosMeetUp Chicago Crew
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CosMeetUp Chicago is excited to partner with the Chicago Steampunk Expo this year! We will have a free photo studio located in Maize the entire weekend. For more information please visit their website.
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Who's ready for C2E2?! We're having a hype meetup at Enterrium (Formerly Level 257) on 3/26 from 5pm-8pm to celebrate the start of con season in Chicago!
We'll be set up in the E-Lounge and will have access throughout the entire venue! This is a free all-ages event! More details will be on the event page over the next few weeks.
Cosplay is encouraged but not required! (Cyberpunk vibes would go great here!)
Thank you and we'll see you on the 26th!
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We join Barrington Library’s Fandom Fest to celebrate all thing sci-fi, fantasy, anime, and more. We’ll provide free photos of cosplayers, assist with the cosplay contest, and introduce attendees to our group. If you’re there, stop by and say hello! We may even have some swag to share!
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We are excited to partner with the AMKE staff for the first time this year! We will run our pop-up photo studio, take group photos, and provide photo coverage of the cosplay masquerade. As usual, digital photos are free and 8.5x11 prints are available on-site for $20. Stop by and say hi!
(Gallery will be available within 2 weeks of AMKE)
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We return to Uchi-Con for the second year to run our free pop-up photo studio! We will provide free professional edited digitals, and will offer high-quality edited 8.5x11 prints available on-site for $20. Stop by our booth for pics, swag, or to simply say hi!
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Cosmeetup Chicago is so excited to host our first New Year's Eve event!
We will be at Midlane Esports once again in Logan Square. All tickets include open gaming for the entirety of the event (8-late) - We'll have photographers set up and some fun activities throughout the night similar to our Halloween event!
Click here for the Gallery.Cosplay is encouraged but not required! Come as fancy or relaxed as you'd like and celebrate the new year with friends!
We will have 2 tickets for this event: General Admission: $30 or a Champagne Package at $50 (Open bar of Champagne only throughout the night, totally worth it!)
This is a 21+ event!
> Click here for the Gallery. <
> Event Link. < [CLOSED]
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We are proud to announce our Holiday Meetup this year! We will be hosting a festive photography event at 2 studios in Bridgeport on Saturday, December 17th!
When: December 17th / 2pm - 6pm
Where: Bridgeport Arts Center (Hosted by Savage Frame Studios & Taylor Larue Media) https://www.bridgeportart.com/
Who: All photographers and cosplayers (& +1's) are invited. Registration is limited!
Cost: $10 Suggested Donation: http://paypal.me/cosmeetupchicago
***There is a strict no-prop gun or realistic prop weapon policy in effect for this meetup! ***
> Click here for the Gallery. <
> Event Link. < [CLOSED]
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A three-day event in the Wisconsin Dells region that features a variety of entertainment in a diverse, multi-function environment from Live Acts and Performers to industry and media guests, DJs, artists, vendors, and attendees from all over the world.
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Broadway in Chicago has invited Cosmeetup to attend The Twenty Sided Tavern on Nov 4th. What’s great is that they asked us to attend in fantasy cosplays or Ren fair themed outfits.
Tickets are free with limited availability.
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What: CosMeetup's 2nd Halloween Bash at Midlane Esports!
What is included: Unlimited Gaming & raffle ticket! More details to follow!
https://midlanechicago.com/
When: 10/28 8pm-late (1am-2am depending on business)
Where: 2741 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Who: This event is open to the public!
> Click here for the Gallery. <
> Event Link. < [CLOSED]
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It's Sunflower Season Ya'll!!!!
Details are still being worked out though grab your super fun hat and pastels cuz we're planning a Sunset Sunflower Field Meet-up at Von Bergens Farm on August 27'th*!!!
⭐What: A meet-up in a Sunflower Field!!
⭐When: August 27'th from 4PM - 8PM
⭐Cost: $12 admission fee to the farm plus any transportation costs
⭐Who: Anyone who wants sunflower field shots!! Cosplay, Fashion or just come to hang out!!
⭐Where: Von Bergen's Country Market, 9805 IL-173, Hebron IL (About an hour and a half outside of Chicago, basically 20 miles west of the Bristol Ren Faire)
⭐Amenities: Unfortunately they only have port-a-potties for restrooms. Hey--it's an actual factual working farm! At least we don't have to pee in the woods camping style!! 😜
⭐Trail Conditions: This is working farm so please bring appropriate footwear!! It's basically similar to the Bristol Ren Fair where they do not have any paved paths or walkways and it's mostly dirt paths. Closed toed shoes are recommended (though for sure change into cute shoes for photo ops!!)!!
⭐Food: On weekends they have food on-site through a food truck called Red Hen which serves chicken! The food truck is attached to Crandlls a local restaurant 2 miles away! Though for sure bring your own snacks and lots and lots of water! Hydrate, people!!! It's so so so important!!!!
⭐Accommodations: While certainly not required if you're looking to make a weekend out of it you're in luck! Lake Geneva is literally just 12 minutes away with some suuuuper cute hotels, airBNB's, downtown area and of course the lake!
⭐Links!!:
https://www.vonbergens.com/
https://www.instagram.com/vbveggiefarm/
https://www.facebook.com/VonBergens
> Click here for the Gallery. <
> Event Link. < [CLOSED]
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RennCon™ is a celebration of cosplay in all its forms. Whether you draw your inspiration from the sci-fi scene, anime, comics, television, fairy tales, or anywhere else… we invite you to mingle with our 16th-century villagers at the biggest costume party in Bristol.
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We are excited to be hosting our 15th meetup on July 2nd at Dunne Park near the McDonalds in Rosemont. We’ll be there from 3-8ish (golden hour) and will have the same casual vibe as Lincoln Park last year. Please feel free to bring a picnic set up, games, food, drinks, etc. Cosplay is *not* required for this event!
***There is a strict no prop gun or realistic prop weapon policy in effect for this meetup! ***
All cosplayers & photographers must sign up. Reminder, all Photographers are vetted before the event!
> Click here for the Gallery. <
> Event Link. < [CLOSED]
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Anime Central makes its return to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center! After two long years away, we're back for our 25th Anime Central! We can't wait to see you all again.
Anime Central is the Midwest's Largest Anime and Manga convention located in Rosemont, IL at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
As part of its mission, ACen brings fans together with guests from the Japanese and US sectors of the anime and manga industry, as well as gaming, cinema, and Asian culture personalities.
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We are excited to be hosting our 13th meetup on May 1st at Jackson Park near the Museum of Science & Industry. We’ll be walking around the park in the afternoon, and visiting some great locations like the Garden of the Phoenix & the cherry blossoms (if they are still in bloom). This has been a location we've wanted to do for years and we are excited to have you join the photo meetup. Please fill out the form below to help us know who’s coming. Thank you and we'll see you on Sunday!
> Click here for the Gallery. <
> Event Link. < [CLOSED]
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A free, one-day student-run anime convention hosted by the University of Chicago's Japanese Animation Society. Join us for a fun day of panelists, anime screenings, artists, and more!
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Good Morning! We're partnering with Jen Greeley of CWC for this event! We're calling this event a Midwest Cosplay Appreciation Day! It's been 2 years since the 1st lockdown in March of 2020! It's time to not only celebrate the community for all that's happened over the last 2 years but forge new and exciting relationships and opportunities in 2022!
We are very excited to announce a cosplay community event at the Kemper Center in Kenosha, WI on 19 March, from 12 - 4pm.
Kemper Center Gymnasium
6501 3rd Ave
Kenosha, WI 53143
We welcome the Midwest area Cosplay community to mingle and have the opportunity to socialize with each other and get some awesome pictures as well!
Unfortunately, due to venue restrictions and requirements, a capacity limit is set with no +1’s, for the event but we are working to successfully manage the amount of Cosplay and photographer attendees. Per our standards, proof of vaccination is required for this event. (Or a negative test within 48 hours of the event)
We are capped at 100 people. In doing so, we hope to have room for those who desire to attend this event filled with community, cosplay, photography, appreciation, and snacks!!!
Cosmeetup Chicago has 40 spots for this event: Once you're confirmed to the event, I will personally invite you to the Facebook event!
> Click here for the Gallery. <
> Event Link. < [CLOSED]
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Hello, everyone. The leadership team is so excited to host their 1st unofficial C2E2 Afterparty/Fundraiser!
Where: Reggie's Chicago
When: December 10th, 7:30pm-11:30pm
Why: To have a fun time and raise $$ to help the group establish an official 501.c3 charity arm of the group in 2022.
As we all know, many of us haven't seen a lot of our con friends since C2E2 2020, which was over 20 months ago. We can't imagine a better way to return to the Chicago con scene than hosting an event during C2E2.
We're going to be starting off with a trivia hour hosted by Phoebe, a cosplay contest and, then some Cosplay Karaoke!
We're going to be partnering with some amazing local companies like Revolution Brewing, Midlane Esports Cafe, Atypicalsupply.com, Goofoffparties.com, Rose Anna Chicago, and plenty of others to have prizes, raffles, door swag, and more!
> Click here for the Gallery. <
> Event Link. < [CLOSED]
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This is the event page for the 1st (and maybe last who knows?!) All Holiday/Festive Cosplays Group Shoot at C2E2 hosted by Chicago Cosplay & Photography Meetups!
This free meetup will be taking place at 5pm on Saturday, Dec 11th at the escalators by room S101 on the first floor of the convention center, just inside to the right of where the shuttle busses are located near the machine entrance.
We'll be doing a big group photo and then we'll do a gauntlet style shoot with all the photographers that can make it! Plan on spending 1-2 minutes with a photographer and then moving on to the next one. It'll be a fun time and something that we haven't been able to ever do at C2E2.
Everyone is invited whether you're a member of the group or not!
> Click here for the Gallery. <
> Event Link. < [CLOSED]
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MeetUp #9 is here! We will be at Midlane Esports Cafe in Logan Square for our very first Halloween event!
This will be a ticketed event that all attendees must purchase to attend. The cost is $10.75 which includes 3 hours of gameplay. (Normally this is a $21 cost!)
This is going to be a limited capacity event for us at 75-80 tickets. We do anticipate the event selling out and we'll keep everyone updated on that as the month progresses. The ticket sales go directly to the owner which is a great new local small business we should rally behind and support! Please be sure to follow Midlane Esports Cafe on all of their socials over at https://linktr.ee/MidlaneEsports
We will be hosting a Cosplay Contest as well with prizes from local companies! If you've ever been to any of the C2E2 afterparties at Reggie's or Hard Rock Cafe, it'll be on the same level of having fun versus a serious craftsmanship style contest!
Games include Dead By Daylight, Five Nights at Freddie's, MK11, Smash Bros, Mario Kart, and so on. You'll find an absolutely great selection of PC and consoles games awaiting you!
This will be a 100% mandatory vaccinated event to ensure everyone's safety. We will be checking for Proof of Vaccination at the door. A photo on your phone will work just as well as your physical copy.
There will be food and drinks available for purchase as well. Please be sure to have your ID if you're going to grab Beer or Cocktails! (They'll have a special Halloween Pumpkin cocktail too!) This venue is contactless payment, so leave your cash at home!
This is an all-ages event from 7-10 pm. After 10pm, it does turn into 21+
As always...No Prop Guns! Due to the venue space, we're asking for everyone to bring minimal stuff with them including props. This is going to be more of a social & networking event as opposed to a photography event. (Though we're working on a backdrop now!) Think of Dave & Busters if you were there.
Let's please be respectful of the venue and not bring any heavy body paint cosplays that could rub off on the gaming controllers and whatnot.
We are extremely excited to host this event for you all! We will start a thread for any questions as well!
Best,
Eddie, Michael, Erik, Laura, Megan, Izzy, Phoebe, Carlos, Troy, & Hayley
> Click here for the Gallery. <
> Event Link. < [CLOSED]
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This event is an exclusive event for group photographers to learn the basics of light painting! We'll be bringing a few cosplayers as models for this event.
Hosted by Zo & Lucio:
https://www.instagram.com/zo_after_dark/
https://www.instagram.com/lucioprestigephoto/
This is a free event that you must RSVP for. (We'll throw a virtual tip jar together for the instructors!)
There is a 12 photographer limit for this event. Please confirm only if you can 100% make the event, otherwise you'll be taking up a spot that someone else could have used. The location is still TBD but it will be somewhere between The Loop & Lincoln Park.
What you'll need for this event:
1)Basic understanding of your camera in Manual Mode.
2) A Tripod
3) An Off Camera Flash
4) A Remote trigger to set off your shutter
This is going to be an amazing opportunity to learn from 2 of the best painters out there, so you don't want to miss this one!
> Click here for the Gallery. <
> Event Link. < [CLOSED]
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Because we had so much fun here in 2019, we decided to return to the University of Chicago for our September meetup! We will start at 2pm on the corner of 59th & Woodlawn and shoot until golden hour ends around 6pm.
We’re planning to utilize the outside of a handful of U of Chicago buildings on campus. There’s a massive quad running through campus as well. If you wanna be spooky, this is the one. If you want to be medieval, this is the one. If you want to be Mork from Ork, this is still the one! If you want to not cosplay and get fall fashion photos, this is also the one! Harry Potter, Umbrella Academy, and X-Men cosplays also work really well here!
Signup sheet: (Required) [CLOSED]
****RULES!!!!*****
- This will be a fully vaccinated event for all attendees just like our last meetup.
-NO PROP WEAPONS. If it's questionable, then leave it at home. We had someone pull out a prop gun in 2019 and we simply cannot have that happen again! Though our general policy allows foam swords, unstrung bows, etc. We will be on a college campus this time. We have made an exception for lightsabers. However, remove the blade (if possible) when not shooting.
-Try and limit how much "STUFF" you are carrying. There will not be a centralized point for us to leave our bags/equipment. Leaving out crap around WILL get us kicked out.
-Stay out of areas with wedding photos. They are paying for the photog's time and should not be disturbed. If you see a wedding photo op, just find somewhere else to shoot. There's a lot of great locations on campus!
> Click here for the Gallery. <
> Event Link. < [CLOSED]
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Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Meetup #7 is at the Bristol Renaissance Faire on Sunday, August 22nd!
___About the Event___
If you purchased tickets, they'll be at Will-Call for you! Reminder: Everyone is welcome to join us tomorrow regardless of whether or not you purchased a ticket!
We'll have access to the Cotswold Commons the entire day from 10-7. Admins will have a little setup and we'll have our banner with us to identify ourselves. See map - We're near the Joust area!
You may proceed to the admin table anytime after 10 am to receive a Side Quest should you choose to participate in it from 10-3. It'll be a list of 7 clues for you to find (and take photographic evidence!) - Complete 5 of 7 tasks to be entered into a drawing for 2 free RenFaire tickets! This will be done via 1) Online Post 2) Discord Thread or 3) Showing the pictures to the admin table - * Details will be listed on the Side Quest sheet! *
3-5 pm is when we'll be asking everyone to head over to the event area for pictures. We'll have some photographers in the area throughout the day as well! At 5 pm we'll head over to the Joust area, and we'll also head over to the maypole/drum circle after that if there's enough interest!
___Quick Details___
-Where: Bristol Renaissance Faire - 12550 120th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53142
-When: Sunday, August 22 - 10:00AM - 7:00PM
-Register and Buy Tickets at Group Rate: Group Rate Now Closed but you can buy tickets at the door at normal rates.
-Picking up Tickets: Your tickets be at Will Call at the front desk. Tell them your name and that you are part of Chicago Cosplay and Photography Meetups.
-Meetup Spot: Cotswold Commons - Private Garden near the Queen’s Court.
-Side Quest: Pick up side quest sheet at the admin table between 10:00-3:00!
-Picture Time: 3:00-5:00PM - Afterwards, anyone who wants to can head over to the Joust Arena to watch the Joust to the Death at 5:30 as a group. And drum circle at 7!
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Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: Meet-up #6! And back at Lincoln Park, the place that started this whole group 2 years ago!
Saturday will be more socializing-focused with a picnic area and a fabric swap set up. Yes- come in cosplay, bring your cameras, and take those awesome photos if you want to. But if you want to just hang out with friends, that is perfect too! Think of this event like the Dave & Buster’s one where we all did cosplay photography half the time, and the other half we ate food and played games.
This day will be split into two halves with a break in the middle to leave and grab food, take a bathroom break, and also for us to help keep the event at COVID-responsible levels.
PART 1:
- Time: 11:00am-2:00pm
- Capacity: 50 people
- Location: TBA
PART 2:
- Time: 3:00pm-6:00pm
- Capacity: 50 people
- Location: TBA
SAFETY RULES:
We know, safety rules aren’t fun, but we want to ease into this strange pandemic world and keep the first event back as safe as possible for everyone.
- You must be fully vaccinated to attend the event.
- We will release the exact location of the event the week of only to registered attendees in effort to keep the number of people at capacity and to the fully vaxxed.
- All new photographers who have not attended past events will be vetted by Eddie B.
- Masks will be worn by everyone, except cosplayers during photoshoots. (We know the Illinois mask mandate has been lifted. For this first event back, we want to be as safe as possible. We will reevaluate this for future events)
- Photogs and cosplayers will stay 6 feet apart during shoots.
- Only portrait/single person photography at this time, unless you are with a group of friends and you all came together in a group cosplay.
- Props are cool, but NO PROP GUNS please.
> Click here for Saturday's AM Gallery. <
> Click here for Saturday's PM Gallery. <
> Event Link. < [CLOSED]
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Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: Meet-up #6! And back at Lincoln Park, the place that started this whole group 2 years ago!
Saturday will be more socializing-focused with a picnic area and a fabric swap set up. Yes- come in cosplay, bring your cameras, and take those awesome photos if you want to. But if you want to just hang out with friends, that is perfect too! Think of this event like the Dave & Buster’s one where we all did cosplay photography half the time, and the other half we ate food and played games.
This day will be split into two halves with a break in the middle to leave and grab food, take a bathroom break, and also for us to help keep the event at COVID-responsible levels.
PART 1:
- Time: 11:00am-2:00pm
- Capacity: 50 people
- Location: TBA
PART 2:
- Time: 3:00pm-6:00pm
- Capacity: 50 people
- Location: TBA
SAFETY RULES:
We know, safety rules aren’t fun, but we want to ease into this strange pandemic world and keep the first event back as safe as possible for everyone.
- You must be fully vaccinated to attend the event.
- We will release the exact location of the event the week of only to registered attendees in effort to keep the number of people at capacity and to the fully vaxxed.
- All new photographers who have not attended past events will be vetted by Eddie B.
- Masks will be worn by everyone, except cosplayers during photoshoots. (We know the Illinois mask mandate has been lifted. For this first event back, we want to be as safe as possible. We will reevaluate this for future events)
- Photogs and cosplayers will stay 6 feet apart during shoots.
- Only portrait/single person photography at this time, unless you are with a group of friends and you all came together in a group cosplay.
- Props are cool, but NO PROP GUNS please.
> Click here for Friday's Gallery. <
> Event Link. < [CLOSED]
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Our 5th Meetup of 2019! Arcade Shoot! $22.95 (plus taxes & tip) gets you access to a private event space, $20 game card, unlimited soda, sliders, chicken bites, pizza bites, and baked mac & cheese. Eventbrite link will be up soon! This is going to be our largest event to date! Holiday themed and Arcade cosplays are encouraged. Cosplay is not required either (Ugly xmas sweaters maybe?!)
> Click here for the Gallery. <
> Event Link. < [CLOSED]
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It’s October, and that means it’s time to get ready for Halloween! Did someone say University of Chicago? Yes!! Since it’s October, it was clear some old school architecture would be in order. We’re planning to utilize the outside of a handful of U of Chicago buildings on campus. There’s a massive quad running through campus as well. If you wanna be spooky, this is the one. If you want to be medieval, this is the one. If you want to be Mork from Ork, this is still the one!
****RULES!!!!*****
-NO PROP WEAPONS. Though our general policy allows foam swords, unstrung bows, etc. We will be on a college campus this time. We have made an exception for lightsabers. However, remove the blade (if possible) when not shooting.
-Try and limit how much "STUFF" you are carrying. There will not be a centralized point for us to leave our bags/equipment. The bomb squad was called in my neighborhood a couple weeks about because a crock pot was left on the sidewalk. I am not joking. Leaving out crap around WILL get us kicked out.
-Stay out of areas with wedding photos. They are paying for the photog's time and should not be disturbed. If you see a wedding photo op, just find somewhere else to shoot. There's a lot of great locations on campus!
> Click here for the Gallery. <
> Event Link. < [CLOSED]
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Welcome to the next installment of the off convention cosplay photography meetup! We are kicking off fall 2019 with a trip to LaBagh Woods and North Branch Trail, located in northern Chicago off of Foster/Cicero. The focus is very much going to be outdoors and getting some beautiful forest shots but there are also a lot of other little hidden gems on this trail. From beautiful fields, to the river/pond and a spooky looking trail off the beaten path, this location offers a lot of options for everyone.
Our schedule for Saturday has been posted! Please check the discussion thread for more information but I will list it down below.
Grove 1:
2:00pm-2:15pm – Photographer Meetup and Set Up
2:15pm-2:30pm – Group Meetup (Welcome and Ground Rules/Questions, etc)
2:30-4:00pm Grove 1 Photoshoots
Grove 2:
4:00pm -5:30pm Grove 2/4 Photoshoots (there is technically a Grove 4 but its the northern most part of Grove 2 and mostly a large grassy field)
Grove3:
5:30pm-7:00pm Grove 3 Photoshoots
Also a quick reminder in case anyone does not see the post in the discussion thread. NO PROP GUNS are allowed at this event (even with an orange tip). Please leave them at home. Also, please keep any props to foam or plastic and stowed when not in use. Live steel will not be allowed at this event.
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This is the next installment in our off con cosplay photography meet ups for summer 2019. We will be in Chinatown this time! Route Map still in progress but we will most likely focus on The Chinatown Gate and the row of shops on Wentworth, Shopping Center north of Cermak and Ping Tom Memorial Park. Cosplay is not required to attend! More details to follow - Stay Tuned!
> Click here for the Gallery. <
> Event Link. < [CLOSED]
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Chicago Cosplay and Photographer Meet-up hosted it's first event in July 2019. The idea was to provide cosplayers and photographers a space to network and collaborate that was safe for all attendees. The meet-up took place in Lincoln Park near the Zoo and lagoons. There were cosplayers dressed as characters from anime to the MCU, from video games to original fantastical creatures. Eddie B Photos, Feldman Film, ErikJawsPhotos, and Raptor Drone : Photo: Film were joined by a healthy pool of talented photographers to round out the event. After the day was over, everyone enjoyed it so much, they called for a second, and even third meet-up that same summer! We created this group to give everyone a centralized hub to discuss and find information on upcoming meet-ups.
