Event Dates
From: Friday, May 22, 2026
To: Friday, May 22, 2026
Global Kink & Leather (GKL) is a new leather and kink convention-weekend in Chicago
Global Kink & Leather (GKL) is a new leather and kink convention-weekend in Chicago, landing right on Memorial Day Weekend.
- Stay steps away from the action at the official hotel, the Hotel Chicago Downtown, Autograph Collection. Just an elevator ride from comfort to the vibrant beats at The House of Blues, this top-rated hotel offers spacious rooms designed for relaxation and an unbeatable location that ensures your weekend flows seamlessly from party to party.
The Event
- Next Edition: Friday 22nd May 2026 – Sunday 24th May 2026 – Memorial Day Weekend Edition.
- Global Kink & Leather (GKL) launches as a new-scale leather and kink convention-weekend in Chicago.
- The event takes place on Memorial Day Weekend and runs parallel with International Mr. Leather.
- This collaboration turns Chicago into an unmissable destination, offering a unique late-night experience for those who want more excitement beyond the official IML events.
- GKL is a new chapter for the city’s leather nightlife, created through a collaboration between Circuit Mom and Brüt Party.
- Enjoy a leather and kink-focused weekend built around nightlife and parties with international DJs, live shows, GoGos, and performances.
- Stay at the ideally located Kinzie Hotel, a boutique hotel with spacious rooms and a great fitness centre, just a short walk to the top attractions and close to the official GKL parties.
The Parties
- Friday 22nd May 2026 – 10 pm-4 am, Opening night party, House of Blues
Artists: Reveladium, Brady Prince, Dan Darlington, Pagano, Mohammad, Jim Belanger- Saturday 23rd May 2026 – 9 pm-2.30 am, Main Saturday Party, House of Blues.
Extended sets, heavier crowd crossover with IML title events- More daytime socials and add-on events are expected to be announced closer to the weekend.
The Venue
- House of Blues – Large live-music and event space with multiple performance areas and a VIP lounge, set inside the Marina City complex near downtown Chicago.
- It combines concerts, DJ nights, a restaurant, and bar offerings under one roof, with quality sound and lighting that suit significant LGBTQ+ dance events.
- Walkable from many nightlife spots and close to the Chicago Riverwalk and shops, making it easy to link to pre-party meetups or after-party spots.
Chicago’s Gay District
- The core of Chicago’s gay district (Boystown/Northalsted) is conveniently accessible, with a quick $10, ten-minute Uber ride from House of Blues, making it easy for partygoers to move between venues.
- For those who prefer to stretch their legs, it’s a scenic 35-minute walk.
- Alternatively, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) provides budget-friendly options, with bus and train routes like the Red Line and 22 Clark buses running frequently.
- Check out the top hotels close to the gay bars and clubs.
Where to stay?
- Some of the best hotels close to the gay district of Northalsted are in Lakeview. Stay at one of the best-rated hotels in the neighbourhood, The Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace with crisp clean rooms and great breakfast options
The following hotels are close to Chicago’s top attractions and a short ride away to the gay bars and parties:
get an early deal on your hotel
Book now and pay on arrival.
The Hyatt Regency is close to all the main
events & offers superior rooms & service.
For further information and advice on
Global Kink & Leather visit Instagram
The area in Chicago with the most gay bars is Boys town offering over 20 bar, we have chosen hotels close to this area that have good revues on bookings.
Address: 108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Address: 21 E Bellevue Pl, Chicago,
Address:
Address: 10 S Wabash Ave, Chicago,
Address: 933 West Belmont Avenue Chicago
Address: 3434 North Broadway Chicago
Address: 528 West Brompton Avenue Chicago
Address: 3439 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3359 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3452 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3729 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3325 North Broadway Street Chicago
Address:
Address:
Address: 3320 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3339 N Halsted St, Chicago
Address:
Address: 3702 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3458 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3356 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address:
Address:
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We have chosen hotels in Chicago that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Two Gay Expats explore the best of Gay Chicago.
Chicago, affectionately known as the “Windy City,” is a must-visit destination for LGBTQ+ travellers seeking a vibrant, welcoming, and diverse experience. The city is home to Northalsted (formerly Boystown), one of the first officially recognized gay villages in the United States. Remember, Chicago has an efficient public transit system, so you’ll have easy access to all the city offers no matter where you stay.
The heart of Chicago’s downtown and home to some of its most iconic landmarks with great hotels.
A great place to stay if you’re a foodie or a fan of the arts, and close to the city’s best shopping.