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Mr. International Rubber Chicago
& The Rubber Blowout Weekend 2026

Every November Chicago hosts the International Rubber & The Rubber Blowout Weekend!

  • Event Dates

    From: Thursday, November 5, 2026
    To: Sunday, November 8, 2026

  • Key Highlights

    • Rubber gear
    • The contest
    • Kink & fetish
    • entertainment and pups
    • Mr. International Rubber Chicago

Mr. International Rubber Chicago & The Rubber Blowout Weekend 2026

Every November Chicago hosts the International Rubber and The Rubber Blowout Weekend! Join in the fun with gear intensive kinksters from around the globe for a weekend filled with shopping, playing, socialising, education, entertainment and pups.

  • Note, this event does not take place in central Chicago. It is held in Rosemont, Illinois, about 50-minutes drive from Chicago. 

MIR30

  • Next Edition: Thursday 5th November, 2026 – Sunday 8th November, 2026.
  • Rubber gear is sexy, erotic and fun.   Mr. International Rubber Chicago promises you something sexy, something erotic, and a whole lot of fun during a weekend full of fetish events.
  • The event attracts the global rubber community with signature events including the contest evening, a vendor fair and shopping market.
  • Other highlights include a “Mocktail party” / recovery meeting sessions, social mixers and workshops.
  • Rosemont is ~50 minutes drive from the gay bar district of Northalsted/Boystown.

30th International Rubber Contest

  • Saturday –  The International Rubber contest has many years of history under its boots.  The contest is the centrepiece of the weekend and acts as the catalyst to gather like-minded fetishists in one city for one special rubbery weekend of fun.
  • MIR contest categories are designed as lighthearted and fun entertainment pieces. The contestants will hold your attention and entertain you during their time on stage, while representing the larger gay men's rubber community in a variety of settings and situations after the contest.
  • If you want to stay close to Northalsted try the Majestic Hotel on West Brompton.  Check out the top 10 hotels in Lakeview for more options.

Popular Rubber-friendly bars and clubs in Chicago

Note – 10:00 PM – 4:30 AM there is a Bar Shuttle from the hotel to the bars of Chicago every 30-minutes. It will run to/from Jackhammer at Clark and Devon, every 30 minutes.

  • Jackhammer – Multilevel club with dance floor & many bars offers darts, adult entertainment & everything between.
  • Touche – Neighborhood gay leather bar open since 1977 offering draft brews, a pool table & darts.
  • Sidetrack – Super sized gay club drawing a diverse crowd, serving up slushy drinks & known for showtune nights.
  • Fantasy Club – Hopping, gay-friendly nightspot with DJs & a cocktail bar for late-night dance parties.
  • Cell Block Chicago – The premier leather bar in Chicago, on the northern edge of the Halsted St. bar strip.
  • Steamworks – Private men's gym, sauna, bathhouse for men open 24/7.
  • The Riviera Theatre – Located in Chicago's historic Uptown theater district, 8-minutes drive from the gay bars and clubs.
  • The Baton – Right by the theatre, famous for its Drag Shows and host of the CODE NIGHT party.

Chicago Hotels

The following hotels will keep you close to all of Chicago's major attractions and just a short taxi ride to the gay bars and clubs.

The Peninsula,    The Silversmith Hotel,   Gray Hotel,    Thompson Hotel,

Gay Map of Chicago

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

  • Luxury hotel right off the Magnificent Mile in Chicago.
  • Exceptional service and high-end amenities throughout.
  • Rooms are spacious for downtown Chicago, with premium comforts.
  • Excellent spa, indoor pool and fine dining on-site.
  • Top choice for indulgence in Chicago.
  • Website

Address: 21 E Bellevue Pl, Chicago,

  • Boutique luxury hotel in Chicago’s Loop with Art Deco flair.
  • Stylish rooms with modern amenities and generous bathrooms.
  • Central location near business districts and cultural sites.
  • On-site restaurant and rooftop bar elevate the experience.
  • Ideal for travellers seeking sophistication and convenience.
  • Website

Address:

  • Luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Chicago’s Loop.
  • Stylish interiors combining historic architecture and modern design.
  • Rooms are well-appointed and service is highly rated.
  • Fantastic location for sightseeing, dining and transit.
  • Solid choice for comfort and style.
  • Website

Address: 10 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, 

  • Boutique luxury hotel in the heart of the Loop.
  • Historic character blended with modern comfort.
  • Spacious, stylish rooms with premium touches.
  • Warm, attentive service throughout the stay.
  • Ideal base for exploring downtown Chicago.
  • Website

Address: 933 West Belmont Avenue Chicago

  • Boutique hotel located in Lakeview/Boystown near nightlife.
  • Modern rooms with premium bedding, mini-fridge and free WiFi.
  • Friendly, helpful staff and a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Excellent location for dining, drinks and local culture.
  • Great value for travellers seeking comfort and centrality in Chicago.
  • Website

Address: 3434 North Broadway Chicago

  • Well-located hotel in Chicago’s River near major attractions.
  • Friendly service, clean rooms and good value for money.
  • Comfortable amenities including rooftop deck/pool add appeal.
  • Accessible to transit and dining—ideal for both business and leisure.
  • Reliable choice for a convenient downtown stay.
  • Website

Address: 528 West Brompton Avenue Chicago

  • Boutique hotel in Lakeview East near Wrigley Field.
  • Fresh, comfortable rooms with modern touches.
  • Warm lobby with a relaxed, welcoming feel.
  • Close to the lakefront and neighbourhood dining.
  • Good value stay in a charming Chicago location.
  • Website

Address: 3439 North Halsted Street Chicago

  • Gay bar in Boystown with craft beer, bourbon and free arcade games.
  • Strong social atmosphere with mixed local and visiting crowd.
  • Casual yet energetic—starts early and runs late.
  • Great choice for drinks, games and hangout rather than full clubbing.
  • Reliable spot in Chicago’s gay nightlife scene for a fun evening out.
  • Open: Daily 2pm-2am Friday & Saturday 2pm-3am
  • Website

Address: 3359 North Halsted Street Chicago

  • Gay bar-club in Boystown with large dance floor and bold décor.
  • Craft beers, cocktails and lively themed nights.
  • International gay crowd, friendly staff and social vibe.
  • Spacious layout and standout design under cloud-style ceiling.
  • Strong choice for a fun, energetic gay night out in Chicago.
  • Open: Tuesday–Thursday 5pm–2am, Friday 4pm–2am
  • Saturday 3pm–3am, Sunday 1pm–2am
  • Facebook

Address: 3452 North Halsted Street Chicago

  • Gay cocktail lounge in Boystown.
  • Stylish space with a relaxed mood.
  • Excellent crafted drinks and service.
  • Great for conversation and social time.
  • Strong pick for quality gay nights out.
  • Open: Sunday–Thursday 6pm–2am,
  • Friday 5pm–4am Saturday 5pm–5am
  • Facebook

Address: 3729 North Halsted Street Chicago

  • Gay bar in Boystown with warm neighbourhood energy.
  • Karaoke nights and great drink specials.
  • Fun mix of locals and visitors.
  • Lively, social atmosphere into the night.
  • Great spot for a relaxed, friendly gay evening out.
  • Open: Monday–Friday 3pm–2am Saturday 12pm-3am
  • Sunday 12pm–2am
  • Instagram

Address: 3325 North Broadway Street Chicago

  • lesbian bar with strong community roots in Chicago’s Boystown.
  • Welcoming vibe, friendly staff and late-night hours.
  • Karaoke/video-bar entertainment and casual drinks.
  • Ideal for socialising rather than intense clubbing.
  • Reliable choice for a comfortable, fun gay night out.
  • Open: Monday–Friday 4pm–4am, Saturday 12pm–3am
  • Sunday 12pm–2am
  • Website

Address:

  • Gay bar with western-country theme in Boystown.
  • Drag shows, karaoke and line dancing drive the vibe.
  • Lively, social crowd and strong late-night energy.
  • Located in Chicago’s LGBTQ+ hub for easy nightlife access.
  • Great for a fun, high-energy gay night out.
  • Open: Daily 3pm–4am, Saturday 3pm–5am
  • Website

Address:

  • Gay bar in Boystown with a relaxed sports atmosphere.
  • Friendly mix of locals and visitors.
  • Pool tables, darts and plenty of screens.
  • Casual setting with long opening hours.
  • Ideal spot for social drinks in the neighbourhood.
  • Open: Daily 11am–2am, Saturday 11am–3am, Sunday 11am–2am
  • Facebook

Address: 3320 North Halsted Street Chicago

  • Gay bar with vibrant themed nights and strong music.
  • Vintage-inspired décor and a lively, diverse crowd.
  • Great drink specials kick off the evening.
  • Popular weekend destination in the gay district.
  • Excellent choice for party-focused nights out.
  • Open: Daily 8pm–2am, Sunday: 2pm–2am
  • Facebook

Address: 3339 N Halsted St, Chicago

  • Lively LGBTQ+ venue known for drag shows and themed events.
  • Multiple bar areas and a dedicated dance zone for party energy.
  • Located on North Halsted Street, central to Chicago’s queer nightlife.
  • Friendly, inclusive crowd and strong nightlife appeal.
  • Excellent for a bold night out with early start and long hours.
  • Open: Monday–Wednesday 5 pm–close,
  • Thursday & Friday 5 pm–2 am. Saturday 3 pm–3 am.
  • Sunday 3 pm–close.
  • Facebook

Address:

  • Long-running male dancer venue in Chicago’s main gay district.
  • Nightly shows attract regulars and out-of-towners alike.
  • Music leans upbeat with a friendly, mixed-age crowd.
  • Front bar feels intimate, stages add a lively contrast.
  • Still a key stop on the Northalsted nightlife circuit.
  • Open: Daily 6pm-2am, 6pm-3am Fri & Sat
  • Website

Address: 3702 North Halsted Street Chicago

  • Long-running leather venue in Northalsted.
  • Front section is relaxed with games and conversation.
  • Back space caters to the leather crowd late into the night.
  • Music and drinks are straightforward and unfussy.
  • Still an anchor of Chicago’s gay leather scene.
  • Open: Daily 1pm-2am, Saturday 12pm-3am, Sunday 12pm-2am
  • Instagram

Address: 3458 North Halsted Street Chicago

  • High-energy gay nightclub in Chicago’s Northalsted district.
  • Known for late nights, packed floors and busy weekends.
  • Drag shows and guest DJs drive the programme.
  • Inclusive crowd, mostly male but mixed.
  • Still one of the biggest late-night players in the area.
  • Open: Monday 8pm-4am, Thursday 8pm-4am
    Friday 6:30pm-4am, Saturday 6:30pm-5am
    Sunday 2pm-4am, (Tuesday Wednesday Closed)
  • Facebook

Address: 3356 North Halsted Street Chicago

  • Gay bar known for drag shows and late dancing.
  • Early evenings feel relaxed before the crowds build.
  • Weekends are lively with DJs and themed nights.
  • Popular with both locals and travellers.
  • Still going strong in the Northalsted strip.
  • Open: Monday to Thursday 5pm-2am
  • Friday 5pm-2/3am, Saturday 2pm-3am
  • Website

Address:

  • Sidetrack is a landmark gay venue in Northalsted.
  • Famous for frozen cocktails and big video screens.
  • Drag shows and themed nights shape the weekly programme.
  • Spacious layout with indoor zones and a rooftop.
  • Weekends grow loud, colourful and fun.
  • Open: Monday–Friday 3pm-2am, Saturday 1pm-3am,
  • Sunday 12pm-2am
  • Facebook

Address:

  • Wang’s is a cosy cocktail lounge in Lakeview.
  • The room is dim, plush and intimate.
  • Signature cocktails anchor the menu.
  • A calm start before the louder venues nearby.
  • A gay bar with an elegant, low-key mood.
  • Open: Monday–Thursday 4pm-11pm, Friday–Saturday 4pm-12am
  • Sunday 4pm-11pm

Recommended Hotels in Chicago By Booking

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Chicago that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars

The Peninsula Chicago
5 Star, Luxury

The Peninsula Chicago
Booking.com
  • 5 Star, Asian-Inspired Spa
  • A short walk to the gay bars
  • Spacious luxury, city views
  • Luxurious Magnificent Mile location, Asian-inspired spa, award-winning dining, & city-view rooms.

The Silversmith Hotel
4 Star, Readers Choice

Booking.com
  • 4 Star, Theater District Proximity
  • A short taxi ride to the gay bars
  • Contemporary design, refrigerator
  • Ideal for theater & financial district visits, contemporary rooms, & close to major attractions.

Gray Hotel Chicago
4 Star, Great Value

Kimpton Gray Hotel Chicago, an IHG Hotel
Booking.com
  • 4 Star, Rooftop Latin Cuisine
  • A short taxi ride to the gay bars
  • iPod dock, luxury bath
  • Stay for the rooftop views, Latin-inspired cocktails, & rooms with iPod docks & luxury baths.

Thompson Chicago
4 Star, Location

Booking.com
  • 4 Star, Steps from Michigan Avenue
  • A short walk to the gay bars
  • Modern guest room, mini bar
  • Perfect for Michigan Avenue shopping & dining, modern rooms with minibars, in a boutique setting.

Mr. International Rubber &
The Rubber Blowout Weekend

MIR:16 Web Highlights from MIR2012

Hyatt Chicago

Top Gay Neighbourhoods in 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.

Northalsted | The Gay Village

Northalsted Chicago
Photo: Chicago's Northalsted has a bar for all types and tastes.
  • Located in the Lakeview East neighbourhood of Chicago, 5 miles north of downtown Chicago, or what locals refer to as “The Loop”.
  • Northalsted is a hub for LGBTQ+ life and culture in Chicago, hosting Market Days and Chicago Pride.
  • Easy to get to from downtown via public transit, 30 minutes by the CTA “L” train's Red or Brown lines.
  • Discover the best things to see and do in Chicago

The Loop

The Loop Chicago

The heart of Chicago's downtown and home to some of its most iconic landmarks with great hotels.

Magnificent Mile

Magnificent Mile Chicago
Home to high-end hotels, shops & restaurants, the place for those who want to be in the middle of the action.

River North

River North Chicago

A great place to stay if you're a foodie or a fan of the arts, and close to the city's best shopping.

Andersonville

Andersonville Chicago
Located to the north of Lakeview,filled with unique, locally-owned businesses and a quirky atmosphere.

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