Mondo Memorial: Weekend Special Events Planner

Chicago, IL - Chicago hosts three major events over Memorial Day weekend: International Mr. Leather, Bear Pride, and the Grabby Erotic Video Awards. While a ton of special events are scheduled, the crossroads of the weekend is sure to be the "IML Leather Market" at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive, to be held Friday, May 23 – Monday, May 26.

Thursday, May 22
"IML Opening Ceremonies" @ Hyatt Regency (Grand Ballroom). $30. 9pm.
(Event Details)

"Skin Trade" @ Charlie's w/ DJ Chi Chi LaRue & 20 porn stars. $5. 10pm-2am
(Event Details)

"Bear Pride Early Bird Party" @ Touche. Late until 4am.

Friday, May 23
"House of Leather DVD Premier Party" @ The Bijou Theater (1349 N. Wells St) featuring Tober Brandt live on stage. 7pm.

"Uniform Party" @ Hyatt Regency (Regency Ballroom D). 9pm-11pm

"GearFetish.com's GearBlast Party" @ Hyatt Regency (Regency Ballroom B). 9pm-1am.

"San Francisco Party" @ Hyatt Regency (Crystal Ballrooms B & C) w/ DJ Sean Greene (SF). Release party of TitanMen's "Folsom Prison." 10pm-2am.

"Madonnarama" @ Circuit Night Club w/ DJ Ed Bailey (DC). Late until 4am.

"Ooze: Weekend Kickoff Party" @ Steamworks w/ DJ Dexter St. Jacques. 11pm-5am.

"Menergy" @ The Metro (3730 N Clark St) w/ Rosabel (DJs Ralphi Rosario and Abel). $25 advance/$30 door. 11:30pm-5am.
(Event Details)

Saturday, May 24
"Wet ‘N Wild Official Bear Pride Party" @ Steamworks w/ DJ Neill MacLeod (Toronto). 1pm-6pm.

"Bear Pride T-Dance & Bear-y Special Shower Contest" @ Spin Nightclub w/ DJ Chris Eterno & Hostess Friday Lay. 1pm-6pm.

"17th Annual Grabby Erotic Video Awards" @ Park West Theater (322 W. Armitage). 7:30pm.
(Event Details)

"Mr. Bear Pride Contest" @ Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel (163 E. Walton Pl). 8pm.

"IML Contest: Pecs and Personality" @ Hyatt Regency (Grand Ballroom). $30. 9pm.

"Sweat" presented by Castrobear @ The Metro (3730 N. Clark) w/ DJs Ted Eiel & Ron G. 9pm-4am.

"Shag Fest" Bear Pride Party @ Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel w/ DJ Tony Ruiz. 9:30pm-1:30pm.

"ONYX Dance Party" @ Hyatt Regency (Regncy Ballroom). $10. 10pm-2am.

"6th Annual Military Ball: Grabby Awards Official After-Party" @ Circuit Night Club w/ DJs Teri Bristol & Mark Picchiotti. Special Appearance by Chi Chi LaRue. $20 advance/$25 door. Late until 5am.
(Event Details)

"Treasure Island Media DVD Release Party" @ Jackhammer. Late until 5am.

"Spank Me Daddy" @ Touche. Late until 5am.

"Re-Boot Ultimate Play Party" @ Steamworks w/ DJs Scotty Dick & Sean Greene (SF). 11:30pm-11am.

Sunday May 25
"International Mr. Leather Contest" @ Hyatt Regency (Grand Ballroom). $45. 6pm.
(Event Details)

"IML Victory Celebration Party" @ House of Blues w/DJ Tony Moran (NYC) & Guest Performer Andy Bell (of Erasure). 8pm-4am.
(Event Details)

"Crowned Play Party" @ Steamworks w/ DJs Scotty Dick & Neill MacLeod (Toronto). 6pm-6am.

"Dress Your Fetish"@ Chicago Eagle. DJ Dance Party upstairs; Club Room open. Late until 4am.

"Rick Sinz & Friends" @ Jackhammer. Late until 4am.

Monday, May 26
"Beer Bust & Cookout" @ Touche. Open 12n-4am.

"Bear BQ" @ Sidetrack. 1pm. Open until 2am.

"Black & Blue Ball" @ Excalibur w/ DJ Matthew Harvat. $30. 8pm-4am.

"No More Blue Balls" @ Steamworks w/ DJ Freddie Bain. 12n–12m.

"Bruised & Beat" @ Chicago Eagle. DJ Dance Party upstairs; Club Room open. Late until 4am.

Related: For a complete list of events, check the Chicago event calendar.

This article was originally published in Boi Magazine and provided in partnership with www.boimagazine.com.