Everything you need for the world's largest leather & fetish gathering — the official schedule, LGBTQ+ bar events, verified hotels, the IML host hotel, flights, transportation, and safety info.
Every Memorial Day weekend, Chicago's Congress Plaza Hotel becomes the epicenter of the global leather community when International Mr. Leather (IML) takes over the South Loop for five days of contest finals, vendor markets, workshops, and after-dark celebration. IML 2027 runs May 27–31, 2027, drawing an estimated 20,000+ leathermen, kinksters, bootblacks, and allies from across the world — making it the largest leather and fetish gathering on the planet. Dates follow the event's established Thursday-through-Monday Memorial Day Weekend pattern (Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 31, 2027); confirm final scheduling at internationalmrleather.com as the official 2027 program is posted.
If you're planning your first trip to IML, or your tenth, this guide covers everything: the official contest schedule, the LGBTQ+ bar events running alongside it, where to stay (including the official IML host hotel), how to fly in and get around, a realistic budget breakdown, and Illinois's LGBTQ+ legal protections so you can travel with confidence. Every hotel, bar, restaurant, and store below has been checked for current open status and LGBTQ+ ownership, operation, or friendliness before making this list. Add IML Chicago to your OutAtlas trip planner and let's get you ready for the leather capital of the world.
International Mr. Leather 2027 runs Thursday, May 27 through Monday, May 31, 2027, based out of the Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago's South Loop, with Contest Finals at The Riviera Theater and after-parties at House of Blues and Jackhammer. Below is the official schedule of ticketed and open events, organized chronologically by date and time.
International Mr. Leather 2027 officially opens Thursday, May 27 at 7:00 PM inside the Congress Plaza Hotel. Current and past titleholders are introduced to the community as the five-day weekend formally begins, setting the tone for a celebration built on brotherhood, tradition, and leather pride.
The Spit Shine Party kicks off IML nightlife on Thursday evening in the Florentine Room. This late-night mixer is a longtime favorite for bootblacks and leather newcomers alike, offering a relaxed first taste of the community before the weekend's bigger contests and parties take over.
Spanning 28,000 square feet of the Congress Plaza Hotel, the IML Vendor Market runs Friday through Monday and is the largest leather and fetish shopping event in the world. Over 100 vendors sell custom gear, harnesses, art, and apparel — a must for anyone building or upgrading their kit.
Presented with the Leather Archives and Museum, this inaugural art exhibition runs alongside the Vendor Market in the Oxford Room. 'Defiant/Restraint' showcases work exploring leather history and identity, giving attendees a quieter, reflective counterpoint to the weekend's parties and contest energy.
LeatherU brings hands-on education to IML with sessions on bondage, electro-play, and broader BDSM skills taught by respected community educators. Sessions run Friday and Saturday and are open to all experience levels — a genuinely useful stop whether you're brand new to kink or refining technique.
Saturday morning brings a slate of educational presentations covering leather history, community advocacy, and skill-building panels. It's a lower-key way to start the day before the evening's energy ramps up, and a great way to connect with longtime titleholders and community leaders.
The weekend builds to Sunday night's Contest Finals at The Riviera Theater, where the new International Mr. Leather and International Mr. Bootblack are crowned in front of a packed house. It's the emotional centerpiece of the entire weekend — arrive early, as tickets sell out every year.
Immediately following the crowning, the IMLBB Victory Party takes over House of Blues until 4:00 AM. This ticketed celebration is where the new titleholders take their first lap in front of the community — expect a packed dance floor and one of the highest-energy nights of the weekend.
IML weekend closes Monday night with the Black and Blue Ball at Jackhammer, running until 4:00 AM. It's the last chance to celebrate with new friends before everyone heads home, and traditionally one of the most emotional, high-spirited nights of the entire five-day event.
| Date | Time | Event | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, May 27 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | IMLBB Opening Ceremonies | Congress Plaza Hotel | Official kickoff, titleholder introductions |
| Thursday, May 27 | 9:30 PM – 12:00 AM | Spit Shine Party | Florentine Room, Congress Plaza Hotel | Bootblack community mixer |
| Fri, May 28 – Mon, May 31 | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM daily | IML Vendor Market | Congress Plaza Hotel (28,000 sq. ft.) | 100+ leather and fetish vendors |
| Fri, May 28 – Mon, May 31 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM daily | 'Defiant/Restraint' Art Show | Oxford Room, Congress Plaza Hotel | IMLBB x Leather Archives & Museum showcase |
| Fri, May 28 – Sat, May 29 | Multiple sessions | LeatherU Workshops | Congress Plaza Hotel meeting rooms | BDSM, bondage, and electro-play education |
| Saturday, May 29 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | IMLBB Educational Presentations | Congress Plaza Hotel | Community panels and discussions |
| Sunday, May 30 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | IML & IMBB Contest Finals | The Riviera Theater | Crowning of International Mr. Leather & Mr. Bootblack |
| Sunday, May 30 | 9:00 PM – 4:00 AM | IMLBB Victory Party | House of Blues | Official after-party for new titleholders |
| Monday, May 31 | 9:00 PM – 4:00 AM | Black and Blue Ball | Jackhammer | Closing night celebration |
Beyond the Congress Plaza Hotel's official, ticketed programming, Chicago's own leather and gay bars run their own parties alongside IML weekend — independently hosted, open to anyone, and part of what makes the city feel fully taken over by the leather community every Memorial Day. These are confirmed, recurring IML-weekend bar events as run in Chicago's LGBTQ+ nightlife scene; exact 2027 dates and times are carried forward from the event's established weekend pattern and are typically finalized by each venue closer to Memorial Day — confirm directly with the bar before you build your night around one.
| Date | Time | Event | Venue | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, May 27 | 5:00 PM | Dad's Den (Cigar Night) | Jackhammer | Leather dads and cigar enthusiasts kick off IML weekend |
| Thursday, May 27 | 8:00 PM | Ruff Trade Welcome Party | Cell Block | The Halsted Street leather bar's official IML-weekend kickoff |
| Thursday, May 27 | Evening | Leather-Glow Welcome | Sidetrack | Boystown's flagship video bar rolls out an IML welcome night |
| Friday, May 28 | 9:00 PM | GRRR: Leather Bear Night — IML Weekend | Jackhammer | Chicago's bear night goes leather for IML weekend |
| Saturday, May 29 | 9:00 PM | DILF: Leather Daddy — IML Weekend | The SoFo Tap | Leather daddies, silver foxes, and the men who love them |
| Saturday, May 29 | Late Night | Primal | Jackhammer | Jackhammer's intense, physical IML Saturday-night party |
| Sunday, May 30 | 9:00 PM – 4:00 AM | IMLBB Victory Party (Official/Ticketed) | House of Blues | See official schedule above |
| Monday, May 31 | 9:00 PM – 4:00 AM | Black and Blue Ball (Official/Ticketed) | Jackhammer | See official schedule above |
IML draws thousands of travelers to Chicago at once, so booking your hotel early is essential — rooms near the Congress Plaza Hotel fill up months in advance. Every hotel below has been verified as currently open and LGBTQ+ affiliated (World Rainbow Hotels member, IGLTA-affiliated, or a recognized LGBTQ+ travel directory listing) as of this guide's last update, with one exception: the Congress Plaza Hotel is listed first as IML's official host hotel, not for an LGBTQ+ credential — it's the event's own venue, so most attendees try to book it first regardless. Two previously-listed hotels were removed: Virgin Hotels Chicago has permanently closed, and two others could not be re-confirmed as LGBTQ+ affiliated this pass, so a verified replacement — Chicago South Loop Hotel — takes the budget spot.
Congress Plaza Hotel (IML Host Hotel): The official home base for IML 2027 — the Vendor Market, Art Show, LeatherU, and most daytime programming all happen on-site in the South Loop, directly across from Grant Park. The room block fills fast and has reached full capacity in past years, so book early through IML's own room block or directly with the hotel. Standard rooms run from $224+tax (2026 room-block rate, subject to change for 2027), with lake-view rooms from $252+tax and suites from $404+tax; a three-night minimum (Friday through Sunday) applies to anyone attending the contest weekend.
Viceroy Chicago: Sits in the elegant Gold Coast, minutes from the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan. Verified as a World Rainbow Hotels member, it blends sleek Art Deco design with a celebrated rooftop lounge, offering IML travelers a polished, welcoming home base from $429 per night.
Thompson Chicago: A verified World Rainbow Hotels member in the Gold Coast, combining contemporary design with easy access to Rush Street nightlife. Starting at $290 a night, it's a smart mid-range pick for IML attendees who want boutique style without the flagship-luxury price tag.
Majestic Hotel: Tucked near Northalsted — Chicago's historic gay neighborhood — the Majestic Hotel is listed on the PRIDEChicago lodging directory and puts guests within walking distance of the city's most iconic LGBTQ+ bars. At $279 a night, it's ideal for staying inside the community's home turf during IML.
Hyatt Regency Chicago: Hyatt Hotels Corporation is an IGLTA Global Partner, and the Hyatt Regency Chicago in the Loop offers reliable comfort with easy CTA access to both the Congress Plaza Hotel and River North nightlife. Rooms start at $266 a night, making it a solid, central choice for IML weekend logistics.
Chicago South Loop Hotel: A verified World Rainbow Hotels member right in the South Loop, a short walk from the Congress Plaza Hotel — IML's home base. Starting around $189 a night, it's the most budget-friendly LGBTQ+-verified option and the closest replacement pick to the action.
| Hotel Name | Neighborhood | LGBTQ Info | Pricing Tag | Nightly Rate | Stars | Booking Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Congress Plaza Hotel (IML Host Hotel) | South Loop | Official IML Event Venue | Event HQ | $224+ (2026 room-block rate) | ★★★ | IML Room Block | Hotel Direct |
| Viceroy Chicago | Gold Coast | World Rainbow Hotels Member | Luxury | $429 | ★★★★★ | Book Direct | Expedia |
| Thompson Chicago | Gold Coast | World Rainbow Hotels Member | Mid-Range | $290 | ★★★★ | Search on Hyatt.com | Expedia |
| Majestic Hotel | Northalsted (Boystown) | LGBTQ Friendly (PRIDEChicago-listed) | Mid-Range | $279 | ★★★ | Book Direct | Expedia |
| Hyatt Regency Chicago | The Loop | IGLTA Global Partner (Hyatt brand-level) | Mid-Range | $266 | ★★★★ | Search on Hyatt.com | Expedia |
| Chicago South Loop Hotel | South Loop / Bronzeville | World Rainbow Hotels Member | Budget | $189 | ★★★ | Book Direct | Expedia |
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is IML's primary gateway, with nonstop service from most major U.S. hubs; Chicago Midway (MDW) is a smaller, closer-in secondary option worth checking for domestic fares. Memorial Day weekend is peak holiday travel, so booking 6–10 weeks out typically nets better fares, and flying in Thursday rather than Friday can avoid the worst of the holiday crunch. Prices below are estimates — always confirm current fares before booking.
| Departure City | Airline(s) | Nonstop/Connecting | Estimated Price (USD) | Booking Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK/LGA) | American, United, Delta | Nonstop | $180–$280 (est.) | Flight Search | Expedia |
| Atlanta (ATL) | Delta, American | Nonstop | $180–$260 (est.) | Flight Search | Expedia |
| Dallas (DFW) | American, United | Nonstop | $150–$230 (est.) | Flight Search | Expedia |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | United, American, Delta | Nonstop | $250–$380 (est.) | Flight Search | Expedia |
Chicago's CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) runs the 'L' train network plus a citywide bus system covering the South Loop, Loop, Northalsted, and Uptown corridors relevant to IML. A single ride is $2.50 (train) or $2.25 (bus); a 1-Day CTA Pass runs about $5 and 3-Day is about $15, loaded onto a Ventra card or tapped directly with a contactless bank card or phone wallet. The Red and Brown Lines connect most IML-relevant neighborhoods affordably during the day.
Uber and Lyft operate throughout Chicago and are the easiest way to move between IML venues late at night when CTA service thins out. Expect $10–20 for most in-city rides between the South Loop, Uptown, and Boystown, with surge pricing common after major parties let out (Victory Party, Black and Blue Ball). Official Chicago taxis are metered and available via app or at hotel taxi stands.
From O'Hare (ORD): the CTA Blue Line runs 24/7 to downtown in about 45 minutes for $5. Taxis run $45–55 flat rate (about $24 per person shared); rideshare runs $35–65+ with common surge pricing. From Midway (MDW): the CTA Orange Line reaches downtown in about 30 minutes for $2.50 — generally the fastest, cheapest option. Taxi or rideshare from Midway runs $25–45 and takes 20–50 minutes. Both lines connect directly to the Loop, a short ride or walk from the Congress Plaza Hotel.
IML Chicago is a domestic U.S. event, so no currency exchange is needed for U.S.-based travelers — pricing throughout this guide is in U.S. Dollars (USD). International visitors should check current USD exchange rates before traveling rather than relying on a fixed conversion. Credit and debit cards, including contactless tap-to-pay, are accepted almost everywhere in Chicago — hotels, restaurants, bars, and the CTA all take contactless payment. It's smart to carry a small amount of cash for vendor stalls at the Leather Market and smaller bars that may run card minimums. Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S.: 18–22% at restaurants and bars, $2–5 per drink at nightlife venues, and $1–2 per bag for hotel bellhops. ATMs are widely available; using your own bank's fee-free network avoids surcharges.
Chicago's leather bar scene predates IML itself, and the weekend turns these neighborhood staples into the unofficial after-parties for the whole event. Every venue below has been verified as currently open and LGBTQ+ owned, operated, or a recognized part of the community.
Cell Block (Leather / Cruising): A no-frills leather and cruising bar that's been a South Loop fixture for decades — dim lighting, cage dancers, and a crowd that shows up in full gear. Publicly known as a leather bar and an official IML 2027 event partner. This is where a lot of IML weekend actually happens after the official parties wind down.
Krave (Go-Go Boys / Drag): A high-energy LGBTQ+ nightclub known for go-go dancers and drag shows. Note: Krave is located in Blue Island, IL, a south suburb roughly a 30-minute drive from the South Loop — not in central Chicago — so plan rideshare time accordingly if you want a break from the leather-specific bars downtown.
Touché (Leather / Bears): One of Chicago's oldest leather bars, drawing a mixed leather-and-bear crowd with pool tables, a laid-back patio, and a reputation for welcoming first-timers. It's a host venue for the Mr. Chicago Leather contest, confirming its standing as a publicly known leather bar.
Big Chicks (Bears): A beloved Uptown institution with an eclectic art-filled interior, a devoted bear following, and legendary free Sunday brunch. Long a publicly known LGBTQ+/bear-friendly bar in local gay travel directories — a great daytime complement to IML's after-dark schedule.
Between vendor-market browsing and late nights out, you'll want reliable places to refuel. Candyality's Andersonville location has closed, so it's been removed from this update; these three verified, open spots remain.
Brown Sugar Bakery (Bakery): A well-known South Side, Black-owned bakery famous for its caramel cake. It's a great general Chicago food stop worth the trip for anyone with a sweet tooth after a long night out — no specific LGBTQ+ ownership claim, just a genuinely excellent bakery.
Necessary & Sufficient Coffee (Cafe): A cozy coffee shop featured in Windy City Times and listed among Choose Chicago's LGBTQ+-affiliated vendors — a solid, community-recognized pre-vendor-market caffeine run with a calm space to plan your day.
Lexington Betty Smokehouse (Restaurant): James Beard-recognized BBQ helmed by chef-owner Dominique Leach, a publicly out queer woman profiled in Windy City Times as a trailblazer for Black queer women in barbecue — hearty smoked meats that hit exactly right after a day at the Vendor Market.
The Vendor Market covers most of your gear needs, but these two Chicago institutions — both verified open and LGBTQ+ affiliated — are worth the detour for anything you can't find on-site.
Women & Children First (LGBTQ Bookstore): An Andersonville institution honored in the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame, and one of the country's most respected feminist and LGBTQ+-owned bookstores, with a deep selection of queer literature and community events year-round.
Full Kit Gear (Leather / Fetish): A dedicated leather and fetish retailer listed on the Chicago GoPride business directory, offering gear beyond the Vendor Market's pop-up selection — harnesses, restraints, and custom pieces for building out your kit before or after IML.
Late May in Chicago runs mild and pleasant, averaging a high of 71°F and a low of 51°F. The city is in full bloom, though lakefront breezes can still turn cool in the evening — especially heading to or from an outdoor party. Pack light sweaters and jeans as your base layer, and bring a light jacket for nights near the lake. Leave room in your suitcase, too: between the Vendor Market and Full Kit Gear, most attendees come home with more gear than they arrived with.
IML weekend runs late most nights, but Chicago's daytime attractions are worth carving out a few hours for — especially if you're traveling with a partner who isn't as deep into the leather scene, or you just need a lower-key afternoon before the evening's parties. These four LGBTQ+-friendly tours range from a relaxed river cruise to a drag-hosted bar crawl through Northalsted.
Luxury Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River (2.5 Hours, Low crowds): A relaxed, upscale way to see the skyline from the water — a nice contrast to the intensity of IML's contest and party schedule.
Chicago Chinatown Adventure Food Tour (2.5 Hours, Moderate): A guided tasting tour through one of the country's most historic Chinatowns, perfect for a relaxed afternoon between IML events.
LGBTQ+ Legacy Walk Boystown History Tour (1.5 Hours, Moderate crowds): A walking tour of the Legacy Walk's bronze memorial plaques honoring LGBTQ+ history — a meaningful, low-cost way to connect with the community's roots in Chicago.
LGBTQ+ Drag Queen-Led Bar Crawl (3 Hours, Moderate crowds): A high-energy, drag-hosted bar crawl through Northalsted — a fun, social way to kick off an IML evening before heading to the leather bars.
Your total trip cost depends heavily on how many ticketed parties you attend, which hotel tier you choose, and where you're flying from. Here's a realistic breakdown across three spending levels.
| Category | Budget Tier | Moderate Tier | Luxury Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | $189–$279/night | $266–$429/night | $429+/night |
| Flights | $150–$230 est. | $180–$280 est. | $250–$380+ est. |
| Food | $10–$20/meal (bakeries, casual) | $20–$45/meal (mid-range dining) | $45+/meal (fine dining) |
| Transportation | CTA train/bus ($2.50–$5) | Mix of CTA + rideshare ($20–$45) | Private car service ($45–$65+) |
| Events | Free presentations, Vendor Market entry | Contest Finals + one ticketed party | Full ticket package + VIP access |
| Nightlife | Cover-free bars (Touché, Cell Block) | Cover charge clubs (Krave) | Bottle service / VIP party access |
Illinois offers some of the strongest LGBTQ+ legal protections in the United States, ranking among the top states nationally for equality. Same-sex marriage has been legal statewide since June 1, 2014, and all forms of adoption are open to LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Illinois law bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment (since 2006), housing, and public accommodations, and its hate crime statutes explicitly cover both categories. Transgender residents and visitors can update gender markers without a surgical requirement, and Illinois offers a non-binary "X" gender designation on state IDs and birth certificates. Conversion therapy has been banned statewide since 2016. With roughly 74% public support for same-sex marriage as of 2023, Chicago remains one of the most consistently welcoming big cities in the country for IML's international leather community.
No. While IML has historic roots in gay men's leather culture, the modern event welcomes the full spectrum of the kink and fetish community — including lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, and heterosexual attendees. The Vendor Market, educational programming, and most parties are open to anyone with an interest in leather culture, and Chicago's broader LGBTQ+ scene in Northalsted and Andersonville reflects that same inclusive spirit.
Dress codes vary by event. The Vendor Market, educational sessions, and Art Show are casual and welcome any attire, though many attendees show up in gear simply because it's part of the fun. Ticketed evening parties like the Victory Party and Black and Blue Ball skew heavily toward leather, rubber, and fetish wear, and some smaller bars enforce their own dress expectations — Cell Block and Touché lean more traditionally leather than a general LGBTQ+ bar like Big Chicks.
Book as early as possible — ideally three to six months out for hotels, and six to ten weeks out for flights. Rooms at the Congress Plaza Hotel itself sell out first since it's the event's home base, and Contest Finals tickets at The Riviera Theater routinely sell out well before Memorial Day weekend. If you're flexible on neighborhood, Chicago South Loop Hotel or Majestic Hotel tend to hold availability a bit longer than the Gold Coast luxury properties.
Most core IML venues sit within a compact stretch of the South Loop, Uptown, and Boystown, making rideshare the most practical option for hopping between the Congress Plaza Hotel, The Riviera Theater, House of Blues, and Jackhammer late at night when CTA service is less frequent. During daytime hours, the CTA red and brown lines connect most of these neighborhoods affordably if you'd rather skip surge pricing.
Stay plugged into the local community before and during your trip with these Chicago LGBTQ+ resources and publications.
Beyond these resources, IML's own official site (internationalmrleather.com) remains the definitive source for last-minute schedule changes, ticket availability, and titleholder announcements — worth bookmarking in the weeks leading up to the event, since party lineups and vendor lists are typically finalized closer to May.
International Mr. Leather 2027 is five days of contest energy, community education, world-class shopping, and after-dark celebration — all set against a Chicago backdrop that's as welcoming as it is historic. Whether you're booking a room in the Congress Plaza Hotel's own IML block, a Gold Coast luxury stay, or the budget-friendly Chicago South Loop Hotel, the key is planning your flights, hotel, and tickets early, since Contest Finals and the Victory Party sell out every year. Add IML Chicago to your OutAtlas trip planner now, and get ready to experience the largest leather gathering on Earth.