Crowned 2026

One crown, nine queens, and the most over-the-top night Chicago throws for a good cause.

Hosted by the hilarious and wildly talented Meatball, this all-gender competition features 9 contestants vying for the crown across three iconic categories: Runway Presentation, Q&A, and Talent. It's a little bit classic pageantry, a little bit chaotic fun, and a whole lot of heart.

A dazzling panel of celebrity judges will bring their own sparkle to the stage, including RuPaul's Drag Race stars Willam, DiDa Ritz, and Irene the Alien, HBO's Somebody Somewhere star and Revry's King of Drag host Murray Hill, and returning champion, your reigning Crowned Jewel of Chicago, Athena Nuff.

Every dollar raised goes toward Stonewall Sports Chicago's Community Impact Fund, supporting LGBTQIA+ organizations across Chicago. Since 2014, we've donated over $900,000 to LGBTQIA+ causes, including $125,000 each to Center on Halsted Youth & Family Services and Brave Space Alliance over the last three years. Last year CROWNED alone sold out and raised over $20K in its debut. This year we're going bigger.

📍 Chicago Theatre Works
🗓️ Friday, September 25
⏰ Doors around 6:30 PM (times are estimates, more soon)

VIP tickets get early entry and a meet and greet with the judges and host. After the show, the whole lineup, judges and host included, hits the stage at Roscoe's for the official afterparty.

Come cheer, come vote for your favorite in Fan Favorite, come be part of something that actually gives back.