International Mr Leather (Chicago)
About This Event
International Mr. Leather is the contest the leather and kink world plans its year around. It began in Chicago in 1979 and fills a downtown hotel every Memorial Day weekend, Thursday to Monday. Judges pick International Mr. Leather and International Mr. Bootblack over several days of interviews and stage rounds, and the finale is held at the Riviera Theatre in Uptown. Many people come for everything around the contest: a large vendor market, the scene in the hotel lobby and bars, and parties across the city.
The contest and the official parties need a pass or tickets. The host hotel sells out early and then runs a waitlist, so book early or stay at one of the hotels nearby on Michigan Avenue.
The 2026 edition, the competition's 48th year, ran from 21 to 25 May at the Congress Plaza Hotel on South Michigan Avenue. On 24 May, Honey Davenport, a former RuPaul's Drag Race contestant competing as Mr. Palm Springs Leather, won the title. She was reported to be the first drag performer to win it. Atlas Rose of Chicago won Bootblack. IML says Bootblack proceeds go to Chicago's Leather Archives & Museum. Organisers don't publish attendance figures.
The 2027 dates hadn't been officially announced when we checked, but the event is held on Memorial Day weekend every year.
Where to stay during International Mr Leather (Chicago)
via Stay2225 gay bars, clubs & saunas from our guide Purple outline = where the gay scene is concentrated
Schedule & Sub-Events
+ Add Event
Sunday coffee at Dollop
Sunday coffee at Dollop Hosted by Jeff Super Organizer Scene-Free LGBT Chicago Details Reminder - $1 will be collected from each person at the ...
Photos
Practical Tips
Congress HQ is the Palmer House Hilton; book direct in the room block for elevator access to leather market.
Videos
Tom of Finland's Mind Blowing & Totally Unforgettable Mr Leather 1983 Chicago Gay Leather Experience
