The 35th annual International Mr. Leather contest charges into town this Memorial Day weekend, bringing with it thousands of leather and fetish devotees from around the world. Convention-goers will be treated to world-class parties, the infamous (and well-attended) Leather Market, and the International Mr. Leather (or IML, for short) contest itself, in addition to a variety of leather/fetish-related events all over Chicago.
Highlighted here are some of the can't-miss events from the IML XXX5 calendar. For a full schedule of IML and Memorial Day weekend parties and events, pick up the current issue of Nightspots, which is the official guide to IML XXX5, available in an extended print run at all our normal locations. You can also download the full guide from our website at www.windycitymediagroup.com/images/publications/nightspots/2013-05-15/current.pdf .
Thu., May 23
7 - 10:30 p.m.
The Roast of Woody Woodruff, IML 2012 and Nick Elliott, IMBB 2012
Bid a fond and funny farewell to the current International Mr. Leather Woody Woodruff (pictured)and the current International Mr. Bootblack Nick Elliott, along with friends, well-wishers and members of the Leather community.
Leather Archives & Museum, 6418 N. Greenview Ave.
www.leatherarchives.org for more information.
Fri., May 24
8 - 11 p.m.
IML XXX5 Opening Ceremonies
Get to know the contestants, judges, and ultimately, the new International Mr. Leather, to be chosen at the contest on Sunday.
The Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave.
Single tickets available ONLY at 5th floor Ticket Sales Desk, Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, 540 N. Michigan Ave. (IML host hotel)
Sat., May 25
3 - 5 p.m.
Chicago Hellfire Club Annual IML Cocktail Social
Meet and greet the members of the Chicago Hellfire Club, now celebrating its 42nd year at this annual Club charity fundraiser.
4th Floor Ballroom, Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, 540 N. Michigan Ave. (IML host hotel).
Sun., May 26
5 - 9:30 p.m.
35th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL
MR. LEATHER CONTEST
Doors open at 5 p.m., contest begins at 6 p.m. Entertainment by hot recording artist, Beverly McClellan. Proudly sponsored by Miller Lite.
The Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St.
Buses start from host hotel at 4 p.m.
9 p.m. - 4 a.m.
IML Victory Party
Spanish DJ Dani Toro (pictured) makes his Chicago debut as the new International Mr. Leather is celebrated. More info at www.circuitmom.com
House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St.
Mon., May 27
8 p.m. - 4 a.m.
Black and Blue Ball
Featuring DJs Matthew Harvat and Ralphi Rosario. More info at www.circuitmom.com
Castle Nightclub, 632 N. Dearborn St.
Marketing 101
IML Leather Market
Fri., May 24, Noon - 7 p.m.
Sat., May 25, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sun., May 26, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Mon., May 27, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Leathermen, leatherwomen and fetishists flock to the Leather Market, taking place in the 5th and 7th floor ballrooms of IML host hotel Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, 540 N. Michigan Ave. Attendees can view the wares of over 100 official IML vendors. There's always something to see at the Leather Market! Photos of the 2012 Leather Market by Jerry Nunn.