Upcoming Slay the Lake Events
Lake County Pride Fest 2026 (Attendee)
Date & Time: Saturday, June 20, 2026 at noon to 8 p.m
Location: Cultural & Civic Center of Round Lake Beach
2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach, IL 60073
Lake County PrideFest is one of the most highly anticipated events of the summer, drawing thousands of attendees. This free, family-friendly outdoor festival will feature food trucks, craft and artisan vendors, a resource fair, games and entertainment for children, drag shows, live music and more.
Attendees are invited to celebrate LGBTQ+ life and culture and show their support for Lake County’s LGBTQ+ community. A $10 donation at the door, supporting the LGBTQ+ Center Lake County, is greatly appreciated.
Slay the Lake: Chicago Pride Book Fest
Date & Time: Saturday, June 27th, 2026 – 12PM-5PM
Location: Soundgrowler Brewing Co. Tinley Park, Illinois
Slay the Lake is hosting Chicago Pride Book Fest on Saturday, June 27th, 2026 from 12PM-5PM at Soundgrowler Brewing Co. in Tinley Park, Illinois. This is an all ages event, FREE to attend. Author & vendor applications are now open. All genres are welcome. LGBTQ+, BIPOC & Women authors are prioritized at our events.
Haunters Against Hate the Event IV (Attendee)
Date & Time: August 1st-2nd, 2026
Location: Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo, Michigan
The HAH event returns in 2026 to an all-new location and state! Come join us in Kalamazoo, MI for a weekend of scary, fun, drag, competitions, workshops all in a welcoming, safe, inclusive environment promoting acceptance and love. Get your tix, hotel rooms and vendor booths at HAHtheEvent.com
Prior Slay the Lake Events
Slay the Lake: Kenosha LGBTQ+ Book Fest
Date & Time: Sat. April 18, 2026 – Early entry 2PM-3PM; Free entry 3PM-8PM
Location: Location: The Final Girl Bar – Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Jessie Rose and RE Bunch present: Slay The Lake, a horror book fest to support the LGBTQ+ community. Join us Saturday, April 18, 2026, 3 PM – 8 PM FREE to the public at The Final Girl bar in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Early entry is 2PM-3PM tickets can be purchased here.
This curated event will have authors who represent the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. We will be holding a book drive to support LGBT Books to Prisoners.
Thank you to The Final Girl Bar in Kenosha, WI for hosting us.
This event is 18+.
Slay the Lake: Kenosha Krampus Market
Date & Time: Sat. Dec. 6, 2025 – 1PM
Location: The Final Girl Bar – Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Kenosha Krampus Market & Community Food Drive.
Join us Dec. 6, 2025 12PM-4PM at Final Girl Bar in Kenosha, 7546 Sheridan Rd, Kenosha, WI 53143.
Meet horror authors & get your books signed. Find unique gifts from creepy creators. Great food & drinks. OH, and meet Drag Krampus! 21+ event.
Slay the Lake: Chicago LGBTQ+ Horror Book Fest
Date & Time: Sat. Nov. 15, 2025 – 12PM-5PM
Location: Soundgrowler Brewing Co. Tinley Park, Illinois
BLOOD drunk and more powerful than ever before. Are you ready to SLAY THE LAKE Chicago?
Jessie Rose and RE Bunch present: Slay The Lake, a horror book fest to support the LGBTQ+ community. Join us Saturday, November 15, 2025, 12 PM – 5 PM at Sound Growler Brewing Co. in Tinley Park, Illinois.
This curated event will have authors who represent the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. We will be fundraising to support LGBTQ+Center Lake County
Thank you to Sound Growler Brewing Co. in Tinely Park, Illinois for hosting us.
This event is all ages.
Lake County Pride Fest 2025 (Attendee)
Date & Time: Saturday, June 14, 2025 at noon to 10 p.m
Location: Cultural & Civic Center of Round Lake Beach
2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach, IL 60073
Lake County PrideFest is one of the most highly anticipated events of the summer, drawing thousands of attendees. This free, family-friendly outdoor festival will feature food trucks, craft and artisan vendors, a resource fair, games and entertainment for children, drag shows, live music and more.
Slay the Lake: Kenosha LGBTQ+ Book Fest 2025
Date & Time: Sat. April 19, 2025 3PM-8PM
Location: Location: The Final Girl Bar – Kenosha, Wisconsin.
They came from the lake. Hungry for knowledge and BLOOD.
Are you ready to SLAY?
Jessie Rose and RE Bunch present: Slay The Lake, a horror book fest to support the LGBTQ+ community. Join us Saturday, April 19, 2025, 3 PM – 8 PM at The Final Girl bar in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
This curated event will have authors who represent the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. We will be fundraising to support LGBTQ+ nonprofits. Please stay tuned for the charity announcement.
Thank you to The Final Girl Bar in Kenosha, WI for hosting us.
This event is 21+.