Comics, Cosplay, Beer And Tacos Mix In Market At Tinley Park Brewery

TINLEY PARK, IL — Soundgrowler Brewing will host its third annual Comic and Cosplay Market on August 31. Set for 12 to 5 p.m. at the brewery, 8201 183rd St., the event will feature a curated mix of local artists, comic book authors, vendors, and cosplayers, along with a cosplay contest.

The event will take place indoors in the brewery's barrel room and outdoors in the parking lot, with over 50 artist spaces planned. Each artist, aside from those selling comics or promoting their cosplay endeavors, will offer on-theme items that are pop culture-relevant and decorate their spaces with comic and cosplay themes.

Organized by the Streetz Artz Alliance, the event will showcase elements typical of pop culture and comic conventions, such as Perler art, cosplay accessories, original comic artists, comics, toy resellers, POP figurines, and more. In addition, some Streetz Artz Alliance regulars will be on-site, selling handmade bread, tumblers, resin art, and apparel. Ten Cups Tarot will also be available, offering tarot readings for individuals, couples, and even pets upon request.

Attendees are invited to participate in the Cosplay Contest, with a sign-up sheet available at the event. Participants will be asked for their name/handle, character/cosplay, and any information they wish to share with the judges. Prizes will be awarded to the top three participants, with an additional "Brewery Favorite" chosen as well. The contest kicks off at 4 p.m., and will be judged by Jen Watson of Jen Watson Art, Scott Eckelberry (known as darthscotti on Instagram), a representative from Soundgrowler Brewing, and a member of the Streetz Artz Alliance.

The Streetz Artz Alliance is a group of 350 artists and crafters from across the Chicago suburbs, NW Indiana, and southern Wisconsin who participate in markets at breweries all over the area. The group is dedicated to promoting local artists and fostering community engagement through art-centric events.

"This event stands its ground against larger events like Fan Expo and ACE Comic Con because it’s more intimate, curated with minimal overlap, and features comic creators from the suburbs," said John Streetz, organizer from the Streetz Artz Alliance and curator for this event. "You don't have to walk 20 miles to see everything the event has to offer, and honestly, the tacos and beer at Soundgrowler are the icing on the cake."

Scheduled to Appear at the Comic and Cosplay Market

• Avijo Design
• Back Issue Bin 73
• Belonio Doodles
• Cats, Crafts & Cooking
• Curvy Girl Comics
• Custom Leather Art by Decker
• Defective Comix
• FrankenWerks Studios
• Imps Craft Dens
• Jen Watson Art
• John Tamulis Art
• Jonathan Grimm Art
• Justin Castaneda
• Kodou's Korner
• LeafEscape
• LMKill Art
• Masterclass Savory Sweet Foods
• Nethercrafts
• Prismatic Pumpkins
• RainbowsArts
• Robin Monique Rios Art
• Serpent & Flame Candle Co.
• Skulls & Sketches
• SNJ Terrariums
• Stray Ghost
• Ten Cups Tarot
• The Ancestral Oven
• The Sapphire Spectre
• Wanna Pickle Gourmet Foods
• Wells Thompson

The Comic and Cosplay Market is free to attend, with plenty of parking available on-site. All ages are welcome. For more information and artist features and spotlights, visit the market's event page.