Optimist Con
Chicago, your free family friendly comic con is here! Celebrate with us and support Chicago youth at our all-student artist alley!
Date and time
Location
alt_ Chicago
5645 West Corcoran Place Chicago, IL 60644About this event
- Event lasts 5 hours
🎉 Optimist Con 2025
A One-of-a-Kind Comic Convention Showcasing the Next Generation of Creators!
📅 June 7th, 2025| 🕒 11am-4pm
📍 alt_chicago 5645 W Corcoran Place
Calling all comic fans, young creatives, families, and community champions!
Join us for Youth Comic Con 2025, an unforgettable day of creativity, community, and fun — where kids are the stars!
This isn’t your typical comic convention. At Optimist Con, every artist in Artist Alley is a student who has written, illustrated, and published their very own comic book through our arts education programs — including our signature Comics in the Classroom initiative! You’ll get to meet these rising stars, collect their work, and be part of the movement that’s changing how young people tell their stories.
🎨 What to Expect:
✨ Student Artist Alley
Meet the talented young creators behind original comics. Buy their books, ask questions, and support the next generation of graphic novelists and storytellers.
🏢 Summer Arts Program Showcase
Connect with local organizations offering creative summer camps and programs. Plan your summer and get inspired by what’s possible through art!
🎮 Gaming Lounge
Chill out and play popular multiplayer games with friends new and old in our dedicated gaming room.
🎈 Outdoor Fun & Field Day
From bounce houses to organized games and field day classics, we’re bringing the energy outside with tons of active fun!
🖌️ Hands-On Art Stations
Make your own masterpiece! Try digital drawing tablets or traditional art supplies and see where your imagination takes you.
🍔 Food & Music
Grab something delicious from local food vendors and vibe out to music all day long with our live DJ and sound setup.
👨👩👧👦 Perfect For:
- Families with kids ages 7–18
- Teachers and school groups
- Local creatives and art lovers
- Anyone who believes in the power of youth voices and imagination!
🎟️ Admission is FREE
Registration encouraged! This helps us plan supplies, space, and giveaways.
Come celebrate student creativity, build community, and experience a comic convention like no other.