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International Mr. Leather (IML) 2026 — Contest Weekend in Chicago, IL

Contest Weekend

International Mr. Leather (IML) 2026

May 22-25, 2026Chicago, ILMidwest, Illinois

IML is leather culture’s flagship Memorial Day weekend in Chicago—International Mr. Leather & International Mr. Bootblack contests, multi-day packages, Leather Market, and major parties (APEX, Victory Party, Black & Blue Ball) plus socials and add-ons.

Event details

Organizer-provided listing — confirm dates, registration, and policies on the official site.

Weekend snapshot

International Mr. Leather (IML) is leather culture’s flagship Memorial Day gathering in Chicago, built around the International Mr. Leather and International Mr. Bootblack contests, the Leather Market, and a packed calendar of parties and socials. Attendees fly in from across the U.S. and abroad; East Coast contingents are always well represented.

What you’re buying

Ticket packages change every year, but recent cycles have included:

  • Contest & stage seating — reserved vs. general options, sometimes with VIP perks (premium seating, meet-and-greets — read the current package grid).
  • Leather Market access — weekend or single-day vendor hall passes with published pickup rules (often at host-hotel guest services).
  • Signature parties — recurring nights such as APEX, Victory Party, and Black & Blue Ball (availability depends on tier).
  • Add-on socials — optional tickets for events like Spit Shine, Fisting Social, Bator Party, Recon Social, or MAFIA nights when offered.
  • Accessibility — look for mobility and ASL seating choices in the official checkout flow.

Proceeds are tied to community institutions in public messaging (including support for the Leather Archives & Museum).

Before you purchase

Sales typically route through year-specific partners (wannago.show, sickening.events, etc.). Watch for name-change fees, cancellation windows, and pickup instructions. Confirm every detail on internationalmrleather.com.

Questions: IML-Info@imrl.com (as listed on the public site).

Highlights

  • International Mr. Leather & IMBB contests
  • Memorial Day weekend (Chicago)
  • Leather Market & vendor hall access
  • Tiered weekend packages (VIP / General / Dance / Socials)
  • Major parties: APEX, Victory Party, Black & Blue Ball
  • Optional add-on socials (Spit Shine, Recon, etc.)
  • ASL & mobility seating options (contest venues)
  • Proceeds support Leather Archives & Museum (per site)
  • Ticket partners: wannago.show / sickening.events (year-specific)
Community & discovery links