About CZF

Chicago Zine Fest is a celebration of small press and independent publishers. CZF's mission is to showcase the culture and accessibility of zine-making through workshops, events, and an annual festival that welcomes artists and creators to share their stories, knowledge, and love of zines.
A zine (an abbreviation of the word fanzine, or magazine; pronounced “zeen”) is most commonly a small circulation publication of original or appropriated texts and images. More broadly, the term encompasses any self-published work of minority interest usually reproduced via photocopier on a variety of colored paper stock. A popular definition includes that circulation must be 5,000 or less, although in practice the significant majority are produced in editions of less than 100, and profit is not the primary intent of publication. Zines are written in a variety of formats, from computer-printed text to comics to handwritten text. Topics covered are broad, including fanfiction, politics, art and design, ephemera, personal journals, social theory, single topic obsession, or sexual content far enough outside of the mainstream to be prohibitive of inclusion in more traditional media. The time and materials necessary to create a zine are seldom matched by revenue from sale of zines.

Mental Floss has a great article on the history of zines as well!

Who Sponsors CZF?

Chicago Zine Fest is sponsored by Chicago Public Library and Quimby’s Bookstore, and our community partners. Our CZF print sponsor is Perfectly Acceptable Press. We’re incredibly grateful for everyone's support!

To embody the spirit of community that zines foster, the Chicago Zine Fest sought out a select group of stores and organizations to back us with non-monetary means. These sponsors agreed to work with us to make the zine fest a success by helping promote the fest, organizing events that tie into the fest, and giving access to advice and resources. This model of valuing human connection over currency is one that runs through the very core of the zine fest.

You can support the Chicago Zine Fest by donating through Paypal, contacting us about an in-kind donation, or volunteering!

Check out our awesome past sponsors and donors.

Where else can I find zines in Chicago?


Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can I display work at Chicago Zine Fest?
    • Applications for CZF 2025 are currently closed.
  • Is admission to the festival free?
    • Yes, Chicago Zine Fest is completely free to attend!
  • Do I have to reserve a space to attend panels or workshops?
    • No, you do not. Our panels and workshops are open to the public.
  • Is Chicago Zine Fest kid-friendly?
    • Yes, Chicago Zine Fest is kid- and teen- friendly.  We have numerous exhibitors with kid-friendly zines for sale, along with an activity table set up for kids to create their own zines for free.  
  • Can you help me learn more about zines?
    • In addition to the resources on our website and social media, Chicago Zine Fest also provides workshops.
  • What are zines about?
    • That is the beauty of zines, they can be about anything, and EVERYTHING!
  • Are there gender neutral restrooms at Chicago Zine Fest?
    • The Harold Washington Library Center does not have any gender neutral restrooms.
  • Is there free parking at your festival?
    • No, there is no dedicated parking. Paid street parking and multiple paid parking lots are nearby.
  • Do you sell merchandise?
  • What other zine fests can I attend in Chicago?

Don't forget to follow us on social media for further updates!