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!
Mental Floss has a great article on the history of zines as well!
Who Sponsors CZF?
Chicago Zine Fest is sponsored by The University of Chicago Library and Quimby’s Bookstore.
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 US 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.
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 US 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 2024 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, unless specified by panel/workshop coordinators.
- 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!
- Is there food at Chicago Zine Fest?
- Food will be available for purchase from Frannie’s Cafe on the first floor of the Columbia College Student Center (menu). There are also plenty of food options within walking distance.
- Are there gender neutral restrooms at Chicago Zine Fest?
- Yes, the Columbia College Student Center has gender neutral restrooms.
- Is there parking for bikes at your events?
- There are multiple bike racks next to the Student Center on 8th Street.
- Is there free parking at your festival?
- No, there is no dedicated parking for the Student Center. Paid street parking and multiple paid parking lots are nearby.
- Do you sell merchandise?
- We sell numerous pieces of CZF merchandise. You can purchase items through our Threadless store: chicagozinefest.threadless.com.
- Is there an L Stop near Plumbers Hall?
- Yes, the Columbia College Student Center is just 0.2 miles from the Harrison station (L red line).
- What other zine fests can I attend in Chicago?
- Craving more zines and zinester meetups? Then check out Zinemercado, Midwest Perzine Fest, and CAKE.
- Can I bring an emotional support animal to the fest with me?
- This depends on the regulations of the venue we are using; please contact the Columbia College Student Center.
- Can I bring a service animal to the fest with me?
- Official service animals are always welcome at our festival!