XL FEST
Thursday, August 15, 2024
04:00PM - Sunday, August 18, 2024 09:00PM
1452 E 53rd St • POLSKY EXCHANGE • Chicago • IL
Summary
Our annual Film Festival and Summit brings together industry professionals, providing an immersive experience for audiences to dive into. From thought-provoking panels to film showcases we aim to celebrate the power of storytelling through the captivating art form of cinema.
XL Fest is quickly becoming the preeminent Black Storytelling festival in Chicago.
After launching with Robert Townsend & Louis Carr last summer, XL scales to take over 9 venues this summer. Current partners include BMO Bank, Hyatt, University of Chicago, Obama Foundation, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Sky, Uncle Nearest and a growing list.
THURSDAY, AUG 15
12:00 PM
Directing Actors Workshop with Charles Andrew Gardner Presented by Crew Call Collective (RSVP Required)
Perfecting Your Pitch Workshop Presented by Seed & Spark (RSVP Required)
4:00 PM
REEL Black Happy Hour @ Sophy Hotel - Presented by Uncle Nearest
1411 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
6:00 PM
Grown Folks Stories Hosted by Binkey @ The Promontory Presented by Uncle Nearest (Included in All Access Pass - DOES NOT APPLY FOR COMPED TICKETS)
5311 S Lake Park Ave W, Chicago, IL 60615
FRIDAY, AUG 16
9:00 AM
Yoga & Meditation w/ Yoga 6 @Hyatt Place Hyde Park (RSVP Required)
11:00 AM- 5:00PM @ POLSKY EXCHANGE
ALL PANELS at Polsky excahncge unless indicated
1452 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
- Game Room by IPG
- Podcast Studio by Shure featuring various shows
- Banking Center by BMO
- Wellness Suites w/ Barber, Massage
11:00 - 3:00 PM
Film Screenings @ Harper Theater
5238 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
All screenings are first come first serve. Early arrival suggested
POLSKY EXCHANGE EVENTS
1452 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
12:00 PM
Film Pitch Competition w/ Celeb Judges Lamorne Morris, Diallo Riddle, and Brenda Gilbert. Moderated by Melissa DuPrey
1:00 PM
A. I. is here -Featuring guest speakers Crystal Berger, William Smith, Joshua Johnson, and Nick Brown. Moderated by Dani Smith
2:00 PM
Standing on Business: Featuring guest speakers Diallo Riddle, Brenda Gilber, and Candace Jones. Moderated by Lamorne Morris - Presented by BMO
3:00 PM
Black Arts Leaders: Featuring guest speakers Charles Andrew Gardner, NK Gutiérrez, Tyrone Phillips, and Lesle Honore. Moderated by TaRon Patton
4:00 PM
Queens in Media: Featuring guest speakers Lisa Beasly, Condra Magee, Grace Byers, and Kendra Chanae Chapman. Moderated by Tyra Martin
5:00 PM
Owning the Narrative: Featuring guest speakers Otis Moss, Pemon Rami, Regina Taylor, Trai Beyers, and Kelly Kali. Moderated by Jessica Gillespie
6:00 PM
Blurred Lines: Featuring guest speakers Vic Mensa, Mary Datcher, Alvin Jones, and Terry Jervis. Moderated by Eddy Lamarr - Presented by Rolling Out
7:00 PM
Outdoor Triple Screening: Twenty Five x Fitted in Black x Lead Never Follow
5238 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
Hosted by Dave Jeff Presented by Chicago White Sox
Food provided by Virtue
SATURDAY, AUG 17
9:00 AM
Yoga & Meditation w/ Yoga 6 @Hyatt Place Hyde Park (RSVP Required)
11:00 AM- 5:00PM @ POLSKY EXCHANGE
1452 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
- Game Room by IPG
- Podcast Studio by Shure featuring various shows
- Banking Center by BMO
- Wellness Suites w/ Barbers, Massage, Facial Wax
11:00 - 3:00 PM
Film Screenings @ Harper Theater
5238 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
All screenings are first come first serve. Early arrival suggested
POLSKY EXCHANGE EVENTS
1452 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
12:00 PM
Dream Keepers & Dreamers: Featuring Black girls Film Camp, True Star Media, Obama Foundation, Common Ground Foundation, Social Works - Presented by Destiny Outreach. Moderated by Danita Patterson
2:00 PM
Blacks Voices in Gaming: Featuring Jewel Ifeguni, Kevin Carr, Soloman Smith, and Nik Stewart. Moderated by Young Wayne
3:00 PM
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
4:00 PM
What's Funny @ XL
Featuring guests Knowlege Beckom, Mellisa DuPrey, Cristal Luster, and more.
Moderated by Leon Rogers
5:00 PM
The Chi Featuring guests Jacob Latimore, Jason Weaver, Yolonda Ross, Rolando Boyce, and Birgundi Baker. Moderated by Val Warner
6:00 PM
The Family Biz: The Tate Brothers (Larenz Tate, Larron Tate, Lahmard Tate)
Moderated by Portia King
7:00 PM
Walk of Fame Mixer
SUNDAY, AUG 18
1:00 PM
Art Gallery Opening @ Connect Gallery Hosted by ILA
9:00 PM
The Lisa Beasly Experience @ Laugh Factory (Included in All Access Pass) - DOES NOT APPLY FOR COMPED TICKETS
When & Where
Thursday, August 15, 2024
04:00PM - 09:00PM
1452 E 53rd St • POLSKY EXCHANGE • Chicago
Get Tickets
Buy nowShare
Categories
More events in this area
Social Club Saturdays
Saturday, December 28, 2024
10:00PM - 03:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
Social Club Fridays
Friday, December 27, 2024
10:00PM - 02:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
Social Club Saturdays
Saturday, December 21, 2024
10:00PM - 03:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
Social Club Fridays
Friday, December 20, 2024
10:00PM - 02:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
Social Club Saturdays
Saturday, December 14, 2024
10:00PM - 03:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
Social Club Fridays
Friday, December 13, 2024
10:00PM - 02:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
312 Mega Jam
Friday, November 15, 2024
09:00PM - 02:00AM
MILLIONAIRE MANSION • Chicago
CHICAGO "FREAK A BOO" HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST SILENT PARTY
Saturday, October 26, 2024
10:00PM - 02:00AM
The Dime • Chicago
Single Christians Ugly Sweater Holiday Party
Saturday, December 14, 2024
06:00PM - 10:00PM
Prāzbar • Chicago
Class of 2024 Mass Swearing-in Ceremony
Thursday, November 07, 2024
09:00AM - 12:00PM
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law • Chicago
Mahogany’s Spoken Word Cafe Presents: A Haunted HOUSE Party‼️‼️
Saturday, October 26, 2024
07:00PM - 12:00AM
2025 W 35th St • Chicago
312 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY MARKET
Saturday, December 14, 2024
12:00PM - 04:00PM
Columbus (Christopher) Park • Chicago
Project LOVE Chicago No Days "Off" : The Intersection of Sports, Entertainment, and Business
Monday, November 04, 2024
08:00AM - 03:00PM
Bain & Company Chicago • Chicago
Social Change International Film Festival:Changefest
Saturday, October 26, 2024
12:00PM - 08:00PM
ACX Harper Theater- Hyde Park • Chicago
The North Lawndale Racial Justice Ride
Monday, January 20, 2025
10:00AM - 12:00AM
Lawndale Christian Fitness Center • Chicago
Taco That $hit
Monday, October 28, 2024
06:00PM - 08:00PM
Taylored • Chicago
Cook County Bar Association Artificial intelligence for Lawyers for Lawyers using AI to be more efficient
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
09:00AM - 11:00PM
Microsoft • Chicago
Queensgiving Weekend 2024
Friday, November 29, 2024
06:00PM - 12:00PM
754 E 77th St • Chicago
Homie Lover Friends, The Mostly R&B Party
Saturday, November 09, 2024
09:00PM - 02:30AM
The Sinclair Chicago Event Venue • Chicago
How to start a Curated Newsletter
Thursday, October 31, 2024
10:00AM - 11:00AM
1449 S Michigan Ave • Chicago
The 5th Annual Chicago Bike Collective Ride
Friday, November 01, 2024
06:00PM - 10:00PM
Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park • Chicago
The Reunion Cancer Survivors Fashion Show
Saturday, October 26, 2024
07:00PM - 10:00PM
Chicago
Success Junkie Block Party Weekend
Friday, November 22, 2024
07:00PM - 08:00PM
Chicago • Chicago
Halloweentown: A Brunch Day Party
Sunday, October 27, 2024
02:30PM - 08:30PM
HVAC Pub • Chicago
CCBA November Joint Dinner In Conjunction with Illinois Judicial Council, Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago, Inc. and The Black Men Lawyers' Association
Thursday, November 07, 2024
05:30PM - 08:30PM
Room43 • Chicago
The Lisa Beasley Comedy Show
Monday, November 04, 2024
08:00PM - 09:30PM
Laugh Factory • Chicago
Lower Level Industry Night Oct 28th
Monday, October 28, 2024
09:00PM - 01:00AM
Subterranean • Chicago
Black Wealth Friday
Friday, November 29, 2024
10:00AM - 04:00PM
Harold Washington Cultural Center • Chicago
Social Club Saturdays
Saturday, October 26, 2024
10:00PM - 03:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
Social Club Fridays
Friday, October 25, 2024
10:00PM - 02:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
Social Club Saturdays
Saturday, December 07, 2024
10:00PM - 03:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
Social Club Fridays
Friday, December 06, 2024
10:00PM - 02:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
Social Club Saturdays
Saturday, November 30, 2024
10:00PM - 03:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
Social Club Fridays
Friday, November 29, 2024
10:00PM - 02:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
Social Club Saturdays
Saturday, November 23, 2024
10:00PM - 03:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
Social Club Fridays
Friday, November 22, 2024
10:00PM - 02:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
Social Club Saturdays
Saturday, November 16, 2024
10:00PM - 03:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
Social Club Fridays
Friday, November 15, 2024
10:00PM - 02:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
Social Club Saturdays
Saturday, November 09, 2024
10:00PM - 03:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
Social Club Fridays
Friday, November 08, 2024
10:00PM - 02:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
Social Club Saturdays
Saturday, November 02, 2024
10:00PM - 03:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
Social Club Fridays
Friday, November 01, 2024
10:00PM - 02:00AM
Era Social Club • Chicago
Daddy Victory Club
Saturday, October 26, 2024
11:00AM - 01:00PM
TeaPotBrew Bakery • Chicago
SKATE JAM 2024: SKATE AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
10:30PM - 01:30AM
The Rink • Chicago
Save The Girlz Day
Saturday, October 26, 2024
12:00PM - 03:00PM
Chicago
USHER: Past Present Future in Chicago
Monday, October 28, 2024
08:00PM - 11:00PM
United Center • Chicago
Scorpio Bash
Friday, October 25, 2024
11:00PM - 02:00AM
Hue Chicago • Chicago
Costume Party II
Friday, November 01, 2024
07:00PM - 02:00AM
4711 S Michigan Ave • Chicago
TechRise Season 4 Finale: Student Behind the Scenes
Thursday, November 21, 2024
10:30AM - 01:00PM
Morgan Mfg. • Chicago
Art of War: Bazaar Concert & Art Exhibit
Sunday, November 03, 2024
12:30PM - 10:00PM
Alhambra Palace Restaurant • Chicago
Chicago Christian Open Mic. Special Guest Host: Matthew Hudson
Friday, November 01, 2024
07:00PM - 09:00PM
Prāzbar • Chicago
Curator Summit by Eventnoire
Saturday, November 09, 2024
10:00AM - 04:00PM
1871 • Chicago
Come Find Your BOO! Speed Dating Professional Edition.
Saturday, November 02, 2024
07:00PM - 12:00AM
The Duplex • Chicago
Roots & Boots: A Celebration of Black Cowboy Legacy & Fall Fun
Saturday, October 26, 2024
11:00AM - 03:00PM
It Takes A Village Leadership Academy, Bronzeville Campus • Chicago
Vinyl & Vittles
Sunday, November 03, 2024
01:00PM - 06:00PM
Co-Prosperity • Chicago
Success Junkie Hip Hop Sock Hop - A Business Matchmaking Dining experience
Saturday, November 23, 2024
07:00PM - 11:00PM
Bridgeport • Chicago
Homie Lover Friends, The Mostly R&B Party
Saturday, December 07, 2024
10:00PM - 02:30AM
The Sinclair • Chicago
Halloween Night at Deadbolt
Thursday, October 31, 2024
10:00PM - 02:00AM
Deadbolt • Chicago
Breast Cancer Hair Show
Sunday, October 27, 2024
01:00PM - 04:00PM
837 W 119th St • Chicago
CHICAGO "CUFF IT OR NAH" RNB UP ALL NIGHT SILENT PARTY
Saturday, November 02, 2024
09:30PM - 02:00AM
BASSLINE • Chicago
312 Music Awards 2025
Sunday, March 09, 2025
05:00PM - 09:00PM
The Kehrein Center For The Arts • Chicago
UIU Chicago – General Body Meeting: Elections (October 2024)
Sunday, October 27, 2024
01:30PM - 03:30PM
Chicago
Jada Red Carpet Premiere *NEW LOCATION AND DATE*
Saturday, November 09, 2024
04:30PM - 09:15PM
Curie High School • Chicago
SHESolidarity: Entrepreneurs Empowerment Event!
Friday, November 08, 2024
10:00AM - 01:00PM
The Care Center • Chicago
Election Night Watch Party
Tuesday, November 05, 2024
07:00PM - 10:00PM
Bronzeville Soul • Chicago
Secure the Bag x The MKR Lab: Sip & Print Social
Saturday, October 26, 2024
06:00PM - 09:00PM
6055 S Wentworth Ave • Chicago
UNZIPPED: The State of Fashion
Saturday, October 26, 2024
02:00PM - 05:00PM
Fishman's Fabrics • Chicago
Chris Brown Halloween Costume Party
Friday, November 01, 2024
06:00PM - 02:00AM
Hue Chicago • Chicago
Empowerment Through Faith: Prayer Breakfast
Saturday, November 16, 2024
10:00AM - 12:00PM
Lawndale Community Church • Chicago
Covert Happy Hour: FLY GOD EDITION
Friday, November 01, 2024
05:00PM - 07:00PM
Dawn A.M. Eatery • Chicago
FALL INTO FAMILY WELLNESS FESTIVAL
Saturday, November 16, 2024
11:00AM - 03:00PM
JLM Abundant Life • Chicago
General Membership Meeting
Thursday, December 05, 2024
06:00PM - 08:00PM
Power Rogers, LLP • Chicago
Clerk of The Circuit Court Community Forum: Know Your Rights
Saturday, November 16, 2024
10:00AM - 02:00PM
Progressive Baptist Church • Chicago
Chicago Youth Programs Fall Fundraiser - Bears Gameday
Sunday, November 03, 2024
01:00PM - 05:00PM
Lincoln Tap Room • Chicago
HueFessions: The Usher Listening Party
Friday, October 25, 2024
09:00PM - 01:00AM
Hue Chicago • Chicago
PINK MILE 2024
Saturday, October 26, 2024
10:00AM - 12:00PM
Village Bucktown Dispensary • Chicago
Sip, Shop & Give Back at Vintage Fest
Thursday, November 14, 2024
06:00PM - 09:30PM
Olio Wicker Park • Chicago
Lorenzo's Frozen Pudding Presents a Chi-Talent Show!
Thursday, November 07, 2024
07:00PM - 10:00PM
Chicago Theater Works • Chicago
E-CADEMY Open House
Saturday, December 14, 2024
11:00AM - 01:00PM
Holy Angels Catholic School • Chicago
Champagne Sundays
Sunday, October 27, 2024
03:00PM - 08:00PM
Hue Chicago • Chicago
Sip and Sing: VMAs Edition
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
07:00PM - 12:00AM
Jerk Villa Bar & Grill • Chicago
Slow Jamz : Halloween
Thursday, October 31, 2024
09:00PM - 02:00AM
Beatnik West Town • Chicago
TechRise Season 4 Finale
Thursday, November 21, 2024
04:30PM - 10:00PM
Morgan MFG • Chicago
Power Hour
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
08:00PM - 12:00PM
Bordel • Chicago
USHER: Past Present Future in Chicago
Thursday, October 31, 2024
08:00PM - 11:00PM
United Center • Chicago
USHER: Past Present Future in Chicago
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
08:00PM - 11:00PM
United Center • Chicago
3rd Annual South Loop Halloween Crawl
Saturday, October 26, 2024
12:00PM - 03:00AM
Jerk Villa • Chicago
KEMBA: A SPECIAL SCREENING EVENT
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
06:00PM - 09:30PM
Chicago Cultural Center • Chicago
Bringing Bronzeville Together Bike Ride
Sunday, October 27, 2024
09:00AM - 12:00PM
South Side Sanctuary • Chicago