Chicago Alternative Comics Expo
The Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (CAKE) is a celebration of independent comics! 🍰
www.cakechicago.com/
- It’s the last day to apply to CAKE 2026!
- CAKE applications have been extended! Did you get your application in? Cakechicago.com/apply
- CAKE applications have been extended! Did you get your application in? Cakechicago.com/apply
- Applications are now open for CAKE 2026! Apply online at cakechicago.com/apply until Jan 5th.
- Don’t forget to apply to CAKE 2026! Cakechicago.com/apply Apps open until Jan 5th
- Applications for CAKE 2026 open December 1st! The Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (CAKE) returns May 2nd and 3rd at the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago’s Mayfair neighborhood. We can’t wait to see you there!
- Attention CAKE 2025 exhibitors! We sent out our post-show feedback form but it may have gone to your spam folders! If you have a chance please double check and fill out the survey so we can keep improving our show!
- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics ExpoThanks to everyone who came to the @cakechicago.bsky.social after party last night!! Every reader did such an incredible job and Bianca Xunise truly curated a fantastic show!! If you liked the bit I read, consider getting Wine Ghost goes to Hell! On sale on @ironcircuscomics.bsky.social's website!
- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics ExpoDay two, but this time I actually slept! AAAAAAAAA!!
- I'm at @cakechicago.bsky.social selling books for @ironcircuscomics.bsky.social, I'm melting but doing good! Buried in books!
- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics ExpoCAKE!! I sold just about every comic I brought yesterday 😵 swing by and grab the last few and maybe a print ok!!
- CAKE is open!! Day two!! Join us at the Irish American Heritage Center from 11am - 5pm 4626 N Knox Avenue in the Mayfair neighborhood 🍰🍰🍰
- Accessible entrances can be found on the north and south side of the building, through the parking lot!
- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics Expo@cakechicago.bsky.social day 2! Also last copy of GAME OVER MAN (maybe ever?)
- YOU HEARD THE MAN
- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics ExpoIt's Day 2 of @cakechicago.bsky.social listen to JD and come on down 🌞
- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics ExpoFind me at the Chicago Alternative Comics Expo! Table 601A. @cakechicago.bsky.social
- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics Expoall set up for @cakechicago.bsky.social ! Come on by! 🍰
- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics ExpoFind me at @cakechicago.bsky.social all weekend!
- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics ExpoI'm at @cakechicago.bsky.social selling books for @ironcircuscomics.bsky.social, I'm melting but doing good! Buried in books!
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- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics ExpoI may be at the ALA conference in Pittsburgh, but remember, @ironcircuscomics.bsky.social is at @cakechicago.bsky.social this weekend! Drop by!
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- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics ExpoAll set up and ready to go! I'm in the farthest corner, come find me 😏 @cakechicago.bsky.social
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- Biking to CAKE?? The IAHC has bike racks located BEHIND the building, on Kilpatrick Avenue!
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- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics Expotime once again to celebrate the beloved and eternal 🕊️ (see you soon Chicago @cakechicago.bsky.social)
- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics ExpoI am Babygirl, risograph automaton. Much work has been done in preparation for @cakechicago.bsky.social I am coughing up ink that is also my blood. I am a robot, I Love you. see you in chicago
- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics ExpoNew mini zine for CAKE this weekend. Find out what my weird unattainable beauty ideal is. @cakechicago.bsky.social
- Animation, readings, and more – oh my! Plan your CAKE calendar using the link in our bio. Read full descriptions, get to know the presenters, and get pumped! 🎉
- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics ExpoI'll have the last two ever issues of No Pants 2 @cakechicago.bsky.social with me this weekend. They'll be a part of this limited edition collector's pack that includes No Pants 1-4 and a sticker!
- FREE consultations available! Sign up to get personalized help from an @printninja expert on Saturday :sunglasses: Click the link in the bio to snag your spot!
- If our last programming post wasn’t enough of a teaser, we’ve got more! Learn something new with expert instructors for FREE at CAKE this weekend 🌟 Click that bio link for all the details!
- If our last programming post wasn’t enough of a teaser, we’ve got more! Learn something new with expert instructors for FREE at CAKE this weekend 🌟 Click that bio link for all the details!
- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics ExpoDebuting at @cakechicago.bsky.social  this weekend: my new mini “Prophets of Disclosure”. This is your guide to the key figures in UFOlogy, conspiracies, and disclosure. Very limited print run, so get yours early!
- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics ExpoPretending to be this weird little dude, made out of bad magic, cooked in a vat of chemical waste, who’s only purpose used to be doin the dark bidding of the Wizard King who created me - ‘till I killed him. Now what? A DIY your own Vat Spawn workshop! See you at @cakechicago.bsky.social sat!
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- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics ExpoOh, that's right! I'm gonna be at @cakechicago.bsky.social this weekend selling comics for @ironcircuscomics.bsky.social! My girlfriend is gonna be my helper and booth babe >:3
- Things are heating up in Chicago, and with CAKE! We’ve got something for everyone in our program lineup, and we’re kicking things off with our Special Guest programs 🔥 Use the link in our bio to get the full descriptions!
- Things are heating up in Chicago, and with CAKE! We’ve got something for everyone in our program lineup, and we’re kicking things off with our Special Guest programs 🔥 Use the link in our bio to get the full descriptions!
- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics ExpoTeaming up with Wizard Staffing Co to bring a hit of the Bongcano to @cakechicago.bsky.social! Join us on 6/28, at 2:15, in room 311 for a guided tour through the pain of existence, laboring under a Wizard King, and the joy of creating a VAT SPAWN who can kill 'em. DEATH TO THE WIZARD KINGS.
- The fun doesn't stop when the show ends! Check out out After-CAKE events! Saturday 6/26 at Tangible Books hosted by Max Huffman and CRAM Books and Sunday 6/29 at The Native hosted by Bianca Xunise!
- Saturday we've got a release party and reading for @maxhuffman.bsky.social's new book from CRAM, Them Shaped Clouds! Readings by Andrew Alexander, Molly Colleen O'Connell, @atpratt.bsky.social, Steve Schaberg, Sam Szabo, Harrison Wyrk and Nell McKeon. 8PM 3326 S. Halsted
- Sunday night close out CAKE weekend with a reading and afterparty hosted by Bianca Xunise with music by Mercurio! Readings by Jonni Peppers-Go Lions @punkratkid.bsky.social, Eddy Atoms, Koreangry, @bethhetland.bsky.social, and @sagecoffey.bsky.social (who made this poster!) 7PM 2417 N. Milwaukee Ave
- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics ExpoSurprise! We're throwing a comics reading for @cakechicago.bsky.social. Saturday night, 8pm, Tangible Books, free.
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- CAKE is just under two weeks away!!!! We've added our 2025 Programming Schedule to our website featuring some amazing panels and workshops hosted by our special guests and sponsors. Plan for the weekend by checking it out here: www.cakechicago.com/25schedule
- Introducing CAKE 2025 Special Guest KOREANGRY! Eunsoo Jeong is an LA-based artist & creator of Koreangry. Based on her daily struggles as a Korean-American, Koreangry illustrates the artist's life through an asian gumby lookalike, with a hint of humor and empathy in a handmade world. koreangry.com
- Introducing CAKE 2025 Special Guest Malachi Ward! Malachi Ward @malachiward.bsky.social makes comics like Black Hammer, Ancestor, and Expansion. He draws covers for Star Trek, illustrations for The New Yorker and draws backgrounds for Green Street, Netflix, and Titmouse. malachiwardportfolio.com
- we’ve been made aware of a scam email that went out to a number of our contacts, please do not engage with this, we will never sell your data or provide it to a third party.
- Sorry for the spam! Any correspondence from us will come from official (at) cakechicago (dot) com email!
- Introducing CAKE 2025 Special Guest, Geneva Bowers! @gdbee.bsky.social Geneva is a Hugo Award–winning illustrator whose work focuses on magic realism and nostalgia. She aims to make people smile while showing a piece of how beautiful life can be. genevab.com
- Introducing CAKE 2025 Special Guest, Caroline Hu! (@hudrewthis.bsky.social) Caroline Hu is a cartoonist, science communicator, and biology professor based in Boston. hudrewthis.com
- Reposted by Chicago Alternative Comics Expothis information is correct
- Introducing CAKE 2025 SPECIAL GUEST Max Huffman! Max Huffman is a cartoonist and doorstop from North Carolina whose debut graphic novel, Dogtangle, will be published in fall 2025 by Fantagraphics Books. He lives in Bridgeport with his cat Bonky. @maxhuffman.bsky.social maxhuffman.com
- Introducing CAKE 2025 SPECIAL GUEST Angie Hewitt! Angie Hewitt’s work is inspired by mystery, memory and the otherworldly. Focusing on the many odd things in daily life, she hopes to bring attention to some often overlooked moments with her art, and zines. @angiee.bsky.social angie-hewitt.com
- Introducing CAKE 2025 SPECIAL GUEST Max Huffman! Max Huffman is a cartoonist and doorstop from North Carolina whose debut graphic novel, Dogtangle, will be published in fall 2025 by Fantagraphics Books. He lives in Bridgeport with his cat Bonky. @maxhuffman.bsky.social maxhuffman.com
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- BEHOLD! The CAKE 2025 Poster by Mike Centeno! Mike is a Chicago-based cartoonist and illustrator born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. Find more of his work including issues of his comic series Futile, at mikecenteno.com Stay tuned as we introduce our special guests, and we'll see you in June!
- We’re very excited to announce this year’s Cupcake Award Winner: @milimonster.bsky.social! The jury had a hard time selecting just one winner out of this year’s stellar applicant pool, and want to shout out some additional honorable mentions. Thank you to our jury, and congratulations Mili! 🧁
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- We’re very excited to announce this year’s Cupcake Award Mentor is @pidgecomics.bsky.social! Pidge is an artist, educator and creator of the Ignatz nominated comic Infinite Wheatpaste! The award winner will officially be announced next week - stay tuned! 👀
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- 2025 Application emails have gone out! If you applied but haven’t received an email from us please check, and if needed reach out to us at exhibitors@cakechicago.com
- Wow!! What a turnout at our Art Auction! Thank you to Revolution Brewing, DJ Lil Debbie, readers @potatofuzz.bsky.social & Molly Colleen O Connell, and all of our donors and attendees! Another great CAKE Art Auction for the books!
- If you missed the CAKE Art Auction, you unfortunately also missed ….THE GARF HOLE
- A great reading by Molly Colleen O’Connell at our Art Auction
- Cartoonist Jaime Dear sharing an ET memory at our art auction!
- Starting soon! Join us at Revolution Brewery for the CAKE Art auction!
- BEHOLD the last pre-auction prize promo! JOIN US Friday April 11, 7-10PM, at Revolution Brewing for the CAKE Art Auction Fundraiser! Bid on originals by Marnie Galloway, prints by Keith Knight, a 4-DAY stay in a lovely lake cabin outside Traverse City, MI, and MORE! How about that!?
- Time to introduce our CAKE Art Auction readers! MOLLY COLLEEN O’CONNELL is an interdisciplinary artist, cartoonist, comics historian, educator, amateur clown and haunter, striving to create a world of perverted feminist hallucinations translated into comics, print, performance, and installation.
- Introducing our CAKE Art Auction readers! JAIME DEAR is a cartoonist & zinester who makes work with their friends at Strange Deer Press. They used to be horribly afraid of E.T., but are happy to say they are on good terms now! See more of their comics at Comics: potatofuzz.itch.io
- Raffle Raffle Raffle! In addition to our live and silent auction on April 11th, attendees will have to chance to enter our $5 raffle for some amazing prizes! The CAKE Auction is THIS FRIDAY April 11th at Revolution Brewing, 3340 N Kedzie, from 7-10 PM! See you there!!!
- We've got so many amazing items up for bid at our CAKE Auction Fundraiser at Rev Brewing on April 11th! Have you marked your calendar yet???? Come bid on originals by @novembergarcia.bsky.social, Alex Nall, and a Family Membership to the Design Museum of Chicago!
- Ready for another batch of CAKE Auction items? -Two SIGNED Nicole Hollander Sylvia Sunday strip prints! -FRAMED painting by David Alvarado! -GUIDED TOUR of the University of Chicago's Comics and Zine Library (up to 8 guests!) All this and more at the CAKE Auction April 11, 7-10pm at Rev Brewing!
- Feast your peepers on the first batch of auction items for our upcoming fundraiser! Original works by Simple Heady, @maxbare.bsky.social, and our 2024 poster artist Jasjyot Singh Hans! The CAKE Art Auction is April 11th from 7-10 PM at Revolution Brewing 3340 N Kedzie Hope to see you there!
- It's time to get excited! Less than two weeks until our Annual CAKE Auction Fundraiser at Revolution Brewing(3340 N Kedzie)! Mark your calendar for April 11th from 7-10pm! Leading up to the 11th we'll be sharing what's on the block for our Live and Silent Auctions, as well as our $5 raffle!
- If you’re waiting to hear back from us about applications for CAKE 2025 hang tight! We will (hopefully) be finalizing the list and sending out notifications by mid-April! Thanks for your patience!
- Here's a sneak peak at our 2025 show graphics by this year's poster artist Mike Centeno! Find more of his work at mikecenteno.com Stay tuned for the full poster reveal coming in April!
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- Applications for the 2025 Cupcake Award microgrant and mentorship program close in ONE WEEK! www.cakechicago.com/cupcake-award Applications are due by 11:59 PM CDT on March 28, 2025 Don't miss out on this chance, open to early-career cartoonists!
