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Past Events

Goblin Market

Sep13
Anime Chicago presents Manga Circle
PastBook ClubMangaLake View

Anime Chicago presents: Manga Circle

2:00 PM • Sunday, September 13, 2026Goblin MarketFree

See the Anime Chicago meetup page for each month's selection. Manga Circle typically meets on second Sundays at Goblin Market (and on Discord) to discuss a selected work of manga and its international relevance. This event is suitable for attendees 18+ with any level of manga knowledge or experience. We recommend reading the entire selection beforehand – spoilers guaranteed!

Sep3
Trans Occultist Meetup
PastCommunity EventOccultLake View

Trans Occultist Meetup

7:00 PM • Thursday, September 3, 2026Goblin MarketFree

This is a place for trans occultists of all traditions to share experiences and knowledge with one another. Pagans, witches, chaotes, Luciferians, esoteric Christans, Thelemites, African Diaspora practitioners, and everybody else. If you practice magick and consider yourself some sort of non-cisgender, you are welcome. You are also welcome if you are just questioning your gender, and if you are merely magickally curious. Do not worry about not being trans enough or magickal enough. First Thursday of each month, 7pm-10pm

Sep2
Solo RPG Silent Book Club
PastSilent ReadingLake View

Silent Book Club: Solo RPGs & Choose-Your-Own-Adventure

6:00 PM • Wednesday, September 2, 2026BeermiscuousPresented by Goblin MarketFree

Grab that solo RPG, journalling game, or Choose Your Own Adventure book you've been meaning to get around to actually playing (or pick up a new one at Goblin Market beforehand!) and meet us at Beermiscuous for a more social solo-gaming experience. We'll also bring a selection of games from our library with us for you to borrow. Like most silent book clubs, there will be time before and after to chat and mingle. Get there at 5:30 to say hi and get yourself a drink, then at 6 we'll have a dedicated hour of silent gaming.

Aug30
Make Your Own Black Mirror
PastCraftOccultLake View

Make Your Own Black Mirror

1:00 PM • Sunday, August 30, 2026Goblin Market$20

Make a small black mirror for scrying, meditation, or just decor! Perfect for both fans of the occult and those who want to make a gift for the witch (or goth) in your life, this workshop will guide you through the steps to create your very own black scrying mirror. Traditionally used in divination to gain insight into the past, present, or future, these mirrors also make striking decorative pieces that add a touch of mystery to any room. No previous craft experience is necessary. By the end of the session, you'll have a beautifully crafted black mirror to take home or give as a gift.

Aug30
Make Your Own Altered Tarot Card
PastCraftOccultLake View

Make Your Own Altered Tarot Cards

11:00 AM • Sunday, August 30, 2026Goblin Market$8

Alter tarot cards into unique works of art using paints, glitter pens, washi tape, collage materials, and more. Choose up to three tarot cards from a variety of decks, then cut transform them into one-of-a-kind works of art. You can decorate them as a spread, a triptych, or as gifts. We’ll provide everything you need, including: ⁕ Tarot cards ⁕ Paints, glitter paint pens, UV paint pens, and markers ⁕ Washi tape, stamps, and stencils ⁕ Rhinestones ⁕ Needle & thread, beads ⁕ Comics, manga, and book pages This event is pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $8 to cover supplies.

Aug29
The Spice Must Flow: A Live-Action Roleplaying Game
PastCommunity EventScience FictionLake View

The Spice Must Flow: A Live-Action Roleplaying Game

7:00 PM • Saturday, August 29, 2026Goblin Market$20

Step into an immersive science fiction universe. New larpers welcome! 10130. The Emperor has summoned you to the desert planet on the occasion of his sixtieth birthday. He must choose a new Great House to rule the planet and end a local uprising. The Spice must flow. About the game: This is a ruleslight game with pre-assigned characters. Before the game: In mid June, a link to the player survey will be emailed to you. GM's will use your survey results to match you to a character you'll love. More info Costumes encouraged! New larpers welcome!: If you've never larped before (or even if you have), feel free to reach out with any questions or ask on the Goblin Market Discord.

Aug29
The Spice Must Flow: A Live-Action Roleplaying Game
PastCommunity EventScience FictionLake View

The Spice Must Flow: A Live-Action Roleplaying Game

7:00 PM • Saturday, August 29, 2026Goblin Market$20

Step into an immersive science fiction universe. New larpers welcome! 10130. The Emperor has summoned you to the desert planet on the occasion of his sixtieth birthday. He must choose a new Great House to rule the planet and end a local uprising. The Spice must flow. About the game: This is a ruleslight game with pre-assigned characters. Before the game: In mid June, a link to the player survey will be emailed to you. GM's will use your survey results to match you to a character you'll love. More info Costumes encouraged! New larpers welcome!: If you've never larped before (or even if you have), feel free to reach out with any questions or ask on the Goblin Market Discord.

Aug20
Goblin Market After Hours — Queer Book Fair Preview Party
PastMixerQueerLake View

Goblin Market After Hours — Queer Book Fair Preview Party

7:00 PM • Thursday, August 20, 2026Goblin Market$25

Grab a glass of wine and be the first to shop the Queer Book Fair! Preview Goblin Market's Queer Book Fair and meet other readers! We've put together special displays of LGBTQ+ romance, horror, sci-fi, manga, and graphic novels. What's included with your ticket: • Wine & non-alcoholic drinks • $25 in-store credit & a swag bag • Bookish photo booth Come find your next favorite book!

Aug16
bedazzled book event cover
PastCommunity EventLake View

Bedazzled Books and Bubbly

1:30 PM • Sunday, August 16, 2026Goblin Market$12.87

Spend a relaxing Sunday morning sipping mimosas while bedazzling your favorite book. Are you caught up in the bedazzled book Tiktok trend? Or just looking for a good way to spend a Sunday morning? Join us for Bedazzled Books & Bubbly! Bring your own book or pick out something here. We'll provide rhinestones, glue, and tips and tools to make bedazzling as easy as possible. No experience necessary! Non-alchoholic mimosas will be provided. You're welcome to bring your own champagne or sparking wine.

Aug16
Goblin Market Mutual Aid Event
PastCommunity EventLake View

Mutual Aid Event: Decorate Birthday Giftbags with New Hope Community Food Pantry

11:00 AM • Sunday, August 16, 2026Goblin MarketFree

Give back while meeting other readers! New Hope Community Food Pantry is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emergency food assistance to individuals and families in need serving the northwest side of Chicago since 2004. To make the day a little more special, New Hope has a tradition of giving out decorated giftbags to their clients on their birthdays. They're currently running low and they need the help of the Goblin Market crafter community to make a new batch! They will also be accepting donations of cake mix, canned frosting, and birthday candles. Bring something to donate, and you'll be entered into a special raffle for a prize from Goblin Market! Plain white bags and the paintpens and other supplies to decorate them will be provided.

Aug15
silent grace book club
PastCommunity EventLake View

Silent as the Grave — Silent Book Club

11:30 AM • Saturday, August 15, 2026Graceland CemeteryPresented by Goblin MarketFree

Read in peace. Bring a book and join us for an hour of quiet reading at Graceland Cemetery, one of Chicago's most beautiful hidden gems. Spend an hour reading at the historic Graceland Cemetery at 4001 N. Clark Street (Clark & Irving Park). 11:30am - Noon — Show up a little early to chat or explore the cemetery before we start reading. Noon - 1pm— Reading! 1pm— Feel free to stick around for a walk through the cemetery and some socializing. Silent as the Grave is organized by the goth history nerds at Goblin Market. We're planning to meet at the Marshall Field Monument in Graceland Cemetery, which has plenty of space for picnic blankets as well as a couple benches. To get to the reading spot, follow the red path from the main entrance. You can also enter from the north entrance and follow the orange path for slightly shorter walk. If we have to move the meeting place, we'll update on discord, threads, and instagram. Location: Graceland Cemetery, 4001 N. Clark St.

Jul2
trans occultists meetup over trans flag
PastMixerQueerLake View

Trans Occultists Meetup

6:00 PM • Thursday, July 2, 2026Goblin MarketFree

This is a place for trans occultists of all traditions to share experiences and knowledge with one another. Pagans, witches, chaotes, Luciferians, esoteric Christans, Thelemites, African Diaspora practitioners, and everybody else. If you practice magick and consider yourself some sort of non-cisgender, you are welcome. You are also welcome if you are just questioning your gender, and if you are merely magickally curious. Do not worry about not being trans enough or magickal enough

Jun28
Friendship bracelet make & take
PastCraftLGBTQLake View

Friendship Bracelet Make & Take

11:00 AM • Sunday, June 28, 2026Goblin Market$8

Make friendship bracelets to keep or share with your bookish friends. Skip the parade or come down from it with an easy craft inside with air conditioning afterwards and join us for a Friendship Bracelet Make-and-Take! We'll also have cold refreshments on hand. All materials are provided, and no experience is needed. Drop in for as long as you like; the beads will be flowing all afternoon. This event is pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $8 to cover supplies.

Jun27
clothing swap and an image of a woman with dark skin blowing a bubble
PastCommunity EventLake View

Goblin Market's Summer Clothing Swap

12:00 PM • Saturday, June 27, 2026Bookclub ChicagoPresented by Goblin MarketFree

Find your next favorite outfit! Capture your best and worst look with our free photo booth. All genders and body types welcome! Goblin Market and Bookclub are teaming up to help you refresh your wardrobe just in time for summer! Bring clothes you don't wear and take home something new to you. Clothing swaps offer a way to refresh your wardrobe outside of the traditional retail cycle. Instead of letting unworn clothes take up space in your closet, find them a new home. And find your next favorite outfit at the same time! When: Saturday, June 27, noon - 5:00 PM Where: Bookclub, 2871 N. Lincoln Ave. ▸Free digital photo booth to capture your best and worst looks ▸All genders and body types welcome ▸Free if you bring clothing to swap or $10 if you don't ▸Pay at the door, but RSVPs are appreciated What to bring Clean clothes and accessories in good condition. We welcome items for all sizes, styles, and genders. Please don't bring anything dirty, stained, or torn, underwear, or swimsuits. We're also not accepting makeup, books, or other non-clothing items. Don't forget a reusable bag to take your finds home! What you can take Take up to 7 items. More are $1 each. Drop off early Can't make it, or want to lighten your load ahead of time? Drop off clothing at Goblin Market, 2868 N. Lincoln Ave, before the event. Anything left over will be donated to Brown Elephant. Volunteers wanted Want to help make this event happen? Email events@goblinmkt.com

Jun21
Bedazzling supplies
PastCraftLake View

Bedazzled Books & Bubbly

11:00 AM • Sunday, June 21, 2026Goblin Market$20

Spend a relaxing Sunday morning sipping mimosas while bedazzling your favorite book. Are you caught up in the bedazzled book Tiktok trend? Or just looking for a good way to spend a Sunday morning? Join us for Bedazzled Books & Bubbly! Bring your own book or pick out something here. We'll provide rhinestones, glue, and tips and tools to make bedazzling as easy as possible. No experience necessary! Non-alchoholic mimosas will be provided. You're welcome to bring your own champagne or sparking wine.

Jun20
Silent as the Grave: Silent Book Club
PastSilent ReadingUptown

Silent as the Grave — Silent Book Club

11:00 AM • Saturday, June 20, 2026Graceland CemeteryPresented by Goblin MarketFree

Read in peace. Bring a book and join us for an hour of quiet reading at Graceland Cemetery, one of Chicago's most beautiful hidden gems. Spend an hour reading at the historic Graceland Cemetery at 4001 N. Clark Street (Clark & Irving Park). We're currently planning to meet at the Marshall Field Monument in Graceland Cemetery, which has plenty of space for picnic blankets and a couple of benches. Exact meeting spot will be confirmed closer to June 20. Show up a little early to chat before we start reading. 11am - Noon — Reading! Noon — feel free to stick around for a walk through the cemetery and some socializing. Silent as the Grave is organized by the goth history nerds at Goblin Market.

Jun4
trans occultists meetup over trans flag
PastMixerQueerLake View

Trans Occultists Meetup

6:00 PM • Thursday, June 4, 2026Goblin MarketFree

This is a place for trans occultists of all traditions to share experiences and knowledge with one another. Pagans, witches, chaotes, Luciferians, esoteric Christans, Thelemites, African Diaspora practitioners, and everybody else. If you practice magick and consider yourself some sort of non-cisgender, you are welcome. You are also welcome if you are just questioning your gender, and if you are merely magickally curious. Do not worry about not being trans enough or magickal enough

May22
battlestar galactica larp
PastCommunity EventScience FictionLake View

33: A Battlestar Galactica Inspired LARP - SOLD OUT

7:00 PM • Friday, May 22, 2026Goblin Market$20

Step into the action as your crew tries to run from an overwhelming hostile force. New LARPers welcome! 33 is a Battlestar Galactica inspired LARP which depicts the misfit flight crew of one of humanity’s list military spacecraft as they try to run from an overwhelming hostile force. Every 33 minutes, your ship, Battlestar Archeron, jumps to another system to attempt to evade the enemy fleet. Every 33 minutes, you hop into the cockpit of your overheated fighter craft and try not to die defending humanity’s last hope for survival. But, every 33 minutes, that fleet appears right behind you. And when that’s done, you have 33 minutes to argue with your boyfriend, punch your wingman, and kiss your former wingman in the ready room. You’ve done this 236 times in the past 130 hours. You haven’t slept, you’ve barely eaten, and you just need to survive doing it five more times to make it to safety. Game Themes: Service and duty. This is a military structure which has ranks and orders which must be followed. What happens when those orders collide with your values, beliefs, and those you love? Exhaustion & breaking points. What does it mean to push the human mind and body to its brink? What does exhaustion give you the courage to do or say that you wouldn’t otherwise? The perfect pristine pilot might crack and finally speak up to their superior; the shy pilot might finally confess their attraction to their subordinate... Queer joy and perseverance. The military is homoerotic, and all the characters in this game are SUPER queer. I, the writer, am queer and trans: the characters don’t have assigned genders, they only have a rank and last name, and are all a little queer. Queer disaster situationships. A vast majority of the characters in this game have some kind of romantic past or present that is messy and weird! There's cheating and love triangles galore, but most of it is written with camp in mind. Loss. The enemy wants to destroy us. They’ve been picking us apart for days. Someone will die before all this is done, likely more. Hope. Despite it all, you cling on. For yourself, for those around you, for humanity? What maintains your hope?

May10
closeup of rintaro manga
PastBook ClubMangaLake View

Manga Discussion: My Life in 24 Frames per Second

2:00 PM • Sunday, May 10, 2026Goblin MarketFree

My Life in 24 Frames Per Second: A Manga Autobiography of a Japanese Animation Pioneer Rintarô,「一秒24フレームの僕の人生」is a manga autobiography by legendary Japanese animation pioneer Rintarô (the director of anime films like Metropolis, Galaxy Express 999, and the ambitious but notorious Harmagedon), chronicling his life from post-WWII Japan to the early days of the anime industry, including his time at Toei Animation and Mushi Productions with Osamu Tezuka, and his directorial debut on Astro Boy. The manga, covers key moments in anime history, from his early career to the film Metropolis, and features a foreword by Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira). This is only one single volume. Join us as we take a look at one of the most unique directors in Anime who has been at it since the early days of the medium in its modern form. ★★★ IF LOGGING IN - SETUP DISCORD BEFORE EVENT ★★★ DISCORD LINK: https://discord.gg/KMtNz4P (Please show up in person if you can!) Manga Circle typically meets on second Sundays at Goblin Market (and on Discord) to discuss a selected work of manga and its international relevance. This event is suitable for attendees 18+ with any level of manga knowledge or experience. We recommend reading the entire selection beforehand – spoilers guaranteed!

May7
trans occultists meetup over trans flag
PastMixerQueerLake View

Trans Occultists Meetup

6:00 PM • Thursday, May 7, 2026Goblin MarketFree

This is a place for trans occultists of all traditions to share experiences and knowledge with one another. Pagans, witches, chaotes, Luciferians, esoteric Christans, Thelemites, African Diaspora practitioners, and everybody else. If you practice magick and consider yourself some sort of non-cisgender, you are welcome. You are also welcome if you are just questioning your gender, and if you are merely magickally curious. Do not worry about not being trans enough or magickal enough

May2
Free Comic Book Day
PastCommunity EventComicsLake View

Free Comic Book Day

10:00 AM • Saturday, May 2, 2026Goblin MarketFree

Mark your calendars! Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) is almost here. On the first Saturday in May, May 2, comic shops across the country will be celebrating one of the best days of the year for fans. It’s your chance to grab free comics, discover new stories, and connect with your local community of fans and creators. This year’s lineup is packed with support from some of the biggest names in comics. Here’s the initial line up of comic publishers: Archie Comics, DC Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, Image Comics, Mad Cave Studios, Oni Press, Titan Comics, Udon Entertainment and Vault Comics! There will be a story for every kind of reader.