Masquerade

Masquerade returns to Cellblock for its third installment with the theme being "Clowning Around" —a night of twisted smiles, playful chaos, big sound, and sex-positive mischief.
Step into a carnival after dark, where the line between funny and frightening gets deliciously blurry. Expect a room full of painted faces, exaggerated silhouettes, wicked grins, and the kind of flirtation that starts as a joke and turns into something much more interesting. This isn’t your childhood circus—it’s a queer, fetish-forward playground where the clowns are hot, the energy is unhinged, and everyone is invited to let their weird side out.
Masquerade transforms one of Chicago’s most iconic leather and fetish bars with cutting-edge electronic music, immersive atmosphere, and a crowd ready to dance, cruise, flirt, and create a little trouble. Come for the beats, stay for the spectacle, and see where the night takes you.

Dress-up is strongly encouraged. Think clown couture, circus freak, sad clown, evil jester, ringmaster, mime, harlequin, carnival barker, latex clown, leather clown—or invent something entirely your own. Face paint, masks, wigs, ruffles, oversized shapes, glitter, tears, greasepaint, and a little absurdity are all welcome. Go polished, perverse, campy, creepy, or completely chaotic.

As always, consent and respect are at the center of Masquerade. Touch is never assumed: ask first, listen closely, and honor every boundary. Whether you’re on the dance floor, in the dark corners, making new connections, or simply watching the circus unfold, there is space to move at your own pace.
Masquerade is a recurring ritual for queer, fetish-forward connection: a quarterly night of dark corners, playful tension, unforgettable looks, and room to explore chemistry without expectation.
Come clown around.