Sept 23 - Sept 27, 2026 Explore the Chicago Underground Film Festival, the world’s longest-running underground film festival, showcasing unconventional films, emerging artists, workshops, panels, and filmmaker Q&As.

Oct 2 - Oct 4, 2026 Discover the Chicago Horror Film Festival, a 28-year indie horror tradition showcasing feature films and shorts from around the world while helping filmmakers connect with audiences and the industry.

Sept 22 – Sept 24, 2026 Discover the Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival, celebrating character-driven independent films and innovative storytellers with its 2026 BWiFFdocs documentary event.

Nov 13 - Nov 14, 2026 Discover 815HORTS, a growing Midwest film festival in Rockford, Illinois, showcasing short films, filmmaker Q&As, panels, networking, and industry connections.

Oct 2 - Oct 3, 2026 IThe Illinois Horror Movie Festival returns October 2–3, 2026, bringing 200 indie horror films, live music, vendors, food trucks, and more to Carroll County, Illinois.