The Best Storytelling Events in Chicago

I told my first story on stage in Chicago at Haymarket Pub in West Loop in 2015. Chicago’s storytelling scene gave me a low-stakes creative outlet to develop as a writer, performer, and host. Here are some of my fav shows:

Grown Folks Stories

This show has a special place in my heart as I have watched it expand from the Silver Room to packing out the Promontory in Hyde Park every third Thursday. Open-mic style, anyone can come and put their name in the hat to tell a five-minute story. No themes, no notes, all fun!

Karaoke Storytellers

Karaoke Storytellers brings together two of live performances’ kindest and most engaged audiences to create a whole new experience around the city. Each show features four performers telling a story and singing karaoke. And one audience volunteer is picked to hop onstage as well.

The Moth

Known as the nation’s most recognizable storytelling show, the Moth hosts multiple story slams every month around the city. You can pay to see the show and put your name in the hat to tell a story. As a former speech kid, I always appreciated the competition.

Westside Stories

Westside Stories is a monthly show that spotlights the real-life narratives, stories, and personal accounts of West Siders past and present. Check it out tonight!

80 Minutes Around The World

This show features the stories of immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, their descendants, and allies. You can find more videos and podcast episodes on their website.

Write Club

This live show is a competitive reading series that blends storytelling, poetry, and stand-up comedy to deliver an energetic night of battles across the North Side. And, yes, I am undefeated in Write Club battles!