2nd Story’s Annual Birthday Bash
Saturday, April 18, 2026
doors at 7:30pm CT | party at 8:00pm CT
Michelle’s Ballroom (2800 W. Belmont, Chicago IL, 60618)
Join us for one of our favorite nights of the year!
If you’ve been to one of our shows before, you’ll see some familiar features: three brand-new real-life stories, told by the people who lived them, crafted with expertise and care; a guided evening, laid out like courses in a meal. There will be some delicious Chicago-classic bites (think heavy apps with vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options), along with, of course, birthday cake for everyone. And did we mention the open bar? There’s an open bar.
This is our primary fundraiser of the season, so we’ll also be working to raise the funds that help us keep telling stories year-round. We’ll joyfully encourage you to donate, yes. You’ll also be invited to bid on a spread of Silent Auction packages or choose a wrapped gift from the pile of Mystery Gifts (each of which has been selected by a member of 2nd Story’s Collective just for this night).
And… Michelle’s has a dance floor. It’d be a shame not to use the dance floor…
In terms of dress code: dress for the story you want to make of the night! But if you’d like a little guidance, think: your favorite niece’s Sweet 16 party or your goddaughter’s Quinceañera.
Featuring stories by:
Khanisha Foster*, Matt Miller, Karla Estela Rivera*
*denotes 2nd Story company member.
Production team:
Curated by Amanda Delheimer*
Directed by Devin Christor
Sound Design by Yongwoo & Linnaea Groh
Produced by Ali Drumm*
A note about ticket sales
This fundraiser, just like all of our events this season, has three ticket levels in order to increase financial accessibility and transparency around what it actually costs to produce a 2nd Story event. All ticket tiers receive the same show experience.
$250 - This ticket level reflects Transparency. It covers the real cost of creating a 2nd Story experience.
$125 - This ticket level reflects Balance. Less than full cost, it helps us grow and share more stories.
$50 - This ticket level reflects Care. It’s here for ease–so everyone can be a part of the story without financial strain.
This Year’s Bash is Generously Sponsored by:
“Chicago Courage” isn’t just a theme — it’s a call.
If your company’s ready to stand with bold storytelling and brave community, we’d love to have you as a sponsor.
Check out the 2026 Sponsorship Information here.
