The Great Debate

The Great Debate combines the best bits of drinks with friends, arguing about "what's better," and celebrating our favorite fandoms. In this silly, entertaining, and EXTREMELY LEGITIMATE game-show style debate, fervent fans face off to demonstrate their selected IP's superiority through artifacts, actual facts, and wild speculation. Expert contestants from all corners of Chicago's nerd, geek, and dweeb communities will have you in stitches with their hot takes on one another's beloved characters, stories, games, and entertainment. Described by one audience member as "Like a Dropout game show but irl!," this is the perfect outing for a group of friends ready to hash it out vicariously while they enjoy a craft cocktail. But don't worry, you'll have your say too! Be prepared to step up to the mic for the "questions from the audience" portion of the debate and/or bring your dollars to "vote with your tips" and earn extra points for your own preferred passion!

W Mar 12: Super Squad Smackdown Hosted by Stella Cheeks

March debators:

May Flowers for Gotham City Sirens
Weebwitched for Gaurdians of the Galaxy
JohnCraig for X-Men
The Dev Brooks for The Boys

W Apr 16: My Favorite Trauma Rewatch Hosted by MsPixy

April debators :

Right This Way Robbie for Willow
Rosemary Maybe for Legend
rowan ward for UHF
Anthony Whitaker for Return to Oz
Ray Ray Sunshine for Pee-Wee's Big Adventure

TH May 8: Set Phasers to Destroy Hosted by Stella Cheeks

May debators:

Terry Gant for Star Trek: The Original Series
Minnie Ryder for Star Trek: The Next Generation
Rosemary Maybe for Star Trek: Deep Space 9
Maria Tate for Star Trek: Discovery
Jenna Dalgety for Star Trek: Lower Decks

W J un 11: War of the Hidden Worlds Hosted by MsPixy

June debators:

Minnie Ryder for Narnia
Lola for Jumanji
Anthony Whitaker for Oz
Nitty Gritty for Barbieland
May Flowers for Wonderland

W July 16: Quotable Comedy Carnage Hosted by Stella Cheeks

July debators:

Nitty Gritty for Galaxy Quest
The Dev Brooks for Scary Movie
Greg Inda for Ghostbusters
Sid Licious for The Princess Bride
K80 Correll for Monty Python and the Holy Grail

W Aug 13: Hensonverse Hostilities Hosted by MsPixy

August debators:

Terry Gant for The Dark Crystal
Jenna Dalgety for Fraggle Rock
Lola for Labyrinthr
rowan ward for Sesame Street
K80 Correll for The Muppets

NOTE: The Newport Theater has recently updated its accessibility with a stair lift to assist guests with mobility as needed.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Newport Theater, 956 West Newport Avenue, Chicago, United States