Trashland Zinefest is the trashiest small press festival in Chicago (we like to think)

Trashland Zinefest started in 2018 in Brooklyn, NY.

Okay more like the border of Ridgewood, Queens, but who’s really checking? It was founded by comics and zine lover/hoarder Rachel Adler, who has been involved in the small press and publishing world for years. After graduating with a BFA in Cartooning, Rachel started to get more involved with the self publishing world and made connections around the country with bookstores, indie publishers, and anyone with a general love of photocopying images together. In 2018, they started the Trashland Zinefest at The Footlight bar in Ridgewood, that would go on to become an all day affair with food, music, and a donation based entry for the venue and local charities. Always in an accessible and safe space, Trashland would go on for a second year in 2019, but unfortunately due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a 3rd year was unable to happen. Now, we have moved to Chicago, another city with a deep love and appreciation for all things small press and handmade.

Returning for a 3rd (or is it 1st?) year now in Chicago, Trashland Zinefest operates to spread the joys of self publishing at any skill level and age. We will be at the Empty Bottle, located at 1035 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL on July 12th, 2026. We are THRILLED to have official sponsors for this event, with interactive booths and vendors filling the event space. Follow online @trashland_zinefest for updates, or email thehatchcomic@gmail.com for questions. Please note that all vendors and attendees MUST be 21+ to enter!

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