PREMIER MIDWEST POPPING EXPERIENCE

OUT OF THE SHADOWS

May 7 - 10, 2026

What ATTENDEES SAY

  • "This trip was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. The Midwest is on the rise, and I absolutely want to see it from the front row."

  • "Out of the Shadows is the best pure popping event I've ever been to. From the judges and music to being professional and on time, it's the perfect event."

  • "Honestly, this is the best popping battle in the U.S. right now. Get your butt to the next one."

  • "The energy this weekend was overwhelmingly amazing! Much appreciation to Shadow Puppetz for doing Chicago proud - this was a world class joint for the books."

  • "Words will fail to capture what this weekend meant to me. Reuniting with old friends, finally meeting people I've known digitally for years, accepting myself as an artist and celebrating my people - this is why I chose this lifestyle and why I continue to choose it."

  • "You guys threw the best jam of our generation, period. You went above and beyond with the hospitality, so I can only say thanks - there aren't words for how grateful I am."

  • "Thank you, Shadow Puppetz, for taking such great care of us in your city. We were able to show our family what it means to be part of the culture. This means so much more to us than dance. We will be back next year!"

FEATURED ARTISTS

Registration

  • All spectators and competitors must purchase a ticket for Saturday’s main event in advance. General Admission (GA) tickets are $40 and include standing room and floor seating. VIP tickets are $75 and include reserved seating on Saturday only. A valid ticket for Saturday’s main event is required for admission to Friday’s prelims. Tickets can be purchased here.

    Please note that attendance for Friday’s prelims is limited. If you plan to spectate on Friday and are not competing, a registered competitor must list you as their guest in their battle registration form in order for you to be admitted. This helps us prioritize attendance for friends and family of competitors participating in Friday’s prelims.

  • If you are competing in the 1v1 or 3v3 popping battles, please complete the registration form here.

    Registration is required to compete and to check in for Friday’s prelims, but does not replace ticket purchase. Attendance for Friday’s prelims is limited, and registration is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration will close at 2 PM on Friday, May 8. No onsite registrations will be accepted this year. Onsite check in will close promptly at 6 PM.

    If you plan to bring friends or family to spectate Friday’s prelims, they must be listed in your battle registration form in advance. Guests who are not listed will not be admitted.

  • Workshop tickets are available for purchase here.

    Early bird pricing is available through March 31.

    Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Workshop tickets are non-refundable, but may be transferred if a waitlist is available once workshops sell out.

schedule

Thursday, May 7

WORKSHOPS

Location: Dome Studios, 1508 W 18th St

Rashaad Workshop: 7:30 - 9 PM

PURCHASE TICKETS

FRIDAY, May 8

PRELIMS

Location: The Sanctuary, Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S Ashland Ave

Doors Open: 5 PM

Prelims Start: 6 PM

SIGN UP TO BATTLE

SATURDAY, May 9

MAIN EVENT

Location: Epiphany Hall, Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S Ashland Ave

Doors Open: 3 PM

Main Event Start: 4 PM

PURCHASE TICKETS

AFTER PARTY

Location: Café, Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S Ashland Ave

After Party: 10 PM - 12 AM

SUNDAY, May 10

Workshops

Location: Studio 5, Visceral Dance Center, 3121 N Rockwell St

Boogie Frantick Workshop: 2 - 3:15 PM

Disco Dave Workshop: 3:30 - 4:45 PM

Soul Workshop: 5 - 6:15 PM

PURCHASE TICKETS

FAQ’s

Event details

  • All event and workshop tickets must be purchased in advance online. We accept major debit and credit cards. Onsite vendors will accept payment methods at their discretion.

  • All tickets and battle registrations must be completed in advance online. Registration for the 1v1 and 3v3 popping battles closes at 2 PM on Friday, May 8, and pre-registration is required. No onsite registrations will be accepted.

  • All tickets are non-refundable. Tickets may be transferred to another attendee, but transfers are not guaranteed.
    General Admission & VIP: contact info@epiphanychi.com
    Workshops: contact shadowpuppetzcrew@gmail.com or Instagram @shadowpuppetzcrew

Lodging & Transportation

  • WORKSHOPS - THURSDAY, MAY 7
    Dome Studios, 1508 W 18th St
    The nearest bus stop is Ashland & 18th Street, and the closest train station is 18th on the Pink Line. Metered street parking is available surrounding the venue.

    PRELIMS, BATTLES, & AFTER PARTY - FRIDAY, MAY 8 & SATURDAY, MAY 9
    Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S Ashland Ave
    The nearest bus stops are Ashland & Adams, Madison & Ashland, and Van Buren & Ashland. The nearest train stops are Racine on the Blue Line and Ashland on the Pink and Green Lines. Attended parking is available in the parking garage at 1608 W Adams or 1640 W Jackson Blvd, with additional metered spots surrounding the property.

    WORKSHOPS: SUNDAY, MAY 10
    Visceral Dance Center, 3121 N Rockwell St
    The nearest bus stop is Belmont & Rockwell. Free street parking is available surrounding the venue.

  • Recommended areas near the venues include West Loop, South Loop, Logan Square, Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Upper North.

  • Free water will be provided each day of the event. On Friday and Saturday, a full bar will be available, with drinks and food for purchase. Several other food options are also within walking or driving distance of the venues.

  • All battles and performances will be filmed and shared on our Youtube Channel within one week after the event. Professional photographs from the event will also be available for download after the event.

  • Weapons, illegal drugs, outside food or beverage, and professional cameras, video, or audio equipment are not permitted inside the venue.

  • Smoking is not permitted on venue property. Re-entry is allowed if you need to step outside to smoke.

  • The event is open to all ages. Alcohol will be served at the venue on Friday and Saturday, and attendees under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Valid government-issued photo ID is required for entry, and attendees 21+ will receive a wristband to purchase and consume alcohol.

Other

Still have questions? Contact us on Instagram @shadowpuppetzcrew or email us at shadowpuppetzcrew@gmail.com.

Donate

Out of the Shadows is the premier popping event in the Midwest, attracting over 200 dancers from across North America and beyond each year. The event serves as an authentic representation of Black American culture and its impact, facilitating cultural exchange across diverse regions. With an emphasis on elevating the Midwest and Chicago popping scene, Out of the Shadows provides a pivotal platform for local artists and acts as a gateway for the public to learn about the rich culture of American street dance styles. More than a mere spectacle, the event is an immersive experience where attendees become active participants surrounded by dance, music, and art. Help us continue to foster community through the dance we love and make popping accessible and sustainable in our city by donating.