PREMIER MIDWEST POPPING EXPERIENCE

OUT OF THE SHADOWS

May 9 - 11, 2025

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 US 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 guys went above and beyond with the hospitality, so I can only say thanks, because there's no other words that can express my gratitude."

  • "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 apart of the culture. This means so much more to us than dance. We will be back next year!"

FEATURED ARTISTS

REGISTRATION

  • Both spectators and competitors must purchase either a General Admission or VIP ticket, which grants entry to both Friday's prelims and Saturday's main event.

    • General Admission ($40): Includes standing room and floor seating on Friday and Saturday.

    • VIP ($75): Includes standing room and floor seating on Friday. Includes reserved seating on Saturday. This option is ideal for those who want to comfortably spectate. Limited availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Purchase your tickets here.

  • If you are competing in the 1v1 popping battle, please pre-register here.

    Registration is required to check in for Friday's prelims. We strongly encourage pre-registering to streamline the check-in process and save time at the door.

  • Sign up for workshops with our featured judges here. Take a single workshop for $30 or bundle all three for $70. Spots are limited—reserve yours now!

Schedule

Friday, May 9

Prelims

Location: The Puzzle Box, 3360 N Elston Ave

Doors Open: 6 PM

Prelims Start: 7 PM

Saturday, May 10

Battles

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

Doors Open: 3 PM

Battles Start: 4 PM

AFTER PARTY

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

Time: 9:30 PM - 12:30 AM

SUNDAY, May 11

WORKSHOPS

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

Time: 2:30 - 6:45 PM

PAST PARTNERS

FAQ’s

Event details

  • PRELIMS & BATTLES

    To respect everyone's time, we have a strict tardiness policy. Check-in for battles closes 10 minutes before start time on both Friday and Saturday. Late arrivals will not be allowed to compete.

    WORKSHOPS

    We recommend arriving at least 10 minutes early for check-in.

  • Both spectators and competitors must purchase either a General Admission or VIP ticket for entry. We do not offer spectator discounts out of respect for the competitors, who put in the work to create an amazing experience for everyone.

  • All tickets are required to be purchased in advance online. Accepted payment methods include Debit/Credit.

    Onsite vendors will accept cash, Venmo, and Debit/Credit.

  • All tickets must be purchased online in advance. On-site registration is available for 1v1 popping competitors, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged to streamline check-in and save time at the door.

  • General Admission and VIP tickets are nonrefundable, however, you may transfer your tickets to another attendee. To transfer your tickets, please contact info@epiphanychi.com.

    Workshop tickets are also generally nonrefundable. However, if there is a waitlist, we may be able to issue a refund by finding someone to take your spot. To request a transfer, contact us on Instagram @shadowpuppetzcrew or via email shadowpuppetzcrew@gmail.com.

    Please note that ticket transfers are not guaranteed.

Lodging & Transportation

  • The Puzzle Box Dance Studio, 3360 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

    The nearest bus stop is Belmont & Sacramento and the nearest train stop is Belmont on the blue line. There is free parking on the surrounding streets by the venue as well.

    Epiphany Art Center, 201 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607

    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. There is attended parking available in the parking garage located at 1608 W Adams or 1640 W Jackson Blvd, as well as ample metered spots surrounding the property.

    Visceral Dance Studio, 3121 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618

    The nearest bus stop is Belmont & Rockwell. There is free parking on the surrounding streets by the venue as well.

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

Other

  • Free water will be available each day of the event. On Saturday, a full bar will be open, offering drinks and food for purchase. Additionally, there are several food options within walking and 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 afterward.

  • No weapons, illegal drugs, outside food or beverage, professional cameras, video, or audio equipment will be permitted.

  • Smoking is not permitted on venue property, including the outdoor courtyard area. However, re-entry will be allowed if you need to step outside to smoke.

  • The event is open to all ages, but it is not specifically designed for children. Parental discretion is advised.

    Alcohol will be served at the venue on Saturday. Attendees under 17 must be supervised by a parent or guardian. A valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID is required for entry. Guests 21+ will receive a wristband to purchase and consume alcohol.

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

Donate

Out of the Shadows is the largest annual street dance celebration in Chicago and the Midwest’s premier popping dance festival. Spanning three days, the festival draws over 200 dancers and spectators from around the globe for an immersive experience featuring workshops, head-to-head battles, showcases, live music, and art. Out of the Shadows serves as an authentic representation of Black American culture and its impact. The festival facilitates cultural exchange, fosters new artistic talent, 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. Help us continue to foster community through the dance we love and make popping accessible and sustainable in our city by donating.