FISSURE: An Arcane Dance Party Larp

Sunday, May 31st, 2026 from 1-5pm

@ Bookclub Chicago

Deep in the Undercity, The Last Drop is a pounding nightclub where everyone comes to let loose. Dance, flirt, deal Shimmer, and lose yourself in the music. A queer dance party larp set in the world of the TV show Arcane.

The Chembarons rule the Undercity, and Shimmer is flowing freely. Step into a variety of character archetypes, ranging from the bar locals to gangsters to pitfighters to snobby interlopers from Piltover. Nobody is squeaky clean in Zaun, and they’re all looking to forget their troubles for a little while.

Build friends or confront enemies on the dancefloor. Gamble on a pitfight. Trade or sample Shimmer. Take someone home or get taken out.

 

 

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

Your Ticket Includes:

  • Admission to the slick Bookclub Chicago basement & Club Soda
  • 3 hours of a live DJ’d performance playing song requests in the Arcane style
  • 1 hour of workshops, character connection building, and safety briefings led by a professional larp organizing team (wild, right?)
  • Plenty of good photo ops & selfie opportunities
  • Access to optional activities like a Shimmer bodypaint station, a “pitfighting” simulation, pickpocketing and thieving, and vying for your faction’s seat of power in the Undercity

What your ticket does not include:

  • Costumes; that’s on you, boo!
  • Drinks; all beverages, alcoholic and non, must be purchased from Bookclub Chicago. We are enforcing a two alcoholic drink maximum during the runtime so everyone can stay safe and in control

THIS EVENT IS FOR YOU IF:

  • Want to party and experience the Undercity
  • As though a whole other self, uninhibited, as you live through a character
  • Are a Nerd like us!!!
  • Are in search of Immersive Experiences
  • Love the show Arcane
  • Want to dance the night away
  • Own steampunk clothes or glow costumes
  • Wish a short consent workshop was held before the party
  • Support local art venues bringing you highly customized content

THIS EVENT IS NOT FOR YOU IF:

This game is NOT for you if you are uncomfortable with the following themes/content expected at the event:

  • Crowds
  • Loud music
  • Lasers and flashing lights
  • Glow paint and glitter
  • Touch expectant of being body to body in a packed nightclub
  • Fictional drug use
  • Revealing costumes, as reflected in other’s potential ravewear
  • Fictional (and rare) Arcane security/police raids

What to expect?

This is first and foremost a dance party with larp elements. Come expecting to dance for most of the evening. Characters are archetype-based half-sheet blurbs, with character connections workshopped at game and no pre-built connections, backstory, or plot. We will collaboratively build a web of character connections with just enough drama, backstabbing, and intrigue to provide interesting clashes on the dancefloor. Come prepared to play with others and make new friends. Stealing your crush away from your rival, getting into a fight with someone from an enemy gang, or cowering from someone coming after you. Characters are assumed to be queer and nonbinary by default, players may pick their own names & pronouns.

Gameplay will include faction-based theft mechanics, Shimmer dealing, and some light negotiating or power dealing. Players will have the option of participating in pitfighting which will be pantomimed and partaking in Shimmer, which will involve drawing on yourself or others with body-safe blacklight markers. Players should expect incidental touch on the arms or shoulders, with further touch negotiated. The space will have night-club-esque music, flashing lights, and possibly a fog machine. (Depending on venue preferences.) The venue is down a flight of stairs.

Knowledge of the show isn’t required, but familiarity will be helpful for tone setting. Costumes are encouraged, but please wear things you can dance & move in, especially shoes.