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May 23

Chicago Athletic Association

12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL

Doors @ 5:30pm

Show @ 6pm-10pm

Breakthru is a Chicago-based AAPI talent festival and community fundraiser taking place on May 23 at the Chicago Athletic Association. The event brings together artists, performers, and creatives from across the city to celebrate the diversity of Asian cultures while creating a platform for voices that are often underrepresented.

The festival centers South, Southeast, and West Asian communities, who are frequently overlooked within broader AAPI spaces. At the same time, Breakthru is open to and inclusive of all Asian identities, creating a space that reflects the full range of the Asian diaspora. Through live performances, the event highlights emerging and established talent across music, dance, comedy, and other stage-based art forms.

Breakthru is more than a showcase.

It is a community-driven initiative rooted in impact. The event will raise funds for the Midwest Bond Fund, supporting efforts that address incarceration and provide resources to those in need. By connecting art with action, the festival aims to create meaningful engagement beyond the stage.

Held at the Chicago Athletic Association, the event is designed to bring together a diverse audience of creatives, community members, and supporters. Attendees can expect a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that celebrates culture, encourages connection, and supports local talent.

As a first-year event, Breakthru is focused on building a strong foundation for future growth. The goal is to establish an ongoing platform that uplifts AAPI artists in Chicago and creates consistent opportunities for visibility, collaboration, and community-building.

Through this event, Breakthru aims to amplify voices, foster connection, and contribute to a more inclusive cultural landscape in Chicago.

Bodies of Water is supporting Breakthru as a fiscal sponsor

All credit is due to the Breakthru Festival team

Donate direct to the Midwest Bond Fund here