Free Beer Tomorrow
The 44th Reeling LGBTQ+ Film Festival
Chicago
September 18-20, 2026
All proceeds go to support Free Beer Tomorrow!
Chicago, Community & Free Beer Tomorrow
This is more than a weekend getaway—it is a chance to travel with purpose.
Join members of our community for a one-of-a-kind trip to Chicago built around friendship, LGBTQ+ history, queer culture and our shared support of Free Beer Tomorrow. Together, we’ll experience the excitement of the Reeling Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, celebrate the stories being told on screen and connect with the people and places that make Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community so vibrant.
Best of all, all proceeds from this trip will go directly toward supporting Free Beer Tomorrow. That means simply by joining us, you’ll be helping this important film reach a wider audience—while enjoying a memorable weekend filled with laughter, connection, exploration and a few surprises along the way.
Round-trip transportation from Columbus, hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, CTA transportation passes, admission to the screening of Free Beer Tomorrow and more are included.
REGISTRATION FORM
(DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS AUGUST 31)
Let us know if you’re interested in joining us!
(PLEASE SUBMIT ONE REGISTRATION FORM PER HOUSEHOLD)
Estimated package price:
(all proceeds go to support free beer tomorrow!)
All pricing & availability is subject to change until completed through the booking process.
(Prices based on a minimum of 35 paying guests)
Single occupancy: $1500
Double occupancy: $1062/pp
Triple occupancy: $917/pp
Quad occupancy: $845/pp
Full pricing details and FAQs listed at the bottom of this page
September 18:
Columbus to Chicago: Let the Adventure Begin!
Approximately 9:00 AM–2:00 PM: Group Transportation to Chicago
Our Chicago adventure begins as we depart Columbus together aboard our private motorcoach. Sit back, relax and get to know your fellow travelers as we make our way toward one of America’s most exciting and historically significant LGBTQ+ cities.
The fun begins long before we arrive. This trip is about traveling as a community, strengthening existing friendships and making new connections—all while rallying behind a film that celebrates an important piece of our own LGBTQ+ history.
Hotel Check-In
Upon arrival, we’ll check into our Chicago-area hotel and get settled. You’ll also receive a CTA pass, making it easy to explore Chicago using the city’s train and bus system throughout the weekend.
Your Evening, Your Chicago!
Once we’re checked in, the rest of the evening is yours. Choose one of our optional add-on experiences, head into the city for dinner, explore Chicago’s neighborhoods or jump straight into its legendary LGBTQ+ nightlife.
Chicago is home to a wonderfully diverse collection of lesbian, sapphic and queer gathering places, including:
Nobody’s Darling: A celebrated Black-, queer- and women-owned cocktail lounge in Andersonville with beautifully crafted drinks and a sophisticated but welcoming atmosphere.
Dorothy: An intimate, lesbian-owned underground lounge known for creative cocktails, DJs, dancing, performances and unapologetically queer programming.
Whiskey Girl Tavern: A relaxed, women-owned neighborhood tavern celebrating women’s sports, craft cocktails, whiskey and inclusive community.
The Closet: A longtime lesbian-owned Lakeview institution offering an unpretentious, friendly neighborhood-bar atmosphere and late-night dancing.
Big Chicks: A colorful, woman-owned Uptown favorite where Chicago’s wonderfully diverse LGBTQ+ community gathers for drinks, dancing and casual fun.
Venues and schedules are subject to change, so be sure to check each location’s calendar before heading out.
September 19:
The Main Event- Free Beer Tomorrow at Reeling Film Festival
(Breakfast Included at the Hotel)
Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading into Chicago for the experience that inspired this entire weekend.
12:30 PM: Screening of Free Beer Tomorrow
Admission Included
Today, we show up for Free Beer Tomorrow!
We’ll attend the film’s official screening as part of Reeling44: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival—one of the longest-running LGBTQ+ film festivals in the world. There is something incredibly special about seeing this story on the big screen, surrounded by members of our own community and an audience gathered specifically to celebrate queer stories and filmmakers.
This is our opportunity to cheer for the film, support the people who brought it to life and demonstrate what can happen when a community comes together behind a story that deserves to be seen.
Reeling runs throughout the weekend, so guests may also have opportunities to see other LGBTQ+ films, documentaries and shorts included in this year’s festival lineup.
Evening: Choose Your Own Adventure!
After the screening, the evening is yours to enjoy!
Continue exploring Reeling’s film lineup, gather with new friends for dinner, discover Chicago’s LGBTQ+ history, visit Northalsted or Andersonville, experience the city’s nightlife—or simply follow wherever the evening takes you.
This is the kind of night when spontaneous plans become favorite memories. You’ll have the freedom to experience Chicago your way, but you won’t be experiencing it alone.
September 20:
The Obama Presidential Center & Our Journey Home
(Breakfast Included at the Hotel)
Enjoy one final breakfast together before checking out and beginning the final chapter of our Chicago weekend.
10:00 AM: Hotel Check-Out
11:00 AM–1:00 PM: Obama Presidential Center Campus
Before leaving Chicago, we’ll visit the newly opened Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s historic South Side.
Guests will have time to explore the Center’s publicly accessible campus and exterior spaces, including its gardens, plazas, artwork and community areas. More than a presidential landmark, the Center celebrates leadership, civic engagement and the idea that ordinary people working together can create meaningful change—an especially fitting conclusion to a weekend rooted in community, representation and collective support.
Please note that this visit does not include admission to the ticketed Obama Presidential Museum.
Approximately 1:00–8:00 PM: Return to Columbus
After our visit, we’ll board the motorcoach and begin the journey home.
We may be returning to Columbus, but we’ll be bringing home much more than photographs. We’ll return with new friendships, shared memories, a deeper appreciation for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community and the satisfaction of knowing that our weekend helped support Free Beer Tomorrow.
Come for the film. Come for Chicago. Come for the community—and be part of something truly meaningful.
Add-on experiences
Chicago Favorites Food & Walking Tour
Date: Sep 18 & 19
Time: 5:30pm
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $85/pp
Come hungry and get ready to taste your way through Chicago! During this approximately three-hour guided walking tour, you’ll sample several of the city’s most iconic foods, including deep-dish pizza, a Chicago-style hot dog, Italian beef and a delicious local dessert.
Between bites, your guide will share entertaining stories about Chicago’s culinary history, distinctive architecture and famous landmarks. It’s an easy and delicious introduction to the city—and a great way to meet other travelers while discovering why Chicago takes its food so seriously.
Lesbo Bingo & Free Beer Tomorrow Filmmaker Discussion
Date: Sep 19
Time: TBD
Duration: TBD
Price: Free
Get ready for bingo with a distinctly queer twist! Join members of our traveling community for a fun and playful round of Lesbo Bingo, complete with laughs, friendly competition and a few surprises.
Following the game, enjoy an intimate conversation with the filmmakers behind Free Beer Tomorrow. This is a unique opportunity to hear stories from behind the scenes, learn more about the inspiration and work that brought the film to life, and ask your own questions directly to the creative team. More than an activity, it’s a chance to connect with the people and purpose at the heart of our weekend.
NOTE: This experience is currently in development, so final timing and duration will be determined in the days to come.
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, select the Lesbo Bingo & Free Beer Tomorrow Filmmaker Discussion option on the registration form.
Once we finalize the details we will contact everyone who expressed interest with the timing and participation information.
Selecting this option indicates interest only and does not commit you to purchasing the experience.
Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago
Date: Sep 18 & 19
Time: 6pm
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: $45/pp
See Chicago at its most beautiful as the setting sun transforms the skyline during this approximately 90-minute evening cruise. Travel along the Chicago River and onto Lake Michigan while enjoying panoramic views of the city’s celebrated architecture and illuminated waterfront.
Relax on deck, take plenty of photographs and watch as daytime Chicago gives way to the sparkling lights of the evening skyline. Drinks are available for purchase from the onboard bar, making this a wonderful way to toast the beginning of our weekend together.
Reeling Film Festival: 5-Film Package
Date: Sep 18 & 19
Time: Varies
Duration: Varies
Price: $70/pp
Make the most of your weekend by seeing even more of the bold, entertaining and thought-provoking LGBTQ+ films featured at Reeling44.
Your trip includes admission to the official Reeling44 screening of Free Beer Tomorrow.
The festival includes more than 75 screenings, ranging from feature films and documentaries to international selections and collections of short films!
Guests who want to experience even more of the Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival may upgrade their ticket to include admission to a total of up to five additional film screenings.
Choose a screening that fits your interests and free time, then experience queer storytelling from emerging and established filmmakers from around the world.
View the complete lineup and begin planning your weekend by clicking here to see the official Reeling44 schedule.
Chicago LGBTQ+ History Scavenger Hunt
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours
Price: TBD
Put your knowledge, creativity and teamwork to the test during an interactive scavenger hunt through Chicago’s LGBTQ+ history!
Working in teams, you’ll follow clues, complete challenges and uncover stories connected to the people, places and pivotal moments that helped shape queer life and activism in the city.
Part history lesson, part friendly competition and entirely fun, this experience transforms Chicago into a living classroom. Along the way, you’ll learn, laugh, take plenty of photos and connect with fellow travelers while celebrating the courage, resilience and contributions of generations of LGBTQ+ Chicagoans.
NOTE: This experience is currently in development, so final timing and pricing will be determined by the number of guests interested in participating. If this sounds like your kind of adventure, select the LGBTQ+ History Scavenger Hunt option on the registration form.
Once we know the potential group size, we’ll finalize the details and contact everyone who expressed interest with updated pricing, timing and participation information.
Selecting this option indicates interest only and does not commit you to purchasing the experience.
Architecture River Tour
Date: Sep 18 & 19
Time: 4pm, 5p, 5:45pm, 6:45pm
Duration: 1hr 15min
Price: $56/pp
Discover Chicago’s world-famous skyline from the best seat in the city during this 90-minute narrated cruise along all three branches of the Chicago River. An expert guide will bring more than 130 years of architectural history to life as you pass landmarks such as the Wrigley Building, Marina City, Merchandise Mart and Willis Tower.
With both outdoor and climate-controlled indoor seating, this is a comfortable and fascinating way to experience a large portion of Chicago without navigating busy streets.
Pilsen Street Art & Mexican History Walking Tour
Date: Sep 19
Time: 9am or 3:30pm
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: $25/pp
Discover one of Chicago’s most colorful and culturally significant neighborhoods on a guided walk through more than 60 years of Pilsen’s public art. Led by a veteran local guide, you’ll see some of the neighborhood’s most iconic murals while learning how they express the history, identity, activism, struggles and resilience of Pilsen’s Mexican community. The conversation also explores the political and socioeconomic role of muralism and the challenges the neighborhood faces amid gentrification and a changing city.
This locally operated experience is rooted in Pilsen and committed to giving back. Pilsen Public Art Tours regularly partners with neighborhood organizations to raise funds for local nonprofits—with participating organizations keeping 100% of the proceeds from designated fundraiser tours—allowing visitors to support the community while learning directly from it. Learn more about the Pilsen Public Art Tour
Aire Ancient Baths- Ultimate Baths Experience
Date: Sep 18 & 19
Time: 8am - 9pm
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: $185/pp
(other services are available, see below for link)
Step away from the energy of the city and enter a tranquil world of candlelight, warm water and complete relaxation. Located inside a beautifully restored 1902 factory, AIRE Ancient Baths offers an atmospheric escape inspired by the bathing traditions of ancient civilizations.
The 90-minute Ultimate Baths experience allows you to move at your own pace through thermal baths of varying temperatures. Your personal wellness set includes a self-applied Citrus Garden body scrub, hydrating eye patches and a wellness juice shot—everything you need for a luxurious moment of self-care.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Date: Sep 18 & 19
Time: 11am- 5pm
Duration: Flexible
Price: $32/pp
Explore one of the world’s great art museums, home to celebrated masterpieces spanning centuries and cultures. From Impressionist icons and American classics to contemporary works, there is something extraordinary waiting around nearly every corner.
NOTE: The museum closes at 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays
TRAVEL DETAILS
BUS
September 18
Columbus to Chicago
11am departure
Pickup location:
Giant Eagle Market District Supermarket
840 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
September 20
Chicago to Columbus
9am departure from hotel
Drop off location:
Giant Eagle Market District Supermarket
840 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
accomodations:
Chicago Hotel:
TBA SOON!
September 18-20
Breakfast included daily nearby
Single, Double, Triple and Quad rates are available
Pricing details
All pricing & availability is subject to change until completed through the booking process.
(Prices based on a minimum of 35 paying guests)
Estimated package price:
Single occupancy: $1500
Double occupancy: $1062/pp
Triple occupancy: $917/pp
Quad occupancy: $845/pp
INCLUDEd IN THE QUOTE
Round Trip Ground Transportation to Chicago
Hotel Accommodations
Breakfast included daily
CTA 3-day pass
Free Beer Tomorrow screening at the Reeling Film Festival
Most taxes and fees
Service fees and commissions (NON-REFUNDABLE)
NOT INCLUDED
Ground transportation not listed in the itinerary
Add-on Tours/Experiences
Food and beverages not included in the itinerary above
Gratuities
Incidental charges
Local Tax
4% processing fee per payment (only if paying w/debit or credit card)
Optional Travel Insurance
Registration
A completed registration form is required to move forward with this booking.
FINAL PAYMENT
Payments not received on time will result in reservation cancellation without refund.
Additional bookings after the final payment deadline may result in higher prices, less availability and additional administrative fees.
Fee amounts imposed are at the discretion of Zone Travel.
CANCELLATION
Cancellation in writing must be received by Zone Travel 90 days prior to departure for appropriate refund on the land tour cost minus the following fees:
Commissions, Planning Fees and Travel insurance are non-refundable.
Zone Travel LLC and its cooperative destination incur unrecoverable charges preparing for your trip therefore, no refunds if cancellations occur less than 90 days before departure. Cancellations more than 90 days prior to departure are based on individual group bookings per the outlined confirmation document you receive.
We sell a variety of travel related products from different suppliers and service providers ("Suppliers"). Each Supplier has its own terms and condition that are applicable to your particular arrangements in addition to our general terms and conditions, and you should make sure you understand them.
Zone Travel is acting as intermediary or a "Booking Agent" for products and services that are not directly supplied by us (e.g., air carriage and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). We are not a co-vendor of such products and services. You will be entering into a separate contract with such Suppliers in connection with such products and services.
By making payments to Zone Travel for this trip you are agreeing to all Terms and Conditions listed on the Zone Travel website.
Vendor Cancel policy: Each vendor has their own policies, which we have to apply. This information may vary and is listed in full detail on the contract signed for each vendor."
WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE
F.A.Q.
What are the dates of the trip?
The trip will take place September 18–20, 2026, departing from Columbus on Friday morning and returning Sunday evening.
Where will we stay?
We are currently working to secure a well-reviewed Chicago-area hotel with convenient CTA access. Final hotel details will be announced once participation and availability have been confirmed.
What time will we depart and return?
We anticipate departing Columbus at approximately 9:00 AM on Friday, September 18, and arriving in Chicago around 2:00 PM. We expect to return to Columbus at approximately 8:00 PM on Sunday, September 20. All travel times are estimates and may change due to traffic, weather or other circumstances.
Where will the motorcoach depart from in Columbus?
The exact departure location and parking instructions will be provided to registered travelers before the trip.
Can I meet the group in Chicago?
Yes, and…
We want as many members of our community as possible to join us, so we’ll be as flexible as we can. However, the package pricing is based on a minimum of 35 paying guests. Once we reach that minimum, we may be able to offer greater flexibility by separating certain elements of the package.
In the meantime, you are welcome to arrange your own transportation to and from Chicago and join us for the hotel and included activities. However, the full package price will still apply until the group reaches the 35-guest minimum.
Please contact us before registering to discuss your plans. We’ll do all we can to be as flexible as possible- we really want to see you there!
How is this trip supporting Free Beer Tomorrow?
This experience was created to bring our community together in support of Free Beer Tomorrow and its official screening at the Reeling Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival . All proceeds from the trip will support the film, helping this important LGBTQ+ story continue reaching new audiences.
Is admission to Free Beer Tomorrow included?
Yes. Admission to the 12:30 PM screening of Free Beer Tomorrow on Saturday, September 19, is included in your trip package.
Can I see other films during Reeling Film festival?
Yes! Your package includes the Free Beer Tomorrow screening, but guests may upgrade their festival admission to include a total of five additional screenings. You can review the lineup by clicking here to see the official Reeling Film Festival schedule.
Are the add-on experiences included?
No. Add-on experiences are optional and priced separately. Final availability, scheduling and pricing may depend on the number of interested participants.
Does selecting an add-on commit me to purchasing it?
Not yet. Your selections help us measure serious interest and determine group pricing and availability. Once details are confirmed, we will contact interested guests before requiring payment. Please select only experiences you would genuinely consider joining.
Can I participate in more than one add-on experience?
Yes! We will do our best to schedule experiences so guests can participate in more than one, but final timing will depend on availability, group size and the Reeling film schedule. Some experiences may overlap.
How will we get around Chicago?
Each guest will receive a CTA pass for travel aboard Chicago’s public trains and buses. Guests should be comfortable navigating stations, boarding public transportation and walking between stops and destinations. We will provide general instructions and suggested routes for scheduled activities.
Will there be a lot of walking?
Yes. Chicago is best explored on foot and by public transportation, so guests should expect walking, stairs, uneven sidewalks and time spent standing. Certain add-on experiences may involve additional walking. Please contact us if you have mobility or accessibility concerns.
Is breakfast included?
Yes. Breakfast at the hotel is included on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Other meals will be at each guest’s own expense unless specifically included with an add-on experience.
What will we do on Friday evening?
Friday evening is open for you to create your own Chicago adventure. Explore the city, join an add-on experience, attend a Reeling screening, enjoy dinner with friends or experience Chicago’s LGBTQ+ nightlife.
Is the Obama Presidential Center Museum included?
Our Sunday visit includes time to explore the publicly accessible Obama Presidential Center campus, including its exterior architecture, gardens, plazas, artwork and community spaces. Admission to the ticketed museum is not currently included.
Is the trip exclusively for LGBTQ+ travelers?
The trip is centered around and created in support of the LGBTQ+ community, but welcoming and respectful allies are also invited to join us.
Are the nightlife recommendations included or escorted?
No. Nightlife venues are suggestions for guests to explore during their free time. Admission, drinks and transportation to and from these locations are not included. Guests must follow each venue’s age requirements and admission policies.
Can I choose my roommate?
Yes. Guests may register with their preferred roommate. We will not automatically pair travelers who do not already know one another unless a separate roommate-matching option is specifically announced.
Are single rooms available?
Single accommodations are available for an additional cost. Final pricing will depend on the hotel contract and room availability.
Is this trip accessible?
We want the trip to be as welcoming as possible, but accessibility varies among motorcoaches, CTA stations, venues and optional experiences. Please tell us about any mobility, sensory or accessibility needs before registering so we can discuss available accommodations.
Is the itinerary guaranteed?
The itinerary reflects our current plans, but times, activities, transportation and other details remain subject to change due to availability, weather, traffic, festival scheduling or circumstances beyond our control. Any significant updates will be communicated to registered travelers.
What happens after I submit the registration form?
We’ll use the registration responses to finalize group pricing, transportation, accommodations and activity arrangements. Once those details are confirmed, we’ll contact you with the final package information to make sure you would still like to join us. If you choose to move forward, we’ll then send you an invoice with payment instructions, deadlines and applicable cancellation terms.
Can I pay by Zelle?
Yes!
We found this to be a fastest, easiest, and FREE way to pay!
For those who don’t know what Zelle is… it is very much like a wire transfer (but it is not a wire transfer).
Everyone’s bank is different, though, so you may want to call/go into your local bank and ask to have the maximum amount available to transfer every day.
Example: Some banks only allow $500/day transfer. Other banks will allow $1200/day.
Always be careful when making payments through Zelle to people that you do not know. There is no protection guarantee provided and you cannot reverse the fee.
The Pros for using Zelle:
It is FREE (no processing fees)!
It is instantaneous (funds will go directly to Zone Travel- so this is the absolute fastest way to make a payment)
The Cons for using Zelle:
Every bank is different when it comes to maximum amount available to be transferred every day. So, this may mean that you need to make multiple payments to Zone Travel, multiple days in a row.
It does require an app download onto your phone, and you need to set up your account with your bank information.
Can I pay by check?
Yes!
If you would like to avoid the 4%processing fees, you may pay by check.
It is very important that you pay in advance of the deadlines and allow ample time for delivery.
Payments received after the deadline could result in cancelation of your reservation or increased fees.
There are two ways to pay by check:
Mail the check
Deposit directly at a local branch
Travel Insurance Options
Travel insurance offers invaluable peace of mind by protecting you from unexpected events that can disrupt your trip. It provides financial coverage for a range of situations, including trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost or delayed luggage, and unforeseen travel delays. With travel insurance, you can avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses, especially in cases of medical emergencies abroad where healthcare costs can be high. Additionally, it ensures access to 24/7 assistance services, helping you navigate challenges like rebooking flights or finding medical care in unfamiliar destinations. Zone-Travel will be happy to provide you with options that best suits your needs and budget.