Michael Workman, Hurm Watches, 5 x 6", pencil, Sakura inks, watercolor on Arches and charcoal on archival journal paper, 2020.
A Third Annum Festival of Holes
“Join an unruly ensemble of archaeologists to excavate and celebrate the hole as a gathering point; that into which everything falls: black holes, boreholes, manholes, potholes, airholes, sinkholes, stink holes, wormholes, tone holes, keyholes, cunt holes, a-holes, mouth holes, hideyholes, holy holes, wholly holes, breath holes, holes in the head and in the body and in the earth, holes in humanity, holes as escape routes and connection points … a gap, a gape, a gasp, agape …” -Stacy Hardy, author, An Archaeology of Holes
A Festival of Holes 2026 brings together performance, film/video, comedy, installation, sound, publishing, poetry, and public conversation across two days at SITE/less. Throughout the weekend, several Holes Fest features will remain open:
Unpacked Mobile Gallery at SITE/less
Lauren Iacoponi — artist, Purple Gallery co-curator, and founder of Unpacked Mobile Gallery — will stage a special edition of Unpacked that docks with SITE/less during the festival.
Environmental Installations
The festival will feature installation work by architect and artist David Sundry, Iacoponi & Workman.
Performance
Active Investigation performances by Michael Workman, with Amanda Saucedo and ensemble will occur both days.
Bridge Books Releases
Bridge Books will release two new titles during the festival: Natasha Mijares’ Violent Wave, the first poetry title in Bridge Books’ new Allen imprint, and Ahmed Ozsever’s River, Red.
Membership Passes
Friday and Saturday evening admission is through Artists United Membership Passes. Artists United membership is open to everyone — artists, cultural workers, audiences, friends, supporters, and community members. You do not need to identify as an artist to attend.
Friday Evening Artists United Membership Pass: $25
Includes admission to the Friday, October 30, 6–9 PM program.
Saturday Afternoon Public Program Pass: $15
Includes admission to the Saturday, October 31, noon–4 PM public program. This pass does not include Artists United membership access.
Saturday Evening Artists United Membership Pass: $25
Includes admission to the Saturday, October 31, 6–9 PM program.
All-In Weekend Artists United Membership Pass: $50
Includes admission to both evening programs and the Saturday afternoon public program, along with Artists United membership access for the festival weekend.
Membership pass purchases support Artists United, Bridge’s artist-service initiative supporting Chicago’s freelance creative workforce through public programming, resource-sharing, advocacy, and artist support. You can choose to make your purchase a subscription, and become a long-term supporter. There are also discounted subscription options to Bridge magazine and the Bridge Journal available only to attendees of the festival. Click here to learn more.
This year’s daily programs include:
Michael Workman, Pink Hurm II, 14 x 18", various pastels, Sakura inks, Sharpie, on archival journal paper, 2022.
Friday, October 30th, 6-9pm
6pm
Fixed-Price Grazing Reception
A grazing reception is included with the evening ticket price. Food partner to be announced.
6:45pm
Opening Invocation: Dance for the Lost
An Active Investigation short choreographic play by Michael Workman, performed with Amanda Saucedo and others tba.
7pm
Bridge Video Official Screening Selections:
Inhale Directed by Lagha Ghavam and Mohsen Pouryousefian, Runtime: 6:43
the archivist is dying Directed by Esme Laam, Runtime: 8:29
7:30pm
Comedy Program organized with HACC
A comedy section organized in partnership with HACC — Health Alliance for Chicago Comedians.
Standup comics: Jacob Crow, Jarrell Scott Barnes, Elizabeth Grossman & Kristi Durkin
Improv: Stir Friday Night!
View the full lineup with photos and bios.
8:30pm
Bridge Video Official Screening Selection:
Goin’ Down The Road Directed by Brian R Donnelly, Runtime: 4:11
8:35pm Member Mixer with interactionist choreography by Michael Workman, with Amanda Saucedo and others tba.
Bridge Video Official Screening Selection:
Ocean Screensaver Directed by Gia Abucejo, Runtime: 11:36
Michael Workman, Hurm Snout, 12 x 16", various pastels, Sakura inks, Sharpie, on archival journal paper, 2022.
Saturday, October 31st, noon-4pm
12pm
Brunch bites & coffee
A brunch grazing reception is included with the afternoon ticket price. Food partner to be announced.
12:30pm
Panel Discussions:
TBA
3:30pm
Bridge Video Official Screening Selections:
Tears for Lost Frequencies (I) Directed by Monica Duncan and Senem Pirler, Runtime: 5:06
The Inherit, Directed by Sam Digges Hunter, Runtime: 9:14
Saturday, October 31st, 6-9pm
6pm
Fixed-Price Grazing Reception
A grazing reception is included with the evening ticket price. Food partner to be announced.
6:30pm
Bridge Video Official Screening Selections:
Social Media Delivers People (After Serra & Schoolman) Directed by Brandon Bauer, Runtime: 2:43
Zoonomia Directed by Yeon Jin Kim, Runtime: 7:10
6:45pm
Poetry Program organized by Natasha Mijares
A poetry program organized in partnership with Bridge Books poet Natasha Mijares — tba.
8pm
Bridge Video Official Screening Selections:
The Slip Directed by Alex Sherman, Runtime: 16:40
8:30pm Member Mixer
Please note that all above times and lineup details are subject to change. Additional artists, screening selections, program times, and special guests may be announced as the festival schedule develops.