The Chicago Acting In Film Meetup NFP (CAFM) wraps up 2025 with a festive holiday party, fundraiser, and networking night. Filmmakers, film actors, and film industry workers of all kinds are welcome as the 17th Annual CAFM Holiday Hurrah happens Monday, December 15, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Barrio in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The event is open to the entire Chicago film production community and the general public 21 and older. Admission tickets are $50 online through 11:30PM on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
“We’re grateful to celebrate CAFM’s 18th year in Chicago with our first downtown event since 2016,” says CAFM Board President Steve Scholz. “And we’re proud to bring folks together from across the film industry for a lively night of partying and prizes.”
Since 2007, CAFM has helped Chicago’s film actors co-mentor each other and connect with the film production community at large. Along with their members-only monthly educational events at locations like Smash Virtual Studios and Daufenbach Camera, they have held public and industry events including Summer Socials, CIMMFest panels, and an Actors Clothing Swap. They have hosted the Chicago Creatives Cocktail Party (CCCP) “Happy Hours” events and the A.C.E. (Arts, Culture, and Entertainment) event at The Underground with Billy Dec, and they sponsored tables at the IFA Block Party and the 2025 Actor Empowerment Summit. The group has also volunteered with Church of Our Saviour’s Food For Friends program, and raised funds for other local nonprofit charities including Care for Real, Hephzibah Children’s Association, Peace On Earth Film Festival, and The Woolgathering Project.
For this fundraiser, CAFM is again offering “10 Minutes With” Chicago Talent Agents and Casting Directors, along with Chicago sports tickets as auction items. Raffle prizes include books and coaching for actors, plus handmade jewelry, theater tickets, and gift cards. Aattendees can also win prizes as the Best Dressed Guest or for wearing the Ugliest Holiday Sweater.
“We had an incredible time celebrating vibrant outfits last winter,” says Glenn Harston, CAFM Board Vice President. “This year, we invite everyone to join us in capturing the joyful spirit of the season once again. Imagine the thrill of completing your holiday shopping with our fantastic prizes, including the exciting Heads & Tails Grand Prize of $500 in Visa gift cards!”
The CAFM 2025 Holiday Hurrah admission price includes networking with other party attendees, free food, and a free drink ticket to start the night followed by a cash bar. Everyone gets a chance to win the Best Dressed Guest and Ugliest Holiday Sweater prizes. Premium Raffle tickets are $5 each, and guests can save money with online discounts of 10% off 10, 20% off 20, and 30% off 30 raffle tickets. Auction items like “10 Minutes With” Chicago Casting Directors and Talent Agents have bids starting at $50 unless otherwise specified. Attendees can also play Heads & Tails for the Grand Prize of $500 in Visa Gift Cards. For all prizes, there are no substitutions or prize transfers. Proceeds from the event will help fund CAFM’s ongoing educational work, special industry events, and giving-back outreach.
“We’re proud to celebrate another fantastic year for Chicago’s film community,” says Scholz. “So dress up and join us at Barrio on Monday, December 15th to network with some of the smartest working actors in Chicago. We’ve thrown fun parties since 2008, and we’d love to see you there!” For more details, and to purchase all tickets online, VISIT HERE.
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