Chicago Venues Host Midnight Book Release Parties
Local retailers and breweries are celebrating the arrival of the sixth novel in the series by Sara J. Maas.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Books
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Multiple Chicago venues are hosting midnight release parties tonight to celebrate the arrival of A Court of Splintered Harmony, the sixth book in the popular series by Sara J. Maas. The events offer fans a chance to gather at local businesses as the new installment officially launches.
Why it matters
These events cater to the significant reader community built around the series, which saw five previous novels released between 2015 and 2021. The gatherings provide a communal space for fans to engage with the latest installment upon its immediate availability.
The series consists of six total books, following the five novels published between 2015 and 2021. The Target event at 1101 W. Jackson Blvd. begins at 9 p.m. with a trivia competition.
The players
Sara J. Maas
She is the author of the A Court of series that has gained a significant following since the first novel debuted in 2015.
Target
This major national retail corporation is hosting a midnight release event at its location on 1101 W. Jackson Blvd.
Dovetail Brewery
This Chicago-based establishment located at 1800 W. Belle Plaine Ave. is serving as one of the sites for the book launch.
The Last Chapter Bookshop
This independent bookstore at 2013 W. Roscoe St. is participating in the citywide midnight launch celebration.
The details
Target at 1101 W. Jackson Blvd., Dovetail Brewery at 1800 W. Belle Plaine Ave., and The Last Chapter Bookshop at 2013 W. Roscoe St. are all participating in the local festivities. The Target event features exclusive merchandise for sale in addition to the book trivia competition.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: Midnight release parties are held at various Chicago locations.
9 p.m. on October 26, 2026: The Target event begins with book trivia.
Industry Dynamics
The events follow a pattern set by the Harry Potter midnight book release events for major series launches. These coordinated midnight releases represent a strategic effort by retailers to drive physical foot traffic for high-demand literary series.
Fans can attend these events to purchase the new title and access exclusive merchandise. Participants should check specific event start times, as the Target trivia competition kicks off at 9 p.m. prior to the midnight release.
The takeaway
Midnight release parties serve as a focal point for fan engagement within the publishing industry. Fans looking to secure a copy early should verify if their local retailer is participating in the launch festivities.
Further reading
Find more literary updates and event listings in our Books section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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