Nightfever Chicago is going to be taking a break for the remainder of 2018. Stay tuned for updates. 

Nightfever began in Germany after World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne. It began as an idea from two students and has spread to over 90 cities in Europe and North America. And on October 5, 2013, we brought it for the first time to Chicago.

The idea behind Nightfever is simple: Open the church, invite people in, and let Christ work.  And the effect is remarkable.

We opened Holy Name Cathedral from 9pm-midnight on Saturday, October 5, 2013. With the Eucharist exposed on the altar, priests available to talk or hear confessions, and quiet music playing, young adults stood on the streets around the Cathedral and invited people inside to simply light a candle before going on their way for the evening.  Everyone is welcome to stay for as long or as short as they like, and to come and go as they please.

On October 5, 2013, the first time it was held in Chicago, over 400 people came into the Cathedral to pray before going on their way. Some lit a candle and left, others stayed for over an hour. Some were not Christian; others received the sacrament of reconciliation for the first time in decades. Hearts were touched and healed and transformed, not only in those who were invited in but also in the volunteers themselves. It was an outstanding experience of Christ’s love for all involved.