A Personal Note As We Begin Our 21st Year of Production

To our EXXXOTICA family, past, present and future,

Before we begin rolling out our 2026 events, I want to speak to you directly.

The world feels like a pretty heavy place right now. What many of us are seeing and experiencing is scary, angering, and at times flat out horrifying. There is a constant sense of instability and division that wears people down. It would feel wrong to jump straight into promotion without first recognizing what our community is carrying and dealing with every day.

For 21 years, EXXXOTICA has been more than a show. It is a space where people can gather safely, openly, and without judgment. A place for connection, expression, and community. In moments like this, those spaces matter even more.

This year’s theme, “ESCAPE YOUR REALITY,” is not about pretending problems do not exist. It is about protecting your mental health, holding onto joy where you can find it, and staying connected to other people instead of giving in to fear and division.

We will always stand our ground when it comes to respect, inclusion, and personal freedom. We believe in showing up for each other and pushing back against fear with community.

Safety remains at the core of how we produce every event. Our teams, our planning, and our security standards are built to protect everyone involved. That commitment does not change.

Our 2026 schedule includes Chicago, Minneapolis, New Jersey, and Miami. Each city will be approached with care and clear communication as we get closer, so expectations and safety standards are always understood.

I am proud of what we have built together and grateful for the millions of people who have been part of it. We will keep doing the work to create spaces where people can come together, breathe, and feel human.

With respect,

J. Handy

Founder & CEO

EXXXOTICA & 3XEvents