Bear Down Podcast: Live in Chicago

The legendary Bear DownPodcast returns for the first time in over a decade. The cult-favorite comedy show about all things Bears, football, and Chicago is coming back to its hometown and reuniting its original crew for an exclusive, one-night-only live taping at iO Fest 2025: Chicago’s largest improv comedy festival.

Featuring: Matt Walsh (Veep, Manhunt), Scot Armstrong (Old School, Semi Pro) Brad Morris (Playing House, The Good Place), Joseph Nunez (Superbad, Prison Break), RJ Vanecko (Players, High Road) and Special Guests. 

The recording will take place at Candlelite Chicago, inside iO Theater (fka ImprovOlympic) in Lincoln Park. Given the podcast’s comedic roots, with several hosts being iO alumni, and the topic at large being The Bears, it only felt right to celebrate 10 years in the heart of Chicago.

Get ready for a hilarious night all about The Bears and Chicago! In addition to the live taping, Candelite has prepared an exclusive menu including the “Bear Down Podcast Tavern Style Pizza,” with Chicago classics Italian Beef and Giardinera, and a “Bear Down Handshake.” A live band will perform before and after the show. Listen to episodes here.

Tickets are $20. For closest access to the iO Theater, parking can be reserved through Spothero at the lot located at 939 W. North Ave lot or parking garage at 1467 N. Dayton St.