Halftone Zine Fest

For its 12th year, the Halftone Zine Fest (formerly known as the Ephemera Festival and the Kentucky Fried Zine Fest) will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from noon to 4:00 PM at University of Kentucky’s School of Art and Visual Studies (SA/VS). The event is free and open to all ages. Fifty vendors will exhibit zines (independently produced magazines), comix, and printed art in a variety of forms in the SA/VS Atrium, with many traveling from outside Kentucky. UK students will also be displaying work, including members of the UK SA/VS Zine Club.

Zines have a rich history rooted in self-expression, activism, and community-building. Emerging from underground movements in the mid-20th century, zines have long served as a platform for marginalized voices, alternative perspectives, and creative experimentation. At University of Kentucky’s School of Art and Visual Studies, students can explore this vibrant medium through a dedicated course on zine-making and independent publishing. Additionally, UK Libraries house an extensive zine collection in their Special Collections Research Center, offering a unique resource for research and inspiration.

The organizers of the Halftone Zine Fest aim to create an inclusive space for everyone to meet, interact, and learn from one another about DIY publishing.

Instagram: @halftonezinefest