Celebrating 30 years of free speech in 2016, the Bughouse Square Debates are a carnival of ideas, hot takes, and passionately held convictions. Four soapboxes located throughout Washington Square Park give speakers a platform (literally) to share their thoughts on anything from religion and national security to city politics and economic inequality. And the Chicago Tribune's Rick Kogan will provide his two cents' worth as emcee of the event. 

SCHEDULE
Noon - Music, Environmental Encroachment Marching Band

1 pm - Welcome, Rick Kogan

1:10 pm - Presentation of the 2016 Altgeld Freedom of Speech Award (recipient: WITNESS)

1:25 pm - Main Debate, "Is Chicago Broke? Solving the City's Budgetary Woes" (debaters: John Nothdurft and Tom Tresser)

2:15 pm - Soapbox speeches

3:35 pm - The Dill Pickle Award presented to the champion soapbox speaker

Click here for complete details.