Built After Hours.
Honored on Purpose.
The Annual Side Hustle Honors Awards Show
More than an awards show, Side Hustle Honors® is a movement.
On Saturday, August 1, 2026, the 8th Annual Side Hustle Honors® returns to Chicago as an intimate, recorded, live studio-audience experience celebrating the fearless dreamers, late-night grinders, everyday entrepreneurs, creators, and community builders who dare to build something of their own.
This year’s theme, Under Construction | In the Lab, honors the builders in process. The ones testing ideas, taking risks, learning in public, refining their vision, and continuing to create even when the blueprint is still unfolding.
Side Hustle Honors® shines a spotlight on the journey behind the hustle: the long nights, bold decisions, quiet sacrifices, and powerful stories that remind us success is not always traditional, linear, or easy.
To preserve the intimate nature of the experience, attendance is available by invitation code.
If you know you need to be in the room, email sidehustler@sidehustlehonors.com to request the invite code.
Join us as we recognize the grind, elevate the stories, and champion the triumphs of side hustlers building what’s next.
Awards Spotlight
Industry
Community Choice
Icon
Industry Honorees
Recognizing exceptional entrepreneurs who have made a significant impact within their specific industry. These individuals set trends, break barriers, and lead by example in fields ranging from tech to beauty to health and beyond.
Community Choice Awards
Selected by the people, for the people. These awards celebrate those who have earned the support and admiration of their communities through authenticity, service, and relentless dedication.
The Wilfred J. Barry Icon Award
This prestigious honor is reserved for a trailblazer whose long-standing hustle has redefined excellence. A symbol of consistency, legacy, and impact — The Icon Award recognizes a journey that inspires generations.
