Sharing spaces of joy is good for the soul. The Midwest Leak Awards and Honors celebrates the gifts and accomplishments of our community members in entrepreneurship, entertainment and community. We respect the heart and soul that is put into each honoree’s craft and the strength required to consistently serve others and pursue a passion.

Our art of celebration is evolving to be a year-round nomination/editorial based celebrations in varying forms both public and private. Some may include trophies, but all will be recorded to the archive of achievements of our neighbors in their respective industries.

Midwest Leak Awards & Honors: Established 2012

The Midwest Leak Awards and Honors now run as a series of honors across the year, each with its own lane, its own honorees, and its own moments. Celebration styles for honorees will vary, including private receptions, published lists, and public awards ceremonies.

THE INFLUENCE 150 (OCT 2026)

Creatives building and influencing across and beyond their respective lanes. This is a record of the multifaceted and, at times, complex voices moving the moment and impacting the narrative for the culture in 2026.

Editor’s Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Category-specific honors for music, business, beauty/style, community, food, and legacy are being introduced throughout 2026 and 2027.

To contribute to the 2027 list click here.

THE LOOK (NOV 2026)

Stylists, barbers, designers, and professionals crafting our health, wellness, beauty industry and image.

THE FREQUENCY CLASS OF 2026 (DEC 2026)

Artists, DJs, and entertainment business professionals shaping our sound, stage and screen.

THE VILLAGE (FEB 2027)

Nonprofits, organizers, mentors, and teachers honor roll named by students and community. Our student produced sports highlights live here.

THE MENU (MARCH 2027)

Kitchens, bars, bakeries, food trucks, and counters. Brunch to dinner to sweets to drinks.

THE LEGACY LEAK AWARDS

Honoring the legacies impacting our history with consistent contributions to our community and business across categories including living legends and memorial tributes.

Email editor@midwestleak.com for more info on legacy awards.

HOW TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION

MIDWESTLEAK.COM

Contribute your suggestions of who we should highlight and why their story inspires you.