• Exhibit B @ PCB – Nov. ’24

    Pilsen Community Books 1102 W 18th St., Chicago, Illinois, United States

    ExB's last show of 2024! Sam Herschel Wein, Emily Anna Maciel Gonzalez, Sarah Peecher and Emilio Maldonado will be joining Exhibit B at Pilsen Community Books for an evening of...

  • ¡SLAM EN VIVO!

    18th Street Casa de Cultura 2057 West 18th Street, Chicago, IL, United States

    A la mitad de nuestra serie ¡SLAM EN VIVO! Todxs tenemos poemas, todxs tenemos algo que decir, compartalo en este espacio de juego, apego, y fuego 🔥 No importa que nunca hayas compartido tus versos, solo necesitas dos poemas para participar (all styles welcome!) Como siempre, tenemos un Juez de Honor increible: Carlos Cumpian 💥...

    Free
  • HIPPY HOLY DAZE 7

    Elastic Arts 3429 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago, Illinois, United States

    Host: QUEEN ZENOBIA Music: THESSELONIOUS Special Dance Showcase: FIREBIRD DANCERSDEVIKA DHIRVIVIANA REYES Guest star performances: THE GRATESSILIS101JOSH TREEHYPNAGOGIC TELEGRAM Featured performances: PUGS ATOMZHOBBYISTGREENLIGHTS MUSICBLUE COLLAR ROCK STARSYURI BASHO LANE - PLANET BTBXKAO RA ZEN

    $15
  • Power Lines 25th Anniversary Celebration w/ Poetry Foundation

    The Poetry Foundation 61 W Superior St, Chicago, United States

    Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Tia Chucha Press anthology Power Lines, a democratic assemblage of Chicago’s slam poets and poets of letters at the dawn of the new millennium. In a blast from the past, local and notable contributors revisit their original poems from the anthology and offer new poems and insight 25years later. Featured poets...

    Free
  • Power Lines 25th Anniversary Celebration: Contributors Reading @ Chopin Theatre

    Chopin Theatre 1543 West Division Street, Chicago, IL, United States

    « All Events Power Lines 25th Anniversary Celebration: Contributors Reading @ Chopin Theatre 05/24/2025 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT Chopin Theatre Add to calendar Google Calendar iCalendar Join the Guild Literary Complex for a special celebration of the Power Lines 25th anniversary! Featuring poetry performances by contributors of the anthology released by Tia...

    Free
  • Cocktails & Conversation

    Epiphany Center for the Arts 201 South Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL, United States

    « All Events Cocktails & Conversation 05/30/2025 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT Epiphany Center for the Arts Eric Charles May Recently retired, Eric Charles May is an associate professor in the Creative Writing program at Columbia College Chicago and the author of the novel Bedrock Faith, the 2021 One Book, One Chicago selection...

    $20 – $25
  • SAY THEIR NAMES Community Salon w/ NON:op

    Experimental Station 6100 S. Blackstone, Chicago, IL, United States

    Join us on June 6 at Experimental Station in Woodlawn as we remember Black Americans killed by police violence and honor the memory of Ronald Browne, lead researcher and one of the originators of the SAY THEIR NAMES project. Join us for food and drinks, a demonstration of the new and database, live art-making, and the presentation of the...

    $30
  • BrooksDay 2025: Living Legacy – Tradition Meets Tomorrow

    National Public Housing Museum 919 South Ada Street, Chicago, Illinois

    Join us for an unforgettable celebration on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 2pm as we honor the incredible legacy of Gwendolyn Brooks and the generations of Black female poets who continue her powerful tradition. Location: National Public Housing Museum919 S. Ada St., Chicago, Illinois 60607 The Living Legacy list shines a spotlight on the phenomenal...

    Free
  • Transvengence Pride Month

    Podlasie Club 2918 N Central Park Ave., Chicago, Illinois

    TRANSVENGENCE VOL. 8: LIBERATION BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY Host: Joss Barton Performers: Dutchesz Gemini Hi Bitch! The gorgeous and gifted Dutchesz Gemini is a Chicago based drag and performance artist, DJ, and event host. Her nectareous and high drama presentations take inspiration from ballroom and the worldwide queer underground, with music selections informed by Chicago...

    Free
  • Palabra Pura: One Poet, One Poem

    La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

    ¡Anímate! The Guild Literary Complex is happy to announce that our annual Palabra Pura: One Poet, One Poem tradition is coming this July. All poets are welcome to perform a poem, whether it be in English or Spanish, or both. See old friends and meet new ones, enjoy delicious Puerto Rican food and drinks, and listen to some...

    Free
  • Fountain Square LitFest

    Fountain Square | 1601 Sherman Ave. | Evanston, IL Bookends & Beginnings and the Guild Literary Complex present an afternoon of literary celebration on Saturday, August 23rd, from 12-8pm. Immerse yourself in author readings, hands-on writing workshops, bookmaking, and live music in downtown Evanston. Whether you’re a seasoned writer, an avid reader, or simply looking...

    Free
  • Transvengence Vol. 9: Queer Pop-up

    Podlasie Club 2918 N Central Park Ave., Chicago, Illinois

    Join us after Printers Row Lit Fest at Podlasie Club for TRANSVENGENCE: VOL. 9! Our regular show this month will close off the literary weekend with special performances following an audience open mic. Host: Joss Barton Featured Artist: Joy Guidry Joy Guidry Joy Guidry is a bassoonist, versatile improviser, performance artist, and composer of experimental, daring...

    Free
  • ¡Slam Diáspora en Vivo!

    PACH 21 2141 W 21st St, Chicago, Illinois, United States

    The first and only Spanish language slam in Chicago returns in-person. Poets/participants have a chance to win a free international trip to compete in the international slam. Hosted by Crystal Vance Guerra and Luis Tubens "Logan Lu"

    $5
  • Women’s Writers Showcase

    Haymarket House 800 W. Buena Ave., Chicago, Illinois

    The Guild Complex and Haymarket Books feature six new books by six amazing, local self- identifying female authors, centering fiction, poetry and short stories about the magic of water, ancestral legacy, grief, longing and memory. A lineup not to be missed!

    $5
  • GBOMA 2025

    Epiphany Center for the Arts 201 South Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL, United States

    Come out and support the 2025 finalists for the Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards (GBOMA) as they perform their works live. 10/7, Epiphany Center for the Arts, 6:30 PM. $15/advance, $20/door.

    $15
  • ¡Slam Diáspora en Vivo!

    Taqueria El Mezquite 1756 W 18th St, Chicago, Illinois, United States

    The first and only Spanish language slam in Chicago returns in-person. Poets/participants have a chance to win a free international trip to compete in the international slam. Hosted by Crystal Vance Guerra and Luis Tubens "Logan Lu"

  • Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories

    Experimental Station 6100 S. Blackstone (take Dorchester to 61st street then head east; free street and lot parking), Chicago, IL, United States

    Join us on Halloween weekend for a presentation of the new anthology by From Beyond Press, Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories. Contributors Jotham Austin II, Bendi Barrett, Tina Jenkins Bell, Priya Chand, Aleco Julius, Sahar Mustafah, and K.A. Roy join the Guild Literary Complex for a reading and signing at Experimental Station. About the Anthology...

  • Write That Down! Show & Tell

    Podlasie Club 2918 N Central Park Ave., Chicago, Illinois

    Write That Down! invites you to our first “Show and Tell” presented by Chicago’s Guild Literary Complex. SHOW a keepsake that’s dear to you, a favorite bit of junk, or a cute knick knack; then TELL a story about your artifact and why it’s important to you. The evening will begin with an open mic...

  • ¡Slam Diáspora en Vivo!

    Taqueria El Mezquite 1756 W 18th St, Chicago, Illinois, United States

    The first and only Spanish language slam in Chicago returns in-person! Participants have a chance to win a trip to a Latin American country (TBD) to compete in the international slam. Hosted and curated by Crystal Vance Guerra and Luis Tubens “Logan Lu.” Open to poets of all styles and ages! From anyone who is...

  • ¡Slam Diáspora en Vivo!

    Taqueria El Mezquite 1756 W 18th St, Chicago, Illinois, United States

    Last chance! Join us for the final Slam Diáspora of 2025 - the first and only Spanish language slam in Chicago. Participants have a chance to win a trip to a Latin American country (TBD) to compete in the international slam. Hosted and curated by Crystal Vance Guerra and Luis Tubens “Logan Lu.” Open to...

  • Transvengence Vol. 10: Holiday Edition

    Podlasie Club 2918 N Central Park Ave., Chicago, Illinois

    Join us again at Podlasie Club for our recurring open mic/performance series, TRANSVENGENCE VOL.10! Our regular show this month brings a special holiday twist with guest performances by Celeste, Noa Micaela Fields, and your hostess, Joss Barton. The show will follow a community open mic by audience members. Doors 7PM Open Mic 8PM Performances 9PM...

  • Write That Down! Show & Tell

    Podlasie Club 2918 N Central Park Ave., Chicago, Illinois

    Write That Down! invites you to the second of our monthly “Show & Tell” series at Podlasie Club in partnership with Chicago’s Guild Literary Complex. SHOW a keepsake that’s dear to you, a favorite bit of junk, or a cute knick knack; then TELL a story about your artifact and why it’s meaningful. The evening...

  • Write That Down! Show & Tell

    Podlasie Club 2918 N Central Park Ave., Chicago, Illinois

    Write That Down! is hosting a very special LOVE themed Show & Tell for February! Bring a keepsake that celebrates love in your life be it platonic, romantic, or some secret third thing. This is the third of our monthly “Show & Tell” series at Podlasie Club in partnership with Chicago’s Guild Literary Complex. SHOW...

  • MOJO&MUSE: A Performance Speakeasy

    Watershed Art & Ecology 1821 S. Racine Ave, Chicago, IL, United States

    Get ready to experience a night of magic and creativity at MOJO&MUSE – where art comes to life! A special speakeasy of art and community. Join us for an exciting...

  • Palabra Pura

    18th Street Casa de Cultura 2057 West 18th Street, Chicago, IL, United States

    Poetry open mic hosted by Diego Báez. Featuring performances by Angelica Julia Dávila, Loren Maria Guay, and Yazud E. Brito-Milian. Palabra Pura is a bilingual reading series that promotes literary expression in Spanish, English, and/or other languages. Launched in 2006, the series celebrates the work of Latinx writers in Chicago and beyond, and provides a...

    Free
  • Digital Archives of the Unseen: Artist Talk

    Walls Turned Sideways 2717 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL, United States

    Artist Talk: Memory, Erasure, and the Living Archive Interdisciplinary, interdimensional artist, writer, and ritual maker Faylita Hicks joins Walls Turned Sideways Gallery, a nationally recognized space centering art, justice, and...

    Free
  • Write That Down! Autumn/Winter Launch Party

    1902 N Milwaukee Ave 1902 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States

    Write That Down! Mag is back with their new Autumn/Winter Issue and we want to celebrate with you! RSVP ON PARTYCLICK Write That Down! is an archival project capturing the particulars of our current moment, both here in Chicago and in the world at large. The goal is to gather everyday artifacts that tell stories...

    Free
  • New/Next Writers Showcase

    Haymarket House 800 W. Buena Ave., Chicago, Illinois

    Celebrate a next generation of writers with us who've recently come out with new books.   This showcase aims to highlight local writers and their new/upcoming work.   Join us...

    Free
  • 35 Writers to Watch: Reception

    Epiphany Center for the Arts 201 South Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL, United States

    The Guild Complex’s 35 Writers to Watch list celebrates the Guild’s 35+ years of innovative programming by featuring local writers whose careers represent the future of the literary arts in Chicago, and whose work reflects the spirit and values of the Guild Complex today. Names were put forth by our folks from our diverse literary...