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  • Worlds End… Worlds Begin

    Steppenwolf 1700 Theatre 1700 N. Halsted St., Chicago, Illinois, United States

    Friday, 3/1: 8pm | Saturday, 3/2: 8pm An evening of multimedia performances hosted by spoken-word artist Kao Ra Zen that take you on a journey through worlds and words, dimensions […]

    $20

  • Artists Book House and StoryStudio present: The Future of Literary Stewardship

    Colvin House 5940 N Sheridan Rd., Chicago, Illinois

    Artists Book House And StoryStudio Chicago Invite You To A Special Panel: The Future Of Literary Stewardship. What is literary stewardship/literary community, and how is it currently practiced in Chicago? How do we as individuals, […]

    Free

  • Exhibit B ONLINE

    Join us on Thurs. March 28th, as Exhibit B will feature incredible performances from artists Anna Portnoy Brimmer, Summer J. Hart, and Flor Flores.

    Free

  • FLECHO Book Fair

    We are excited to announce, the Guild Complex will participate in FLECHO in Quibdo, Colombia! From March 20-24, members of the Guild Complex along with 4 talented and creative Afro-Latin […]

  • Nikki Patin Book Release

    The Honeycomb Network 2659 W Division St., Chicago, Illinois

    Join us for the book release event for Nikki Patin's new memoir, Working on Me. The event will include a reading and discussion with Denise Ruiz, owner and founder of […]

    $10 – $20

  • Chicago Literary Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

    The new Chicago Literary Hall of Fame class of  Hamlin Garland, Eunice Tietjens, and E. Donald Two Rivers will be inducted at a ceremony featuring a lineup that includes William J. Bowe, Melissa Bradshaw, Carlos Cumpián, Jesse Raber, […]

    Free

  • National Poetry Month Event @ Blanc Gallery

    Blanc Gallery 4445 South King Drive, Chicago, Illinois

    For National Poetry Month, the Guild Complex offers a special program featuring the newly minted Indiana State poet Laureate Curtis Crisler, alongside the current Illinois Poet Laureate and the most […]

    Free

  • WORKSHOP | Walking the Middle Path: Using Hoodoo to Tell Your Story

    Green Line Performing Arts Center 329 E. Garfield Boulevard, Chicago, IL, United States

    If your goal is to get over that writer's block and finally tell your story--hoodoo can help! Participants will walk away with a basic understanding of how to read tarot, […]

  • Spirits, Spirituality, & Craft | Reading & Panel

    Green Line Performing Arts Center 329 E. Garfield Boulevard, Chicago, IL, United States

    As writers, celebrating culture through our work is as easy as sitting across the table from grandma. That ancestral influence is undeniable, but for some it is more intentional. It […]

  • Elsewhere: An Elegy Book Release Event with Faisal Mohyuddin

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

    Join us for poetry and stories of the collective breath held by a grieving world and to celebrate Elsewhere: An Elegy with author Faisal Mohyuddin.  "Faisal Mohyuddin’s Elsewhere: An Elegy is a memory palace of rooms […]

    Free

  • Feria del Libro

    El español está vivito y coleando en Estados Unidos; incluso, el país ha escalado a la cuarta posición con mayor número de hispanohablantes en el mundo. Se habla ampliamente en […]

  • Slam Diáspora @ Feria del Libro

    Ida Noyes Hall | University of Chicago 1212 E. 59th St., Chicago, Illinois

    ¡EN PERSONA! @ The Pub, Ida Noyes Hall (1212 E. 59th Street) 9pm Puertas AbrenComienza 9:30pm MCs: Crystal Vance y Luis Tubens Requisitos:Preparar 2 poemas de 3 minutos cada unoPoemas deben […]

  • American Writers Festival

    Harold Washington Library 400 S. State St., Chicago

    At the American Writers Festival, there’s more than just book talk. Get ready for fun, community-driven activities for visitors of all ages. There’s so much to explore, from book signings to […]

    Free

  • A Celebration of AAPI Writers

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

    Join the Guild Complex, RHINO Poetry, Kundiman, and Luya Poetry for a celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander month with an evening of poetry readings from AAPI poets.  ***We ask that all in-person attendees wear masks […]

  • Who Loves the Sun | Chicago Book Launch and Celebration

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

    Join author Fulla Abdul-Jabbar in conversation with Mika Yamamoto for a celebration of her new book, Who Loves the Sun, with performances from Samara Huggins and Sonnenzimmer.  Who Loves the Sun begins as a study of the […]

  • Exhibit B at Pilsen Community Books

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

    Fulla Abudul-Jabbar, Ignatius Valentine Aloysius, Tamara Mattews and Nat Holtzmann will be joining Exhibit B at Pilsen Community Books for an evening of readings and community.

  • Slam Diáspora Encuentro Nacional 2024: Mayo/Primera Ronda

    COMENZAMOS! Ciclo oficial de Slam Diaspora— 30 de Mayo, 8pm hora chicago ✨🔥✨ Registracion abierta a cualquier poeta de reside en territorio EEUU! http://bit.ly.com/mayoslam24 Slam Diaspora es un colectivo que […]

  • Girl Work: Book Launch w/ Zefyr Lisowski

    Pilsen

    Join us for the book launch of Girl Work (Noemi, 2024) with author Zefyr Lisowski, featuring performances from Kemi Alabi, Donna "Dante" Marie Gary, and Robin Reid Drake, hosted by […]

    Free

  • Transvengence: Pride Edition

    Clash on Clark 4416 N. Clark St., Chicago, Illinois

    June 2024: Transvengence, Pride Month – Turn Up! Edition Featuring Jack and Lynzo the Heartthrob, with your host, Joss Barton. Open mic starts at 7:30pm. Learn more about Transvengence here. […]

    Free

  • A Map of My Want | Book Launch and Celebration with Faylita Hicks

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

    A Map of My Want follows a nonbinary femme on their long walk home from a rural county jail as they contemplate how threesomes, quantum mechanics, beaches and nature hikes led […]

    Free – $25

  • Chicago Literary Hall of Fame Fuller Award: Patricia Smith

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

    Co-presented with the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, American Writers Museum, and Guild Literary Complex, the ceremony will present Chicago poet Patricia Smith with the Fuller Award for her lifetime contributions to […]

    Free

  • Palabra Pura: One Poet, One Poem

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

    Palabra Pura presents ONE POET, ONE POEM  Join the Guild Literary Complex July 17th for our annual Palabra Pura: One Poet, One Poem @ La Bruquena! All poets are welcome […]

  • Chicago House Music: Culture + Community

    Co-Prosperity 3219 S Morgan St., Chicago, Illinois

    Reading and panel discussion with book author, Marguerite L. Harrold along with Khari B, Discopoet, Founder of The Debauchery Ball and veteran House music DJ Michael Ikechukwu Ezebuku. Including a […]

  • Exhibit B: The Poets Platform

    Co-Prosperity 3219 S Morgan St., Chicago, Illinois

    Exhibit B will be joined by artists using the Democratic Party platform as a prompt. We are proud to be part of DEMOCRAZY FEST going on from Aug 8-18th at […]

  • Ananda Lima & Daniel Borzutzky In Conversation

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

    A special conversation and reading with award-winning authors Ananda Lima and Daniel Borzutzky about their latest releases, moderated by poet Alex Wells Shapiro.

  • Transvengence | September 2024

    Clash on Clark 4416 N. Clark St., Chicago, Illinois

    September's Transvengence features Aza Greenlee with your host, Joss Barton. Doors open and open mic sign-up begins at 7pm. Aza Greenlee is a body artist and co-conspirator at No Nation […]

  • Printers Row Lit Fest: Exhibit B

    Printers Row Lit Festival Dearborn and Polk Streets, Chicago, United States

    Christian Aldana, Lindsay Hunter, Jessica Nirvana Ram, and Dan "Sully" Sullivan join Exhibit B for a special reading at the Midwest's largest literary festival, Printers' Row Lit Festival! Printers Row […]

    Free

  • Printers Row Lit Fest | Annie Allen — Now: A Conversation

    Printers Row Lit Festival Dearborn and Polk Streets, Chicago, United States

    As its 75th anniversary approaches, Nora Brooks Blakely (Brooks Permissions) and Reginald Gibbons (Northwestern University) discuss the modern relevance and contemporary ideas from Gwendolyn Brooks' Pulitzer Prize-wining book Annie Allen. […]

    Free

  • Slam Diáspora En Vivo

    18th Street Casa de Cultura 2057 W. 18th St., Chicago, Illinois, United States

    6:30-- Doors open/Sign Up7:00-- Slam Starts8:30-- Open Mic9:00-- ¡ADIOS! ¡Abierto a poetas de todos estilos y edades!Desde quien apenas esta empezando a escribir, a quienes llevan décadas escribiendo-- todos están […]

  • A Performance Happening 3 @ Alma Art & Interiors

    ALMA Art and Interiors 3636 S Iron St, Chicago, United States

    Join us for a special night of artistic brilliance with "A PERFORMANCE HAPPENING " at ALMA Art and Interiors. We are thrilled to host this event, bringing together an all-star […]

  • CLHoF Fuller Award: Alex Kotlowitz

    Chopin Theatre 1543 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

    Registration is now open. On September 24, Alex Kotlowitz will become the 17th recipient of the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame’s Fuller Award for his lifetime achievements. The ceremony will be free and […]

  • ECOS Pop-up Gallery Readings with Guild Literary Complex

    National Museum of Mexican Art 1852 W 19th St., Chicago, Illinois, United States

    This event is part of ECOS: A Chicago Latine Poetry Festival, which celebrates Chicago's relationship with and influence on Latine poetry. Sponsored by the Poetry Foundation, the festival features free, […]

  • GBOMA 30th Anniversary Celebration

    Chicago History Museum 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, Illinois

    The Guild Complex will celebrate thirty years of the Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards (GBOMA), with performances from past winners along with a special celebration of the 75th anniversary of […]

    Free

  • Luis J. Rodriguez Book Release

    18th Street Casa de Cultura 2057 W. 18th St., Chicago, Illinois, United States

    Luís J. Rodriguez will be reading from his newest bilingual collection, Todos los caminos llevan a casa (All Roads Lead Home).  Also present will be Alfonso Vazquez, Founder of Chicanz […]

  • Slam Diáspora (LIVE)

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

    Open Mic + Featuring Eduardo Arocho More details to come

  • The Record Track: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony + Community Jam

    The Record Track 2804 E 87th Street, Chicago, Illinois, United States

    Come celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony of The Record Track, an immersive retail store & live-music venue offering immersive, hands-on music experiences for all! Don't miss out on this exciting event […]

  • Juntando Orillas: Bridging Afro-Diasporic Voices Through Literature

    Northwestern University, Crowe Hall 1132 1860 Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois

    Building on a partnership between two cultural initiatives, this panel will discuss the tensions between distinction and community, collectivization and individuality, and the balance between pluralities and connections in cultural […]

  • Juntando Orillas: Documentary Pre-screening

    18th Street Casa de Cultura 2057 W. 18th St., Chicago, Illinois, United States

    Pre-screening of the documentary “Juntando Orillas,” followed by a Q&A session with the director, producers, and protagonists.

  • Book Release: They Call You Back by Tim Hernandez

    18th Street Casa de Cultura 2057 W. 18th St., Chicago, Illinois, United States

    Join us for a book presentation and celebration for They Call You Back (University of Arizona Press) by Tim Hernandez. A haunting, an obsession, a calling: Tim Z. Hernandez has […]

  • Lit & Luz Literary Festival 2024

    The 2024 Chicago Lit & Luz Festival, Saturation/ Saturación, returns with a fantastic roster of writers and artists from the US and Mexico. The weeklong series of free events begins […]

  • 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 W. 18th St., Chicago, Illinois, 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 […]

    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 - […]

    $15

  • Abstract illustration of colorful lines on a black background.

    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 […]

    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 […]

    $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 […]

    $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 […]

    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, […]

    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 […]

    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 […]

    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 […]

    Free
  • rainbow colors background thick stripes with black and white lettering- picture of Crystal Vance Guerra and info for Slam Diáspora

    ¡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 promotional image featuring headshots of six women writers: Virginia Bell, Eiren Caffall, Marcy Rae Henry, J.S. Jones, Maud Lavin, Sahar Mustafah. Event details on the right: Tuesday, Sept 30th, 6:30PM CT at Haymarket House, 800 W. Buena."

    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

  • Alt text: Green promotional poster for the 31st Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards (GBOMA) Live. Features finalist names and event details for October 2 at 6:30 PM (doors at 6) at Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Finalists include Barbara Barrows Chirskira Caillouet Mars April Caulton Sylvia Ewing Lisa Farver Rocio Franco Gregorio Gomez Crystal Vance Guerra Wesley Frazier Keys Miguel Marzana Ciara Miller Hilesh Patel Sayeda Qader Sandra Santiago Samina Hadi-Tabassum Kara Rose Trojan

    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
  • rainbow colors background thick stripes with black and white lettering- picture of Crystal Vance Guerra and info for Slam Diáspora

    ¡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"

    $5

  • Culture is Our Weapon: Lucille Clifton and Sonia Sanchez, Good Women and Baddd

    Front Porch Arts Center 5851 W Madison St, Chicago, Illinois, United States

    Partnering with the HotHouse's Culture is Our Weapon series, on Sat Oct 18th, the Guild Complex will present a screening of the film from the Lannan Foundation: Writers Uncensored-Lucille Clifton and Sonia Sanchez, Good Women and Baddd. This will be immediately followed by a brief discussion led by author Dr. Tara Betts, from the DePaul University Department of Peace Studies, along with a reading featuring Keli Stewart, poet/writer,  and Angelique Zobitz.

    Free

  • Culture is Our Weapon: The Power of the Word – Amiri Baraka

    Front Porch Arts Center 5851 W Madison St, Chicago, Illinois, United States

    Partnering with the HotHouse's Culture is Our Weapon series, on Sun Oct 19th, Guild Complex will present a screening of the documentary, The Power of the Word featuring author/activist Amiri Baraka.  This will be immediately followed by a brief discussion and reading with Billy Tuggle, Antonio Foli and Kao Ra Zen.

  • flyer for Red Line anthology event, with the anthology cover of a red monster on the right and authors' photos on the left, red text of the information in the middle.

    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, […]

    Free
  • flyer for Write That Down Show & Tell at Podlasie Club.

    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 […]

    Free
  • orange, blue, green colors background thick stripes with black and white lettering- picture of Crystal Vance Guerra and info for Slam Diáspora en Vivo 2025

    ¡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 free trip to a Latin American country (TBD) to compete in the […]

    $5

  • orange, blue, green colors background thick stripes with black and white lettering- picture of Crystal Vance Guerra and info for Slam Diáspora en Vivo 2025

    ¡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 […]

    $5
  • Vintage Christmas card and painting for Transvengence Holiday Edition flyer

    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, […]

    Free

  • Write That Down! Show & Tell – Jan. 2026

    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 […]

    Free

  • Write That Down! Show & Tell – Feb. 2026

    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 […]

    Free
  • Eclectic party flyer for the MOJO&MUSE performance speakeasy with performers' names and event information on a black flyer with yellow and orange text. Images of stars, circle shapes, and bodies dancing.

    MOJO&MUSE: A Performance Speakeasy

    Watershed Art & Ecology 1821 S. Racine Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 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 […]

    Free