The Dollar Store @ Hideout

Jonathan Messinger, editor of ThisIsGrand.org, kicks off his new reading series, The Dollar Store, tonight at 9pm at The Hideout. Join Jonathan and features writer/talk show host Brian Costello, postmodern prop comedian Sean Gardner and writer Susannah Felts as they present pieces written over the course of a month about items purchased at a dollar store. A $1 donation gets you in the door. More info here.

Afro-Folk Live @ Old Town School of Folk Music

Every Wednesday night, the Old Town School of Folk Music gives you a reason to TiVo "Lost" and get out of the house.  Now through December, enjoy concerts in their Afro-Folk Live series.  Free (donations encouraged), 8:30 - 10:30 PM, 4544 N. Lincoln.

Nosferatu @ Film Center

Nosferatu, the classic 1922 movie based on Bram Stoker's "Dracula", screens tonight at the Siskel Film Center. A classic horror film, and you've never seen it on the big screen. Now's your chance. The film screens tonight at 6:00. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

City Banner Auction

Today and tomorrow is the annual "Sharing It" banner auction at the Daley Center (50 West Washington St.). Bidding takes place in the lobby of the Daley Center from Noon–1:30 p.m. November 17th and 18th. Cash, checks and credit cards (Visa, American Express and Mastercard) will be accepted with proper identification. Full-size and mini banners from events such as The Chicago Marathon, International Film Festival, and much more, will be available. Of course, Chicago’s sports teams will be featured banners as well: Chicago Cubs, Bulls, Bears, White Sox, prominent sports figures, and history-making events in sports. Popular museum exhibits will also be featured, including the Field Museum, Chicago Children’s Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, and more. These banners are creatively designed and make perfect gifts. New this year: Terra Museum of American Art, Steppenwolf Theatre, and University of Chicago’s Oriental Institute. "Sharing It" raises funds and collects food for the underprivileged through activities such as the banner auction, public donations, and a percentage of the proceeds from Taste of Chicago. Proceeds are donated to the Chicago Anti-Hunger Federation and the Greater Chicago Food Depository. "Sharing It" also helps the Department of Human Services buy turkeys for Thanksgiving, and pays for toy giveaways and clown performances at five major Chicago children’s hospitals during December.