PURPLEFUNK Festival

Just how big of a Prince fan are you? Are you ready for two days of Prince convention? Well, ready or not, here it comes: The PURPLEFUNK Festival hits the Crown Plaza Hotel O'Hare, 5440 N. River Rd. in Rosemont, this Saturday and Sunday.

"2 Dayz of Wild Fashion show, Games & Prizes, including a Limo Ride givaway, Big Screen concert and music videos, Christopher Traci Solo Piano Performance, NPD DJ Juan "Tor're" De La Sanz Spinning ur favorite Prince Jams, Late Night Dancing, Special Prince Drinks The Purple Revolution Prince Tribute Band! Memorabillia Show (Buy Sell Trade) A special appearance and performance by former member of NPG (now gone solo), KIP BLACKSHIRE, also look for special performances by BET Celebrity Comedians and more!!!"

Tickets range from $15 for Sunday only to $35 for both days. More information is available here, or by emailing purplefunkfestyahoocom.

Toy Design and the Toy Industry

Today at Mess Hall, from 2-4pm, toy designer Suzy Y. Chang will discuss all aspects of toy design, from the moment the designer has an idea to the moment of production. Learn how toys become mass manufactured, marketed, packaged and consumed in the "huge industry which produces the mainstream cultural environment of our children." Chang herself has worked on such well-known toys as Hot Wheels, Barbie and Sesame Street. (Due to other committments, David Gutterman and Andrew Sineni will not be able to participate in the discussion.) Mess Hall is located at 6932 N. Glenwood. Call 773-465-4033 or email messhall8[at]yahoo[dot]com for more information.

Sleepwalk Magazine Release Party

Sleepwalk Magazine is celebrating the release of their new issue with a party at the Hideout with a slew of cool readings and music from Watchers. Among the names to appear: John McNally, Joe Meno, Elizabeth Crane and Jonathan Messinger. The Hideout is located at 1354 W. Wabansia; 9pm.

Too Much Light Kids!

The Neo-Futurists present "Too Much Light Kids!", a family-friendly version of their long-running late-night show Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind. GB's Alejandra Valera reviewed the show when it ran last December; read the review here. Appropriate for ages 6 and up, "Too Much Light Kids!" happens at 2:00 PM on Saturday afternoons through June 25 at the Neo-Futurarium. Admission: kids get in for $1-6 ($1 x the roll of a six-sided die), adults get in for $8-13 ($7 + the roll of a six-sided die). Group rates available; call (773) 878-4557 for details. Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). General show details: (773) 275-5255.

Dark Alternative Dance Night

Nocturna presents Dark Alternative Dance Night with DJ Scary Lady Sarah at the Bottom Lounge, 3206 N. Wilton. The party lasts from 9pm-3am, with cover charges at $6 for 21+ and $8 for ages 18-20. There will be CD promos and giveaways, too, so go and get your goth/darkwave/death rock/dark indie groove on.

Up Our Sleeve @ Open End

The folks at Dublab have put together a show based on the work of over 500 artists who've created album covers for records that, well, don't really exist. Entitled Up Our Sleeve, this unique show has already been to the coasts, Europe, and the Far East, and will end here at Chicago's very own Open End Gallery. Be sure to check it out soon, though — it's only around from Friday 'til Sunday.