J.A. Flynn @ Women & Children First

J.A. Flynn will be at Women & Children First to talk about her book Gumboots, Lesson Plans and Hot Rugby Nights: New Beginnings in New Zealand. Free. 4:30pm. 5233 N. Clark St. Call 773-769-9299 for more information.

7 Diamonds Trunk Show @ His Stuff

His Stuff will host a 7 Diamonds trunk show at their Lakeview location on May 18th from noon until 5 p.m. Visit the 3162 N Broadway boutique to browse the goods available for special order and receive a 10% discount on all purchases. Call 773-281-6111 for more information.

Anniversary Celebration @ Stellar 26

Lakeview favorite Stellar26 (4164 N Lincoln Avenue) will be celebrating its first year anniversary on May 18th. Shop their selection of Free People and Sweetees and a portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Friends of the Chicago River. Call 773-388-2626 for more details.

Leona Helmsley Auction @ Leslie Hindman Auctioneer

Looking for your very own piece of capitalist history? Leslie Hindman Auctioneers (1338 W Lake Street) will be selling the contents of New York real estate mogul Leona Helmsley’s closet this Sunday May 18th at noon. The auction includes couture gowns and a handful of her staggering collection of over 200 pairs of Ferragamo shoes. Preview the goods at Leslie Hindman’s website of call 312-280-1212 for more information.

Treasure Hunt @ The Merchandise Mart

The Merchandise Mart (222 Merchandise Mart plaza, 7th floor) hosts the Treasure Hunt Luxury Sample Sale on May 18th from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Browse one of a kind samples and pieces previously available for trade members only. Furniture, rugs, fabrics, and lighting is up to 75 percent off. Guests are invited to bring in floor plans for free design consultations. Tickets cost $10. Call 312-527-4141 for more information.

Writers on the Record: Aleksandar Hemon @ Lookingglass Theatre

Critically acclaimed writer Aleksandar Hemon is the latest participant in the "Writers on the Record" interview series, co-sponsored by Chicago magazine and WFMT radio. He will be talking with host Victoria Lautman about his new novel The Lazarus Project. Free, but reservations are required. 11:45am at the Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave. Call 312-832-6789 to RSVP.

Consider the Cocktail @ Weegee's

Join Slow Food Chicago for a celebration of the repeal of prohibition tonight at Weegee's (3659 W. Armitage) from 4-7pm. Mixologists will be on hand to make American cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Event benefits Slow Food USA. Cost is $50 per person.

Ravenswood Manor Neighborhood Garage Sale

The Ravenswood Manor neighborhood throws its annual garage sale today from 10am to 4pm. It's free to browse, and it's huge. Here's a PDF garage sale map.

Aloft Aerial Dance @ The Aloft Loft

Come see some acrobatic dancers create a story in the air using ... giant lampshades. And picture frames and clotheslines and boots, oh my! Aloft Aerial Dance presents The Dinner of our Discontent, in which they tell the story--which "veers from heartbreaking to hilarious"--of five estranged sisters returning home after the sudden deaths of their parents.
May 16-18 and 23-25, 8:00 p.m. at the Aloft Loft, 941 N California Ave. (down the alley, in the back). $20-$30 tickets at Brown Paper Tickets

Legs For Literacy Run/Walk @ Lincoln Park

The 12th annual Legs for Literacy 5K Fun Run or Walk kicks off at 9 a.m., Sunday, May 18, in Lincoln Park just north of Fullerton and Cannon Drive. Day-of-event registration begins at 8 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Cabrini-Green Tutoring Program, Inc. For more information see their website or call 312-397-9119

American Science & Surplus Annual Scratch and Dent Sale

This weekend, get your hands on some great stuff (that's just a little bumped, demo, floor model, slightly used, returned, stale, partially melted, mildewed, stained, badly smudged, cracked, abraded, scuffed, discolored, asymmetrical, lumpy, or oddly fragrant) at Chicago's favorite place to buy "stuff" — American Science and Surplus. The sale goes on Friday, May 16th, 10am - 7pm, Saturday, May 17th, 10am - 6pm, Sunday, May 18th, 11am - 5pm at the Chicago store at 5316 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-763-0313 (FYI: simultaneous sales will also take place at their Milwaukee, WI and Geneva, IL stores).

Chicago Style Crafters Trunk Show Continues

Ten local artists will again be showing their work at Circa Ceramics Studio from 12-5 pm. Check out pictures and links to the Etsy sites of all ten merchants here.

Circa Ceramics is located at 3759 N. Ravenswood. Buzz #134 for entry.

Green Festival @ Navy Pier

Green Festival celebrates over 350 local and national greener businesses and over 150 speakers, workshops and food. Bring in at least three books to donate, and get $5 off. Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 18, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Details. 600 E. Grand Ave. Bus: 2, 29, 65, 66, 124.

Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra @ Orchestra Hall

Led by internationally-renowned violinist and conductor Vladimir Spivakov, in celebration of its 30th anniversary. Russian piano virtuoso and 2001 Van Cliburn Gold Medalist Olga Kern joins the orchestra, comprised of top-ranking soloists and former principal chairs of the great orchestras of Russia. Works by Shostakovitch, Gulda and others. 7:30 p.m. Tickets, priced from $30-$75, on sale at the Symphony Center Box Office; at 312-294-3000; or at the Website.