Free Comedy at Cole's

Finally, an open mic smack in the middle of Logan Square -- where all the unemployed stand-ups live. Comedians Cameron Esposito and Adam Burke share hosting duties at Cole's Comedy Open Mic, a good venue for trying out new material and a great place for first-timers to give it a go. To paraphrase Burke, it's where the best comedians do their worst bits and the worst comedians do their best. Either way, it's free and goes down every Wednesday at 9pm. Cole's, by the way, is a great new drinking spot at 2338 N Milwaukee with a bang-up staff and $2 PBRs. The web site's in progress, but you can check out the reviews -- like "Cole's is my Moe's." -- here.

Click here for Adam Burke's killer poster.

Scrabble Night @ The Coffee Studio

Andersonville's The Coffee Studio hosts its monthly Scrabble Night tonight between 6:30 and 8:30pm. Boards and dictionaries will be provided -- just show up and you'll be matched with someone of similar skill level. All levels are welcome, from beginner to certified Word Freak. Prizes will be awarded for high scores. The Coffee Studio is located at 5628 N Clark St.

Kylie Minogue @ UIC Pavilion

Unlike many pop singers from the southern hemisphere, Kylie Minogue isn't totally unknown in the US, but her popularity is far from as widespread here as it is anywhere else in the world, which explains why 20+ years into her career she's embarking on her first US tour. Live DVDs of her recent tours have given American audiences glimpses of her performances, but watching something on television is different than experiencing it. Kylie oozes charisma and reminds crowds why applause was invented. Her first US tour is sure to be a greatest hits olio that any fan of pop music shouldn't miss. The show is at 8PM and tickets are $75. UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S Racine.

Green City Market Apple Fest

Today, 9:30am, at Green City Market, savor the seasons! Chef tastings with Patrick Sheerin (Signature Room), Alex Cheswick (May Street Market), Sarah Levy (Sarah's Pastries & Candies). 1750 N. Clark.

Pain Kurst Girls @ Debonair Social Club

The Pain-Kurst Girls use their sexual magic and belief in the power of femininity to entertain and captivate audiences. Be one of the captivated audience members tonight. 10pm. Debonair social club : 1575 N Milwaukee Ave. Call 773-227-7990 for more information.

Patrick Somerville @ Harold Washington Library

Local author Patrick Somerville comes to the Harold Washington Library to discuss his latest novel, The Cradle. A book signing will follow. Free at 6pm in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S. State St. Call (312) 747-4300 for more information.

Veggie Bingo @ Hideout

If you liked the wildly successful Soup and Bread series at the Hideout from earlier this year, then you'll love Veggie Bingo, which brings together bingo and food--a weekly event where participants play the venerable old-school game and win locally made or grown prizes such as a jar of honey, a bar of soap...and the grand prize, a box of produce from Irv and Shelley's. The event is tonight from 6-8pm at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia; cards are $1 each (six for $5) and can be purchased on-site. Hot dogs and tofu pups will be served, so all your early evening needs will be met. All proceeds benefit NeighborSpace.

RUI: Reading Under the Influence

RUI: Reading Under the Influence continues their monthly readings and trivia games with the theme "Where the Wild Things Ar" in honor of the release of Dave Eggers' The Wild Things, his live-action movie with Spike Jonze and the original Maurice Sendak tale from whence it all came. This month local writers Devon Polderman and John Flaherty join RUI regulars Rob Duffer and Jesse Jordan. Admission is $3 to the 7:30pm readings at Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave. Email info[at]readingundertheinfluence[dot]com for more information.

Angela Jackson & Carolyn Rogers @ Southside Community Art Center

Well-known Black Arts Movement writers Angela Jackson and Carolyn Rogers come to the Southside Community Art Center to read from their work and discuss "their insights about the African American female voice in contemporary literature." Free at 7pm at 3831 S. Michigan Ave. Call (773) 373-1026 for more information.

Sara Paretsky @ 57th St. Books

Sara Paretsky comes to 57th St. Books to celebrate the release of her latest book, Hardball. Free at 6pm at 1301 E. 57th St. Call (773) 684-1300 for more information.

Madeleine Albright @ Borders

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright comes to Borders at 150 N. State St. to read from and discuss her book Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box. The book features more than 200 pins from Albright's collection, some of which she has worn at historic events. Free at 12:30pm. Call (312) 606-0750 for more information.

Riot Fest: Butthole Surfers @ Metro

Riot Fest 2009 is kicking off tonight at the Metro with old school alternative rockers the Butthole Surfers at the Metro. While the band has gone through many line-up changes over the years, this show will feature the original 80's line-up. The Bomb and The House That Gloria Vanderbilt open. Check out our full preview of Riot Fest 2009 here. Tickets are $24 and may be purchased here, although there are several other ticketing options available if you're planning on going to more than one night of Riot Fest. This show is all ages and doors open at 6 pm. The Metro is located at 3730 N. Clark St in Wrigleyville.