Chicago Book Expo

Today and Sunday, the Chicago Book Expo fills what was formerly the Uptown Borders book store (4701 N. Broadway). The work of Chicago Writers House and Uptown United, the event features over 40 publishers of fiction and poetry displaying their author's works, and free events such as a reading series, a non-profit book fair, author's readings, children's workshops, and more. Ticketed events include Chicago Architecture Foundations Tours and a performance by rock band Joan of Arc.

For hours, additional locations, and more, head here.

Chicago Toy & Game Fair

The Chicago Toy & Game Fair runs today from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 10am to 5pm in the Festival Hall at Navy Pier. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 3-13.

Urban Bazaar

Urban Bazaar, an event that brings together more than 40 local artists, entrepreneurial non-profits, small businesses, and record dealers in one shopping opportunity, takes place today from 1pm to 7pm at Variable Space, 1564 N. Damen Ave. Free.

Polak Family Fundraiser w/ Plan of Attack, Weekend Nachos @ Viaduct Theatre

Dan Polak (singer of Chicago metal band Left Hand Path, Drummer Like Rats/Undo Tomorrow) has lost both of parents and has taken over as primary caretaker for his four siblings. The Chicago metal community is holding a fundraiser to help Dan make it through the holidays. Plan of Attack, Weekend Nachos, Cyborg, and Spine perform at the Viaduct Theatre on Nov 19th. 10:30PM. 17+ $10+. The Viaduct is located at 3111 N Western Ave. Dan is accepting Paypal donations at Dannypolak83@gmail.com.

Plushform Show @ OhNo!Doom

OhNo!Doom Gallery, 1800 N. Milwaukee Ave., celebrates the opening of a show featuring custom designed plush figures based on Shawnimals' Plushform blanks, from 6pm to 10pm tonight. Free.

The Jezabels @ Lincoln Hall

Sydney's Jezabels have been making strides down under for a couple years and even had a glint of fame in the U.S. with "She's So Hard." But 2011 is shaping up to be their breakout year with the release of their debut album Prisoner. It's poppy and uplifting, but also carries hints of darkness, especially when singer Hayley Mary's vocals slip into a Kate Bush range. (Give "Endless Summer" a taste.) The Jezabels play with Hey Rosetta at Lincoln Hall. The Brothers Karamazov-named Ivan & Alyosha open at 10PM. The show's 18+ and $12. Lincoln Hall's at 2424 N Lincoln.

SAIC Holiday Art Sale

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago's annual Holiday Art Sale is today and tomorrow, Nov. 18 & 19, in the MacLean Center Ballroom, 112 S. Michigan Ave. Shop for student-made original paintings, sculptures, photography, prints, jewelry, fashion and more from 10am to 5pm today.

Chicago Craft Mafia's DIY Trunk Show @ Broadway Armory

The DIY Trunk Show, featuring 129 area artists, presented by the Chicago Craft Mafia, is one of the longest-running indie, craft shows in Chicago, now in its ninth year. Admission is FREE. Shoppers can find one-of-a-kind, handmade, high-quality yet affordable items for all ages and genders, including jewelry of all types, clothing and t-shirts for adults and kids, bags and purses, stationery and paper products, housewares and lamps, ceramics, glassware and enamelware, fiber work and knitwear, photography, pet items, plush toys, candles, woodwork items, pens, wallets, soaps and body care products. Now in a larger location to accommodate more vendors, the DIY Trunk Show has built its reputation by supporting the Chicagoland craft community, encouraging emerging artists and crafters, and helping to promote local nonprofits and small businesses. The DIY Trunk Show will partner with Wishcraft to provide a kids crafting area, from 11am to 3pm for ages 4 and up. Free on-site workshops include Blue Buddha Boutique's earrings or zipper pull decorations. Free goody bags, including vendor products and coupons, will be given to the first 150 shoppers who make a purchase - first come, first served. The trunk show is today from 10am to 5pm at Broadway Armory Park (Edgewater): 5917 N. Broadway. More info here.

Leif Elggren @ Lampo

Swedish text/sound/visual artist (and king of the invented country of Elgaland-Vargaland) Leif Elggren performs as part of Lampo's Fall series. The event takes places at the Graham Foundation's Madlener House (4 W. Burton Pl., Chicago) at 8 p.m. Tickets are free and can be RSVP'd here. (Note: tickets are currently sold out, though a waiting list option is available.) More info at Transmission.

Empty Bowls Benefit

Empty Bowls, a benefit for Humboldt Park settlement house the Association House of Chicago, takes place tonight at Penguin Foot Pottery Studio, 2514 W. Armitage Ave., at 6pm. Enjoy locally made soup, music, pottery demos and workshops, a raffle and more. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Your ticket price includes a handmade bowl to take home.

American Indian Center 58th Annual Powwow @ Navy Pier Ballroom

The American Indian Center of Chicago is hosting their 58th Annual Powwow, held at Navy Pier Grand Ballroom (600 E. Grand). Today doors open at 11am; Grand Entry is at 1pm and 7pm, with dancing until 9:30pm. Admission: $12 per day for adults; $6 for children (6-12) & seniors (55+). $18 for weekend pass. Call (773) 275-5871 or visit http://aic-chicago.org/ for more info.

Waxing and Waning

Waxing and Waning is an exhibition featuring emerging and established artists demonstrating there given abilities within an exhibited body of work. It will include an extensive group show of painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and installation.

Participating artists are Tim Anderson, Robert Billings, Thomas Billings, James Ciccenia, Paul Elledge, Ken Ellis, Oskar Friedl, Andres Garcia Pena, Max Grey, MartinJon Garcia, Chris Hammes, Jenny Hellman, Christine Huck, Micheal krynski, Thomas Masters, Jared Metzner, Kumiko Murakami, Sam Rosby, Paul Sierra, Paul Weston, Glenn Wexler, and Eric Wulkowicz.

Reception is November 19 from 5-11pm.
Chicago - Ashland Office Building
755 Ashland Ave.
Chicago, IL