Socialism 2013 Conference

Socialism 2013 runs this weekend, June 27-30, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel & Conference Center - Chicago O'Hare. The four day conference includes dozens of scheduled discussion sessions on topics such as economics, education, human rights, civil rights, and labor. Speakers include the likes of Jeremy Scahill, Glenn Greenwald, Jesse Sharkey, and many more. Details and a complete schedule of sessions available at the Socialism 2013 website.

Hot Doug's Book Release @ Open Books

Doug Sohn, proprietor of sausage superstore Hot Doug's, celebrates the release of his book, Hot Doug's: The Book, with a reading and signing today at 10am at Open Books, 213 W Institute Pl. Admission is free (the book is not), and refreshments will be served.

Randolph Street Market

The Randolph Street Market returns Saturday and today to the Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington St., from 10am to 5pm. Shop antiques, vintage clothing, records, jewelry and fancy foods. Admission is $8 in advance, $10 at the door; $3 in advance/$5 at the door for students. Kids 12 and under are free.

Pride Parade

The 43rd annual Gay Pride Parade kicks off at noon from Montrose and Broadway, ending at Diversey and Sheridan (here's a map). Free.

Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival

The Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival runs this weekend, June 28-30, on Milwaukee Avenue between Kedzie and Diversey. The festival features live music on two stages, more than 50 artist booths, food from neighborhood restaurants, family activities and more. The festival runs from noon to 10pm today; $5 suggested donation.

Community Stage:
12:30pm - TBA
2pm - Ted Sirota's Heavyweight Dub
3:30pm - Blue Ribbon Glee Club
5pm - Netherfriends
6:30pm - Football
8pm - William Cepeda featuring AfriCaribe, Angel Alvarez and The Edwin Sanchez Project

Culture Stage
1:15pm - TBA
2:45pm - ¡Vamos!
4:15pm - Jose Cornier
5:45pm - ShowYouSuck
7:15pm - M.A.K.U SoundSystem
8:45pm - Waco Brothers

The Audience @ Music Box

The Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., screens a National Theatre Live broadcast of the West End production of the play The Audience, with Helen Mirren reprising her role as Queen Elizabeth II. The screening starts at 1:30pm. Tickets are $15. Full details on the event are at the Music Box website.

Publican Quality Meats Grilling Series

Publican Quality Meats (825 W. Fulton Market Street ) gets their grill on today from 3-7pm for your meat-y pleasure, with Jared Van Camp and Ray Stanis of Nellcote assisting them. Avocado salsa, grilled marinated mushroom, Alaskan halibut, squash salad, and mortadella and provolone hot dogs await you. Zoinks!

Bill Cosby @ Broadway Playhouse

Legendary comedian and pudding enthusiast Bill Cosby performs a rare night of stand-up at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., tonight to benefit Urban Prep Academies. Tickets are $100-$250. Doors open at 4pm, show is at 5pm.