Slowdown

Artisan Market @ Gallery 19

Beginning at 9 a.m., Gallery 19 (1967 1/2 W Montrose Ave) hosts a collection of craftspeople in their first Artisan Market. Alapash Terrariums, Real.Soaps, Johanna Winter Harper, and more will be displaying their wares until 4 p.m.

Independent Bookstore Day

Today is Chicago Independent Bookstore Day! Visit the nine participating bookstores for special events, giveaways and raffles -- and visit all of them to collect pieces of a limited edition puzzle designed by Lillie Carré. Free.

Tour de Fat @ Palmer Square

This annual festival brings together beer-lovers and bike-lovers for a day of entertainment (among them Mucca Pazza and The Reals), a bike parade, costume contests, and of course, a lot of beer courtesy of New Belgium Brewing. And at the end, someone will give up their car for a bike for one year. Really. Event runs 10am-5pm at Palmer Square, Palmer between Sacramento and Kedzie. Free

Triple Crown of YoYo

The Triple Crown of YoYo happens at the east end of Navy Pier today from 10am to 3pm. Go see crazy talented yo-yo masters compete on tricks and feats of skill, with three champions crowned. Free.

The Great Bull Run @ Hawthorne Race Course

Your chance to run with the bulls has never been easier. The Great Bull Run comes to Hawthorne Race Course, 3501 S Laramie Ave in Cicero beginning at 11am. Cost to run is $75, which includes a free t-shirt, bandana, one beer, and participation in the Tomato Royale after the bull running has concluded. Spectator tickets are $15 and parking is $10 per car.

West Fest

The 10th annual West Fest runs today and Sunday, noon to 10pm, on Chicago Ave. between Damen and Wood. In addition to the music on three stages, the Windy City Rollers host live roller derby demos and an exhibition match, as well as live BMX bike demos, a Kids Fest provides lots of family-friendly activities, Pet Fest gets Fido into the act. $5 suggested donation.

Square Roots Festival

The Square Roots Festival runs July 11-13 on Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson. There'll be music on two stages and more than 30 craft beers on tap. The festival is open from noon to 11pm tonight. Suggested donation is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and kids; $20 for families.

Irish Fest

The Irish American Heritage Center's Irish Fest runs July 11-13 at the Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave. Enjoy live music -- including Kevin Flynn & the Avondale Ramblers, the Boils and the Mickey Finns -- as well as traditional Irish dancers, an arts and craft show, food and drink, and more. The festival runs from noon to 1am today. Admission is $15.

Roscoe Village Burger Fest

Roscoe Village Burger Fest runs today and Sunday on Belmont Avenue between Damen and Oakley, from noon to 10pm each day. Enjoy burgers from more than a dozen restaurants, plus music on two stages (culminating tonight with headliner Better Than Ezra), arts and craft vendors and a Kids Zone with family-friendly activities. $8 suggested admission.

The Comedy Exposition of 2014

The Comedy Exposition of 2014 runs this weekend, July 11-13, showcasing national and local stand-up comedic talent. Today's shows run from 1:30pm to midnight in multiple sets at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia Ave.), @North (1637 W. North Ave.), the Crocodile (1540 N. Milwaukee Ave.) and Collaboraction (1579 N. Milwaukee Ave.) Tickets for most shows are $5, with featured sets running $20; festival passes are available. See the schedule for full details.

Gapers Block Hot Dog Cookoff

Join Gapers Block for its second annual Hot Dog Cookoff benefiting Reach Out and Read Illinois today from 2 to 7pm in the parking lot at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., to taste new interpretations of the classic red hot by chefs from Fat Rice, ManBQue, Wiener and Still Champion, MakeItFor.Us and Harmony Grill. There will also be a cash bar with drink specials courtesy of Old Style, raffle prizes, bags (or cornhole, if you prefer) and a live performance by Get Up with the Get Downs at 5pm. There will also be a raffle for fabulous prizes. Tickets are $20, $10 for kids 12 and under. Sponsored by Old Style and Vienna Beef.

"Two Rocks Do Not Make a Duck" Opening Reception @ Lvl3

Milano Chow, Sofia Leiby, and Malin Gabriella Nordin will be the artists exhibited at the Lvl3 gallery space located at 1542 N. Mikwaukee Ave on the 3rd floor. The show explores layering and the conceptual notion of surface. Tonight's reception beings at 6pm and is free and open to the public; the show will run until Aug. 17.

Edgewater Workbench Grand Opening

Edgewater Workbench, a new maker space at 1130 W. Thorndale Ave., celebrates its grand opening tonight at 6pm. Enjoy laser cutting and 3D printing demos, eat laser etched pizza, and check out the space. Free; RSVP requested.

Erling Wu-Bower and Amanda Rockman @ Taste of Chicago

Nico Osteria's Erling Wu-Bower and Amanda Rockman, aided by students of Washburn Culinary Institute, serve a multi-course meal tonight at 6:30pm the Taste of Chicago (Grant Park, 500 S. Columbus Dr.) as part of the Pure Leaf Celebrity du Jour Dining Series, which will take place onsite in an air-conditioned tent (whoo!). If you have to venture into the swarm of food served in little paper trays that is the Taste of Chicago, this event is worth the $45 ticket.

Alehorn of Power III @ Reggies

Slough Feg and Bible of the Devil top the lineup for Alehorn of Power III, a night of metal at Reggies, 2105 S. State St. Valkyrie, Savage Master, High Spirits and Lady Beast round out the bill. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door. 17+

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Gapers Block has ceased publication.

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