Free Comic Book Day

Today is Free Comic Book Day! Find a local comics shop and see what special events they have going on. And, of course, pick up free comics.

Chicago Art Girls Pop Up Shop

Forty of the best art, craft and more vendors will be selling beautiful items today as part of the Chicago Art Girls POP-UP SHOP. You'll be able to pick up great gifts for Mother's Day, Father's Day, and for yourself. The show runs from 10am to 5pm at Bell Elementary School located at 3730 N. Oakley Ave. They will also be raising funds for women at Sarah's Circle who are homeless or who need a safe space.

Society of Midland Authors Centennial

The Society of Midland Authors marks its 100th birthday with a free public literary celebration today at University Center, 525 S. State St. From 10am 5pm, there will be readings and panel discussions featuring nearly two dozen authors, from Rick Kogan to June Sawyers, Ald. Ed Burke to Jonathan Eig. Full details here. Admission is free.

Kids & Kites Festival @ Montrose Harbor

The 17th annual Chicago Kids and Kites Festival runs from 10am to 4pm on Cricket Hill near Montrose Beach in Lincoln Park, W. Montrose Dr. Free -- bring your own kite.

Independent Bookstore Day

Slip between the stacks and find your new favorite book at Chicago Independent Bookstore Day today. Twelve bookstores across the city will have special sales, author events and other fun stuff -- and shoppers can try collecting pages of a limited edition Stuart Dybek story illustrated by Dmitry Samarov.

Chicago Northside Mini Maker Faire

Schurz High School, 3601 N. Milwaukee Ave., hosts a kid-oriented Mini Maker Faire today from 10am to 4pm. Build a robot, learn how to make anime, meet some reptiles, play with 3D printers and more! Admission is free, but donations of $10 for adults and $5 for kids are encouraged.

Chicago Critics Film Festival

The third annual Chicago Critics Film Festival runs May 1-7 at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave. Today's films include Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet at noon, The New Girlfriend at 2pm, Results at 4:15pm with star Cobie Smulders in attendance for a Q&A, Unexpected at 7pm with star Smulders and director Kris Swanberg on hand for a Q&A, Call Me Lucky at 9:30pm with director Bobcat Goldthwait and subject Barry Crimmins in attendance for a Q&A, and Goodnight Mommy at midnight. Check the festival's site for a complete schedule, advance tickets and festival passes.

Zombie Pub Crawl

The Chicago Zombie Pub Crawl invades Andersonville today from 2pm to 9pm. Don your best zombie makeup (or get done up at the event) and check in at pH Comedy Theater, 1515 W. Berwyn Ave., where you'll pick up your souvenir t-shirt, drinking cup and map to the crawl. Each locale will have drink specials for crawlers... and shamblers. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. 21+

Audrey Niffenegger @ Powell's Books

Author and artist Audrey Niffenegger, author of the international bestsellers The Time Traveler's Wife and Her Fearful Symmetry, will read and sign copies of her books tonight at 7pm at Powell's Bookstore, 1218 S. Halsted St. Free.

Show Your Mercy For Have Mercy! @ Trump Hotel

The Associate Board for the Mercy Home for Boys & Girls is partnering once again with the Trump Hotel to host the 9th Annual Have Mercy! spring charity gala to benefit the more than 600 young people who are supported annually through Mercy Home in Chicago.

Tickets to the event include unlimited drinks, passed hors d'oeuvres, music by DJ Ryan Pullano, a view of the Chicago skyline from the 16th floor of the hotel and a curated silent auction with one-of-a-kind items for bid including a Blackhawks signed hockey stick and a Bulls signed basketball. All proceeds from the event directly benefit Mercy Home.

Version Festival 15

Version Festival 15 runs April 23 to May 3. The theme this year is "100 Watts" in honor of organizer Public Media Institute's newly licensed low-power radio station. Tonight's events include a variety show at Law of Ice, 1011 W. 31st St., at 8pm. Admission is free. Then from 9pm to 2am, WLPN broadcasts live from Maria's, 960 W. 31st St., featuring DJ Sonorama. No cover, 21+.

Split Single @ Schubas

Split Single play a late show at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., tonight, with Fury Things opening. Doors are at 10pm. Tickets are $15. 21+