Gapers Block has ceased publication.
Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
✶ Thank you for your readership and contributions. ✶
TODAY
Saturday, April 27
Slowdown
BY DAY
Saturday, September 26 2015
Museum Day Live!
Smithsonian Magazine presents Museum Day Live!, a day where several museums around Chicago (and the rest of the country) are offering free admission for two guests. See the Smithsonian site for the coupon to bring to the museums.
Wicker Park & West Town Lit Day
Wicker Park & West Town Lit Day is today at various locations. A group of local organizations and businesses is getting together to promote all things literary in their bordering neighborhoods. The idea of read local and shop small is the main focus. Partnering organizations include 826CHI, Chicago Publishers Resource Center, Chicago Public Library, Quimby's Bookstore, Revolution Bookstore and Volumes Bookcafe. All will be open their regular hours. Look for events and specials throughout the day. The festivities start as early as 10am; full schedule and preview in Book Club.
Randolph Street Market
The Randolph Street Market returns to the Plumbers Union Hall, 1340 W. Washington St., from 10am to 5pm today and Sunday, both indoors and in the parking lot. Shop for antiques, vintage collectibles, art, jewelry and more from dozens of vendors. Admission is $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
Hot Dog! It's Hot Doug! @ Kendall College
Doug Sohn, the real Sausage King of Chicago, appears at Kendall College (900 North Branch) this morning (10am-noon) to discuss the love of the frank, how he got into the business and why he abruptly decided to close his Avondale restaurant Hot Doug's last year in the height of its popularity. Event sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago; cost $3-5, free for Kendall students.
Chicago Magazine Culture Festival
Chicago magazine launches its first Culture Festival today at Venue SIX10, 610 S. Michigan Ave. Doors open at 10:15am, with panel discussions on architecture at 11am and Steppenwolf's future at 1pm, an interview with author Gillian Flynn at 3pm, a Lincoln Lodge reunion at 5pm, and an evening with musician Angel Olsen at 8pm. Tickets to daytime events are $30 each, or get a $50 day pass for all three. The Lincoln Lodge reunion is sold out, and tickets for Angel Olsen are $60.
Edgewater Fall Art Fair
The Edgewater Fall Art Fair runs from 11am to 6pm today and Sunday on Granville Avenue between Broadway and Kenwood. The fair includes more than 120 artists and crafters, live music on three stages, a beer garden, children's activities and more. $5 suggested donation.
Chicago Gourmet @ Millennium Park
The swells gather at Millennium Park this weekend to drink from rivers of wine, sample eats from the city's (and nation's) top chefs, go to seminars and cooking demos, and enjoy the feeling of it all at this year's Chicago Gourmet, which runs from noon-6pm. Tickets start at $200. Sold out.
Hyde Park Jazz Festival
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival runs today and Sunday at venues throughout the neighborhood. Performances run from 1pm to midnight today. Admission is free, but $5 donation suggested.
Metropolitan @ Film Center
The Gene Siskel Film Center presents a screening of the 1990 film Metropolitan. Today's screening is scheduled to include a Skype call to the film's director, Whit Stillman. Purchase advance tickets for this screening at the Film Center's site. Film Center: 164 N. State St. Box office: (312) 846-2085.
Cold Waves IV @ Metro
Cold Waves, an industrial music festival that raises money for suicide prevention nonprofit Hope for the Day, is at the Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., tonight and Saturday. Tonight's lineup includes Human Traffic, Rorschach Test, High-Functioning Flesh, Cocksure, Severed Heads, Pop Will Eat Itself and Front Line Assembly. Single day passes are $46, two-day passes are $85; get tickets here. Doors open at 5pm, show's at 6pm. 18+
Great Chicago Fire Festival @ Northerly Island
Thousands will gather at Northerly Island for a amazing spectacle that celebrates Chicago's people, history, and unique neighborhood culture. The event promises to be diverse, having been created by a big network of community artists. There will be maker stations, fireworks,a bazaar, performances and of course, cleverly flaming buildings that have been constructed to do just that. The event is free and runs from 5 pm until 9 pm. Registering for tickets is recommended.
Lillstreet Art Bash
Lillstreet Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave., hosts Art Bash tonight at 6pm to benefit Art Reach, Lillstreet's nonprofit sister organization. Enjoy food from 15 Ravenswood area restaurants, local craft beer, take part in art-making activities and workshops, and bid on items in the silent auction. Tickets are $65, or get $100 VIP tickets and receive a swag bag and access to the roof.
Chicago Queer Contra Dance @ St. Paul's
Chicago Queer Contra Dance is tonight at Second Unitarian Church in Chicago, 626 West Barry. Rachel Shapiro Wallace will be calling and the Cat Wranglers will be providing the music. The dance is from 7 to 9:30pm with lesson 6:30 to 7pm. Requested donation is $10 at the door. No advance planning or experience is needed and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Potluck snack and beverages encouraged.
Ferris and the Wheels, Audiobakery, and Polarizer @ The Throne Room
Three great local bands are getting together on Saturday night at The Throne Room (2831 N. Broadway) to celebrate Ferris and the Wheels' new album release. The headliners, Audiobakery, and Polarizer bring various types of rock to the table, representing the diversity of the city's music scene. The show starts at 7:30, and you can buy tickets for $7 here or $10 at the door.
Porn Minus Porn at Under the Gun Theater
Porn Minus Porn by the Under the Gun Ensemble presents live staged readings of actual dialogue from real porn movies, but none of the sex acts. See it at 10:30pm every Saturday in September at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport Ave. Tickets are $12.
