Tuesday Funk
June 2, 7 p.m.
Hopleaf
5148 North Clark Street
Free
The monthly reading series brings fiction, poetry, essays, and other works, in all genres, read live by the authors. This evening’s readers are Andrew Huff, Jitesh Jaggi, Mary Lorenz, Anca Szilagyi and Joy Wright! Admission is free, but audience members must be 21 and over.
Admission to Tuesday Funk is always free, but you must be 21 to attend. Doors open at 7pm sharp (tables tend to fill up fast, so don't be late!) and the show will start at 7:30pm. RSVP on Facebook. More info here.
Chicago Writers Showcase
June 2, 6:30 p.m.
Haymarket House
800 W Buena Ave
Hosted by Chicago Review of Books. The Chicago Writers Showcase celebrates upcoming releases from Chicago authors in the second half of 2026. Hear from the following authors and get a sneak-peek at their new books.
• Meghan Malachi reading from her poetry collection No Lace Fronts in Iowa City
• Cynthia Pelayo reading from her novel It Came from Neverland
• C. Russell Price reading from their poetry collection Bisquick: An American Seance
• Kathleen Rooney reading from her novel Man Overboard!
• Molly Sturdevant reading from her novel The Sleepers
• Dawn Turner reading from her novel Majestic Hills
Chicago Poetry Center Presents the Debut of Noel Quiñones’ Debut Collection, Orange
June 4, 7 p.m.
Pilsen Community Books
1531 W. 18th St.
Free
Join the Chicago Poetry Center for a book celebration of Orange, Poet in Residence Noel Quiñones' debut collection. The event will feature a reading from the book by Quiñones, followed by poems from Maya Odim, Timothy David Rey, Amari Amai, and Madison Mae Parker.
More information here.
Is This a Thing?
June 8, 7 p.m. (Doors at 6 p.m.)
O'Shaughnessy's Public House
4557 N Ravenswood Ave
Free
From their website: “'Is This a Thing?’ is a storytelling show started by a small group of friends who wanted a comfortable venue for themselves and others to share stories.” This event’s theme: “Mirror, mirror on the wall.” Storytellers include:
- Kevin Biolsi
- Lisa Ebel
- Abby McNear
- Matt Pavich
- Lisa De Santiago
- Mare Swallow
- Kim Vanbiesbrouck
Hosted by Jake Cowan
More information at their site.
Midwestern Death Tour Featuring Meaghan Garvey
June 11, 6:30 pm
Quimby’s Bookstore
1854 W. North Ave, Chicago
Donations
Chicago writer Meaghan Garvey stops in at Quimby’s for the Windy City leg of her Midwestern Death Tour promoting her new book Midwestern Death Trip. After the death of her mother, Garvey started traveling and exploring the Midwest. “Midwestern Death Trip is part memoir, part reportage, which combines the great American road trip genre with a heart-breaking coming-of-age story.”
More information at the Quimby’s site.
After Hours
June 25, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Quimby’s Bookstore
1854 W. North Ave
Donations
Quimby’s celebrates the first year anniversary of the indie-lit mag promoting After Hours event. Readings from lit mag editors featured by Quimby’s over the last year, an open mic, and an anniversary wrap up from After Hours co-founder and Chicago author Taylor Thornburg.
More information at the Quimby's site.
Have a literary event coming up in July? Please contact mrdankelly@gmail.com.
